A new research study suggests that supplier integration into the new product development process can be more beneficial if buyers increase their competency in modular design. A Penn State Smeal College of Business faculty member examines the ways modular design competence can mitigate costs and challenges associated with supplier integration while making best use of the benefits.

Alumna Shubha N. Janardhan graduated from the Penn State Smeal College of Business in 2004 with a degree in management science and information systems with a specialization in health care. She’s now using her experience to run her family’s company, Haselfre, including a new initiative that provides wholesome care to women in different stages of motherhood.

Four Penn State Smeal College of Business students recently returned from the Marshall International Case Competition at the University of Southern California with a third-place trophy -- the highest position of all participating American universities.

Thanks to help from Bob Novack, associate professor of supply chain and information systems at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, the State College Area High School in State College, Pa., offers a series of supply chain courses to introduce high school students to the profession.