Live Case – Project
Conduct a Fabrication Location Analysis for Ultrasonic Power Corp
A Collaboration Between
Ultrasonic Power Corp is evaluating the decision whether to shift from outsourcing to in-house fabrication for several products. Conducting an analysis to select the right location to lease or buy is a complex process that has real implications for the company and its resources. We need your help gathering information on and evaluating the many qualitative and quantitative factors that go into the decision. Your successful completion of this project will make an important contribution to our company by providing us data-driven, actionable recommendations that will be used by company decision-makers.
Project Topics
Corporate Social Responsibility
Operations
Company Information
| Company | Ultrasonic Power Corporation |
| HQ | Freeport, IL |
| Revenue | N/A |
| Employees | Unlisted |
| Stage | Small Business |
| Hiring Potential | N/A |
| Website | http://www.upcorp.com |
Company Overview
For more than 40 years UPC has served end users and OEMs requiring precision industrial ultrasonic cleaning equipment. As a manufacturer, UPC provides cost-effective, safe and “green” solutions for cleaning applications with our extensive product line featuring ultrasonic generators, transducers, and standard and custom cleaning systems.
Experiential Learning Program Details
| School | Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
| Engagement Format | Live Case - Think "Hackathon" or Case Competition with a whole class of students! This learning format allows educators to deliver experiential learning to students at scale. Students are often split into groups to work on a live case (or a series of cases) from a real host company that directly relates to key learning objectives. |
| Course | Business in Action, Spring 2022 (Redisi) – Ultrasonic Power Corp |
| Level |
|
| Students Enrolled | 40 |
| Meeting Day & Time | Redisi: Online Synchronous MW 9:30-10:45 am CT |
| Student Time Commitment | 4-7 Hours Per Week |
| Company Time Commitment | 1 Hour |
| Duration | 10.57 Weeks |
Program Timeline
Key Project Milestones
-
March 7, 2022 - Deep-dive Into the Company
- What is the company’s brand and business model?
- What are their core competencies and overall strategy?
- How is the target market defined?
- What are the company’s products, and how are they organized? What unique value do they offer their customers?
- What is the purpose of the proposed facility? What type of operations will be housed in the facility? What products are expected to be fabricated in the new location?
- What is the geographic scope under consideration for the facility? (refer to project resources for map)
- Who will be using the information and recommendations you produce, and how will they use it?
Suggested Deliverable:
1-2 page brief overview of the company and current challenge; questions for the Industry Partner
-
March 28, 2022 - Identify & Define the Operation & Location Criteria
- Review: What is the purpose of the proposed facility? What type of operations will be housed and products fabricated in the facility?
- What are the operational requirements for the proposed facility?
- What factors should be taken into account? Can you develop a comprehensive list of operational and location requirements that must be defined? For instance:
- Shipping/transportation
- Labor
- Building/Site
- Industrial Location (e.g. TIF, Enterprise Zone)
- Energy (Electric/Gas/Solar/Wind)
- Water, Waste Water, Air Emissions
- Telecommunications
- Community
- Other Incentives/State Tax/Grant Opportunities
- Costs/Investments
- Time frame
- Using these categories, how will you gather the information you need about the company’s needs and operational and location requirements? Who will you interview? What documents will you need to review?
- How can you organize the results of your research in an easy-to-digest format for company stakeholders? Suggestion: Table/Matrix
Suggested Deliverable:
Table/Matrix of Operation and Location Requirements & Definitions
-
April 11, 2022 - Conduct a High-level Screening in Target Area(s)
- Of the operation and location criteria you defined for previous milestone, which ones can be measured at the state or regional levels?
- How can you gather the information you need? What resources can you use to measure these high-level (state and regional) criteria?
- How will you document and organize the data you collect and resources used to gather the information? Suggestion: add columns to the table/matrix you developed for the previous milestone!
- Should any of the criteria be weighted based upon their importance?
- What do the results of your analysis show? Are there locations that are not viable? Can you create a ranking system to help stakeholders interpret the results?
- Be prepared to explain your system and discuss a list of 5 finalist locations that will be investigated further in the final step!
Suggested Deliverable:
High-level Location Analysis Table and Presentation; questions for industry partners
-
April 25, 2022 - Research Finalist Locations & Make Recommendations
- Which locations have made the final list?
- What information do you need to gather about these locations? Which of the operation and location criteria have yet to be measured?
- How can you gather the information you need? What resources can you use to measure these criteria?
- How will you document and organize the data you collect and resources used to gather the information?
- Should any of the criteria be weighted based upon their importance?
- What do the results of your analysis show? Can you create a ranking system to help stakeholders interpret the results?
- Which 3 locations do you recommend the company strongly consider, and why? What are the costs and benefits to each? How can you use the data/information you’ve gathered and analyzed to defend your recommendations?
Suggested Deliverable:
Operational & Location Comprehensive Analysis for 5 finalist locations; Cost-Benefit Analysis for 3; Slideshow Presentation
Project Resources
Industry Mentors
Academic Mentors
Assigned Students
There are currently no students assigned.