Research
The OSCAResearch conducts innovative research to assist businesses and their supply chains in improving their performance, quality, visibility and information sharing, and in helping them identify and mitigate existing risks. The main areas of consideration encompass network design, operations management, supply chain information management, supply chain coordination and collaboration, logistics management, and related considerations for operational and supply chain safety.
A variety of data analytics and optimization techniques are employed to investigate the existing challenges and generate effective solutions and practical insights. Some of these techniques include data mining, descriptive analytics, diagnostic analytics, predictive analytics such as machine learning, clustering, prescriptive analytics, text analytics, simulation and data-driven optimization. Applying these techniques to the concerning supply chain issues results in the following distinct features for the OSCAResearch Centre (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. OSCAResearch Centre components concerning subjects, techniques, and features.
| Operations & Supply Chain | |||||||||
| Subjects: | Network Design | Operations Management | Information Management | Coordination and Collaboration | Logistics and Transportation | ||||
| Techniques: | Diagnostic Analysis | Predictive Analysis | Clustering | Prescriptive Analysis | Text Analysis | Data-driven Optimization | Machine Learning | Optimization Techniques | Data Mining |
| Features: | Interdisciplinary Approach | Innovative Research | Education & Training | Focus on Sustainability | Dissemination | Tools & Techniques | Industry Partnerships | ||
Interdisciplinary Approach
The Centre employs a multidisciplinary approach by adopting and integrating the methods and techniques from management science (e.g., optimization and simulation) and other closely related disciplines, such as statistics and computer science (e.g., data mining and machine learning), to address complex supply chain challenges.
Innovative Research
OSCAResearch is committed to conducting innovative research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge in the field of operations and supply chain management. The Centre’s research output includes cutting-edge tools and techniques that enhance operations and supply chain performance, efficiency and sustainability.
Industry Partnerships
The Centre collaborates with industry, government and other academic institutions to ensure its research outputs remain relevant to real-world challenges. These partnerships also provide opportunities for the Centre’s students to gain practical experience and exposure to industry best practices.
Education and Training
Training the next generation of operations and supply chain management leaders is another OSCAResearch feature. The Centre provides education and training opportunities to students, researchers and industry professionals through seminars, workshops and other learning activities.
Sustainability Focus
OSCAResearch’s research and activities are focused on sustainability, addressing issues related to reducing waste, mitigating risk and enhancing overall supply chain performance. The Centre’s research output includes tools and techniques to help businesses and their supply chains become more sustainable and socially responsible.
State-of-the-art Tools and Techniques
The Centre employs state-of-the-art tools and techniques for data collection, analysis, modeling, simulation and optimization. These tools and techniques are used to generate managerial insights and inform decision-making in operations and supply chain management.
Dissemination
OSCAResearch hosts dissemination workshops and training seminars to share its research findings and knowledge with a broader community. The Centre’s dissemination activities help to bridge the gap between academia and industry and to promote best practices in operations and supply chain management.