Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Experiential learning is a hallmark of the faculty of management at the University of New Brunswick and the JDI Supply Chain Case Competition is a strong example of how classroom learning connects to industry practice. A long standing partnership between J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) and UNB, the competition challenges students to solve real world supply chain problems drawn directly from industry operations.

Embedded in the Supply Chain Management course, the competition brings students together in teams to analyze complex business scenarios, develop strategic recommendations, and present their solutions to a panel of JDI leaders and faculty judges. Along the way, participants build skills in problem solving, teamwork, data analysis, and professional presentation, while gaining insight into career pathways in supply chain management.

“At JDI Logistics, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for students to learn by doing,” said Garrett Hampton, General Manager of JDI Logistics. “Case competitions like this give students the opportunity to tackle real world supply chain challenges, work as a team, and see the impact of their ideas beyond the classroom. For JDI, it’s also a valuable opportunity to connect with emerging talent in a meaningful way.”

A full circle experience

This year’s competition included a meaningful full circle moment for Sakshit Dabla, a former UNB student who once competed in the case competition and returned this year as a judge, now representing JDI Logistics.

Dabla came to UNB from Haryana, India to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration and graduated in 2025 with a major in Marketing and concentrations in Logistics and Economics. As a student, he credits UNB’s co op program and experiential learning opportunities with helping him discover his interest in supply chain and understand how businesses operate beyond the classroom.

“What began as a classroom experience ultimately evolved into a career opportunity,” Dabla said, reflecting on how his participation in the JDI Supply Chain Case Competition helped him build connections that led to his current role as a Pricing Analyst with JDI Logistics. Returning as a judge, he noted, was a rewarding way to support current students navigating their own academic and career paths. His message for current and future students is, “Get involved. Say yes to opportunities like this, and take the chance. You never know what will come of it.”

Recognizing student achievement

The competition is a core component of Supply Chain Management, taught by Dr. Donglei Du, and this year’s students demonstrated exceptional analytical and collaborative skills.

2026 Winning Teams

First prize

1. Rajesh Sapkota
2. Lei Sun
3. Zahraa Abdalla A. E. Abdelsadek

Second prize

1. Hoang Tran
2. Curtis Smith

Learning beyond the classroom

J.D. Irving, Limited is a strategic partner with the University of New Brunswick. Through partnerships like the JDI Supply Chain Case Competition, UNB continues to offer students meaningful, hands on learning experiences that connect academic knowledge with real world application. For students, industry partners, and faculty alike, the competition highlights the value of collaboration in preparing graduates to succeed and lead in an increasingly complex business environment.

Photo: 2026 JDI Supply Chain Case Competition participants at UNB’s faculty of management.
Learn more about UNB’s faculty of management.

Media contact

Liz Lemon-Mitchell
Lizabeth.Lemonmitchell@unb.ca