Follow Robert Facebook
Email Robert Email
Education
Oct 7, 2022

Cape Fear Manufacturing Partners 2022 International Residency

Sponsored Content provided by Robert Burrus - Dean , Cameron School of Business - UNC-Wilmington

This article is contributed by Dr. Rebecca Guidice, Executive MBA Director and Professor of Management

Cameron School of Business Executive MBA students typically expect to travel abroad to complete their International Residency requirement. But it doesn’t have to be this way and this August was a case in point. Two MBA students from the University of Surrey along with the Director of their MBA Program “crossed the pond” to partner with four CSB MBA students to solve a business issue for a local nonprofit organization in Wilmington – the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership (CFMP).  

Introduced to the MBA Program through the Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC), the CFMP consists of 42 local manufacturers with the mission to grow the manufacturing base in Southeastern North Carolina. With an unquestionable need to increase manufacturing in the United States, the lofty challenge presented to the MBAs was this: “How can we change the perception of manufacturing as a career to increase long-term interest in and pool of talented employees across New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties?”. While attention was centered on our region, strategizing on how best to address worker shortages in manufacturing is something also being experienced in the United Kingdom and elsewhere across the world.

Over five work-intensive days, the MBA students not only consulted the client and the SBTDC, toured the facilities of three regional manufacturers, and met with a regional economist, but also asked numerous questions along the way. This curiosity mixed with hundreds of hours of combined research and analysis resulted in an impressive set of actionable recommendations that were presented to a large audience, including members of the CFMP, at the end of the week. One of its leaders, Mr. Jim Flock, commented, “The suggestions they proposed will provide us with a framework to guide our actions going forward. I look forward to helping implement these strategies and moving our agenda to the next steps.”

The students left Wilmington not only with real-world international consulting experience but also with new friends, professional connections, and memories that will last well into the future.  


From left to right: Chris Mahon, Bekki Guidice, Louis Perez, Randy Setser, Dorothea Anderson, Susan Kline, Jeff Jung, and Reshan De Alwis
 

Other Posts from Robert Burrus

Uncwgradprogram 300x250
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Chris coudriet

A Public Service Profile on Communicating Better with our Community

Chris Coudriet - New Hanover County Government
Chris 16239425

Why I Started a Podcast

Chris Capone - Capone & Associates
Jasonpathfinder3

The IRS is Shifting Focus

Jason Wheeler - Pathfinder Wealth Consulting

Trending News

Company With HQ In Wilmington Buys Transportation Firm

Staff Reports - Sep 20, 2023

'Landing That Big Fish': With $19M Land Purchase, Brunswick Officials Aim To Lure Employers

Emma Dill - Sep 19, 2023

Polyhose Moves To Expand Footprint In Pender Commerce Park

Emma Dill - Sep 20, 2023

Food Hall Incubator Block Eatz Opens On CFCC's North Campus

Emma Dill - Sep 20, 2023

LINQ Adds Four To Senior Leadership Team

Staff Reports - Sep 19, 2023

In The Current Issue

Spotlighting This Year’s MADE Awards

The purpose of the awards is to draw attention to manufacturers and makers in the Cape Fear region....


MADE Winners: Exporter Category

Valves, fishing equipment and tactical gear make the list...


MADE Winners: Arts Category

A gallery, swimwear and handmade leather goods create buzz...

Book On Business

The 2023 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments