Teaching & Research Tracks And Chairs
Teaching Tracks
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INNOVATIVE EDUCATION
The Innovative Education track at the Decision Sciences Institute annual conference is dedicated to exploring cutting-edge teaching methodologies, and practices that enhance learning experiences in the field of decision sciences. This track explores innovative approaches to curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the integration of digital tools in the classroom, experiential learning, interdisciplinary teaching, and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Join us to discover and discuss the future of education in decision sciences and how we can better prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Co-Chair: Mirjeta Beqiri, Gonzaga University- beqiri@gonzaga.edu
Co-Chair: Ardavan Asef-Vaziri, Cal State Northridge – Ardavan.asef-Vaziri@csun.edu
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AI IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
The AI in Teaching and Learning track at the Decision Sciences Institute annual conference focuses on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in education. This track explores how AI technologies are reshaping teaching methodologies, learning environments, and educational outcomes. Topics of interest include teaching AI in the classroom, AI-driven personalized learning, automated assessment and feedback, and the ethical implications of AI in education.
Co-Chair: Zsolt Ugray, Utah State University – zsolt.ugray@usu.edu
Co-Chair: Andrea Patrucco, Florida International University – apatrucc@fiu.edu
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PEDAGOGICAL RESEARCH
The Pedagogical Research Track at the Decision Sciences Institute annual conference offers an expedited review process for high-quality research papers submitted to the Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education (DSJIE). This track is designed to recognize and promote outstanding scholarly work that contributes to the advancement of education in decision sciences. Authors are invited to submit their manuscripts for consideration, with selected papers receiving a fast-tracked review and publication process. This initiative aims to highlight innovative research, foster academic excellence, and provide timely dissemination of impactful educational practices and findings.
Chair: Matthew Drake, Duquesne University – drake987@duq.edu
Research Tracks
Awards and Practice
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DECISION SCIENCES IN PRACTICE
Focuses on three aspects of practice driven research: to showcase examples for successful research collaborations between industry and academia; to highlight strategies for initiating such collaborative research; to discuss experiences in translating these collaborations into papers at top journals.
Chair: Andrew Johnson, University of Central Florida – andrew.johnson2@ucf.edu
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DOCTORAL RESEARCH SHOWCASE & AWARD
These sessions are for doctoral students who have papers in advanced stages of conceptualization. The objective of the showcase is to receive mentoring and focused feedback on these papers by dedicated discussants. This will be accomplished by matching each accepted paper with appropriate discussants to ensure high-quality feedback, in addition to receiving traditional audience feedback from attendees of the session. The goal is to provide research mentoring to doctoral students and showcase their work with the aim of facilitating their job market experience. Each session will include no more than three papers, providing ample time for discussion. We expect to accept not more than 20-30 papers for this track, with preference being given to doctoral students who are on the job-market and who would like to showcase their work.
To be considered in the track, students need to submit at least an abstract in the conference submission system under this track (there is no need to submit a full paper, and there is no need for the paper to be included the proceedings). However, to enable insightful feedback by the dedicated discussant, a full paper must be submitted to the track chair via email at the time of abstract submission, so that it can be shared with the assigned discussant. Any papers not accepted for the track will be forwarded to the most appropriate general conference track.
Submissions of high-quality doctoral student papers from all fields and topics are encouraged. DSI is also pleased to award a $300 prize for the best paper submitted to the showcase track specifically.
Chair: Deepa Goradia, Georgia State University – dgoradia@gsu.edu
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EMERGING ECONOMIES SHOWCASE & AWARD
This track is intended to provide mentorship and constructive feedback to researchers from emerging markets for development purposes, and thus is distinct from other regular tracks in several important ways.
-First, it is exclusively for researchers from emerging economies. Emerging economies generally include countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean and Asia (excluding Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and Taiwan). Submitted manuscripts could be work-in-progress papers or at advanced stages of conceptualization or development.
Second, each presenting paper will be matched with appropriate mentors or discussants by the track co-chairs to provide high-quality feedback, in addition to traditional audience feedback that the conference presentation provides. We will only have two to three papers per session with a view to provide the audience and researchers time to discuss papers.
Third, we expect to accept roughly twenty papers into this special showcase. Preference will be given to research papers that focus on emerging economies’ issues and are at relatively advanced stages of development.
Fourth, all presentations will be in a round table discussion format to foster interactive discussions and maximize the benefit for the presenting researcher. All other papers submitted to the showcase will be routed to the emerging economies regular track.
We invite submissions from researchers whose primary affiliation is universities in emerging economies. To qualify for matching with mentors, you must be the primary author of the study. Submissions should be between 8-15 pages long and in general should comprise the overall motivation of the study, the research questions, potential contributions, methodology and results (if available). Abstracts-only submissions will not be accepted for the award.
Chair: Adrian Choo, Michigan State University – chooadri@broad.msu.edu
Information Technology and Decision Sciences
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AI/ML IN DECISION MAKING
In envisioning the future of enterprise landscapes, collaboration between AI and human stakeholders stands at the forefront. This track will cover the models, tools, and strategies that facilitate effective partnerships between AI technologies and human teams. Topics will include AI’s role in driving strategic decision-making, cultural shifts towards inclusive technology adoption, and case studies demonstrating successful AI-human collaborations that have led to novel solutions and competitive advantages in decision making.
Co-Chair: Meng Li, University of Houston – mli@bauer.uh.edu
Co-Chair: Yumei He, Tulane University – yhe17@tulane.edu -
BUSINESS ANALYTICS
Brings together practitioners and academics to share cutting-edge research and applications in the area of big data and advanced analytics, and aims to show how organizations can use descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics to stay competitive in today’s data-driven world.
Co-Chair: Chenzhang Bao, Oklahoma State University – chbao@okstate.edu
Co-Chair: Yeongin Kim, Wake Forest University – kimy@wfu.edu -
CYBER SECURITY AND SYSTEM RESILIENCY
Focuses on technical, managerial, organizational, and societal research into information privacy and security challenges in a social, mobile, cloud, IoT (Internet of Things), “big data” context, in an increasingly active internal and external global threat environment.
Chair: Yiyi Fan, Lancaster University – y.fan1@lancaster.ac.uk
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Information Technology/Information Systems
Focuses on the organization, development, strategy, and leadership of digital innovations and artificially intelligent technologies. Includes research that synthesizes conceptual frameworks integrating information systems, operations management, economics, innovation, and strategy to establish the role and value of IT and artificial intelligence (AI) in realizing business value.
Co-Chair: Liangfei Qiu, University of Florida – liangfei.qiu@warrington.ufl.edu
Co-Chair: Shubham Gupta, New Jersey Institute of Technology – sg2688@njit.edu
Co-Chair: Miyeon Jung, Case Western Reserve University – miyeon.jung@case.edu
Industry-Specific Applications
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Gig Economy and Social Media Research
The gig economy has emerged based on leveraging the Internet and mobile services. Emergence of platforms to facilitate new modes of interactions in many supply chains has provided suppliers, providers, and consumers new opportunities for enabling last mile delivery and crowdsourcing of innovation, supply, or funds, among others. Additionally, social technologies are facilitating new ways of interactions between individuals and firms that can leverage AI and big data analytics to analyze user-generated content. It is changing the landscape of competition and operation in supply chains, online retailing, and healthcare, notwithstanding the future of the modality of work in several sectors. The Gig Economy and Social Media Research track invites papers related to addressing challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in these data rich environments.
Co-Chair: Kaitlin Wowak, University of Notre Dame – katie.wowak@nd.edu
Co-Chair: Sina Shokoohyar, Seton Hall University – Sina.shokoohyar@shu.edu -
Healthcare Management
Focuses on research examining concepts, strategies, processes, methods, and practices that enable healthcare organizations to increase their performance on several performance dimensions, including improving access to care, patient experiences and the quality of care, improving population health and social determinants, and reducing the cost of healthcare.
Co-Chair: Temidayo Afdepoju, Rutgers University – ta510@business.rutgers.edu
Co-Chair: Yingchao Lan, University of Nebraska, Lincoln – yingchao.lan@unl.edu
Co-Chair: Brandon Lee, University of Dayton – blee03@udayton.edu -
Humanitarian Operations and Disaster Management
Focuses on studies that exemplify good practices and recent improvements in the domain of the disaster response, as well as projects geared towards achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Co-Chair: Christopher Zobel, Virginia Tech – czobel@vt.edu
Co-Chair: Telesilla Kotsi, Ohio State University – kotsi.1@osu.edu -
Service Systems and Operations
Focused on leading edge research that enhances the understanding of services such as studies about strategy formulation, process design, improvement strategies, and service delivery mechanisms.
Co-Chair: Youngsoo Kim, Loyola University – ykim35@luc.edu
Co-Chair: Sanghoon Cho, Texas Christian University – sanghoon.cho@tcu.edu
Marketing and Strategy
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Innovation and New Product Development
Focuses on novel research and practice dealing with people, processes, systems, and technologies related to driving innovation performance and product development success in firms.
Co-Chair: Abhishek Roy, Temple University – abhishek.roy@temple.edu
Co-Chair: Kedong Chen, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – chenk16@rpi.edu -
Marketing and Consumer Behavior
Focuses on research papers that provide insights into how effective branding can help firms weather uncertainty better and engage with consumers in more effective ways.
Co-Chair: Yi Zhu, University of Minnesota – yizhu@umn.edu
Co-Chair: Xuying Zhao, Texas A&M University – xzhao@mays.tamu.edu -
Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship
Focuses on the formulation and implementation of strategy in all types of organizations as well as strategic dynamics in the marketplace. Submissions in the various areas of strategy literature, such as new venture strategy, innovation strategy, behavioral strategy, value creation, micro-level dynamics, planning routines, cognition, business models, data-driven strategy, etc. are also encouraged.
Chair: Xingzhi Jia, Renmin University of China – jiaxingzhi@rmbs.ruc.edu.cn
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Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Focuses on work that investigates (i) novel production and sourcing practices that elevate health and safety, reduce waste and pollution or even regenerate the natural environment, (ii) challenges and intended/unintended effects of implementing sustainable practices on firms and their supply networks, (iii) how organizations include social and environmental criteria in their strategic, tactical and operational decision making, and (iv) what contingencies at both firm and supply chain levels affect the willingness and ability of organizations to achieve progressively higher environmental and social performance over time.
Co-Chair: Zheng Han, DePaul University – zheng.han@depaul.edu
Co-Chair: Naga Sethuraman, University of Kansas – nagarajan@ku.edu
Operations Management
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Behavioral Operations Management
This track focuses on human behavior in operations management. Topics include decision-making, behavioral drivers of operational performance, human biases, social preferences, and team dynamics and collaboration. All research methodologies are welcome.
Co-Chair: Huseyn Abdulla, University of Tennessee, Knoxville – habdulla@utk.edu
Co-Chair: Maria Ibanez, Northwestern University – ibanez@kellogg.northwestern.edu -
Operations Finance Interface and Accounting
Focuses on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the nexus of finance, economics, and decision sciences.
Co-Chair: Mitra Devkota, University of North Georgia – mitra.devkota@ung.edu
Co-Chair: Fehmi Tanrisever, Bilkent University – tanrisever@bilkent.edu.tr -
Operations System
The Operations Systems Track brings together the complementary domains of manufacturing management, quality management, lean operations, and industrial and systems engineering to showcase state-of-the-art research and practices that drive excellence across production and service industries. We welcome a broad spectrum of scholarly approaches, including analytical, empirical, theory development, experimental design, simulation, and case-based research, that advance understanding of how organizations can optimize processes, enhance quality, and sustain high-performance outcomes.
Co-Chair: Mayukh Majumdar, University of San Diego – mmajumdar@SanDiego.edu
Co-Chair: Mateus do Rego Ferreira Lima, Indiana University – mdorego@iu.edu -
Project Management
Represents the art and science of accomplishment, whether it be through single projects, programs, or portfolios. Essential research will examine techniques and processes that assist in the completion of projects, plus investigate social and behavioral issues that impact individual careers, team performance, organizational success, and societal benefits.
Co-Chair: Param Pal Singh Chhabra, University of Alberta – param.chhabra@ualberta.ca
Co-Chair: Mona Jabbari, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs – mjabbari@uccs.edu
Supply Chains and Logistics
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Agricultural and Food Supply Chains
This research track encompasses a comprehensive exploration of food and agriculture systems, offering a broad perspective. We encourage submissions that employ analytical and empirical methodologies to achieve the following objectives: Enhanced Understanding–We welcome research that deepens our comprehension of the intricacies of the food and agriculture business and distribution environment, shedding light on challenges and opportunities.
Innovative Solutions– Submissions that propose pioneering solutions to address real-world problems encountered by the industry are highly encouraged.
Future Projections–Additionally, we invite research that anticipates and predicts the evolving landscape of food and agriculture systems, forecasting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to contributions that contribute to the advancement
of knowledge in this critical field, bridging the gap between academia and practical solutions.Co-Chair: Mili Mehrotra, University of Illinois, Champaign – milim@illinois.edu
Co-Chair: Liying Mu, University of Delaware – muliying@udel.edu -
Inclusive Operations and Supply Chains
DEI has become a pivotal and transformational element in the corporate world as well as within the society. At its core, DEI involves decisions by firms that impact people (especially under-served and underrepresented groups). This track welcomes research that aims to explore and understand how DEI interacts with various elements of decision-making. We invite submissions that will enhance our understanding of DEI through the lens of decision sciences, by answering questions such as, but not limited to: Do diverse workplaces have an operational advantage? How can an organization utilize diverse workforce to unlock hidden/untapped value? Does a focus on equity alter a firm’s operational decision making? What decisions have a positive influence on a firm’s DEI performance?
Co-Chair: Dwaipayan Roy, University of Virginia – royd@darden.virginia.edu
Co-Chair: Dustin Cole, Auburn University – djc0079@auburn.edu -
Logistics and Transportation Management
Focuses on contemporary research topics in logistics and transportation. Includes presentations that advance knowledge and theory in transportation, inventory management, distribution and fulfillment, network design and other related areas. This track welcomes papers based on all types of methodologies.
Co-Chair: EunSu Lee, New Jersey City University – elee3@njcu.edu
Co-Chair: Simone Peinkofer, Michigan State University – simonep@broad.msu.edu -
Procurement and Sourcing
Designed to facilitate presentations that advance knowledge and theory of practices evolving in the field of purchasing and supply management.
Co-Chair: Yimin Wang, Arizona State University – yimin_wang@asu.edu
Co-Chair: William Diebel, University of South Carolina – william.diebel@moore.sc.edu -
Supply Chain Management
Concerned with all aspects of the design, operation, and improvement of supply chains.
Co-Chair: Zenan Zhou, Arizona State University – zzhou119@asu.edu
Co-Chair: Aditya Vedantam, University of Buffalo – adityave@buffalo.edu
Co-Chair: Guven Demirel, Queen Mary University of London – g.demirel@qmul.ac.uk -
Supply Chain Risk and Resiliency
While the importance of supply chain risk management has been undisputed, the COVID-19 pandemic put supply chain risk management to the test. Even those companies seemingly well prepared struggled with the worldwide emergency and how to move forward. Unprecedented events like these have the ability to uncover weaknesses, and while addressing them can be a challenge, they can also serve as an opportunity to develop more resilient and robust supply chains. This track seeks submissions that focus on risk and resiliency in our current environment. Illustrative topics include, but are not limited to qualitative and quantitative supply chain models aimed at managing risk dynamics and disruptions, best practices and lessons learned from experiences made during the pandemic, strategies for navigating the “new normal,” leveraging technology and intelligence to better manage risks, or supply chain redesigns triggered by the experiences made.
Co-Chair: Iana Shaheen, University of Arkansas – ishaheen@uark.edu
Co-Chair: Jaeseok Lee, Coastal Carolina University – jlee9@coastal.edu