Sunder Kekre is the Vasantrao Dempo Professor of Operations Management at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business , where he has held academic appointments since 1984. His research focuses on manufacturing systems, global supply chains, and healthcare operations management. Research Expertise : New product development structures, strategic costing, lean innovation, knowledge sharing in enterprise networks, and business analytics for coordinated supply chains. Key Publications : Contributions to journals like Management Science , Operations Research , and Production and Operations Management , with work on LNG storage valuation, RFID logistics, and healthcare disparities. Scientific Recognition : Dempo Chair Professorship Bosch Chair Professorship Best Paper Award (1995) Teaching : Courses in Operations Management, Strategic Management of the Enterprise, and Information Systems Project. Non-Academic Experience : Prior engineering roles at Tata Steel (1974-1980) and consulting engagements with Fortune 500 firms like Bosch, Caterpillar, and IBM.
Pardis Pishdad is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the School of Building Construction at Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Design. She directs the Smart Built Environment Eco-System (Smart Bees) Laboratory, focusing on integrating cyber-physical systems, digital twins, and innovative project delivery methods (e.g., IPD, Flash Tracking) for sustainable built environments. Her research bridges technology adoption, trust-building in construction contracts, and supply chain optimization. Education: PhD, Environmental Design and Planning (Virginia Tech) Master’s Degrees: Civil Engineering (Virginia Tech), Design Studies in Project Management (Harvard), Architecture (University of Tehran) Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering (Azad University of Shiraz) Research Interests: Her work emphasizes sustainable construction practices using IoT, BIM, and blockchain. Key areas include lifecycle cost analysis, lean construction, and smart building technologies. She explores trust dynamics and collaboration in construction projects through game theory and process optimization. Recognition: 2018 ENR Top 20 Under 40 Professionals 2016 CII National Outstanding Researcher Award 2020-2022 Georgia Tech Provost Teaching Learning Fellow Advisory Roles: Academic Advisor for CII’s Supply Chain Management Community, Vice Chair of BuildingSMART’s BIM Forum 5D Taskforce. Formerly advised the Construction Management Association of America’s Board (2016–2018). Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with Turner Construction, GDOT, and VDOT. Research on Flash Tracking and blockchain has been integrated into industry practices. Labs & Teams: The Smart Bees Lab pioneers cyber-physical systems for smart buildings, exploring AI-driven solutions and sustainable construction frameworks.
Min Kyung Lee serves as an Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, bringing industry experience from her prior role as a logistic coordinator in the automotive sector before pursuing her doctorate. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Business Administration (2018), Clemson University MS in Marketing (2010), Clemson University BA in Economics (2008), Kangwon National University, South Korea Dr. Lee's research centers on Service Operations Management and Supply Chain Innovation, with particular focus on healthcare logistics, epidemic response systems, and technology-enabled service delivery. Her work bridges theoretical operations frameworks with practical industry applications, especially in crisis-driven supply chain scenarios and service value optimization. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent exploration of data-driven decision-making in volatile environments, including pandemic supply chains, medical crowdfunding dynamics, and cross-cultural procurement platforms. Her research demonstrates increasing emphasis on healthcare operations while maintaining strong connections to broader service innovation principles. She actively contributes to the academic community through membership in the Production and Operations Management Society and Decision Sciences Institute.
Lori Sisk is an Associate Professor of Teaching in Global Supply Chain Management at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, Wayne State University. She brings over 28 years of industry and consulting experience in supply management to her academic role, where she teaches strategic procurement, operations, and supply chain courses. She also serves as Program Coordinator for the WSU/AIAG Supply Chain Certificate Program, Advisor to student organizations, and member of multiple academic and industry committees. Education: MBA, Bowling Green State University BSBA, Bowling Green State University (Major: Procurement) CPSM, Institute of Supply Management Six Sigma Green Belt Certified, Delphi Corporation Lori's teaching and research focus on applied, experiential learning in supply chain and procurement. Her courses emphasize solving real-world business problems, and she integrates industry challenges into classroom learning. Her research interests include applied decision-making tools for supply chain executives, strategic sourcing, risk management, and lean operations. She is passionate about preparing students for careers in supply chain through hands-on education and mentorship. Her publications reflect a practitioner-oriented approach, covering topics such as crisis recovery, strategic sourcing, and total cost of ownership. The articles show a consistent focus on operational resilience, cost optimization, and strategic procurement across manufacturing and global supply chains. Scientific Awards: Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award, Wayne State University (2019) Service Award, Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business (2020) Teacher of the Year Award, Denver Transportation Club (2018) Leadership District Person of the Year, ISM Public Relations District Person of the Year, ISM Troy Volunteer of the Year Award (nominated, 2020) Lori is deeply involved in academic and industry service. She advises student organizations including the Global Supply Chain Management Association (GSCMA) and Warrior Consulting Group (WCG). She co-leads the Supply Chain Advisory Council and is a member of the AIAG SC Steering Committee. She has delivered over 200 training sessions for professionals at global automotive OEMs and aerospace firms and has presented at international conferences including ISM, APICS, and PMAC. She has also developed and delivered curriculum for the AIAG/WSU Automotive Supply Chain Certificate Program since 2013. Lori leads initiatives that bridge academia and industry, particularly through the WSU/AIAG partnership. She has designed and facilitated workshops for suppliers and corporate teams on JIT, cost reduction, and risk management. Her work enhances workforce development and strengthens industry-academic collaboration in supply chain education.
Professor Mohamed Naim is a distinguished academic at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University, where he holds the position of Professor in Logistics and Operations Management. He has served in several leadership roles, including former Head of the Logistics and Operations Management Section and former Deputy Dean at the Business School. He was also the founding director of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems at Cardiff (CAMSAC). He is actively engaged in high-impact research and industrial collaboration, currently leading a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Tower Cold Chain Solutions Ltd. and contributing to major research programs such as ASTUTE, ASTUTE2020, and AFAIR. His research interests center on the development of business systems engineering approaches to resilient supply chains, with a focus on sustainability, circularity, and flexibility in lean and agile systems. He has made significant contributions to supply chain dynamics, particularly in engineer-to-order (ETO) sectors such as construction and shipbuilding. His recent work explores digital transformation in logistics, including 5G-enabled smart ports, building information modelling (BIM), and AI-driven decision-making. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, integrating operations management with healthcare (trauma systems), digital technologies, and sustainable industrial practices. His work frequently employs system dynamics, simulation, and empirical case studies to address complex supply chain challenges. Scientific Awards: Institution of Electrical Engineers' Manufacturing Division Premium (1996) Royal Academy of Engineering Global Research Award (2003) Professor Naim is actively involved in research supervision and has contributed to two Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) impact cases on innovative procurement and financially sustainable supply chains. He is a founding member of the Logistics Systems Dynamics Group (LSDG) and has led and co-directed multiple large-scale research initiatives. His work is characterized by strong industry engagement, particularly through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and collaborations with public sector bodies like the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO). Research Centers and Teams: Logistics and Operations Management Section, Cardiff Business School Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Systems at Cardiff (CAMSAC) Logistics Systems Dynamics Group (LSDG) ASTUTE / ASTUTE2020 / ASTUTE East programmes AFAIR project (Expert Advisor)
Philip Moscoso is a full professor and Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Innovation at IESE Business School, University of Navarra. He holds the Eurest Chair of Excellence in Services and serves as academic director for several programs. He also teaches executive training programs, customized programs for large companies, and various IESE MBA programs. Additionally, he is a visiting professor at the Chinese business school CEIBS and ISEM Fashion Business School. Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management, ETH Zurich M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, ETH Zurich Service Business Management program, Harvard Business School General Management program, IESE Business School, University of Navarra Professor Moscoso's research focuses on how companies can generate competitive advantage through excellence and innovation in operations, with special emphasis on service and consumer products companies. His work spans operations management as a source of competitive advantage, excellence and innovation in service, and project management. He has published more than 40 articles in international journals and authored over 30 case studies and two books on operations management. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on contemporary operations challenges including global supply chain management in volatile environments, business model innovation in emerging sectors like space technology, and strategic transformations in established industries. His research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, often examining the intersection of operational excellence with overall business strategy, particularly in service contexts and retail environments. Professor Moscoso combines his academic work with extensive consulting experience, having worked for international consulting firms such as Bain & Co. and KPMG. For over 25 years, he has advised clients across various sectors on strategic, organizational, and performance and service improvement issues. His practical experience directly informs his academic work and teaching methodology, creating a robust connection between theory and practice in operations management education.
Dr Moe Mojtahedi is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales (UNSW). He earned his PhD in 2014 from the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Professional Engineer (PEng) accredited by Engineers Australia, Dr Mojtahedi bridges academic research with practical application in construction management and disaster risk reduction. PhD (University of Sydney, 2014) MEngSc (University of New South Wales) B.E. (Industrial), Professional Engineer (Australia) His research focuses on the intersection of construction management , urban resilience , and disaster risk reduction , particularly examining: Climate change adaptation in infrastructure Post-disaster recovery frameworks Lean construction methodologies Decision support systems for risk management Evacuation planning optimization Resilient hospital infrastructure Recent publications analyze trends in disaster science using computational modeling, prefabricated construction for industrial buildings, and AI/ML applications in aged care facility evacuation. His 2025 ChemistryOpen article explores sustainable reaction media for chemoselective processes, demonstrating interdisciplinary reach. Scientific recognition includes: Research Excellence Awards (Engineers Australia, 2012 & 2013) Best Conference Paper (ICES, Salford, 2017) Elsevier Outstanding Contribution Award (International Journal of Project Management, 2017) Learning and Teaching Excellence (UNSW, 2017) As a supervisor, he guides 7 PhD candidates and has mentored 4 graduates, including Mahmoud Ershadi (project management office effectiveness) and Kamyar Kabirifar (construction waste management). He contributes to policy discussions on aligning National Construction Code with UN Sendai Framework and advocates for disaster science integration in built environment practices. His media contributions examine hospital flood risks and climate change adaptation in Australia.
Thomas Korne is a Professor of International Logistics Management at htw saar (Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes) since 2012. He teaches logistics, supply chain management, and related disciplines in business administration programs. His research focuses on sustainable and digital transformation in production processes, logistics 4.0, green supply chains, and circular economy initiatives. Education: Studied Mechanical Engineering at Saarland University, earned a doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) in 2004 under Prof. Helmut Bley. Professional Experience: Previously worked at an American automotive manufacturer (1998–2012) in production, planning, and supply chain management, including Six-Sigma leadership. Current Research Projects: ABAKOS: Battery logistics in electric vehicle production (2024–2028). GREATER GREEN Plus: Green Tech solutions and circular business models (2024–2028). INCLUREG: Inclusion of people with disabilities in Industry 4.0 and logistics (2024–2028). PRODPILOT: Digital platform for productivity improvements in production/logistics (funded by Interreg, 2018–2022). GRIHSU: Climate-neutral production via digitalization and environmental technologies (funded by BMBF, 2020–2021). University Roles: Ombudsman for science, Senate member, organizer of international study trips. External Roles: Member of BME (German Procurement & Logistics Association), Scientific Director of AKJ Automotive, shareholder in Institute for Production & Logistics Systems.
Professor Daniel Chicksand is a faculty member in the Department of Management at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham , where he holds the rank of Professor of Operations and Supply Management . He also serves as the Director of the Distance Learning MBA programme. Daniel has held academic positions at Warwick Business School and Aston Business School prior to joining Birmingham in 2016 as a Reader, being promoted to full Professor in 2021. Education: PhD in Commerce, University of Birmingham (2009) MBA in Business Strategy & Procurement, University of Birmingham (2003) MSc in Industrial Logistics, University of Central England (1996) BSc in Industrial Information Technology (2:1 hons), University of Central England (1995) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic and Professional Practice, University of Warwick (2011–2013) Daniel’s research is centered on Operations and Supply Chain Management , with a strong theoretical foundation in Resource Dependency Theory (RDT) . His work explores power dynamics , value appropriation , and relationship management in buyer-supplier interactions across sectors such as food, construction, and sustainable supply chains. He has a growing interest in servitization and its impact on value creation. His methodological approach is primarily qualitative, using case-based research. The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on power and negotiation in procurement , resilience and disruption in supply chains (including simulation modeling), and sustainability reporting . His research spans both private and public sectors and often involves international collaboration with institutions in the UK, Europe, and the US. Scientific Engagement and Awards: Visiting Lecturer at Audencia Nantes School of Management (France) Visiting Lecturer at Ecole des Ponts ParisTech and Solvay Business School (France/Belgium) Educator for Duke Corporate Education Collaborator with leading researchers from Aston, Cardiff, Cranfield, Loughborough, Linkoping, and Fox Business School Daniel supervises multiple doctoral students and is involved in pilot research projects funded by the British Academy and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Supply. He also leads two consultancy firms— DDC Solutions Ltd and Opsworks Ltd —delivering bespoke training and education programmes to corporate clients like UBS, KPMG, and Adams Foods. His prior experience as a business owner in African arts and crafts importation provides practical insights into supply chain and operations management, enriching his teaching and research. Laboratories and Research Teams: Member of the Aston Centre for Seritization Research and Practice (2015–present) Collaborative research network across UK, European, and US universities Lead on projects involving discrete-event simulation and gamification in SCM
Christian Koch is a Professor and Head of Section at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) Civil and Architectural Engineering, Department of Technology and Innovation, where he leads research on construction industry dynamics, climate change mitigation, and digital transformation. His work bridges institutional theory with practical challenges in sustainable development and organizational innovation. SDU Climate Cluster EU SAND Project Participant Creative Construction Conference Chair Research interests include circular economy implementation, blockchain in construction logistics, lean construction methodologies, and AI applications for safety analysis. His studies focus on institutional entrepreneurship, interorganizational networks, and policy impacts on construction practices, particularly in Denmark and Sweden. Recent article trends analyze machine learning for accident report analysis, blockchain-enabled resource marketization, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Notable awards include the Taylor and Francis Best Theoretical Paper (2025), SCC Fast Track Award (2024), and CME Best Paper on Societal Challenges (2022). Scientific awards include: Taylor and Francis Best Theoretical Paper (2025) SCC Fast Track November 2024 CME Best Paper Transformative Impact (2022) Best Paper Creative Construction Conference (2025) He actively participates in public discourse through media engagements on construction safety, climate adaptation, and sustainable sand extraction for green transitions.
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. Kenneth Sullivan is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and the Del E. Webb School of Construction. He specializes in organizational transformation, procurement, risk management, and facility management. Sullivan holds degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison: a B.S., M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, an MBA in Real Estate and Urban Economics, and a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He has authored over 200 publications, co-authored the book Managing the Profitable Construction Business , and won multiple best paper awards. His research has generated $12 million in funding and impacted over 140 organizations on projects worth $10 billion. Sullivan has led projects in outsourcing, software procurement, financial management, and construction delivery. He created ASU's Facility Asset and Project Management master's program, new procurement courses, and served as Graduate Program Chair for seven years. His awards include the 2013 IFMA Educator of the Year and four Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering Teaching Awards (2008, 2009, 2012, 2015), along with Fulton Exemplar status (2014-2016 and 2018-2020). Grants and collaborations include strategic engagements with Georgia-Pacific ($610k), Google ($330k), and the University of California ($360k). His work focuses on best-value procurement, performance measurement, and expertise-driven project delivery. Sullivan’s research emphasizes minimizing risks and optimizing outcomes in construction and facility management through advanced methodologies and organizational transformation.
Prof. Dr. Johannes Wolf is a Professor of Business Administration (Dual Study Program) at the Hamburg Distance Learning University (since 2012) and previously served as Chancellor of the university (2013–2020). He also held roles as Professor of Logistics Management and (Founding) Dean of the Logistics Management Department at the European University of Applied Sciences (EUFH) in Brühl. His career includes over 30 years of academic and professional experience in logistics, supply chain management, and business systems. Education: Johannes Wolf holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Fernuniversität Hagen (1986) with a thesis on industrial energy use and production planning, following a degree in Business Administration from the University of Cologne. Research interests focus on logistics management, supply chain optimization, ERP system implementation, dual study programs, and educational frameworks for business and logistics disciplines. He has contributed to over 50 publications, including handbooks and peer-reviewed articles on topics like IT systems in logistics, risk management, and competency development. He is a member of the Federal Association of Logistics (BVL) and the German Informatics Society (GI), and has served as an external expert for institutional accreditation reviews by the German Science Council. Key professional roles include management consultancy work (1993–2003) and early career roles in organizational controlling and energy procurement in industry.
Trond Bølviken is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Sciences, University of Agder. His research focuses on Lean Construction methodologies, project management, and construction waste reduction. He has contributed to advancing understanding of collaborative project teams, waste economics, and production planning. His work emphasizes practical applications of theoretical principles in construction, aiming to bridge gaps between academic research and industry practices. Key areas include uncertainty management, production control systems, and the integration of Lean principles with traditional construction workflows. Bølviken has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, particularly within the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC). He collaborates with international researchers and industry practitioners to address challenges in project delivery and workflow optimization.
Prof. Dr. Wanja Wellbrock is a Professor at Heilbronn University's Faculty of Economics, focusing on Supply Chain Management, Sustainability, and Circular Economy. She leads the cooperative doctoral program with Tallinn University of Technology, focusing on 'Innovative Supply Chain Management in the Context of Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Management.' Her research spans funded projects like the 'Emission-free campus transport' (€200,000) and collaborations with organizations such as Hendricks, Rost & CIE and Lumics GmbH. Her academic roles include membership in the Senate Committee for Research, Transfer and Innovation, the Ethics Committee, and the Contact Point against Racism. She supervises doctoral students at the Schwäbisch Hall campus and actively contributes to international conferences and journals, including the 'Supply Management' symposium and 'GSI Journals Serie C.' Key research themes include sustainable procurement, risk management in supply chains, and digital technologies in logistics. Recent work explores circular economy innovations, cross-cultural communication, and the environmental impact of consumer choices. Research Collaborations: Philips University of Marburg (Innovative Supply Chain Management) Lumics GmbH (Process Orientation and Disruption Management) Grants: €200,000 from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for 'Emission-free Campus Transport.' Her publications address sustainability in various sectors, including automotive, construction, and retail, with a focus on practical case studies and policy implications.
