From Classroom to $1.4M Savings: Project-Based Operations Research Learning through Industry-Academia Collaboration in Corrugated Packaging
Academic Article in Scopus
This study presents a successful industry-academia collaboration between Tecnológico de Monterrey and a corrugated packaging manufacturer conducted during Fall 2022. The project addressed inefficiencies in manual paper selection, where historical data revealed production costs exceeded targets by 0.85% and quality compliance reached only 40.1%. A student team applied project-based learning principles with operations research methods, developing a Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model in LINGO that optimized paper combinations considering type, flute profile, grammage, and inventory availability. Real-world validation demonstrated significant improvements: combined monthly savings of MXN 2.64M (16.3% reduction) across validated families while improving quality compliance to >90% within specification. Beyond industrial impact, this project exemplified experiential learning, developing technical competencies (mathematical modeling, optimization software mastery) and professional skills (problem diagnosis, stakeholder communication, evidence-based decision-making). The LINGO license achieved ROI within 1-2 weeks, with annual savings potential exceeding MXN 31.7M. This work validates how industry-academia partnerships in operations research education simultaneously generate practical value and comprehensive competency development.
