Prof. Dr. Michael Höck serves as a University Professor at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg , holding the Chair of Industrial Management/Production Economics, Logistics within the Faculty of Business Administration . His academic career spans over two decades, with affiliations at institutions including Purdue University and GISMA Business School. Current: Chair of Industrial Management (since 2008) Past: Visiting Assistant Professor at Purdue University (2005-2006, 2002) Past: Professor at GISMA Business School (2007) Education : Habilitation in Industrial Management (2005, University of Hamburg) PhD in Business Administration (1997, University of Hamburg, summa cum laude) Research Interests focus on optimizing industrial systems and service operations. His work bridges production economics with logistics, emphasizing flexible manufacturing, service innovation, and operations strategy. Publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches to process optimization and quality management. Contact : Michael.Hoeck@bwl.tu-freiberg.de | Office hours: Wednesdays 17:00-18:00
Jan Emblemsvåg is a Professor at NTNU’s Department of Ocean Space Operations and Civil Engineering in Ålesund, Norway. He has held senior industry roles including Shipyard Director at Vard, SVP Ship Design & Systems at Rolls-Royce Marine, and Managing Director at Midsund Bruk. His academic positions span BI Norwegian Business School, Ålesund University College, and NTNU since 2006. Emblemsvåg’s expertise bridges engineering and management, focusing on sustainable development through rigorous analytical frameworks. Education: PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology (1999), MSc (1995), and Civil Engineering degree from Norwegian Institute of Technology (1994). R&D focuses on six core areas: 1) Product/process development with Lean methodologies, 2) Life-Cycle Costing/Analyses (integrating cost, environmental, and social dimensions), 3) Risk management and uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo methods, 4) Operations/General management under Lean principles, 5) Project management with Lean integration, and 6) Renewable energy (especially nuclear power’s role in maritime and industrial sectors). Publications emphasize energy policy critiques, nuclear propulsion feasibility, and sustainable shipping. Recent work highlights nuclear energy’s potential as a cost-effective, low-emission solution for maritime transport and industrial needs. Active in policy debates advocating evidence-based energy strategies. Labs/Teams: Leads NTNU’s research initiatives on nuclear propulsion for merchant ships (NuProShip project) and collaborates internationally on maritime safety and evacuation modeling.
Francisco Benita is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Engineering Systems and Design (ESD) Pillar of Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Monterrey Tech (2016) and an MSc in Industrial Economics from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (2012). Prior to SUTD, he was a postdoctoral fellow at SUTD’s Architecture and Sustainable Design Pillar and a Senior Advisor at the ITESM-BMGI Lean Six Sigma Program. His research focuses on urban systems, optimization, data science, and their intersections with economics and public policy. Key areas include transportation networks, spatial livability indices, and pandemic impacts on urban environments. Benita’s interdisciplinary work spans fields like sustainable urban design, carbon emissions modeling, and global trade dynamics. Recent publications highlight trends in transportation innovation (e.g., ride-sharing impacts, aircraft routing frameworks), climate-resilient urban planning (e.g., walkway thermal comfort), and pandemic analysis. His projects often integrate quantitative methods with real-world data, emphasizing actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners. Though no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, his extensive international collaborations—including research visits to TU Berlin, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Supélec—reflect his global academic engagement. Students and grants are not listed in the provided texts. Benita’s work is anchored in labs/teams within SUTD’s ESD Pillar, though specific lab affiliations are not detailed. His research bridges theoretical optimization with practical urban challenges, contributing to both academic discourse and applied solutions in smart cities.
Carson Slabaugh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. His research focuses on advanced propulsion systems, particularly combustion dynamics in rotating detonation engines (RDEs), rocket combustors, and ramjet configurations. He leads studies on high-pressure flames, laser diagnostics, and fuel injection mechanisms. Key research areas include detonation wave propagation, pressure gain combustion, and the application of advanced optical diagnostics (e.g., CARS, PLIF) to study transient phenomena in extreme environments. His work addresses challenges in next-generation propulsion systems, including hydrogen-blend fuels, methane-oxygen rocket ignition, and solid-fuel ramjet performance. Recent studies emphasize geometric optimization of RDEs, fuel injection dynamics under detonation conditions, and the impact of flow parameters on combustion stability. Collaborations involve experimental validation with high-speed imaging and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to bridge theoretical predictions with real-world performance. Slabaugh’s laboratory develops novel diagnostic tools for megahertz-rate imaging of mixing and combustion processes, advancing understanding of transient flame structures and instability mechanisms. His contributions aim to improve efficiency and operability of propulsion systems for aerospace and terrestrial applications.
Pedro Oliveira is a leading academic and administrator with diverse roles across institutions. He currently serves as Dean at Nova School of Business and Economics , where he holds the Cascais Chair in Operations, Technology, and Innovation Management . Additionally, he is a Professor MSO at Copenhagen Business School , Academic Fellow at Cornell University , and Adjunct Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management . He also founded the Patient Innovation platform and co-founded PPL Crowdfunding . Education: Ph.D. in Operations, Technology, and Innovation Management (2004), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill M.Sc. in Operations Research and Systems Engineering (2000), Instituto Superior Técnico Licenciatura in Naval Engineering (1996), Instituto Superior Técnico Research Focus: Pedro Oliveira's work centers on Open and User Innovation , Patient Innovation , and Social and Impact Innovation , with a strong emphasis on Service Operations Management and Artificial Intelligence in Innovation . His studies often bridge Technology Strategy with Healthcare and Financial Services , exploring how users can drive innovation in resource-constrained environments. Publication Trends: His recent works emphasize collaborative innovation in public and semi-public domains , patient-driven healthcare solutions , and user innovation in digital finance . He has also published extensively on knowledge commons and innovation during crises , such as the COVID-19 pandemic . Leadership and Advisory Roles: Pedro has held significant administrative roles, including Senior Associate Dean for Faculty & Research and Director of the Research Unit in Business and Economics . He has advised the Portuguese Ministry of Science, Technology, and Higher Education and served on the Environment & Sustainability Council at EDP Energias de Portugal . He is also the President of the Open and User Innovation Society and a counselor on the National Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation (CNCTI) and Economic and Social Council (CES) in Portugal. Labs and Teams: As founder of Patient Innovation , he has established a global platform for user-driven healthcare solutions. His work also includes collaborative digital health initiatives , such as the Saúde.Come Senior program addressing food insecurity in elderly populations through TV-based eHealth interventions.
Yang Cheng is an Associate Professor at the Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Denmark. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution (2011), focusing on manufacturing strategy and network dynamics. His research spans supply chain management, sustainability, and global operations, with a focus on integrating technology and environmental policies into manufacturing systems. He leads or participates in high-impact projects like MAASive (2024–2026) and the Sino-Danish Center Research Project (2011–present), addressing resilience in value networks and global operations innovation. Research Interests: Supply Chain Management & Integration Sustainability & Green Technologies Manufacturing Strategy & Networks Technology Policy & Digitalization Global Operations & Cross-Border Collaboration Recent Work Trends: Prof. Cheng's 2025 articles emphasize blockchain in sustainable supply chains, green technology investments under carbon policies, and digitalization's ethical implications. His 2024 research explores smart factories, EU battery regulations, and robotization in manufacturing. These studies blend quantitative models with case-based analysis to address real-world challenges. Awards: 2024 Emerald Literati Awards – Outstanding Reviewer Advising & Grants: As PI for multiple Global Operations Management PhD programs (2019–2025), he guides research on digital transformation and university-industry collaboration. His projects receive funding from Danish and international grants, focusing on innovation and resilience in manufacturing networks. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Center for Industrial Production at Aalborg University and engages in international partnerships through the Sino-Danish Center. Active editorial roles include Production Planning & Control and Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management .
Daniel A Levinthal is the Reginald H. Jones Professor of Corporate Strategy and Professor of Management at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. With extensive publications on organizational adaptation and industry evolution in technological contexts, he serves as Editor-in-Chief for Strategy Science and Organization Science. Research Interests Industry evolution Organizational learning Technological competition His 2024 research examines organizational search strategies, showing how cautious exploitation combines slow belief updating with strong explicit exploitation for effective adaptation. Recent work explores how political coalitions drive organizational change, with hierarchical belief influence structures proving more effective than flat designs in certain environments. Earlier studies developed the "Mendelian executive" framework and advanced Carnegie School decision-making theory. Scientific Awards Fellow of Strategic Management Society Fellow of Academy of Management Distinguished Scholar Awards (3 divisions) Irwin Award as Distinguished Educator 4 Honorary Doctorates Levinthal teaches advanced strategy courses (MGMT9000, MGMT9150) and graduate enterprise management (MGMT6110). His research has established foundational insights about organizational capabilities, knowledge aggregation, and strategic inertia.
Dr. Lilianna Wojtynek is a Lecturer at the Department of Logistics, Faculty of Production Engineering and Logistics, Opole University of Technology. Her academic career focuses on logistics, production engineering, and industrial safety. Current Position: Lecturer in Logistics Department: Logistics School: Faculty of Production Engineering and Logistics University: Opole University of Technology Research interests span logistics systems, quality management, and transportation safety. Key themes include: Lean methodologies (5S, supply chain optimization) Industry 4.0 applications in logistics Risk analysis in transportation and logistics Production process planning and decision modeling Articles trends emphasize industrial safety, logistics efficiency, and technology integration in transportation. Notable subfields include dynamic forklift testing, BRT systems, and hazardous material storage.
Travis J. Fuerst is an Assistant Professor of Practice at the School of Engineering Technology within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University, West Lafayette. He has held this position since 2022, previously serving in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology from 2016 to 2022. Before returning to academia, he accumulated over 13 years of industry experience at The Boeing Company as an Engineering Workplace Coach, IT Project Manager, and Continuous Improvement Leader, complemented by 21 years of military service in the U.S. Army Reserves where he retired as a Major from USTRANSCOM in 2017. His academic credentials include: Master of Science in Technology (Product Lifecycle Management) from Purdue University (2002) Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics Technology from Purdue University (2000) with a minor in Organizational Leadership and Supervision Professor Fuerst specializes in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Project Management, Continuous Improvement, and Configuration Management, integrating Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies into both industrial applications and educational frameworks. His instruction emphasizes practical skill development for industry readiness, leveraging extensive real-world experience to bridge theoretical concepts with professional practice in engineering technology fields. His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear trajectory toward integrating Product Data Management systems into engineering education, with emphasis on digital enterprise solutions and pedagogical innovation. Key themes include parametric solid modeling applications, collaborative project-based learning frameworks, and curriculum development for PLM implementation across undergraduate programs, reflecting his dual focus on technological advancement and educational transformation. His recognition includes: Purdue Polytechnic 2013 Early Career Award Professor Fuerst actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students through project-based design learning that cultivates higher-order thinking skills, directly applying his industry expertise in risk analysis, resource allocation, and cross-functional team leadership. His curriculum development work demonstrates sustained commitment to advancing engineering education practices through practical, industry-aligned methodologies. His leadership experience spans Boeing's continuous improvement initiatives and U.S. Army cyber operations, providing a robust foundation for developing team-based project management approaches that emphasize operational efficiency and strategic problem-solving in academic settings.
Wantao Yu is a Professor of Supply Chain Management at the Roehampton Business School, part of the University of Roehampton's Faculty of Business and Law. Previously, he held academic positions at the University of Kent, University of East Anglia, and Buckinghamshire New University. His expertise spans digital supply chain management, sustainability, and modern slavery prevention. He actively supervises PhD students in areas like agri-tech and LARG (Lean, Agile, Resilient, Green) supply chains. Research Interests: His work focuses on digital innovation in supply chains, sustainable practices, and ethical sourcing. Notable projects include STFC-funded initiatives in agri-food systems (UK, China, Kenya, Uganda) leveraging IoT and machine learning for sustainability and productivity. He emphasizes public-private partnerships with smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. Notable Achievements: Included in Stanford's World Top 2% Scientists (2020-2024) and recognized with multiple awards, including the Emerald/EFMD Doctoral Research Award (2010) and conference paper accolades (e.g., 2017, 2015). His pandemic-related research was featured in the WHO database. Teaching: Leads courses on Supply Chain Strategy & Processes and Digital Logistics. External roles include serving as an academic examiner at universities like Essex and Hertfordshire. Collaborations: Active in global research networks, with recent projects in Kenya, Uganda, and China. Key themes include data-driven supply chains, agri-tech, and resilience strategies for SMEs.
Dr. Mina Najafi is an academic researcher specializing in sustainable construction, digital transformation in built environments, and place attachment theory. Her work bridges engineering, urban planning, and social sciences. She actively supervises PhD students and contributes to interdisciplinary research initiatives. Research Focus: Sustainable Construction, BIM Technology, Digital Twins, Aging in Place Strategies, and Climate Resilience. Key Projects: Exploration of digital frontiers in construction, policy analysis for energy efficiency, and community-centric design for low-density regions. Her research interests span innovative construction practices, the integration of emerging technologies, and the socio-cultural dimensions of built environments. Recent work emphasizes leveraging digital tools for supply chain optimization and climate adaptation.
Leslie Breitner is a Senior Faculty Lecturer at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, serving as Academic Director of the International Masters for Health Leadership (IMHL) and Co-Director of the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management (GCHM). She also co-created a GROOC (Global Registered Open Online Course) on social entrepreneurship. Her roles include teaching and academic leadership in healthcare financial management and nonprofit organizations. Affiliated with the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management, she contributes to interdisciplinary healthcare education and policy initiatives. Dr. Breitner holds a D.B.A. from Boston University, an MBA from Simmons College, and a BA from the University of Wisconsin. Her expertise spans healthcare financial systems, nonprofit management, and performance measurement in healthcare organizations. She has taught at the University of Washington (Evans School of Public Policy) and Harvard University (Kennedy School), where she received teaching excellence awards. Her research focuses on healthcare financial management and cross-sector collaboration, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks on accounting principles. Notable grants include projects on fiscal planning for children’s services in Bosnia, public management training in Azerbaijan, and disaster response funding analysis with FEMA. Awarded Teacher of the Year (2005) and Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2004), she emphasizes practical financial literacy and leadership training for healthcare professionals. Her current work integrates global healthcare leadership development through executive education programs and online platforms.
Anna Corinna Cagliano is a Full Professor at the Department of Management and Production Engineering (DIGEP) , Polytechnic University of Turin . She is a member of the CARS@PoliTO Interdepartmental Center for Automotive Research and Sustainable Mobility, and serves as Deputy Coordinator of the Doctoral College in Management and Production Engineering . Research Interests: Industrial and manufacturing engineering, logistics, supply chain management, project risk analysis, healthcare logistics, and ICT applications in logistics. Scientific Affiliation: AIDI Italian Association of Industrial Plant Teachers since 2016. Research Trends: Her publications focus on the intersection of Industry 4.0 , lean manufacturing , and sustainability in logistics. Key areas include automated storage systems , digital twins in intra-logistics , and COVID-19 impacts on supply chains . She emphasizes ICT tools and risk management across industrial and healthcare contexts. Teaching Roles: She lectures on Industry 4.0 for Production Systems and Plants and Manufacturing Systems at the Master’s and Bachelor’s levels in Automotive and Management Engineering. She also supervises PhD students in Management and Production Engineering . PhD Students: Simone Preziosa (2024–ongoing) Abror Hoshimov (2019–2023) Mahsa Mahdavisharif (2019–2023)
Professor Matthias Lederer serves as a faculty member at the Weiden Business School of Ostbayerische Technical University Amberg-Weiden, specializing in Business Informatics with a focus on Process Management. His academic position is complemented by extensive industry experience across multiple sectors including IT services, manufacturing, and consulting. Dr. Lederer's research spans four interconnected domains: process analysis and optimization, IT process management, agile process transformation, and didactics for process digitization. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, particularly in business process management (BPM), digital transformation, and the integration of agile methodologies into organizational structures. His research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated applications of data science and artificial intelligence in process optimization. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical implementations of business process management, with particular emphasis on agile transformations, data-driven process design, and the application of AI in business contexts. His work consistently addresses the intersection of academic research and industry practice, with publications appearing in both academic journals and professional conference proceedings. The research demonstrates growing attention to digital platforms, smart manufacturing applications, and sustainable business practices. His scientific recognition includes: Best Program Director award from ISM International School of Management Project Award 'Innovative LernOrte' from OTH Award for Good Teaching from the Bavarian State Ministry Best Paper Award at the 2014 International Conference on Information Systems Multiple professional certifications including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and OMG-Certified Expert in Business Process Management Professor Lederer has developed significant academic leadership through his role as Chairman of the Institute of Innovative Process Management. His teaching approach integrates practice-integrated methodologies, reflecting his belief in connecting academic concepts with real-world applications. His extensive consulting background with organizations like REHAU AG + Co. and the Bavarian Ministry of Justice informs his academic work and student mentorship.
Dr. Mohsin Malik is an Associate Professor of Project Management at Swinburne University of Technology (since 2023) in Melbourne, Australia. Previously, he held roles as Senior Lecturer (2018–2022) at Swinburne and Lecturer (2016–2018) at the University of Melbourne. He earned his PhD in Technology Management from the University of Western Australia (2012). His research focuses on organizational dynamics for innovative outcomes in digital contexts, sustainability in supply chains, and project management practices aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-9, SDG-12, SDG-3). Key areas include digital transformation, lean management, agile project management, and supply chain resilience. Dr. Malik’s work has been published in top-tier journals like the International Journal of Project Management, Information & Management, and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. He currently serves as Senior Associate Editor of the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management and has secured grants totaling over AUD 1M, including a 2025–2028 project on digital transformation in Indian/Australian organizations funded by DFAT. His research explores topics such as socio-cognitive dynamics in digital transformation, lean socio-technical systems, and agency theory in international development projects. Recent projects include analyzing digital platform interactions for Australian artists and evaluating virtual healthcare barriers during the pandemic. He actively supervises doctoral and master’s students focusing on digital governance, social sustainability, and project monitoring frameworks. Dr. Malik is a globally recognized scholar, with over 23 years of academic and industry experience. He collaborates with organizations like the Victorian Music Development Office and the Australian Academy of Science, emphasizing real-world impact through research.
