I had the pleasure of working at the IBM T. J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, NY. My students and I consulted for various companies, including Abbott Labs, IBM, Procter & Gamble, British Petroleum as well as small and start-up companies. I received awards for my contributions to various companies, including IBM, British Petroleum, and Procter & Gamble.
Staples Grant and Projects:
During the 2015 – 2016 academic year, I received a grant from Staples in order to conduct two different projects. The grant was administered by Syracuse University’s Office of Sponsored Programs, and it was brought into the H.H. Franklin Center for Supply Chain Management. In one of the projects, we conducted a data-intensive inventory analysis in order to maximize operational excellence at fulfillment centers. In the second project, we built a new capacity decision model that considered various disruption risks. Our supply chain risk project is accepted by the executives of the company, and it is used by Staples. The projects assembled a total of 6 faculty members and 19 students. Here is a testimonial from students who got involved in these projects: https://ensemble.syr.edu/Watch/d6AFr28T.
In the fall of 2012, my students and I completed projects with the following three organizations:
1. Gaylord Brothers: This firm is a well-known furniture maker for libraries and schools. The firm is interested in various projects: (i) supply chain solutions involving dual sourcing, (ii) supplier risk management that identifies credit and bankruptcy risks of key suppliers before they file for Chapter 11, and (iii) how to enter emerging markets such as Afghanistan. Watch Ms. Michelle Tarnow of Gaylord Brothers describe these projects.
2. New York State Maple Producers Association: While most consumers associate maple syrup with the state of Vermont, the state of New York produces a significant amount, predicted to be larger than that of Vermont. We are working on two projects with this association: (i) how to penetrate high-end retail chains by educating consumers about the local and natural production of high-quality maple syrup obtained in the state of New York, and (ii) how to expand markets internationally. Watch Ms. Helen Thomas, Executive Director of the New York State’s Maple Syrup Producers’ Association, describe these challenges.
3. Craftistas: This is a new start-up coming out of Syracuse University’s infamous incubator the Tech Garden. The firm is focused on selling do-it-yourself craft kits through a subscription system. We are working on two projects with Craftistas: (i) identify the point when to switch to a large-scale distribution facility, and (ii) determine the best way to source ingredients for kits, and explore whether similar subscription kits can be provided in international markets (e.g. South East Asia). Watch Ms. Camille Malkiewicz, the founder of Craftistas describe the projects.