The Master of Industrial Distribution (MID) Program graduated its 11th and largest cohort of 37 students recently. The distance education students (industry professionals) gathered on the Texas A&M Campus on May 7-8 to present their capstone projects to faculty, MID Advisory Board and fellow classmates.
During the Capstone Project, students select a project, likely from their sponsor company, and work closely with faculty and the Global Supply Chain Laboratory (GSCL) researchers to deliver a high-value solution that is immediately implementable. These projects provide invaluable preparation for professional work where students develop a strategy and timetable for work completion. The faculty and GCSL team guide students through the research project process, establishing a timeline and expectations with the firm, suggesting areas to investigate, helping students refine a problem, pointing out relevant resources, imparting relevant technical skills and knowledge, and commenting thoroughly on iterations of work, from initial drafts to the final product. Students give an initial presentation of their work to the GCSL team and faculty for feedback and improvement suggestions before giving the final presentation. The MID student brings a return-on-investment to the firm with new best practices and a problem solving skill set that goes far beyond graduation.
The capstone project presentations were held at the Memorial Student Center (MSC) in two concurrent sessions for two days. Representatives from the students’ companies and year one students attended the session and asked valuable questions.
The MID program hosted graduation lunch for graduating students and their families at Messina Hof Winery and Resort. More than 140 individuals including parents and children of the graduating students attended the event. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Dan Jennings, professor and program director for MID, congratulated the students on their achievements and stressed that behind these achievements are stories of family, friends and colleagues who supported and sustained them throughout their journey.
The Master of Industrial Distribution Program is a 21-month distance education graduate program specifically designed for working professionals. The program is designed to serve the needs of working professionals who require flexibility in their schedules and location. Courses have been developed specifically to maximize web-based learning advantages.
For more information visit http://mid.tamu.edu or watch MID video at http://vimeo.com/16526280.