Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE)–Mid-Ohio Food Collective Partnership

Through this unique partnership—now in its seventh year—the work, recommendations, and presentations that Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) students conduct have an immediate impact on the operational efficiency of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC). By empowering students to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world challenge, the program provides valuable problem-solving experience while also helping to combat hunger in Central Ohio.

Call to Action

Creating opportunities for Max M. Fisher College of Business students to put classroom knowledge into practice has long been a part of the college’s commitment to continuous innovation, as well as its emphasis on business as a driver of positive social impact.

When a partnership with the MOFC—a well-respected organization dedicated to fighting hunger and food insecurity in Central Ohio—first arose, members of both Fisher’s MBOE program and the MOFC envisioned that students’ skills and experiences could improve processes at the collective.

With student support, the organization now provides about 140,000 meals each day to stabilize families, energize the community to address the root causes of hunger, and connect hungry neighbors with community services to aid them in achieving economic sufficiency.

Innovation Description

Collaboration is at the heart of the MBOE–MOFC partnership. Students collaborate closely with their peers, faculty mentors, and professionals from the collective to develop innovative solutions that make a meaningful difference. By optimizing operational processes in the organization, Fisher students provide more Central Ohioans access to nutritious food.

Student efforts directly translate into greater efficiency, enabling the organization to serve the community more effectively and sustainably. During the first four sessions of their program, students spend time engaging with MOFC to observe the process, gather data, interview stakeholders, and gain a deep understanding of food insecurity.

In addition, students spend an hour and a half later that week in the classroom, where they prepare their weekly reports to share with both faculty and their peers at MOFC. Students then complete a peer review of two other groups’ presentations. This allows students to further hone their problem-solving skills while allowing them to begin learning how to coach others.

Throughout the program, students conduct four on-site visits and give one presentation to the MOFC executive team. They draw on lessons learned in the four MBOE courses specific to the partnership: Lean Enterprises, Value Stream Management, Stabilizing Operations, and Creating and Managing Flow.

Innovation Impact

The innovative projects at MOFC generate significant benefits for the organization, the communities in need, and the students involved. These projects focus on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, which in turn lead to cost reductions and improved food distribution to markets and MOFC partners across the state.

Some projects are dedicated to directly improving food presentation and replenishment in the markets, ensuring that the food is displayed attractively and restocked efficiently. Other projects optimize transportation and distribution of food from the warehouse to various locations, which ensures timely and effective delivery.

Additionally, students work to enhance operations at MOFC farms and kitchens and improve recruitment processes in the organization. These efforts collectively support the organization’s mission to “end hunger one nourishing meal at a time while co-creating communities where everyone thrives.”

For MBOE students, the partnership is invaluable. It provides a hands-on opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting, work collaboratively in small teams, and contribute meaningfully to the community. This experience not only reinforces their learning but also allows them to give back through their expertise in operational excellence.

By engaging in these projects, students gain practical experience, develop problem-solving skills, and make a tangible impact on the fight against hunger. Overall, the collaboration between MOFC and MBOE students exemplifies a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters innovation, community support, and professional growth.

Reference Links

• “Bringing Operational Excellence to Food Insecurity,” YouTube video