Conference Program

Diversity of inputs-people, experiences, methods, is the cornerstone of adaptability. Guessing the changes that are coming to our universities is a losing game. Designing programs with the adaptability that diversity brings doesn’t just promote equity and improve pedagogy, it ensures these programs’ survival. This workshop will describe how the Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI) at Bauer College, University of Houston has implemented this in its renowned SURE℠ experiential learning program which facilitates a value-added partnership between UH students, business executives, and under-resourced entrepreneurs. This innovative course trains students with the human-centered skills and empowers entrepreneurs for a measurable societal impact.

This interactive tutorial session features leading Operations Management text authors with 110 years of combined classroom experience. They will discuss teaching techniques including integrating videos, data analytics, blogs, podcasts, classroom exercises, guest speakers, tours, and software to present a more real-world course for students. Attendees will be invited to share and discuss their own approaches.

Our student population is Gen Z.  Gen Z is a generation that grew up facing one crisis after another; 2008-09 recession knocked their parents out of work, the era of school shootings and other domestic terrorism. They’ve only known political polarization, have watched national protests, and have soldiered on through the current pandemic and lock downs. Come to this workshop to learn about the Gen Zs – the student we serve and our new co-workers.

Workshop Coordinators: Vincent Spezzo, Vincent.spezzo@gatech.edu, Georgia Institute of Technology
 Tatiana Rudchenko, tatianarudchenko@gatech.edu, Georgia Institute of Technology

Join us in exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence Applications in teaching Operations Management and Analytics. We will have seasoned faculty share their experiences, insights, and strategies in integrating these tools into their pedagogy. We will delve into AI’s transformative potential in facilitating education in data analysis, predictive modeling, decision-making exercises, all key facets of Operations Management and Analytics. Afterward, we will conduct a guided small group discussion to allow you to discuss your own practices, common challenges, and brainstorm innovative applications of Generative AI tools in teaching Operations Management and Analytics. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching approaches with AI.

Presenter: Bob McQuaid, bob.mcquaid@pepperdine.edu, Pepperdine University
Presenter: Michael Smith, Michael.Smith@scheller.gatech.edu, Georgia Institute of Technology
Presenter: Keith Werle, keith.werle@scheller.gatech.edu, Georgia Institute of Technology

Session Focus: Teaching with AI

The purpose of this session is to concentrate on teaching with AI, specifically exploring innovative approaches to course design for Operations Management and Analytics classes. The main objective is to identify fresh ideas and best practices that can enhance the learning experience and better prepare undergraduate and graduate students for real-world challenges in the field.

Incorporating innovative approaches to course design can significantly enhance the learning experience for Operations Management and Analytics students. Utilizing Excel-based games, AI technologies, and real-world cases provides unique opportunities for active learning, skill development, and the practical application of concepts. By leveraging these approaches, educators can effectively prepare students to tackle complex operational challenges and excel in their future careers.

This workshop serves as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among educators to continuously improve course designs and ultimately benefit the students. By harnessing the power of AI in teaching, we can unlock even more potential for personalized learning, adaptive feedback, and data-driven insights. Let’s join forces to explore the endless possibilities AI offers in revolutionizing education and empowering students to thrive in the digital age.

• An interesting discussion with provocative questions will be administered among workshop participants.
• We will be offering engaging group activities.

Presenters:

1. Dr. Vincent Spezzo (Georgia Tech) will provide an overview of  the revolutionary changes  in education caused  by  AI and the best practices associated with them.
2. Dr. Robert McQuaid (Associate Professor of Decision Sciences, Graziadio Business School, Pepperdine) will share his very successful experience of  using  AI for research and teaching.
3. Dr. Mike Smith (Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech) will share his fantastic experience of using AI for teaching undergraduate students.
4. Keith Werle (Managing Director of the Business Analytics Center, Scheller College of Business) will present the industrial implications of the revolutionary changes brought about by AI in education and business. He will discuss how educators should prepare our students for the new challenges through practical experience and by fostering connections with real-life business cases.

A Q&A session will follow.

In this workshop, we will initially provide background about how team-based learning (TBL) was investigated in the literature. Secondly, we will focus on practical steps to integrate TBL in different modalities (online, on-ground, hybrid) and types of TBL. Various strategies for effective group formation will be presented. Lastly, best practices which contribute to the professional and personal growth of students as well as assist with instructional design and curriculum development strategies will be shared with the audience. The authors have developed and taught courses in both undergraduate and graduate levels where TBL was used in various modalities, lengths, and types.

Workshop Coordinator Chuck Munson, Washington State University

In this age of “classroom engagement,” instructors are searching for in-class activities that can
break up a long lecture while not necessarily using up the entire class period. This workshop will illustrate several Excel-based in-class activities that can last from 10-25 minutes and potentially engage all students in the classroom. Examples will include the Distribution Game, the Automated Beer Game, the Newsvendor Game, the Reliability Game, and the Dice Game. Associated Excel files will be made available to attendees.

Workshop Coordinator Robert Jacobs, Indiana University

In this workshop, Professor Jacobs will discuss the material in his textbooks designed to demonstrate the direct link between OSCM decisions and the financial success of the firm. The Supply Chain Improvement Model (SCIM) provides a framework for linking improvements in OSCM processes to measures that drive the financial attractiveness of a firm. The model relates measures of efficiency, operating leverage, and asset return to the impact of improvements to OSCM processes.

Workshop Coordinator Yao Zhao, Rutgers University

Many supply chain management topics are hard to lecture but easy to play out. Games and simulations can significantly increase students’ interests and improve learning outcomes while reduce instructors’ workload. In this workshop, I will demonstrate a few effectiveness-proved games such as the Hunger Chain simulation (hunger game) and FloraPark simulation (flower game) to teach important and timely topics in supply chain management such as the newsboy model, shortage gaming, supply chain competition, supply chain contracts and coordination.

Workshop Coordinator Benjamin Neve, Weber State University

Following an overview of several well-known case-analysis models, participants will discuss best practices in approaching, teaching, analyzing and presenting supply chain cases. Part of the workshop will include applying these practices (along with relevant decision tools) to mini-cases in small workgroups. Some time will be spent discussing the impact of (and potential responses to) large-language model AI tools like ChatGPT on case analysis in the university environment. Participants should come ready to learn from other faculty, share their insights and dust off their case analysis skills during the workshop.

Workshop Coordinators Tatiana Rudchenko and Vincent Spezzo, Georgia Institute of Technology

This workshop will explore the educational benefits of using an online quizzing system in teaching quantitative classes. We will focus on the proven benefits of utilizing video quizzing, such as improved student outcomes, and provide insights and best practices around implementing video quizzing in the course structure. Participants will learn how to create and implement a video quiz based on a highly reviewed video quiz system (including videos with animations) used in Management Statistics and Management Science courses. Overall, the workshop seeks to enhance the teaching experience for technology-based courses by utilizing innovative technology tools.

Workshop Coordinator Gregory DeYong, Southern Illinois University

This workshop will provide a “hands on” introduction to McGraw-Hill’s Practice Operations supply chain management simulation followed by a discussion of teaching OM with simulations. Practice Operations simulates aspects of supply chain management including supplier selection, human resources, capital investment, receiving, production, shipping and customer relations using a modular approach which introduces students to these concepts through a series of assignments. The simulation can be used to introduce students to SCM concepts, to reinforce learning objectives and to expose students to SCM careers. Workshop participants should bring a smart phone, tablet or laptop to allow full participation.

This workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge to navigate the emerging landscape of blockchain technology in supply chain management and understand its real-world utilization and paths to adoption. You will gain insights into key topics such as the philosophy of decentralization, the blockchain framework, tokenization, traceability, sustainable procurement and reporting, and the intersection of AI and blockchain in supply chain management.

Teaching principles of and decision making for sustainability is challenging due to the systemic nature of sustainability. Participants will learn about teaching tools that enable the skills to facilitate sustainable transitions. Specific focus will be placed on two innovative methods: the strategic simulated ecosystem game Eco (2018) and the Sustainability Mindset Indicator (SMI, 2021). We will share our experiences teaching with these and provide examples of impact on student learning that showcase how these tools can be used to accelerate strategic thinking and mind-set change. We will collect other approaches and methods to generate a toolbox for sustainability teaching.

Workshop Coordinator Josh Strakos, Baylor University

This interactive workshop will focus on creating LMS-based, no-cost, learner-centered course materials in OM and SCM courses. Examples will be presented. Attendees should be prepared to share an example (in small groups) of current course materials they use which are LMS-based, no-cost, and learner-centered. We will also discuss how AI such as Chat-GPT is changing the way we approach using these methods. This will be a place to exchange innovative ideas and techniques with colleagues.

Who is the Doctoral Consortium for?

The DSI Doctoral Consortium provides a unique opportunity for current Ph.D. students to learn about the academic job market process and what life is like as a faculty member. Attendees will hear from an esteemed group of junior and senior faculty members who will share experiences and tips for successfully navigating these formative years. Attendees will also have an opportunity to network with fellow Ph.D. students.

The tentative program will include:

• Session 1 – Publication Strategies in Top OM/SCM Journals
  Moderator: Dr. Luv Sharma, Associate Professor, Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

Panelists

• Xenophon Koufteros, Jenna and Calvin R. Guest Professor, Department of Information and Operations Management, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sri Talluri, John Hoagland Richard Metzler Professor in Purchasing and Supply Management, Department of Supply Chain Management, Broad College of Business Michigan State University
• Aravind Chandrasekaran, Professor of Operations, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Executive Education, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University
• Christopher Craighead, Dove Professor of Supply Chain Management, Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee
• Asoo Vakharia, McClatchy Professor, Warrington College of Business, University of Florida

Description: A key professional role young academics should master is conducting a review of a manuscript for an academic journal. Similarly, as new researchers, you will be challenged to respond professionally to the comments you receive on your own manuscripts from anonymous reviewers. This session will focus on both of these topics. First, we will take a close look at what a good review looks like, and we will discuss “what to do” and “what not to do” as you create a professional review of an academic manuscript for a journal. This will include suggestions on format, how to help the authors develop their manuscripts, and how to send the right messages to the Associate Editor and the Editor about the quality of the research paper. Senior faculty will address topics such as response formats, approaches to tackling tough reviewers, how to get clarity on vague review comments, and how not to make things worse for your paper.

Session 2 – Crafting your Research Agenda
Moderator: Dr. Luv Sharma, Associate Professor, Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

Panelists

• Anant Mishra, Associate Professor in Supply Chain and Operations, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• David Dobrzykowski, Associate Professor & Director, Walton College Healthcare Initiatives, JB Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas
• Sriram Venkatraman, Associate Professor in Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
• Deepa Wani, Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University

Description: Creating a research agenda should be a major goal for all Ph.D. students — regardless of theoretical interests, methodological preferences, or career aspirations. A research agenda helps you orient yourself toward both short- and long-term goals; it will guide your selection of classes, help you decide which academic conferences (and within those, which specific divisions) to engage in, and steer you in recruiting mentors and research collaborators. This session will discuss aspects such as what is a research plan, how to focus your research agenda for promotion and tenure, how many projects should be included in your agenda, how long your research plan should be etc.

Session 3 – How to Transition from a Ph.D. Student to a Full-time Faculty
Moderator: Dr. Luv Sharma, Associate Professor, Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

Panelists

• Justin Kistler, Assistant Professor, Supply Chain Management, Haslam College of Business, The University of Tennessee
• Jonathan Phares, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management, Iowa State University
• David Dreyfus, Assistant Professor, Department of Supply Chain Management Rutgers Business School, Rutgers University
• Telesilla O. Kotsi, Assistant Professor, Operations and Business Analytics Department, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University

Description: Transitioning from a Ph.D. student to a full-time faculty involves several changes and requires you to develop new skills and organize your time and life in a different way. In this session, participants will learn how to deal with the job market and how to best transition from being graduate students to a full-time faculty – including aspects such as time management, managing conflicting activities, establishing work priorities, balancing research, teaching, and service activities.

Session 4 – How to Write a Syllabus

Speaker:

• Qiannong (Chan) Gu, Associate Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management, Department of Information Systems and Operations Management, Miller College of Business Ball State University

Description: Your syllabus gives students a first impression of what to expect from your course and fosters their curiosity and interest. A comprehensive syllabus helps you to structure and articulate your course expectations in support of student learning. An effective course syllabus fulfills several important functions. In particular, it sets the tone for the course, it communicates what, when, and how students will learn, it clarifies for students what they need to do in order to be successful, it communicates expectations in terms of student responsibilities, and it avoids misunderstandings about course policies. This session discusses strategies and approaches to effectively writing a syllabus that defines the instructor’s role and responsibility to students; provides a clear statement of intended course goals (learning outcomes); establishes standards and procedures for evaluation; acquaints students with course logistics; and establishes a pattern of communication between instructor and students.

Session 5 – Engaging Students in Teamwork Activities

Speaker:

• John Visich, Professor of Management, Department of Management, Bryant University

Description: Team building is not just for the corporate workplace — it can also be used in business classrooms to encourage collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making. Engaging, relevant team-building activities for students can energize the classroom environment and take learning to a new level. By accomplishing group tasks, students learn to listen, trust and support each other, while developing skills such as communication and collaboration that can’t be learned from a textbook. After an introduction to these concepts, the second part of the session will involve some examples of team building activities used by senior faculty in their courses and will discuss challenges and benefits related to the integration of teamwork activities in students’ learning process.

Session 6 – How to Engage with Industry, Government and Professional Associations for Research, Education and Service
Moderator: Dr. Luv Sharma, Associate Professor, Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

Panelists:

• Nagesh Murthy, Roger Engemann Professor of Operations and Business Analytics, Department of Operations and Business Analytics, Lundquist College of Business, University of Oregon
• Pelin Pekgun, Assistant Professor, Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
• Dale Rogers, Professor & ON Semiconductor Professor of Business, W.P. Carey Supply Chain Management, Arizona State University

Description: Effective collaboration between academics, and industry, government and professional associations is critical for business and management teaching and research. It can (1) inspire research topics that are relevant to business, (2) encourage the implementation of research findings, (3) introduce professional experiences to your class, and (4) provide opportunities for serving communities. However, conducting collaborative research and engaging university-industry relationship is not always easy; professional organizations can also play a critical role, but how to connect with them and how they can help is not common knowledge. As a part of this session, you will learn about strategies for engaging with industry, government and professional association, the benefits and the drawbacks connected to it, and what professional associations in the OM/SCM field are most popular among the academic community.

DSI Luncheon for the Doctoral Consortium 11:30 am – 1 pm

How and when to apply?

If you are interested in participating in the DSI 2023 Doctoral Consortium, you will need to apply via an email to the Doctoral Consortium Coordinator, Luv Sharma.  The following documents will be requested:

• A brief statement describing why you would like to participate in the Doctoral Consortium and why you should be selected for participation (less than one page, double spaced).
• Your current CV.
• A list of 3-5 questions you would like answered during the event.

There is no additional cost to attend the Doctoral Consortium, but selected participants must register for the 2023 DSI Annual Conference to participate in the event. We encourage you to submit abstracts (the deadline is June 15^th, 2023) to participate in the conference. The conference abstract differs from the documents you submit for participating in the doctoral consortium. Check the DSI conference website for details.

Invitation letters will be sent by email by October 15^th, 2023.

Question about the Doctoral Consortium at the 2023 DSI Annual Conference can be directed to the Doctoral Consortium Coordinator, Luv Sharma.

Coordinator:  Luv Sharma, University of South Carolina, luv.sharma@moore.sc.edu

Want a pdf for the Doctoral Consortium? Click Here.

The Early Career Faculty Development Consortium is designed to assist tenure-track/tenured faculty in planning their career path for the upcoming years. Panels of experienced faculty will share their insight and advice.

Tentative Program

1. Introductions
2. Develop Research Streams – How to transition from the dissertation to initiate new research streams.
   Panelists:  John Bell, University of Tennessee and Pelin Pekgun, University of South Carolina
3. Become an Effective Teacher – In light of many recent disruptions in higher education, what will it take to be a successful educator?
   Panelists:  Candace Deans, George Mason University and Joy Field, Boston College
4. Industry Engagement – To stay relevant in the classroom and research, we may partner with companies for ideas and data. How can we establish such relationships?
   Panelists:  Mili Mehrotra, University of Illinois, Chris Roethlein Bryant University and Sub Samaddar, Georgia State University
5. Balancing Act – Although teaching and research have attracted us to the profession and consume much of our time, it will nto survive without service, internal and external. How can we balance research, teaching, service and life?
   Panelists:  Vijay Kannan, Utah State University, Manoj Malhotra, Case Western University and Victor Prybutok, University of North Texas
6. Conclusions

How to Apply?
To be considered for participation in the Early Career Faculty Development Consortium, please send an e-mail to conference@decisionsciences.org.

Your email should include:
1. Current CV.
2. List 2-4 questions that you would like to present to the panelists in order to advance your professional career.
Note: There is no additional cost to attend the Consortium, but selected participants must register for the 2023 DSI Annual Meeting to participate in the event.

Questions about the consortium can be directed to the Coordinator:
Amit Eynan
Robins School of Business
University of Richmond
aeynan@richmond.edu