Dr. Michael Schmeink | 18.01.2023


Dr. Michael Schmeink is a Senior Expert at McKinsey & Company. (Foto: Zellmer/TUM)

Due to recent disruptions in their supply chains, companies across different industries are forced to reassess their production footprint. Even in times without supply chain crises, optimizing the production network is on top of CEO agendas due to its high relevance for efficient operations. In a guest lecture at TUM Campus Straubing, organized by the Chair of Supply and Value Chain Management, Dr. Michael Schmeink from McKinsey & Company talked about Production Network Optimization. The lecture delivered theoretical concepts relevant for Network Design and Network Optimization. This was followed by an interactive part where the students solved three case studies based on real-world applications.

Dr. Michael Schmeink explained basic concepts and frameworks for production network design and optimization. (Foto: Zellmer/TUM)

In his guest lecture, Dr. Michael Schmeink explained basic concepts and frameworks for production network design and optimization. He then led the students through three case studies, which demonstrated real-world applications of the course content. First, the students were asked to assess the expansion of a cement business into a neighboring market. The second case study was about optimizing the production footprint of an apparel company through relocation of its production from Asia to Europe. Lastly, the students were asked to discuss the implications and potential hurdles, if Apple was majorly moving its iPhone production from Asia to the US. After the lecture, the students were invited to stay for a Get-Together with McKinsey consultants to discuss the lecture content and to get to know McKinsey.

Dr. Michael Schmeink is a Senior Expert in Modeling and Optimization of the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management Practice at McKinsey & Company. He joined the Düsseldorf office in July 2007 and since then has supported more than 150 engagements on logistic and supply chain topics. He is leading McKinsey’s global service line on transport costs databases and network modelling tools.

(Text and Pictures: Otto Zellmer)