Ajay Das

Ajay Das is a Professor in the Narendra Paul Loomba Department of Management at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY). With a PhD in Production and Operations Management from Michigan State University (1998), MBA from University of Northern Iowa (1992), and BA/MBA from University of Lucknow, India (1977), he has established himself as a leading scholar in operations and supply chain management.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Production and Operations Management, Michigan State University (1998)
• MBA, University of Northern Iowa (1992)
• BA/MBA, University of Lucknow, India (1977)

Professor Das specializes in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Process Improvement, Innovation, Manufacturing Strategy, and Quality Management. His research explores the intersection of traditional operations principles with emerging technologies like Industry 4.0 and 5.0. He has made significant contributions to understanding supply chain resilience, the ripple effect of disruptions, digital supply chain twins, and the relationship between process efficiency and innovation. His work often takes a multi-disciplinary approach, examining how operational capabilities develop and how they impact competitive performance.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward examining the impact of digital transformation on supply chains and operations. He has extensively researched Industry 4.0 technologies, supply chain resilience, and the emerging concept of Industry 5.0 with its focus on human-centric manufacturing. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, often using empirical data from various industries to validate his models and propositions.

Professor Das has received numerous prestigious awards and honors including:

• CUNY RF Research Award (2023)
• Multiple Baruch College Faculty Scholarship and Creative Achievement Awards (2008, 2007, 2006)
• Zicklin Summer Research Awards (2006, 2005, 2004)
• Senior Research Fellowship from Institute for Supply Management (2005)
• Reviewer of the Year Excellence Award from Journal of Operations Management (2002)
• Zicklin Fellow in Management (multiple years)
• National Association of Purchasing Management Doctoral Dissertation Award ($10,000, 1996)

He has successfully secured multiple research grants, including the PSC-CUNY funded projects on "Industry 4.0 and Closed Loop Supply Chains" ($3,500, 2020-2022), "Innovation in supply chains" ($6,000, 2010-2011), "Innovation and process efficiency" ($4,000, 2008-2009), and the currently funded "Work and an Aging US Industrial Workforce" ($6,000, 2023-2024). His current research focuses on R&D-Manufacturing collaboration, inventory flexibility, and using Industry 5.0 to address workforce aging challenges.

Professor Das serves as Editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Integrated Supply Management and has been a member of the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of Operations Management. He teaches courses in Service Operations Management, Improving Business Process, Supply Chain Management, and Cases in Operations Management, bringing his research expertise directly into the classroom.