Chuck Primas Jr., a fleet supervisor at Ruan Transportation, delves into the intricacies of the supply chain in his role. His pursuit of an MBA at the Opus College of Business has amplified his understanding of operational efficiency and strategic decision-making, culminating in a transformative study abroad experience in Colombia.
Accompanied by peers from diverse professional backgrounds, Primas and fellow graduate students embarked on a journey to Colombia to unravel the complexities of the coffee supply chain. This immersive program exposed them to the entire process, from the cultivation of coffee beans on farms to their eventual shipment to global markets.
During their 10-day expedition, the group visited roasting plants, engaged in sensory coffee experiences, and witnessed the meticulous quality testing of coffee shipments before they set sail on massive container ships. Interactions with local stakeholders provided valuable insights into the multifaceted influences that shape Colombia’s renowned coffee industry.
Liz Thielen, a supply chain management student, leveraged her expertise as a procurement manager at Ecolab to identify operational inefficiencies during the visit to the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia warehouse. This hands-on experience underscored the significance of aligning operational processes with strategic objectives.
The students also explored La Palma y El Tucán, a sustainable coffee farm that exemplifies environmental stewardship. Here, they observed innovative practices such as utilizing coffee cherry skins for fertilizer and minimizing water consumption, highlighting the fusion of innovation and sustainability in agricultural operations.
Colombian economist Juan Daniel Oviedo provided a comprehensive overview of the socio-political and economic landscape, elucidating the intricate connections between global markets and Colombia’s economic dependence on coffee exports. This contextual understanding deepened the students’ appreciation for the industry’s global significance.
At the mountainside coffee farms, the students witnessed the traditional method of handpicking coffee beans, a practice steeped in centuries-old tradition. This firsthand exposure underscored the cultural, environmental, and communal influences that underpin the foundational stages of the supply chain.
For Chuck Primas, the experience in Colombia offered a profound revelation on the profound impact of cultural nuances, environmental factors, and community values at the inception of the supply chain. This holistic perspective illuminated the interconnectedness of various elements in the supply chain ecosystem.
Reflecting on the trip, Kellen Bergs, an account manager at Kimberly-Clark, recognized the intricate web of processes involved in consumer packaged goods. The expedition shed light on the unseen complexities and meticulous steps essential to delivering products to consumers.
Jeremy Cunningham, a senior project manager at Opus Design Build, drew parallels between his company’s sustainability focus and the practices observed at the coffee farms in Colombia. His extensive travel experiences underscored the unique insights gained through immersive learning experiences.
By engaging in inter-disciplinary dialogues and challenging their conventional perspectives, the students broadened their understanding of global industries and the interconnectedness of various disciplines. The trip served as a catalyst for personal growth, encouraging them to embrace diverse viewpoints and cultivate leadership skills.
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