ProgramsFall 2025 International Logistics

Fall 2025 International Logistics

Program Overview
Program Title Fall 2025 International Logistics
Organization Ferris State University
# of Students Enrolled
1
# of Projects Running
3 Project/s Added (of 1 Project Expected)

Program Timeline

Project Duration

Start Date: 10/06/25      End Date: 11/09/25

1 month
Collaboration Overview
About Students

Students are upper-level undergraduates studying International Business. Most are juniors or seniors and have completed coursework in global business, international trade, and cultural fluency. They’re trained to approach global commerce through the lens of operations, documentation, and risk. 

By the time of the capstone, students will have covered: 

  • International logistics infrastructure (air, ocean, land, multi-modal)

  • Incoterms, payment methods, and transaction risk

  • Customs processes, documentation, and packaging requirements

  • Trade security, freight insurance, and terminal operations

  • Supply chain strategy and competitive positioning across borders

Student Level:   Bachelor Degree

Student Time Commitment:   Full Time

Team Structure:   3 - 4

Program Goals
Students will: 

  • Analyze an international logistics problem in the context of a real company or market

  • Apply trade terms, documentation standards, and freight principles to develop solutions

  • Map out regulatory steps, transaction risks, and transportation strategies

  • Communicate findings and recommendations in business-ready formats

  • Strengthen skills in research, teamwork, problem-solving, and global logistics strategy
Format Structure

Single Project Multiple Teams
Format Title Live Case
Format Description
INTB 320 – International Logistics is a core course in Ferris State University's International Business curriculum, designed to give students a foundational understanding of cross-border trade operations and global supply chain systems. To bring this material to life, the program is integrating a 4-week industry-sponsored live case, where students will solve real-world logistics challenges in small teams. 

Several teams (3–5 students each team) will work remotely on a scoped project with periodic faculty guidance and limited sponsor touchpoints. Projects are structured to align with topics covered in the course, including trade terms, transportation methods, international documentation, and logistics risk. 

Key Benefits to Sponsors: 

  • Generate ideas and insights related to transport, compliance, or trade risk strategy

  • Test new routes, freight methods, or vendor partnerships through student simulation

  • Receive practical deliverables like trade maps, Incoterm strategies, or customs flowcharts

  • Build early relationships with rising professionals in global business

  • Contribute meaningfully to student skill development and applied learning
Benefits For Industry Partners
Project Modality Fully Remote
Industry Partner Requirements to Participate
Project Topics Crisis and Disaster Management Economic Development, Work and Occupations Employee and Labor Management Growth Strategy International Affairs Inventory Management Legal, Regulatory, Compliance Market Research Marketing Mergers & Acquisitions Operations Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis Sales & Business Development Strategic Planning
Target Industries Aerospace & Defense Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Fashion & Apparel Government Manufacturing & Industrial Retail & E-Commerce Transportation & Logistics
Skills & Expertise Air Freight Cargo Insurance Cross-Border Compliance Customs Clearance Documentation Flowcharts ERP Export Packaging Freight Routing Global Warehousing Google Slides Import/Export Strategy Incoterms International Contracts Letters of Credit Microsoft Excel Multi-Modal Transport Ocean Freight PowerPoint Regulatory Research Shipment Tracking Supplier Vetting Supply Chain Infrastructure Supply Chain Management Tariffs Trade Risk Assessment
Location Information & Preferences

Local (within 30 miles)

Course is offered fully online, and projects are designed for remote collaboration

Sponsors can be located anywhere

Expectations for sponsors:

  • Kickoff call (~30 minutes via Zoom) to introduce the challenge

  • Week 2 Check in via Zoom approx 30 minutes for status check and Q&A

  • Week 3 Check in via Zoom approx 30 minutes for status check and Q&A

  • Final presentation review (Week 4)

  • Provide relevant documents, links, or context as needed

Student teams will submit all deliverables virtually and present over Zoom
Sponsorship

No Sponsorship Required
Compensation

No Compensation Required
Other Requirements
  • Capstone Duration: 4 weeks (ideally Weeks 11–14 of the semester)
  • Deliverables: Executive summary (1–2 pages) and 5–10 slide presentation
  • Time Commitment: 2–3 short virtual engagements across the project
  • Fees: No sponsorship fee
  • Scope Fit: Must focus on an international logistics topic or challenge
  • IP: All work is shared freely with industry partners
Expected Time Commitment For Project Managers 2 Hours per week
Key Program Dates Due Date
Request for Proposal published

Collaboration request published. Industry Partners may express interest in participating.

Nov 18 2024, 03:21 PM UTC
Interview

Educators will begin interviewing interested Industry Partners to discuss project ideas.

Dec 20 2024, 03:21 PM UTC
Proposal Application Deadline

 Final date for Industry Partners to express interest in participating. 

 Jul 15 2025, 03:21 PM UTC
Finalize Project Charter

 Educators and Industry Partners finalize project charters, legal documents, and background materials. 

 Jul 30 2025, 03:21 PM UTC
Official Program Launch

We’ll find a time on this day for you to meet with the students to kick off your project.

Oct 06 2025
Official Program End

We’ll find a time on this day for you to meet with the students to wrap up your project.

Nov 09 2025

Project Overview

Project Details
Project Title Optimizing Loop Earplugs' Return Policy
Project Synopsis

What is the challenge or opportunity you are trying to address within your organization?

Loop Earplugs has established itself as a leader in providing high-quality earplug solutions, known for their innovative design and effectiveness in various environments. However, the company faces a significant challenge in establishing a physical return policy that is both customer-friendly and cost-effective. The current approach of allowing customers to give away products to friends and family has led to hygiene concerns and financial strain due to high return costs. As the company transitions to a more structured return policy, it is imperative to develop a system that mitigates these issues while preventing fraud.


What are some of the activities or action items you think will need to be taken to achieve your desired results?

  1. The project will involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, interviews with stakeholders, and analysis of existing return data.
  2. Students will conduct a competitive analysis of return policies from similar companies, identifying best practices and potential pitfalls.
  3. They will also create a financial model to assess the cost implications of various return policy options.
  4. Collaborative workshops will be held to brainstorm ideas and refine policy recommendations.
  5. The final deliverable will include a comprehensive report and presentation outlining the proposed return policy, supported by data and analysis.


What would make this project a success for your organization? What measurable results are you looking to accomplish?

  • Expected outcomes of this project include a well.
  • defined return policy that balances customer satisfaction with operational efficiency, aiming for a reduction in return.
  • related costs by at least 20%. Students will develop critical skills in research, analysis, and strategic thinking, enhancing their understanding of international logistics and supply chain management. Additionally, the project will foster collaboration and problem.
  • solving abilities, preparing students for future roles in the business world. SMART goals include delivering the final policy proposal by the end of the program, ensuring it is actionable and aligned with Loop Earplugs' business objectives.
Compensation

No Compensation Required

Sponsorship

No Sponsorship Required
Resources

Program Timeline

Due Date
Activities
Deliverables
Status
Action
Fri, 10/03/25
5:30 AM ET
Program Kickoff
No Deliverables
No deliverables are required for this action item.
Location: Virtual

Projects

Filters
Project Organization Topics
Optimizing Loop Earplugs' Return Policy Loop Earplugs Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain
Optimizing 3PL Partnerships for Loop Earplugs Loop Earplugs Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain
Scaling Personalized Orders at Loop Loop Earplugs Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain

Program Managers

Name Organization
Leslie Sukup Saint Leo University

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
Future-Proofing Loop's Return Policy Optimizing Loop Earplugs' Return Policy
Scaling Personalized Orders at Loop Optimizing 3PL Partnerships for Loop Earplugs
Scaling Personalized Orders at Loop Scaling Personalized Orders at Loop