On February 21, 2025, the UCR School of Business hosted a one-day mini-conference dedicated to Operations and Supply Chain Management research. This event brought together leading voices in the field, with distinguished faculty members and researchers traveling from Arizona State University, Indiana University, Penn State, and the University of North Carolina. The conference created an academic environment where new ideas were shared, debated, and connected back to real-world challenges in global supply chains.

Throughout the day, the invited scholars presented their most recent work. Each presentation was designed not only to showcase rigorous research but also to spark discussion about how operations and supply chain management are evolving in response to shifting business landscapes, technological innovations, and the increasing need for sustainable practices. By bringing together faculty from institutions across the United States, the School of Business positioned itself as a hub for meaningful dialogue on these pressing topics.

The range of presentations reflected the breadth of the field. Some speakers examined operational efficiency within complex organizations, highlighting methods to streamline processes and reduce inefficiencies in production and logistics. Others explored supply chain resilience in the face of disruptions, including global crises, natural disasters, and geopolitical uncertainty. These conversations underscored how businesses and policymakers must adapt strategies to ensure continuity, flexibility, and innovation.

Another thread running through the day was the role of technology in shaping the future of operations. Presenters discussed data-driven decision-making, the use of predictive analytics, and how artificial intelligence tools are becoming embedded in supply chain systems. The mini-conference provided concrete examples of how companies can harness technology to better forecast demand, manage inventory, and respond quickly to changes in consumer behavior. For attendees, these insights were valuable both as scholarly contributions and as practical lessons that could be applied in classrooms and workplaces alike.

Here are the day's presentations:

The event also highlighted collaboration across institutions. By creating a platform for scholars from Arizona State, Indiana University, Penn State, and UNC, the School of Business emphasized the importance of building bridges between universities. The exchange of ideas encouraged future partnerships in research, publications, and teaching, reinforcing the role of academic networks in driving innovation. Attendees not only listened to formal presentations but also had time to engage in informal discussions, strengthening professional ties that may lead to new projects and opportunities.

Beyond the research itself, the mini-conference demonstrated the School of Business’s commitment to providing its students, faculty, and the broader academic community with access to current thought leadership. Graduate students, faculty members, and visitors who attended walked away with a deeper understanding of the key debates shaping the discipline today. For many, it was also a chance to see how cutting-edge research translates into teaching material, case studies, and applied practices in the business world.

By the close of the day, the conference had succeeded in its goal: to foster a space for dialogue, to provide attendees with knowledge grounded in the latest advancements, and to strengthen the School of Business’s role as a convener of important conversations in operations and supply chain management. The mini-conference reflected the school’s dedication to advancing scholarship, supporting collaboration, and ensuring that both academic and industry stakeholders remain informed about the evolving dynamics of operations and supply chains.

The February 21 event was not just an isolated gathering but part of a broader effort to keep the UCR School of Business at the forefront of academic and professional engagement. Through events like this, the school continues to demonstrate that it values intellectual exchange, cross-university collaboration, and the development of insights that can make a tangible difference in the way organizations operate.

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Header image (from left to right): Dean Yunzeng Wang, Danko Turcic, Adem Orsdemir, Ozge Yapar, Elodie Goodman, Mahyar Eftekhar, Suresh Muthulingam, and Guanting Chen