Junction 4 Pallets has worked alongside the University of South Wales’ (UOSW) MBA programme students and academics, collaborating with the organisation to develop plans to expand its operations, whilst providing real-world insight to students in their final module.
Students were divided into groups and given live projects, working on them for several months before presenting their final project. Junction 4 Pallets supported one group of students, made up of Phoebe Everest, Perla Ernest, Andrew Flores and Syeda Aqsa Batool, who focused on optimising pallet management through a scalable logistics model. They identified the most efficient location for J4’s new facility to support their expanding network and created a decision-support tool that allows J4 to make data-driven choices, balancing operational efficiency with sustainability goals.
Speaking about the project, Perla Ernest says:
“We listened, we analysed, we brainstormed and we were creative. We came to an agreement that smart decision making comes through combining subjectivity with objectivity. By testing, proving, cross checking hypothetical data, it became a real test to then confirm that the model can then determine strategic value, cost savings and operational efficiency.”
Brian Jeffrey, Junction 4 Pallets’ head of international accounts, worked with students to contextualise their work, develop logistical critical thinking, as well as strengthen their project pitches.
Brian Jeffrey says:
“Changes in the real world are always occurring and students may be aware of things that are coming down the track that we are not – language changes in computing, robotics to name a few.
“Junction 4 is expanding. It’s been almost doubling its business every few years. When we take on our next position, which will be another major hub, we need to understand exactly where we put that.”
Brian Jeffrey says that the research done by the MBA students is insightful:
“The students’ findings will go into the mix. Our experience combined with their theoretical and the hypothetical knowledge will help us decide what the future is going to be, because it isn’t certain.”
Supporting students throughout their journey is course leader and UoSW senior logistics lecturer, Peter Murphy. Peter Murphy, a former CHEP Northern Europe Transport Solutions Manager, boasts years of experience and has worked on many transport projects, including projects with Junction 4 Pallets.
Speaking about the MBA project, Peter Murphy says:
“Working with Junction 4 Pallets has given our MBA students an excellent opportunity to apply the full breadth of their studies from strategy and finance to operations, sustainability, and leadership to a live business challenge. Bringing theory into practice in this way allowed them to gain invaluable real-world experience while generating fresh insights that can support Junction 4’s future growth. The project is a clear example of how academic learning and industry expertise can come together to create meaningful outcomes for both students and business.”
Get in touch today to discover more about J4 and the collaborative work we do with university institutions, academics and business schools.