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Integrating Analytics Competencies with Operations and Supply Chain Functional Excellence at the University of South Carolina

Author

Listed:
  • Sanjay L. Ahire

    (Department of Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208)

  • Mark Ferguson

    (Department of Management Science, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208)

Abstract

The Management Science Department at the Darla Moore School of Business (the University of South Carolina) is the winner of the prestigious 2024 INFORMS UPS Smith Prize. Along with the contemporary offerings in business analytics, our focus on functional excellence in the operations and supply chain domain represents a novel approach to producing analytics-savvy business graduates. In this article, we describe the architecture of the two programs and highlight the academic-industry collaboration innovations that have by their nature and scale led to unprecedented career outcomes for our graduates and benefited our industry partners in multiple ways. We offer details on the design and execution of specific initiatives and hope that more programs will replicate this difficult but effective model to produce graduates with the ability to use analytics as a means for better organizational performance rather than an end unto itself.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanjay L. Ahire & Mark Ferguson, 2025. "Integrating Analytics Competencies with Operations and Supply Chain Functional Excellence at the University of South Carolina," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 55(3), pages 179-194, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orinte:v:55:y:2025:i:3:p:179-194
    DOI: 10.1287/inte.2024.0172
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sanjay L. Ahire & John B. Jensen, 2017. "Snider Tire Optimizes Its Customers-Stores-Plants Transportation Network," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 47(2), pages 150-162, April.
    2. Sanjay L. Ahire & Manoj K. Malhotra & John B. Jensen, 2015. "Carton-Mix Optimization for Walmart.com Distribution Centers," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 45(4), pages 341-357, August.
    3. Sanjay L. Ahire & Pelin Pekgün, 2018. "Harvest Hope Food Bank Optimizes Its Promotional Strategy to Raise Donations Using Integer Programming," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 48(4), pages 291-306, August.
    4. Erin C. McKie & Sanjay Laxman Ahire, 2024. "Enhancing the Reach of Socially Missioned Nonprofits: Insights from a TOC-LP Application," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 54(2), pages 127-146, March.
    5. John B. Jensen & Sanjay L. Ahire & Manoj K. Malhotra, 2013. "Trane/Ingersoll Rand Combines Lean and Operations Research Tools to Redesign Feeder Manufacturing Operations," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 43(4), pages 325-340, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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