BATON ROUGE – On May 4, 2011, students in the LSU Flores MBA Program had the unique opportunity to present their own ideas for how Target can drive better in-stocks in its stores while reducing inventory levels at the distribution centers.
MAPP Consulting, a team comprised of Max Kelly, A.J. Lowring, Phillip Ollendike and Patrick Slaughter, won first place in the competition and the top prize of $1,500. Another $1,000 was shared between the teams that finished second and third. The winning group’s proposal described how Target can use Radio Frequency Identification Tags to monitor stock levels in real-time.
According to Kelly, the case study and the experience have prepared him to see the vital importance of creating a more valuable shopping experience for the guest.
“As a team, we truly enjoyed working on this project throughout the semester,” Kelly said. “We were extremely committed and proud of our ideas for Target.”
Target executives said they were impressed by the creativity exhibited by each of the groups. Joshua Russell, a Target executive, said the work of the students had “a direct relation to Target’s business strategy to be innovative.”
Target supports programs and activities that educate students through experience in their fields of study. The Case Study Competition helps students apply classroom learning to real life business challenges and explore retail as a career option. The Target Campus Grant program provides financial support to schools for programs that develop and influence future business and community leaders. Target has a regular presence at University of Alabama, recruiting promising students for internships as well as full-time career opportunities. With its strong values, dynamic culture and commitment to team member development, Target continues to seek, attract, and retain the best talent.
The LSU Flores MBA Program is the E. J. Ourso College of Business’ flagship program and rigorously prepares students to earn an advanced degree that will help them enhance their careers. Full-time, executive and professional tracks are offered and provide schedule flexibility for those wishing to pursue their MBA from a program that was ranked No. 7 nationally in The Wall Street Journal by corporate recruiters who recruit regionally. For more information, visit mba.lsu.edu or call 225-578-8867.
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About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,755 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given five percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.
