Virtual Program
10 Virtual Live Sessions, including 3 sessions with a Client
Program Overview
This program equips students with logistics and supply chain optimization skills to support small businesses and enterprises in rural and urban communities across Panama.
Working in small teams, students collaborate directly with local businesses to analyze supply chain processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement practical solutions using tools such as inventory management models, and cost-benefit analysis. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, blending real-world case studies with reflective exercises to reinforce key supply chain principles.
The program integrates intercultural competence with bilingual (English/Spanish) deliverables, ensuring students can effectively engage with local entrepreneurs. Guided by local professionals, students work closely with businesses in resource-limited areas, helping them streamline procurement, reduce waste, and improve distribution networks. Through research, client interviews, demand forecasting, and data-driven strategies, students develop tailored solutions to enhance supply chain resilience and efficiency.
Beyond technical skills, the program fosters cultural competence, enhancing collaboration and outcomes for community partners. By the end of the experience, students gain not only practical consulting expertise but also a deeper understanding of cross-cultural engagement and socioeconomic development.
We understand that every group has unique learning objectives and logistical needs. Whether you’re interested in adjusting the program length, scheduling flexibility, team size, cultural immersion depth, or technology use, our team is happy to tailor this experience to your goals.
Contact us to discuss how we can adapt the curriculum and schedule to align with your institution’s priorities.
Supply Chain of Resource-limited Small Businesses Learning Objectives
Students that successfully complete the Supply Chain of Resource-limited Small Businesses Program will be able to:
- Analyze economic and social challenges affecting rural communities in a developing country
- Examine microfinance principles and their application in community banking systems
- Consult with clients in both rural and urban communities to assess their business needs
- Assess the role and function of each component within a client’s supply chain
- Collaborate in teams to develop tailored recommendations and practical tools that address supply chain vulnerabilities
- Present actionable solutions to clients, demonstrating potential improvements in operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.
Resources provided in support of the Virtual Sessions and Modules
- Bilingual facilitators and client liaisons who coordinate each virtual session with students. The client liaisons provide translation during virtual sessions involving business clients, ensuring clear communication
- Students receive guidance from local business experts, as well as support from full-time local teams dedicated to assisting business clients
- All participants have access to electronic support materials through Canvas (LMS)
- Working in small groups, each class collaborates with one business client throughout the program
- Session scheduling that coordinates class meetings and meetings with business clients.
Virtual Sessions and Modules
Module 1 – Introduction to Global Brigades, Economic Context of Panama and Foundations of International Consulting
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Mission and vision and brief history of Global Brigades
- Program Introduction and Expectations
- Panama’s Country Overview and Economic Context
- Client Selection Process
- Foundations of international consulting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Strategies for sustainable Business Solutions
- Assigned reading: Artisans supply chains and Panama’s handicrafts
Module 2 – Supply Chain Challenges of Rural Businesses, Panama Business Program + Eskala and Case Study of Handicrafts Supply Chain
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Panama’s Economic Disparities
- Supply Chain Challenges for Rural Businesses
- Panama Business Program + Eskala and the Community Banks
- Developing Successful Supply Chain Strategies (Case Study)
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Supply Chain Barriers for Rural Panamanian Entrepreneurs
- Assigned reading: Consulting Project Guide and Deliverables Tool Guide (Supply Chain)
Module 3 – Assessment Areas of a Supply Chain, Business Feasibility Study and Client Meeting Preparation
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Assessment Areas of a Supply Chain
- Business Feasibility Study
- Getting to Know Your Client
- Analyzing Your Client’s Profile
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare a Spanish-language self-introduction for client consultations
- Draft client-specific interview questions
- Practice the Spanish Business Package Resource
Module 4 – Client Meeting (Session 1)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Initial client consultation and qualitative data collection
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Navigating Cross-Cultural Engagement and Systemic Supply Chain Challenges in Rural Panama
- Summarize client challenges and goals
Module 5 – Working Session 1
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Review and Analysis of the Client’s Supply Chain
- Identify solutions to address the challenges identified in the meeting with the Client
- Preparation for the Next Meeting
Self-Paced Activities:
- Prepare follow-up questions for the client
- Brainstorm preliminary supply chain strategies
Module 6 – Client Meeting (Session 2)
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present preliminary findings to the Client
- Follow-up interview to clarify supply chain pain points
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities in Rural Entrepreneurship
- Draft an initial supply chain improvement plan based on findings
- Start working on creating the supply chain optimization deliverables
Module 7 – Working Session 2
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Refine supply chain improvement plan post-client feedback
- Prepare presentation for Local Business Expert review
Self-Paced Activities:
- Revise presentation for Local Business Expert review
Module 8 – Local Business Expert Review
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Present supply chain improvement plan and solutions to Local Business Expert for review
- Integrate feedback to strengthen strategies
Self-Paced Activities:
- Incorporate expert feedback into supply chain improvement plan and presentation
Module 9 – Executive Summary Presentation and Class Feedback
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Demonstrate final presentation to peers, faculty, and Kambia facilitators
- Incorporate additional feedback to refine deliverables
Self-Paced Activities:
- Reflection: Client Involvement
- Polish presentation and deliverables for Presentation to Client
Module 10 – Client Presentation and Final Reflection
Contact Time: 2-hour virtual session
Key Topics:
- Final Presentation to Client
- Deliver supply chain improvement plan and deliverables to Client
- Address final Client feedback
- Reflection: Program Experience
Self-Paced Activities:
- Submit completed business plans and deliverables
- Complete the Final Business Program Evaluation.