Anne Cecilie helped ME Production develop a more resilient supply chain

Geopolitical tensions, cyber threats and global interdependencies are increasingly challenging the supply chains of small and medium-sized businesses.

In a world where even minor disruptions can have major consequences, building resilient and secure supply chains has become a top priority.

This was exactly the kind of work that the global company ME Production kick-started when MSc student Anne Cecilie Karlsen facilitated a process in which she mapped the company’s value chain and identified areas for improvement. This collaboration has created value for both parties.

A significant boost for the company

At ME Production, which delivers sustainable technical solutions to the maritime industry, the collaboration has provided a clearer overview of key processes and development opportunities.

The company’s Quality Manager, Brian Nygaard Pedersen, explains:

- We carried out a value chain analysis that showed us where we can improve our business, and it is an exercise we will be able to draw on to a great extent going forward, he says.

He adds that the collaboration also sharpened the company’s focus on key risk areas:

- The collaboration has also heightened our focus on cybersecurity, which is critical for us and had not previously received sufficient attention. For a company like ours, it’s important to get a push in the right direction from time to time to initiate work on priority areas such as cybersecurity and value chain analysis.

From analysis to action

Anne Cecilie Karlsen’s work and analyses have already been translated into concrete actions.

After she presented her findings to the company, the relevant departments came together to continue working with the insights and embed them within the organisation. This has resulted in an action plan outlining how the company can improve its processes and address existing challenges.

The collaboration with Anne Cecilie Karlsen has also left a strong impression:

- Anne Cecilie Karlsen approached the task very convincingly and facilitated effective dialogue across the organisation. She was also able to make complex topics understandable and tangible, says Brian Nygaard Pedersen.

Strong academic and personal gains

The collaboration has also provided valuable experience for Anne Cecilie Karlsen.

- I’ve gained a better understanding of what working with a value chain entails. It’s not something you change overnight – it requires the company to allocate resources and work systematically to drive improvements, says Anne Cecilie Karlsen, who is studying for an MSc in Economics and Business Administration (Management and Control) at SDU Business School.

She highlights both the academic and personal gains:

- It has been both exciting and challenging to work with supply chain management while still studying and learning so much. At the same time, it has given me a deep understanding of the many complex processes within a company.

- One of the most exciting aspects has been standing on my own two feet and being able to apply my knowledge in practice. The most challenging part was presenting to people I didn’t know, but that also turned out to be a hugely valuable learning experience, Anne Cecilie Karlsen adds.

Ready for a career in supply chain

She also points to what she sees as the most important outcome for the company:

- I believe the most important result has been creating a shared understanding across departments and putting into words what is happening in the different processes.

Finally, she emphasises that the collaboration with ME Production has helped her clarify her future career path:

- It has confirmed my ambition to work with supply chain management after graduation, says Anne Cecilie Karlsen.