Ronald C. Lasky is a Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering and a Senior Technologist at the Indium Corporation. His academic roles include teaching courses such as ENGM 187: Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship and ENGS 155: Intermediate Thermodynamics . Dr. Lasky holds a BS in Engineering Physics from Cornell University (1970), an MS in Applied Mathematics from Binghamton University (1974), and a PhD in Materials Science from Cornell University (1986). His research focuses on process optimization, electronic assembly, materials science, and environmental compliance. Notable contributions include work on lead-free solder assembly and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. He received the Member of Technical Distinction Award from the SMTA in 2021. Dr. Lasky actively engages with industry, exemplified by his collaboration with Galanz in China, exploring modern manufacturing practices and infrastructure. His insights on global supply chains and technological advancements highlight his dual academic and professional expertise.
Professor Peter Boxall is a Chair in Human Resource Management at the University of Auckland Business School, Department of Management & International Business. He holds a PhD from Monash University and an MCom from the University of Auckland. His research focuses on strategic human resource management and work-related well-being, with notable contributions to understanding high-involvement work systems and HR analytics. He has held visiting professorships at Leeds, Tilburg, and Toulouse, among others. His roles include Associate Dean (Research and PBRF) and leadership in editorial boards for journals like Human Resource Management Journal . Notable awards include the 2023 Distinguished Fellow of HRNZ and multiple Emerald Awards. He teaches courses such as MGMT 304 HR Policy and Practice and supervises PhD students in HRM. His work emphasizes bridging HR practices with organizational and societal outcomes. Education: PhD (Monash), MCom (Auckland), Distinguished Fellow HRNZ Visiting Roles: Leeds, Tilburg, Toulouse, Bath Editorial Roles: Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, Human Resource Management Journal His research addresses strategic HRM’s role in organizational success and its impact on employee well-being. Recent studies explore HR analytics, lean production effects, and Industrie 4.0 implications. Awards highlight his scholarly contributions and industry impact. Administrative leadership includes overseeing research initiatives and PBRF evaluations at the Business School. Awards: 2023 Distinguished Fellow, 2020 Emerald Literati Award Teaching: MGMT 223, MGMT 304, GLMI 705
Fabian Fagerholm is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University. His work bridges software engineering, human-computer interaction, and empirical research methodologies. He actively participates in research groups such as Software and Service Engineering (SSE) and Human-Computer Interaction and Design (HCID). Fagerholm's research explores: Continuous experimentation in software development Developer cognition and mental models Agile methodologies and team dynamics Low-code platforms and end-user programming Software engineering education and pedagogy His publications reflect a strong empirical focus, with recurring themes of human factors in technical systems and educational innovation. He has received notable awards including: Journal of Systems and Software Best Paper Award (2018) EUROMICRO SEAA Distinguished Paper Award (2017) Teacher of the Year (2013) Nokia Foundation Scholarship (2013) Fagerholm contributes to software engineering infrastructure through tools for experimentation and boundary artifacts, enhancing collaboration in distributed teams.
Dr. Muhammad Umar Farooq is a Lecturer and Module Director at York St John University's London Campus , specializing in Business, Marketing, and Project Management education for postgraduate students. He joined the university in 2022 and previously held roles as an Associate Lecturer at the University of West London, while also contributing to teaching and supervision at the University of East London and Regent’s University London. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), an MBA, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Strategy, coupled with the prestigious Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) distinction. His research focuses on digital marketing, SME innovation, AI applications in content creation, and project management strategies. Notable areas include generative AI for SME competitiveness, sustainable lean practices in construction, and agile methodologies in software development. He actively contributes to academic governance as an external examiner at Northumbria University and the University of Huddersfield. Teaching modules include Marketing Communication , Digital Marketing Strategy , Strategic Project Management , and Applied Research Project . His work bridges academic rigor with industry insights, emphasizing practical applications for organizational success. Research Awards: Recognized as FHEA. Professional Contributions: External examiner roles, LinkedIn engagement, and RaY Postgraduate Research supervision.
Christopher L. Tucci is a Professor of Digital Strategy & Innovation at Imperial College London's Business School and currently serves as Interim Vice Dean of Education. He is also the Founding Dean of NEOM's College of Business & Innovation in Saudi Arabia. Previously, he held the Chair in Corporate Strategy & Innovation at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he served as Dean of the College of Management from 2013 to 2018. His academic qualifications include a PhD in Management from MIT and multiple degrees from Stanford University: an AB in Music, BS in Mathematical Sciences, and MS in Computer Science and Computer Science. His research focuses on digital strategy, innovation management, open innovation, and business model innovation, with particular emphasis on how firms transition to new technologies and organizational forms. He has pioneered work on crowdsourcing, inter-networking, and AI-driven innovation. His award-winning article 'Crowdsourcing as a Solution to Distant Search' (co-authored with Allan Afuah) has received multiple accolades, including the AMR Decade Award in 2022. Professor Tucci teaches courses such as AI Ventures, Co-Creation in AI & Robotics, and Design Thinking. He actively contributes to academic leadership roles, including serving on the Academy of Management's Board of Governors and leading initiatives like Imperial's I-X (Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation hub). His work integrates technology, strategy, and organizational dynamics to address modern business challenges. Educations: PhD in Management, MIT (1992–1997) SM in Technology & Policy/EECS, MIT (1989–1991) BS in Mathematical Sciences, Stanford (1978–1982) AB in Music, Stanford (1979–1983) MS in Computer Science, Stanford (1982–1984) Labs/Teams: Co-Director of Imperial's I-X initiative, focusing on AI, data science, and digital innovation.
Dr. Kenan Arifoglu is an Associate Professor at the UCL School of Management. He previously held a postdoctoral position at the Ross Business School, University of Michigan (2008–2012). His education includes a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University (2012), two MSc degrees from Northwestern University (2008) and Koç University (2007), and a BSc from Koç University (2005). His research focuses on behavioral motivations in healthcare, supply chains, pricing, and entrepreneurial operations. Key projects include analyzing inefficiencies in flu vaccine supply chains and developing frameworks for high-growth startups. His work bridges operations management with practical challenges in healthcare, retail, and entrepreneurship. Recent publications address topics such as luxury brand licensing dynamics, incentive programs in healthcare systems, and the theoretical foundations of lean startup methodologies. These contributions span disciplines like marketing, operations research, and public health, emphasizing cross-sectoral applications. Dr. Arifoglu’s advising and grant activities are not detailed here. He is affiliated with the UCL School of Management and actively contributes to academic discourse through his research and teaching roles.
Zohreh Pourzolfaghar is an Assistant Professor in Management Information Systems (MIS) at the School of Business, Maynooth University (MU). She serves as Director of the IT-Enable Innovation Programme and cluster lead for the Digital Construction cluster at the Innovation Value Institute (IVI). She is also a member of Lero, the SFI Research Centre for Software. Education: PhD in Project Management (University Putra Malaysia, 2011); MSc in Management Systems and Productivity; BSc in Software Engineering. Research Interests : Focuses on digital transformation for SMEs, information management in construction, and smart city architectures. Leads EU-funded projects like EnTrust (agri-data governance), DIGI+ (sustainable digital transformation), and DigiFABs (food & beverage SMEs). Co-PI for projects such as GDI-IE (genomic data infrastructure) and PERFORM (digital retail innovation). Grants & Awards : Secured funding from SFI, Enterprise Ireland, and EU. Notable awards include the BIM Hero Award (2022) and Research Engaged Award (2022). Teaching : Courses include Digital Business, Digital Technology Governance, and Enterprise Architecture. Advises PhD students in MIS and digital transformation. Industry Collaboration : Works with firms like ArcDox and Corballis Technologies on BIM standards and data governance. Active in national and EU policy networks, including NSAI committees.
Ahmed Hammad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of Academic Integrity, ENG WIL, Co-op and Career Connections. With 25 years of industry experience as a Project Planning & Control Manager on global mega-projects (including Oil Sands, LNG, and Infrastructure across Canada, UAE, Australia, and Egypt), he brings extensive practical expertise to academia. Education: Doctorate of Philosophy, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (2009) Master of Science, Construction Engineering & Management, University of Alberta (1999) Master of Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Cairo University (1996) Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Mansoura University (1989) Research Focus: Dr. Hammad's work centers on applying smart tools to achieve sustainable construction through maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste . His research employs Machine Learning , Multi-Criteria Decision Making , Knowledge-Based Decision Support Systems , and digital twin technologies to optimize project planning, resource allocation, and sustainable material selection. He investigates the integration of BIM and Augmented Reality to enhance construction processes while reducing environmental impact. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize sustainable construction methodologies, with 60% focusing on GHG reduction, resource optimization, and decision support systems. Key themes include machine learning for labor estimation, TOPSIS/MCDM for sustainable material selection, and digital twins for production planning, reflecting his NSERC-funded projects on KBDSS and construction-oriented digital twins. Scientific Recognition: Best Paper Award at 8th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (2018) Best Paper Award at HBRC Green Smart Sustainable Buildings Conference (2024) Research Leadership: Dr. Hammad secures major industry-academic partnerships, including NSERC Mission Alliance Grants ($1.2M+) with 16 industry partners for GHG reduction projects and NSERC Alliance Grants with 9 partners for digital twin development. His completed projects include collaborations with the City of Edmonton and Alberta Ministry of Infrastructure on resource allocation models. Research Ecosystem: As leader of the Sustainable Construction Research Group (SCRG), he fosters industry-academia collaboration through regular workshops with construction firms and government agencies, focusing on translating research into practical tools for sustainable project delivery.
Susan Helper is the Frank Tracy Carlton Professor of Economics at the Weatherhead School of Management , Case Western Reserve University . She also holds the title of Professor in the Department of Economics at the same institution. Beyond academia, she served as Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce (2013–2015) and as Senior Economist on the White House Council of Economic Advisers (2012–2013). She is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Co-Chair of the National Academy of Sciences. Education: PhD in Economics, Harvard University (1987) BA in Economics, Government, and Spanish, Oberlin College (1979) Research Focus: Susan Helper's research centers on the globalization of supply chains , manufacturing revitalization , and the interplay between technology, work systems, and policy . She explores how organizational structures, relational contracts, and digital transformation influence innovation, productivity, and job quality. Her work spans both theoretical and empirical studies, with a strong emphasis on policy implications for U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Scientific Awards & Honors: Becker Friedman Fellow , University of Chicago (2018) Women of Achievement Award , Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, CWRU (2009) Professional Service & Impact: Helper has held influential roles such as Program Organizer for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (2019–2024), Editorial Review Board Member for the Strategic Management Journal (2008–present), and Member of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Technical Advisory Committee. Her advisory work bridges academic research and federal policy, shaping strategies for industrial innovation and workforce development.
Yuri Levin is a Professor at the Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, where he holds the Stephen J.R. Smith Chair of Analytics and serves as Founding Executive Director of the Smith School of Business Analytics and AI. He also leads the Scotiabank Centre for Customer Analytics. His research focuses on Analytics & AI, with expertise in revenue management, dynamic pricing, and strategic consumer behavior. Levin holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Rutgers University and degrees in Economics and Applied Mathematics from Belarus State University. Levin’s academic contributions include co-winning the 2013 INFORMS Revenue Management and Pricing Practice Prize and the 2009 INFORMS COIN-OR Cup. He has advised companies like Scotiabank, Loblaws, and McDonald’s on pricing strategies and consumer analytics. As an Associate Editor of Operations Research , he shapes academic discourse in operations research and pricing strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Operations Research, RUTCOR, Rutgers University (2001) B.S. in Economics, Belarus State University (1998) M.S. (Honours) in Applied Mathematics, Belarus State University (1998) His research explores dynamic pricing models under social influence, strategic consumer behavior, and revenue management in hospitality and retail industries. He has pioneered methodologies for optimizing pricing strategies in networked markets and developed algorithms for cargo capacity management. Awards: 2010 Queen’s School of Business Award for Research Achievement 2003 New Researcher Achievement Award Levin’s teaching spans MBA, Master of Management Analytics (MMA), and executive education programs, covering analytical decision-making and pricing optimization. His advisory work includes roles as a Visiting Professor at the Skolkovo Moscow School of Management and the University of Cambridge’s Judge School of Business.
Eileen M. Van Aken is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. (1995), M.S. (1991), and B.S. (1988) in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on performance measurement systems, lean work systems, and organizational improvement methodologies, with particular emphasis on Kaizen event effectiveness, nonprofit performance frameworks, and military organizational dynamics. Key professional roles include Editor of Engineering Management Journal (2012-present), ABET Evaluator, and Fellowships in IISE, ASEM, and the World Academy of Productivity Sciences. Recent research projects include studies on lean management in local governments, digital engineering metrics, and nonprofit performance measurement systems. She has led over 20 sponsored research initiatives, including studies funded by the Belgian Armed Forces, National Science Foundation, and Danaher Corporation. Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1995/1991), B.S. Industrial Engineering (Virginia Tech, 1988) Research Projects: Kaizen sustainability (NSF), military learning organizations (Belgian Armed Forces), and enterprise transformation frameworks Professional Roles: IISE Fellow (2014), ASEM Fellow (2010), Technical Vice President of Institute of Industrial Engineers (2012-2015) Publications emphasize Kaizen event success factors, lean healthcare systems, and nonprofit performance measurement. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks and practical applications in organizational performance improvement across industries and military contexts.
Dr. Anas Iftikhar is an International Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Lancaster University's Management School, United Kingdom. He is affiliated with the Centre for Productivity and Efficiency and contributes to the Supply Chain Management department with research focusing on contemporary supply chain challenges. Dr. Iftikhar completed his Ph.D. in Economics, Management, and Quantitative Methods from the University of Salento, Italy in May 2021. During his doctoral studies, he held visiting researcher positions at Ghent University (Belgium) and Cardiff Business School at Cardiff University (UK), gaining valuable international research experience. Prior to his academic career, he accumulated industry experience in inventory planning and operations management. Dr. Iftikhar's research primarily investigates how supply chain capabilities enhance resilience in disruptive and complex environments. His work explores the intersection of supply chain complexity, digital technologies, and resilience strategies. He employs methodological approaches including systematic literature reviews, meta-analysis, and structural equation modeling. His research has significant implications for organizations navigating geopolitical uncertainties, digital transformation, and supply chain disruptions. His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear evolution from foundational work on network trust and ripple effects to more sophisticated examinations of digital transformation's role in supply chain resilience. Recent publications increasingly focus on the synergistic effects of multiple capabilities (network capability, innovation ambidexterity) in addressing complex challenges like geopolitical turmoil. The research trajectory shows a progression from single-factor analyses to more complex, integrated models that better reflect real-world supply chain dynamics. Dr. Iftikhar actively participates in the academic community through presentations at major conferences including the European Operations Management Association (EUROMA) annual conference, IFAC Conference on Manufacturing Modelling, Management & Control, and Industrial Engineering Operations Management (IEOM) society events. He has also delivered invited talks such as 'Contemporary Issues in Logistics Management' at Bukhara State University. As an educator, Dr. Iftikhar is willing to supervise PhD students in supply chain resilience, disruption management, supply chain complexity, and innovative technologies in supply chain management. His industry experience enriches his teaching approach, bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications. His research outputs have been published in leading Operations and Supply Chain Management journals including International Journal of Production Research, Production Planning and Control, Annals of Operations Research, and Journal of Business Research.
Iris D. Tommelein serves as the Roy W. Carlson Distinguished Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of California, Berkeley's College of Engineering, where she directs the Project Production Systems Laboratory (P2SL). A globally recognized pioneer in Lean Construction, she has revolutionized architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) practices through research, industry workshops, and leadership since co-founding the Lean Construction Institute in 1997. Her educational foundation spans multiple disciplines: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management), Stanford University, 1989 M.S. in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), Stanford University, 1989 M.S. in Civil Engineering (Construction Engineering and Management), Stanford University, 1985 B.S. (5-year degree) in Civil Engineer-Architect, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, 1984 Professor Tommelein's research centers on transforming construction processes through Lean principles and digital innovation . Her work pioneers takt planning for workflow reliability, industrialized construction for labor and sustainability challenges, and mistakeproofing to eliminate errors. She integrates digital twins , AI , and optimization to develop practical decision-support systems for supply chains, logistics, and production management. Recent focus includes modular offsite construction and Industry 4.0 applications. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals intensifying research on takt planning maturity models and industrialized construction feasibility , with growing emphasis on mass timber automation and visual management systems. Her work consistently bridges lean theory with practical implementation across megaprojects, subcontracting networks, and heavy civil engineering. Her exceptional contributions have earned: Lean Pioneer Award (Lean Construction Institute, 2015) National Academy of Construction induction (2019) PPI Technical Achievement Award (2022) Robert B. Harris Award (University of Michigan, 2024) ASCE Construction Management Award (2024) - first woman recipient in 51 years Through the P2SL, she leads industry-collaborative research on production system design, mistakeproofing frameworks, and digital transformation. Her grant-funded projects develop assessment tools for industrialized construction adoption and takt planning methods adaptable to diverse project types. She actively mentors graduate students and drives knowledge transfer via workshops and the annual Construction Innovation Day. The Project Production Systems Laboratory (P2SL) operates as a global hub for construction innovation, partnering with owners, contractors, and suppliers to implement lean production systems. Current initiatives include developing serious games for mistakeproofing training, optimizing work density methods for heavy civil projects, and creating digital twins for real-time construction management.
Matt Vidal is Reader in Sociology and Political Economy at Loughborough University London's Institute for International Management and Entrepreneurship. He holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has previously been a postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, a research fellow at the Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society, and a visiting researcher at Paris Dauphine University and the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies. His research focuses on work, organizations, employment relations, labor markets, capitalist growth regimes, and capitalist crises. Vidal has developed an original theoretical framework called 'organizational political economy,' which integrates concepts from organization theory into a classical Marxist framework. His work emphasizes how contradictory developments in labor management lead to divided management approaches, where some managers adopt best practices while others settle for 'good enough' solutions, making capitalist management increasingly a source of organizational inefficiency. Vidal's research methodology combines rich empirical fieldwork (including interviews with 109 individuals across 31 firms and 169 hours of direct observation) with rigorous theoretical synthesis. His work examines not only manufacturing but also extends to education, healthcare, software development, and other sectors where managers face contradictory pressures between standardization versus discretion and deskilling versus upskilling. His 2022 book Management Divided: Contradictions of Labor Management published by Oxford University Press has received significant acclaim from prominent scholars across multiple institutions, establishing him as an important voice in critical management studies and labor sociology. The book presents a synthetic theory explaining why capitalist management often adopts relatively inefficient practices despite the existence of better alternatives. Vidal has also edited The Oxford Handbook of Karl Marx and Comparative Political Economy of Work , and has published over twenty articles or book chapters on work, human resource management, employment relations, labor markets, comparative political economy, and social theory. His contributions have been praised for their theoretical depth, empirical richness, and interdisciplinary approach that bridges sociology of work, organization theory, institutional theory, and Marxist analysis. His work has been recognized through extensive scholarly reviews and endorsements from leading academics including Paul Adler (University of Southern California), Ruth Milkman (CUNY Graduate Center), and Nathan Wilmers (MIT), who commend his ability to develop complex theoretical frameworks grounded in rich empirical evidence from American manufacturing.
Samuel Jean Bassetto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal. He serves as Director of the Continuous Improvement Laboratory (LABAC) and holds membership in multiple prestigious research groups including the Research Group on Globalisation and Management of Technology (GMT), Poly-Industries 4.0 Laboratory, Interuniversity Research Centre on Enterprise Networks, Logistics and Transportation (CIRRELT), and Institute for Data Valorization (IVADO). Dr. Bassetto's research spans multiple disciplines, focusing on continuous improvement through the integration of engineering, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, psychology, and design. His primary sphere of excellence is in New Frontiers in Information and Communication Technologies, with secondary expertise in Modeling and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health. He develops tools that place humans at the center of technology to enhance organizational performance while respecting human rhythms and cognitive limitations. His recent publication portfolio reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach, with research bridging industrial engineering, cognitive neuroscience, and AI ethics. His work addresses practical challenges in lean manufacturing assessment, racial bias in medical AI systems, cognitive data collection in natural environments, and condition monitoring for industrial machinery. The research consistently demonstrates a commitment to developing practical solutions that integrate human factors with technological innovation. NSERC Synergy Prize for Innovation recipient Principal investigator on multiple research grants from NSERC, FRQ, and MITACS Collaborations with over a dozen institutions across multiple countries Supervision of over 150 highly qualified personnel throughout his career Dr. Bassetto teaches specialized courses including CAP7011 (Creativity in Research), IND8444 (Continuous Improvement), IND8203 (Industrial Launch), and previously taught IND8178 (Production). His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application, with courses featuring hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, and gamification techniques to enhance learning. His supervision portfolio includes numerous Ph.D. and Master's students working on topics ranging from human-technology collaboration to reinforcement learning for production management. Through LABAC, Dr. Bassetto leads research initiatives focused on developing human-centered tools for continuous improvement in organizational settings. The laboratory conducts projects related to industrial IoT applications, cognitive aspects of process improvement, and the development of practical frameworks for organizations to enhance performance while maintaining respect for human rhythms and cognitive capabilities.
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