High School Students Learn Retail and Supply Chain Management

Photo by Synetra Hughes

Thirteen high school students participate in a summer camp at the Sam M. Walton College of Business to learn about the retail and supply chain management industries.

Thirteen rising junior and senior high school students participated in the Retail Supply Chain Management Camp hosted by the Center for Retailing Excellence and the Supply Chain Management Research Center at the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

At the camp July 17-20, faculty, staff and industry professionals introduced the campers from Arkansas, Texas and Florida to supply chain management, logistics, replenishment, consumer behavior, retailer and supplier-related industry topics.

After hearing an overview of the supply chain industry, campers participated in team building activities, industry tours and distribution center tours. They were introduced to college dorms, university recreation facilities and college scholarships and enrollment information. Campers also participated in group activities to help build their communication, teamwork and decision-making skills.

"Walton College is fortunate to have such partners in the retail and supply chain management industries," said Brent Williams, Walton College associate dean for Executive Education and Outreach. "These young people learned a tremendous amount from Walmart, Field Agent and J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. who graciously shared their insight with these students."

The camp concluded with team presentations focused on chocolate bars, cereal and running shoes. Students researched how their product is made, how it moves through the supply chain, where it is sold and how it is marketed. Student teams presented their findings to faculty, staff and family.

"It was a delight to work with these sharp high school students," said Synetra Hughes, camp coordinator and program director of the Center for Retailing Excellence at Walton College. "They quickly mastered the concepts of retail and supply chain management and immediately applied those skills to research projects."

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.