Sales Performance Optimization Professors and Supervisors

Gerd NuferView profile

Professor

Reutlingen UniversityGermany

Prof. Dr. Gerd Nufer is a distinguished Professor of Business Administration specializing in Marketing, Trade and Sports Management at the ESB Business School of Reutlingen University. He serves as Dean of the MBA International Management Part-Time program and holds leadership positions as Director of the German Institute for Sports Marketing and Head of the Institute for Marketing, Market Research & Communication. With habilitation rights through the Promotion Association Baden-Württemberg, Prof. Nufer has established himself as a leading authority in sports marketing research and education. Prof. Nufer's research focuses on innovative marketing approaches in sports contexts, with particular expertise in Ambush Marketing, Event Marketing, and Guerrilla Marketing. His work bridges academic theory with practical industry applications, addressing contemporary challenges such as sustainability in major sports events, the evolving landscape of sports sponsorship, and the integration of digital technologies in marketing strategies. He has published extensively on how brands can effectively leverage sports properties for marketing purposes while navigating the complex ethical and legal considerations inherent in sports marketing. His recent research output demonstrates a strategic expansion into emerging areas including eSports marketing, AI applications in marketing analytics, and gender-based consumer behavior differences. The publications reveal a consistent pattern of addressing timely industry challenges through rigorous empirical research, often providing frameworks that help practitioners understand and implement effective marketing strategies in dynamic sports business environments. His work on the halo effect in sports, ambush marketing effectiveness, and sustainability in mega-events has particular relevance for contemporary sports marketing practice. 2013 First Prize for innovative teaching at ESB Business School 2011 Nomination for Baden-Württemberg State Teaching Award 2010 Teaching Award from ESB Business School faculty and Hochschule Reutlingen 2002 Dissertation Prize from RWT Reutlinger Wirtschaftstreuhand GmbH and Friedrich-List-Stiftung 1997 Study Abroad Scholarship in San Diego from Dr. Eberhard Kornbeck-Stiftung 1995 Winner of international computer-based business simulation game 'INTOPIA' at Lund University Prof. Nufer maintains strong industry connections through his consulting work and media contributions, regularly providing expert analysis on current sports marketing developments to major publications and broadcast outlets. His teaching approach integrates this practical experience with academic rigor, offering students valuable insights into the real-world application of marketing principles in sports business contexts. He supervises Master's theses and advises member companies through the Association for the Promotion of International Management Education, creating pathways for students to engage with industry challenges. As Director of the German Institute for Sports Marketing, Prof. Nufer leads a research environment focused on addressing contemporary challenges in sports business. His work with the Reutlingen Research Institute facilitates collaboration between academia and industry, ensuring that research remains relevant to current market needs while maintaining academic rigor. This practical orientation extends to his editorial roles, where he shapes discourse in the field through publication series that bridge theory and practice in sports marketing.

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Anders IngwaldView profile

Associate Professor

Linnaeus UniversitySweden

Anders Ingwald is an Associate Professor at Linnaeus University's Faculty of Technology, Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering. He serves as course responsible, examiner, and mentor primarily for the Vocational Teacher Program, while also teaching master's programs in Vocational Knowledge and Professional Development and Innovation through Business, Engineering and Design. His academic journey shows a transition from Systems Economics toward vocational knowledge and technology, with leadership roles including former study director for doctoral education and department head at the Faculty of Technology. Ingwald earned his doctoral degree in 2009 with the thesis "Technologies for better utilisation of production process resources." His research focuses on the intersection of technical maintenance systems and vocational pedagogy, particularly examining how vocational teachers navigate between professional practice fields. He leads research in industrial services management and sits on steering groups for vocational education programs. His publication record reveals a strong focus on maintenance management evolution, with recent work (2018-2023) emphasizing digital transformation in industrial services, railway infrastructure maintenance, and the integration of data-driven approaches. The research shows a clear trajectory from traditional maintenance systems toward service management 4.0, with increasing attention to business models, ecosystem perspectives, and vocational knowledge transfer in industrial contexts. Ingwald actively contributes to vocational teacher development through training for the Swedish National Agency for Education on validation, APL, and digital tools. He leads the research group focused on vocational education, conducting studies on governance and organization of vocational training, professional identity formation, and workplace-school knowledge transfer.

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Pradeep K. PendemView profile

Assistant Professor

University of OregonUnited States

Pradeep K. Pendem is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Operations and Business Analytics at the University of Oregon's Lundquist College of Business. He is affiliated with the Oregon MBA and Undergraduate Programs, focusing on large-scale, data-driven operational analytics in manufacturing and service systems. His research integrates methodologies from statistics, econometrics, stochastic modeling, and optimization. Education: PhD in Operations Management (2018), MS in Management (2017) from UNC Chapel Hill; MTech in Quality, Reliability, and Operations Research (2008) from Indian Statistical Institute; BE in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (2006) from Andhra University. His research explores operational performance impacts on financial outcomes and people-centric operations, with industry applications in retail, healthcare, energy product delivery, and customer contact services. Key trends in his recent work include e-commerce logistics optimization, responsible scheduling practices, and quantifying workplace interruptions. Scientific Awards: Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Responsible Research Award (INFORMS, 2022), Goulet Outstanding Junior Faculty Research Award (2021), Elwood S. Buffa Doctoral Dissertation Award (Decision Sciences Institute, 2019), INFORMS Data-Driven Research Challenge Finalist (2018), Harvey Wagner Scholar Award (UNC Chapel Hill, 2017). Pendem's work has been published in premier journals like Management Science and Manufacturing & Service Operations Management , cited in the U.S. Economic Report of the President and Congress legislation. Prior to academia, he served as a forecasting analyst at Fidelity Investments.

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Yuliya YurovaView profile

Professor

Nova Southeastern UniversityUnited States

Professor Yuliya Yurova serves as Professor of Research Methods and Decision Sciences at Nova Southeastern University's H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship. She teaches graduate courses including QNT 5160 Analytical Modeling for Decision Making and QNT 5485 Data Mining and Predictive Analytics Fundamentals, leveraging her expertise in quantitative methodologies to prepare students for data-driven business environments. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Business Administration/Statistics from University of Illinois-Chicago, an M.S. in Computer Information Systems from Eastern Michigan University, and a B.A. in Mathematical Economics from Novosibirsky State University. This interdisciplinary foundation supports her integrative research approach spanning business analytics, marketing, and organizational behavior. Professor Yurova's research examines critical intersections of technology and human behavior in business contexts. She investigates how HR professionals adopt analytics, how mobile devices reshape retail experiences, and how organizational justice affects employee satisfaction - often through cross-cultural comparisons between US and Russian business environments. Her work consistently addresses practical challenges while employing rigorous quantitative methods. Her publication record demonstrates sustained scholarly impact with recent articles in journals including International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management (2022), Management Decision (2021), and Journal of Marketing Education (2021). Her research trajectory shows increasing focus on pandemic-era business adaptations and ambidextrous organizational learning. Best Paper in Track, Southwest Academy of Management 2017 Consistent publication in top-tier business journals since 2006 Research cited for practical HR analytics implementation frameworks Methodologically rigorous quantitative studies with real-world applications Professor Yurova actively bridges academic research and industry practice through studies of actual job market requirements, corporate technology adoption barriers, and retail consumer behavior. Her international collaborations, particularly with Russian institutions, provide unique comparative perspectives on business practices across different institutional environments. Students benefit from her practitioner-relevant research through coursework emphasizing analytical modeling and data mining applications.

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Sara HamidiView profile

Professor

Louisiana State University of AlexandriaUnited States

Professor Sara Hamidi serves as a faculty member in the Department of Executive Management at Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Her academic profile centers on marketing expertise with specialized focus on brand crisis management, particularly examining how food safety scandals impact branding in developing societies. Her research interests encompass: Marketing Management and Brand Strategy Crisis Communication and Response Consumer Behavior in Scandal Contexts Social Apathy and Indifference in Branding Green and Sustainable Marketing International Marketing Applications Professor Hamidi's publication record shows concentrated output between 2020-2021, with 14 research works spanning brand crisis analysis, customer complaint handling, tourism economics during pandemics, and innovative business models. Her work demonstrates strong thematic consistency in examining marketing failures and recovery strategies, particularly through qualitative phenomenological approaches in developing economy contexts. She maintains active engagement with academic networks through ResearchGate (19,220 reads) and collaborates within institutional frameworks like Sibel A. Ozkan's Lab. Her professional activities include developing practical business guides on negotiation, mentoring, and trading methodologies alongside theoretical research contributions.

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Manuel MichaelisView profile

Professor

Westphalian University of Applied SciencesGermany

Prof. Dr. Manuel Michaelis serves as a Professor in the Department of Business at Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, specializing in Marketing and Sustainability Management. He teaches foundational courses including Business Administration I and Scientific Text Writing at bachelor's level, and advanced subjects such as Marketing Management and Sustainable Corporate Management at master's level. His research examines sales channel strategies, business field development, and sustainable corporate practices through empirical investigations. Key publications analyze sponsorship congruence effects, country-of-origin influences in services, and ethnic marketing effectiveness, demonstrating methodological rigor in consumer behavior research. Recent work trends show increasing focus on sustainability integration within corporate strategy frameworks and cross-cultural consumer responses to marketing stimuli. Prof. Michaelis actively supervises bachelor's and master's theses, requiring students to develop original topic proposals at least two months prior to commencement. Current office hours for Summer Semester 2025 are Thursdays 12:45–1:45 p.m. at campus location A6.1.09 (Neidenburger Str. 43, 45897 Gelsenkirchen) or via Zoom upon email registration. Contact is available through university phone +49(209)9596-622.

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Teresa M. McCarthy ByrneView profile

Associate Professor

Bryant UniversityUnited States

Teresa M. McCarthy Byrne serves as Associate Professor of Marketing and Global Supply Chain Management at Bryant University's College of Business, where she coordinates the GSCM program with over 20 years of combined industry and academic experience. Her dual expertise bridges theoretical research and practical supply chain applications. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Supply Chain Management from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville M.S. in Business from the University of Rhode Island B.S. in Business Administration from University of Massachusetts at Amherst McCarthy Byrne's research investigates critical supply chain vulnerabilities through the lens of manufacturing geographic diversification as risk management , with particular focus on omnichannel retail fulfillment systems and innovation within fast-fashion supply chains . Her work examines how sales & operations planning (S&OP) frameworks and collaborative forecasting techniques can mitigate disruption risks in global networks, especially within apparel industries where speed-to-market is paramount. This research trajectory demonstrates consistent evolution from foundational supply chain integration studies toward contemporary risk management applications. Analysis of her publication history reveals three dominant thematic clusters: (1) supply chain risk mitigation through geographic and process diversification, (2) omnichannel retail transformation challenges in forecasting and fulfillment, and (3) fashion industry-specific innovations in rapid-response supply systems. These interconnected themes reflect growing scholarly attention to volatility in global supply networks. Her scientific recognition includes: Outstanding Faculty Award (2022) Excellence in Teaching Award (2019) Summer Research Grant (2015) Robert & Christine Staub Faculty Excellence Award (2007) As GSCM Program Coordinator, McCarthy Byrne has developed distinctive experiential learning opportunities including a consulting capstone course that connects students with industry partners. Her teaching portfolio spans supply chain integration, global sourcing, and B2B marketing, emphasizing real-world application through Bryant's career-focused curriculum. While no major external grants are documented beyond the 2015 Summer Research Grant, her professional engagement with Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and Institute of Supply Management demonstrates industry integration. Though no dedicated research labs are mentioned, her work with the National Retail Federation and Academy of Marketing Science indicates active participation in industry knowledge networks focused on retail supply chain innovation.

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Petr HlavsaView profile

Assistant Professor

Brno University of TechnologyCzech

Petr Hlavsa serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering at the Faculty of Architecture, Brno University of Technology (VUT Brno) in the Czech Republic. His academic profile combines theoretical research with practical applications in building technology and architectural design. With over a decade of scholarly activity documented through numerous publications and research projects, Hlavsa has established himself as a specialist in energy-efficient construction methods and building physics. His educational background includes dual engineering degrees (Ing. et Ing.) and a Ph.D., reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to architectural engineering. Hlavsa's research interests span multiple critical areas of contemporary building science, with particular emphasis on sustainable construction materials and energy performance certification systems. Hlavsa's scholarly output reveals consistent research themes across his publications. His work demonstrates deep expertise in thermal performance of building elements, acoustic properties of construction systems, and energy certification methodologies for existing buildings. Recent publications increasingly focus on innovative construction techniques, including additive manufacturing with natural materials. His research combines experimental testing with regulatory analysis, creating practical solutions that address both technical challenges and compliance requirements in the building sector. Hlavsa actively contributes to architectural practice through design projects including family homes in Lukovany and Lesná, demonstrating the practical application of his research findings. His patents for construction elements, particularly the 2023 patent for prefabricated floor elements, represent significant technical innovations in the field. His research projects portfolio shows sustained funding support for investigations into building acoustics, thermal performance, and sustainable construction methods. Current projects like 'Hlína pro lidi' (Clay for People) demonstrate his commitment to developing ecological and economically favorable community buildings using unfired clay. Hlavsa maintains an active scholarly network, frequently collaborating with colleagues across Czech technical universities. His work bridges the gap between academic research and practical building applications, making significant contributions to both theoretical understanding and practical implementation in architectural engineering.

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Krystian BarłożewskiView profile

Assistant Professor

Warsaw School of EconomicsPoland

Dr. Krystian Barłożewski serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Management at Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), where his research centers on international business dynamics with particular focus on Polish firms operating in global markets. His academic profile reflects deep engagement with export performance mechanisms and strategic internationalization processes within emerging market contexts. His primary research domains include international business strategy, export performance optimization, firm internationalization pathways, multinational enterprise development, and strategic management adaptations for emerging economies. Barłożewski investigates critical relationships between technological adoption (particularly internet technologies), international experience accumulation, and firm-specific advantages in driving export success. His work examines how rapidly internationalizing firms develop distinct strategic approaches compared to gradual expanders, with significant attention to performance outcomes for novice internationalizers navigating complex global environments. Analysis of his 2012-2022 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Technology-mediated export performance where digital tools moderate international experience effects; (2) Multinationality-performance relationships in emerging markets with emphasis on Polish firm cases; and (3) Strategic adaptations for firms at different internationalization stages. His scholarship consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical validation in Central/Eastern European business contexts, contributing to nuanced understandings of how emerging market firms achieve global competitiveness through tailored internationalization strategies.

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Matthew CarlsonView profile

Assistant Professor

Willamette UniversityUnited States

Matthew Carlson serves as a Contributing Assistant Professor at Willamette University's Atkinson Graduate School of Management, joining the MBA faculty in 2022. With over 15 years of professional experience spanning operations, accounting, finance, sales, and marketing in the financial technology sector, he bridges academic theory with real-world industry practice through roles at startups like Inworks and corporations including Xerox. His research and teaching focus on strategic innovation in business environments, emphasizing metrics-driven performance within evolving market landscapes. Key interest areas include: Financial Technology (FinTech) ecosystem development Data-informed business strategy formulation Marketing and sales optimization in technology markets Operational excellence frameworks for financial services Accounting systems integration in digital transformation Professor Carlson cultivates creative problem-solving approaches while maintaining rigorous analytical standards, preparing MBA students for leadership roles in technology-driven business environments.

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Anne JacobiView profile

Professor

South Westphalia University of Applied SciencesGermany

Prof. Dr. Anne Jacobi is a Professor of Business Administration specializing in Marketing at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Economics in Meschede, Germany. Her extensive affiliations include: Guest professorships at UTCC Bangkok and ZUST Hangzhou Lectureships at FEDA/EDU/Aset in Barcelona Membership in Sauerland Initiative, Paderborn Marketing Club, and German Association of University Professors Her research spans strategic/operational marketing, brand management, B2B dynamics, and regional economics. She has led projects on wind energy acceptance, tourism branding, and consumer behavior in the Sauerland region, often funded by EU/NRW grants. Prof. Jacobi emphasizes practical application, collaborating with companies like Hella and Miele for market studies and student projects. She has supervised 200+ theses since 2008 on topics like digital marketing, sustainability, and international business strategies. Her teaching covers marketing fundamentals, sales management, and B2B strategies. Prof. Jacobi's team includes research assistants and industry lecturers supporting applied business research.

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Aurélie LemmensView profile

Professor

Erasmus University RotterdamNetherlands

Prof. Aurélie Lemmens is a Full Professor of Customer Analytics at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University Rotterdam, where she chairs the Department of Marketing Management. She concurrently serves as Academic Director of the Expert Practice on Customer Analytics at the Erasmus Center for Data Analytics. Previously, she held academic positions at Erasmus School of Economics and Tilburg University, and was a visiting scholar at Harvard Business School. She obtained her PhD from K.U. Leuven (Belgium) following an MSc in Business Engineering from Solvay Business School. Her research develops prescriptive analytics methodologies leveraging consumer data for customer-centric decision-making, organized around three core lifecycle stages: (1) customer acquisition and new product introduction, (2) customer development and engagement, and (3) customer retention. Her work extensively employs machine learning and large-scale computing. Prof. Lemmens' publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on quantitative marketing, customer analytics, and methodological innovation, with recent work emphasizing personalization algorithms, donor behavior modeling, and churn optimization techniques. Her research consistently bridges theoretical rigor with practical business applications. Awards and honors include: 2012 IJRM Best Paper Award Marie Curie Grant (European Research Council) Veni and Vidi grants (Dutch Science Foundation) ERC Consolidator Grant Finalist Best Teaching Awards (2017, 2019) for Conjoint Analysis course She teaches Customer Analytics (Business Analytics MSc), Customer Centricity (Marketing Management MSc), and Creating Customer Value (Executive MBA). She leads the Expert Practice on Customer Analytics, coordinating industry-academia collaborations in applied data analytics. Additional information is available via her personal website .

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Sébastien ThomasseyView profile

Associate Professor

National School of Arts and Textile IndustriesFrance

Sébastien Thomassey is an Associate Professor at the National School of Arts and Textile Industries (ENSAIT), specializing in AI-driven solutions for textile engineering. His research focuses on optimizing fashion supply chains through machine learning applications in production management, sales forecasting, and sustainable manufacturing. He leads the Research Human Centered Design Group and coordinates multiple EU-funded projects including H2020's FBD-BModels and Erasmus+'s Digital Fashion initiative. His core research integrates: Supply chain optimization using AI forecasting models Textile manufacturing process automation Sustainable production lifecycle management Human-machine interaction in industrial settings Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on AI applications in textile anomaly detection (2024), digital twin technology (2023), and reinforcement learning for process optimization (2021). Awards include: Top 25 Most Cited Article in International Journal of Information Management (2021) He coordinates €5M+ in collaborative grants including: Fashion Trends 4.0 (Région Hauts-de-France) SMDTex Erasmus Mundus doctorate program H2020 FBD-BModels textile supply chain project Leads the Human Centered Design Group developing sensor-based textile tracking systems and industrial AI solutions.

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Steve CannellaView profile

Adjunct Professor

LIM CollegeUnited States

Steve Cannella serves as an Adjunct Professor at LIM College while maintaining his primary role as Director of Training and Development at Pitney Bowes, a technology company specializing in mailing and shipping solutions. His academic position focuses on bridging industry expertise with classroom instruction. His research and professional interests center on sales function optimization, with specific expertise in sales training methodologies, sales operations frameworks, and customer relationship management systems. Cannella's work emphasizes practical applications of business administration principles in corporate environments. Cannella has received notable industry recognition including: Brandon Hall award for 'Best Program for Sales Training and Performance' (2020) His educational background informs his teaching approach, with doctoral-level expertise applied to undergraduate instruction. While not currently advising students, his industry leadership in training development influences curriculum design for business programs at LIM College.

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