Independent Work Ideas and Thoughts

Due to recent changes in the curriculum, students are no longer required to complete an 895, assuming they take BUS890 in Fall 2009 or later.   If, however, you want to do some directed independent work with a professor in lieu of a regular elective, it can be a rewarding experience, a real resume differentiator and, due to close contact with industry, provide greater job opportunities and networking potential than just a mere class.   Independent work can be done for a grade as an 899 (3-unit class), and requires only one reader.  Those doing 895s or 898 still require 2 readers.

My primary area of specialization is Supply Chain Management.  Some specific interests include the California wine industry  and also analyzing (and improving) energy and emissions for supply chains.    In particular I have openings on the following projects:

• Comparing 2 different online carbon footprint calculators, analyzing their similarities and differences and making recommendations for standardization of the tools and the modeling approach.

• Mapping the carbon footprint of a product line for Method Home, Inc., and determining where tradeoffs and/or further efficiencies in transportation or sourcing may be possible.  (Requires strong oral and written communication skills, as you will need to present results to business people.)

• Surveying winery professionals about various supply chain practices.  (Requires strong oral and written communication skills, as you will need to interact with business people.)

• Investigating the placement of warehouses or staging centers for food producers to increase the overall efficiency of delivery of food to urban retailers.  This may include some optimization.

Some guidelines:

• If you are interested in working in Supply Chain Management and having me as a first reader, you will need to have completed  or currently be taking DS855: Supply Chain Management (an 800-level elective offered every the fall term). I will grant exceptions to students with professional Supply Chain experience.
• Wine-related projects involve the chance to meet with wine industry professionals.  You don't have to be a wine expert to participate, but if your interest in wine is negligible, then this is probably not a topic for you.  
• I will consider other topics, but I will turn down topics where my experience or level of interest is minimal. Likewise, there are only so many projects that I can handle a term, so I may not be able to take on yours if you ask me at the last moment or if I have a choice of other student proposals that are more relevant to my expertise or research interests.