Collaborative Solutions

12/15/2014 11:29 AM

The annual Caterpillar Case Competition brought Bradley students together with Caterpillar young professionals to address real-world business problems. Students and professionals creatively solved problems and networked during the company’s month-long contest.

Eight teams participated in the event, which focused on a complex, real life project for Caterpillar. In preparation for the competition, students participated in workshops focused on Six Sigma methodology, presentation skills, time management and etiquette.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winning team, which included management and leadership major Taylor Hunt ‘16 of Granite City, Illinois, industrial engineering major Sarah Stoll ‘15 of Byron, Illinois, and electrical engineering major Michael Barnes ‘15 of Peoria.

“This prepares students for the real world,” Project Springboard Director Amy Fairfield Doering said. “They’re going into a Fortune 50 company that has a real problem and are diving into that, analyzing data, making recommendations and presenting solutions to a group of managers.”

Bradley’s 24 students impressed Fairfield Doering, who watched final presentations.

“As I watched the process, it confirmed how well we prepare undergraduates,” she said. “They dig into all the case details and worked well beside Caterpillar professionals.”