GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND MARKETING ANALYTICS, KPR Institute Engineering and Technology, Autonomous Engineering Institution, Coimbatore, India

Overview of the Event

A guest lecture on global supply chain & logistics was successfully organized on September 28, 2026. The session aimed to provide management graduates with practical exposure to international sourcing, logistics operations, and modern trade challenges.

The program featured Mr. Surendra, Director of Global Sourcing at New Balance (Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA), as the Chief Guest, who shares insights into the practical operations within the logistics and supply chain domain.

Keynote Address Highlights

The session commenced with formal event proceedings, welcoming the chief guest, faculty members, and student delegates. In a compelling 30-minute address, the Chief Guest delivered key insights into global procurement, logistics trends, and shifting international trade frameworks:

·      Personal Career Journey (Hospitality to Logistics): The speaker shared his personal experience of graduating with a degree in Hospitality Management and successfully transitioning into the core Logistics and Supply Chain department at New Balance. He highlighted that functional expertise can be built on the job through adaptability, continuous learning, and core problem-solving capabilities.

• Pre-COVID-19 vs. Post-COVID-19 Operations: He outlined how the global supply chain evolved from just-in-time cost minimization prior to the pandemic toward risk mitigation, localized sourcing, and supply chain resilience.

• Geopolitical Tariffs and International Sanctions: He analyzed the strategic impact of trade restrictions, specifically focusing on US tariff sanctions imposed historically on China and current tariff structures affecting India.

• Impact on Product Costs and Consumers: He detailed how tariff burdens and global logistical bottlenecks increase raw material and transit costs, ultimately raising consumer prices in the retail market.

Interactive Question & Answer Session

1. Academic Relevance and Career Alignment

• Question (Mr. Vikram Athithya, II MBA): Noted that he transitioned from an undergraduate degree in Economics to an MBA, questioning the alignment between the two fields and seeking guidance on how to navigate non-linear career shifts (drawing a comparison to working in logistics with a hospitality management background).

• Response: Reassured the student that Economics and Management have strong synergy. Foundational economic principles directly apply to business strategies, market analysis, and management practices. Diverse academic backgrounds enrich decision-making in the corporate world.

2. Professional Trajectory and Career Growth

• Question (Mr. Prathik, II MBA): Inquired about the journey from Tirupur to an executive role with a global athletic brand like New Balance in Boston.

• Response: Emphasized that relentless hard work, adaptability, and continuous learning matter more than initial specializations. Advised students to diversify their skill sets across multiple domains rather than limiting themselves to narrow roles, highlighting that "India will be the future" with vast career and business opportunities.

3. AI Applications in Demand Forecasting

• Question (Dr. Nalini, MBA Faculty): Asked about the role of Artificial Intelligence in demand prediction for footwear products within global supply chains.

• Response: Highlighted how AI models analyze market trends, consumer behaviour, and predictive analytics to streamline inventory and demand planning. Stated that AI acts as an enabler to augment human capabilities rather than replace jobs.

Corporate Interaction & Internship Discussion

During the concluding interaction, Dr. Shanthi (MBA Faculty) requested potential internship opportunities for MBA students at New Balance. The guest noted the request positively and mentioned that he would consult with his global sourcing and HR teams to explore potential opportunities for student internships.

Finally, the vote of thanks was delivered expressing gratitude to the management, guest speaker, faculty, and student coordinators for organizing an insightful session.