The second day of the POMS India International 2024 Conference at IIM Ranchi started with engaging discussions, impactful research presentations, and thought-provoking insights. With the overarching theme, “Reimagining the Future of Operations for Resilience and Sustainability in a Digital World,” the day brought together a distinguished group of academicians, professionals, and industry leaders, driving conversations on the future of operations management.
The POMS India Chapter Board Meeting set the tone for advancing the chapter’s mission to foster collaboration and innovation in production and operations management. Concurrently, conference paper presentations offered a platform for scholars to share cutting-edge research. These presentations spanned key themes, including the transformative Role of Digital Technology in Reshaping Business, a Human-Focused Approach to Operations Management, and Resiliency in Operations Management. Each track delved into organizations’ challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing, interconnected world.
The morning sessions seamlessly transitioned into a keynote by Prof. Rachana Shah of the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. Her address, “Identifying and Mitigating the Unintended Consequences of Digital Solutions to Operational Problems,” explored the nuances of digital transformation and its unexpected operational challenges. The session offered practical insights into balancing technological innovation with operational efficiency and sustainability.
Later, the conference featured a keynote by Prof. Suresh P. Sethi from the University of Texas at Dallas. His talk, “Building the Operations Management Area from Nowhere to Here (1996–2023),” provided an inspiring narrative on the rapid rise of UT Dallas’ Operations Management department, which achieved the top spot in research rankings from a modest No. 77 position in 1997. Prof. Sethi shared anecdotes and strategies that drove this exceptional growth, highlighting the role of internal vision, institutional support, and external collaboration in achieving excellence.
The day concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on “Sustainability in Maritime Logistics and the Role of Digitization.” Experts from academia and industry shared insights on navigating the balance between economic performance and environmental responsibility in maritime logistics. The discussion underscored how digitization is revolutionizing this sector, enhancing operational efficiency while addressing critical sustainability challenges.
The POMS India Chapter is pivotal in fostering collaboration and innovation in operations management. Providing a platform for knowledge exchange and research collaboration reinforces its commitment to advancing the global mission of POMS and addressing the evolving complexities of the discipline.
Day 2 of the conference exemplified the event’s overarching goal: to reimagine operations management for a resilient and sustainable future in the digital era. With its enriching sessions and impactful discussions, the conference remains a vital forum for shaping the future of production and operations management globally.
