The PhD Program in Business Analytics and Operations focuses on research in areas such as supply chain management, business analytics, operations, and project management. Research foci include methodology development, empirical analysis, and analytical modeling. Tools from a broad base such as operations research, probabilistic modeling, statistics, econometrics, and data mining are utilized to address real-life operational issues. Students are expected to develop a strong foundation and publish in top journals. The program mentors students with an apprenticeship model, providing an early start in independent research as well as joint work with faculty.
Research
We are a small, highly selective program, and work closely with our students to make sure that those who join our program complete it successfully and are placed appropriately.
Katz offers a breadth of research topics–many students can find a home here. Recent PhD dissertation topics have included:
- Revenue Maximization Using Product Bundling
- Business Analytics for Non-profit Marketing and Online Advertising
- The Analytic Network Process Applied in Supply Chain Decisions, in Ethics, and in World Peace
- Modeling Patient Flow in a Network of Intensive Care Units (ICUs)
- Managing Outsourcing Decisions: Government Policy, Firm Options, and the Economic Impact
- Applications of Revenue Management in Healthcare
Our collaboration frequently results in articles that are published in top journals.
External Funding
Since 2010, our program has had very close ties with the Veterans Health Administration, and has engaged in a wide variety of healthcare analytics projects with them. FY 2018 funding on VHA projects exceeds $995,000.
Placements
We are a leading program with respect to placement. Over the last decade, all students who actively sought university positions obtained them, and our recent alumni were placed as faculty members at major universities in the U.S. and Canada, and in research positions in the industry.
Curriculum
Year 1 Curriculum: Fall Term
An exploration of critical thinking.
Course |
BQOM 3016 Current Topics in Operations |
IE 2081 Nonlinear Optimization |
IE 2100 Supply Chain Analysis |
INFSCI 2725 Data Analytics |
Year 1 Curriculum: Spring and Summer Terms
A thorough examination of research methods.
Course |
BFAE 3001 Microeconomics |
BUSADM 3003 Multivariate Statistical Analysis |
IE 2007 Statistics and Data Analysis |
BMKT 3099 Readings in Business Analytics and Operations |
INFSCI 2500 Data Structures |
BQOM 2512 Advanced Decision Technologies |
Year 2 Curriculum: Fall Term
A continued study in critical thinking and research methods.
Course |
BQOM 3020 Simulation |
PSYED 3417 Structural Equation Modeling |
STAT 2321 Applied Advanced Time Series |
Year 2 Curriculum: Spring Term
A further dive into major concentrations, critical thinking, and research methods.
Course |
IE 3094 Markov Decision Processes |
PSYED 3408 Hierarchical Linear Modeling |
BQOM 3099 Readings in Business Analytics and Operations |
IE 2108 Health Systems Engineering |
Year 2 Curriculum: Summer Term
A comprehensive independent study.
Course |
BQOM 3010 Comprehensive Exams |
Year 3 Curriculum: Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms
Fully concentrated work on dissertation and service as teaching assistant.
Course |
BUSADM 3199 (9 Dissertation Credits) |
FTDF 0000 Full-Time Dissertation Study |
Curriculum: Years 4 and 5
Teach and enter the job market to defend your dissertation.
Course |
FTDF 0000 Full Time Dissertation Study |
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
My advisors unselfishly devoted their time and energy to mentor me, but also gave me the freedom to pursue the ideas I was curious about and develop myself as an independent researcher. I could have not asked for a better start to my career than my time as a PhD student at Katz.
If you’re naturally curious, observing phenomena, and wondering when they occur and what drives them, a PhD can let that curiosity become your full-time job.