Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong | Performance Management | Excellence in Research

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong | Performance Management | Excellence in Research

Souphanouvong University | Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Author Profile

ORCID

SCOPUS

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bounmy Keohavong’s academic journey reflects a steady and purposeful progression in agricultural sciences. His foundation in Plant Science was laid at the National University of Laos, where his research explored soil erosion issues affecting upland agricultural regions—a critical challenge in sustainable farming. This early academic inquiry demonstrated his capacity to align scientific curiosity with pressing local agricultural needs.

Driven by a desire to expand his scientific capabilities and contribute to agricultural innovation, he pursued advanced studies at Kangwon National University in Korea. His Master’s research focused on the effects of natural and treated deep sea water on poultry health, highlighting his growing interest in animal nutrition and alternative resources in feed practices. His doctoral dissertation advanced this path further, evaluating the metabolizable energy values of biofuel by-products—an area gaining global attention due to its implications for sustainability and waste utilization. This formative academic training provided him with deep insights into agricultural ecosystems, nutrition, and feed biotechnology, setting the stage for a distinguished professional and research career.

Professional Endeavors

Since joining Souphanouvong University, Dr. Keohavong has demonstrated unwavering commitment to higher education and agricultural research. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science, he has taught, mentored, and guided numerous students while cultivating a vibrant research culture. In his leadership capacity as Director of the Office of Research and Academic Services, he has managed competitive research grants, advanced graduate education initiatives, and elevated the university’s academic journal platforms.

His academic roles are complemented by significant contributions to regional development through external consultancy. As a National Specialist with the Asian Development Bank’s SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Project, he played a key role in strengthening Laos’ feed safety and food standards. His work included developing regulatory frameworks, designing testing and harmonization plans, conducting national training sessions, and contributing to Laos’ alignment with ASEAN and international safety protocols.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Keohavong’s research encompasses animal nutrition, feed biotechnology, and food safety governance. He is particularly recognized for his work on evaluating alternative feed ingredients derived from biofuel by-products, which address both economic and ecological concerns in livestock production. His expertise also includes feed formulation, nutrient analysis, and integrating statistical and econometric tools such as SPSS and STATA to analyze agricultural and policy data.

His involvement in research grant writing and academic journal management has helped foster an ecosystem of scholarly excellence within his institution. Furthermore, his engagement in national and regional policy dialogues has supported the implementation of science-based regulations in agricultural and food sectors, aligning them with ASEAN standards. His collaborative projects have strengthened research capacity, especially through international knowledge exchange and institutional partnerships.

Accolades and Recognition

While specific awards are not listed in his profile, Dr. Keohavong’s long-term roles within academia and his appointment to the ADB’s SPS project underscore his recognized authority in the field. His dual position as academic leader and national technical expert speaks volumes about the trust placed in his capabilities by educational and policy institutions alike. His scholarly work is documented and accessible via ORCID, reflecting transparency and international visibility. His leadership in academic service and policy-based consultancy further reinforces his professional credibility and institutional standing.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Keohavong’s influence is multidimensional—shaping student learning, enhancing institutional research capacity, and contributing to national food safety systems. At Souphanouvong University, he has been instrumental in elevating academic standards, especially in promoting graduate-level research and publication culture. His participation in food and feed safety policymaking has enhanced Laos’ compliance with international food standards, directly contributing to public health and regional trade development.

Through his multilingual proficiency—fluent in Lao and English, and conversant in Korean—he effectively bridges cultural and academic gaps, strengthening cross-border collaborations. His efforts support Laos’ integration into global academic and agricultural research networks, ensuring knowledge transfer and policy innovation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Keohavong is positioned to make lasting contributions to agricultural policy innovation, sustainable livestock production, and regional academic development. With evolving educational regulations allowing greater international engagement, he is poised to build robust partnerships with global institutions. His legacy will include mentoring emerging researchers, shaping national research agendas, and contributing to resilient, knowledge-based agricultural systems in Southeast Asia.

His ongoing work reflects a visionary blend of research, education, and policy engagement. By consistently applying science for societal benefit, he embodies the role of a transformative academic leader committed to sustainable development and educational excellence.

Notable Publications

Impact of Genetically Modified Food Knowledge, Environmental, and Food Safety Concerns on Purchase Intention of Genetically Modified Food in Mediating Role of Perceived Risk: An Empirical Study in Thailand

Author: Bounmy Keohavong
Journal: World Food Policy
Year: 2020

A Study on Biomass Production of Yeast Isolated from Starter Culture (Sa Lao)

Author: Bounmy Keohavong
Journal: Souphanouvong Journal: Multi-disciplinary Research of Souphanouvong University
Year: 2018

Effects of Drinking Diluted Deep Sea Water on Growth Performance and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens

Author: Bounmy Keohavong
Journal: PSAKU International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
Year: 2018

Pellet Processing Improved True Metabolizable Energy of Jatropha Meal in Adult Rooster

Author: Bounmy Keohavong
Journal: International Journal of Trend in Research and Development
Year: 2016

Comparison of Aviary, Barn and Conventional Cage Raising of Chickens on Laying Performance and Egg Quality

Author: Bounmy Keohavong
Journal: Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
Year: 2014

Mr. Alireza Ahmadi | Lean Manufacturing | Excellence in Research

Mr. Alireza Ahmadi | Lean Manufacturing | Excellence in Research

Politecnico di Milano/Universidad Politecnica da Madrid, Italy

Author Profile

Orchid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From his earliest studies in reservoir engineering at Petroleum University of Technology Ahwaz, Alireza Ahmadi demonstrated a passion for understanding complex systems and optimizing resource use. Immersed in fluid dynamics and subsurface modeling, he built a foundation that would later evolve into a broader fascination with organizational and operational systems. His subsequent MSc in Reservoir Engineering at Islamic Azad University – Science and Research Branch (2016) deepened his technical expertise, while a parallel Master of Specialization in Project Engineering from Tose’e Higher Education Institute honed his ability to translate technical insights into actionable project plans. This blend of rigorous engineering training and project management perspectives paved the way for his MBA in Innovation Management from École des Ponts ParisTech in 2020, equipping him with strategic frameworks for fostering creativity and leading change. Today, as he pursues a dual PhD in Management Engineering and Organizational Management at Politecnico di Milano and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, his academic trajectory reflects a seamless evolution from mastering technical subsurface problems to interrogating the structures, processes, and human dynamics that drive organizations forward. His early academic journey, marked by curiosity, interdisciplinary study, and a steady build-up of analytical rigor, laid the groundwork for his transformative approach to both engineering and management challenges.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Over more than 15 years, Alireza’s professional path has woven through varied industries and roles, each contributing to his multidisciplinary acumen. Beginning as a Retail Sales Specialist, he cultivated interpersonal skills and an appreciation for customer-centric thinking. Transitioning into program management with the Iranian Ministry of Oil, he oversaw monitoring and control of mega-projects, developing early expertise in large-scale coordination and stakeholder engagement. As Senior Project Control Manager for a €400M EPC gas condensate refinery project at Kasra Refinery, he managed intricate budgets, negotiated with international partners, and led cross-functional teams, sharpening his capacity for strategic oversight under pressure. Shifting to consultancy roles in Tehran and Paris, he performed economic and technical analyses for energy market ventures and designed geothermal drilling solutions, blending technical proficiency with market insight. His tenure as International Business Development Manager at SOCOTEC Monitoring and ESTD expanded his skillset into strategic expansion and revenue planning in diverse markets. At Politecnico di Milano, he now channels this rich background into research fellow responsibilities and PhD work, optimizing business processes, applying lean methodologies in academic-industry collaborations, and mentoring students. Each professional chapter reflects his ability to adapt, lead multicultural teams, and drive operational excellence, forging a profile that bridges engineering detail, strategic thinking, and innovation leadership.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Alireza’s research interests lie at the nexus of operational excellence, lean systems, and data-driven decision-making within Industry 4.0 contexts. He has contributed to studies on workload control and human-machine interfaces, exploring how organizations harness technology to enhance productivity and adaptability. His dual PhD work examines how management engineering principles can optimize processes in uncertain markets, integrating advanced analytics and digital transformation strategies. In academic-industry projects, he has deployed lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and foster continuous improvement. Through publications on workload control and Industry 4.0 interfaces, he offers actionable insights into balancing automation with human factors, ensuring that technological advances drive not only efficiency but also employee engagement and organizational resilience. By leveraging his engineering roots, he approaches management challenges with a systems-thinking lens, modeling processes akin to complex engineering systems and applying data analytics to reveal hidden patterns and opportunities. His multidisciplinary background allows him to frame research questions that intersect technical feasibility, economic viability, and human considerations, positioning his contributions at the forefront of operational innovation in modern enterprises.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his journey, Alireza’s dedication to excellence and innovation has garnered respect among peers and mentors. His acceptance into dual PhD programs at leading European institutions attests to his academic rigor and the relevance of his research proposals. Achieving an MBA from a prestigious French school and excelling in earlier engineering degrees signal consistent high performance. In professional spheres, being entrusted with multimillion-euro project controls and spearheading international business development initiatives reflect recognition of his leadership and strategic acumen. Within academic and industry networks—such as the Project Management Institute and the Society of Petroleum Engineers—he has contributed ideas, participated in competitions, and shared best practices, building his reputation as a thought contributor. Although formal awards or honors may not all be publicly listed, the trajectory of roles entrusted to him, combined with published research outputs and mentorship roles, underscores a career marked by achievement and peer acknowledgment.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Alireza’s work has influenced both technical projects and organizational practices. By applying lean and data-driven frameworks to academic-industry collaborations, he has helped teams achieve measurable performance improvements, demonstrating how principles rooted in manufacturing and engineering can translate to broader contexts. His analyses of market entry strategies and feasibility studies for energy ventures have shaped decision-making in corporate settings, underscoring his capacity to bridge technical detail with strategic forecasting. In mentoring students at Politecnico di Milano, he passes on applied consulting insights, influencing the next generation of problem solvers. His multicultural experiences—navigating projects in Iran, France, and Italy—enhance his ability to foster inclusive collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives in tackling complex challenges. Through publications on human-machine interfaces in Industry 4.0, he informs practitioners and researchers on designing systems that harmonize automation with human roles, potentially impacting technology adoption and workforce development approaches in multiple sectors.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Alireza Ahmadi is poised to leave a lasting mark on how organizations harness engineering-inspired methodologies and digital tools for sustainable growth. His legacy will be defined by integrating rigorous analytical models with human-centric process design, guiding companies through transformation in uncertain markets. As he completes his dual PhD, the frameworks and case studies he develops may serve as blueprints for operational excellence in diverse industries. His future contributions are likely to include collaborative research projects that bring together academia and industry, leveraging data analytics, lean thinking, and emerging technologies such as AI and IoT to enhance decision-making. By continuing to mentor and share knowledge, he will multiply his impact, empowering teams worldwide to adopt resilient, efficient practices. With a foundation built on interdisciplinary learning and a track record of driving real-world improvements, Alireza’s evolving work promises to influence both theory and practice, cementing his role as a visionary in management engineering and organizational innovation.

📝Notable Publications

The impact of labor flexibility on operational efficiency in industry 5.0: a systematic literature review

Authors: Alireza Ahmadi, Alessandra Cantinia, Víctor Gómez Frías, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Journal: International Journal of Production Research
Year: 2025

A Bibliometric Perspective of Integrating Labor Flexibility in Workload Control

Authors: Alireza Ahmadi, Alessandra Cantini, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Book/Series: In Advances in Production Management Systems (IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol. 730)
Year: 2024

 Applying a process-centric approach to the digitalization of operations in manufacturing companies: a case study

Authors: Matteo Rossini, Alireza Ahmadi, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Journal/Proceedings: Procedia Computer Science
Year: 2024

Enhancing Labor Flexibility in Workload Control: The Development and Application of a Framework

Authors: Alireza Ahmadi, Alessandra Cantini, Federica Costa, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Book/Series: In Advances in Production Management Systems (IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol. 730)
Year: 2024

 Integration of Lean Supply Chain and Industry 4.0

Authors: Matteo Rossini, Alireza Ahmadi, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Journal/Proceedings: Procedia Computer Science
Year: 2024

Dr. Morgan Swink | Operations Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Morgan Swink | Operations Management | Best Researcher Award

Neeley School of Business-Texas Christian University, United States

Author Profile

Scopus 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Morgan Lee Swink’s academic journey is a testament to a lifelong dedication to learning and the pursuit of excellence. His academic foundation began at Southern Methodist University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1983. This technical background gave him a solid grounding in systems thinking and problem-solving—skills that would later be pivotal in his operations and supply chain career.

Driven by a desire to merge engineering expertise with managerial acumen, Swink pursued an MBA from the University of Dallas, completing it in December 1986. This degree allowed him to bridge the gap between technical systems and strategic business decisions. His passion for deeper academic engagement led him to Indiana University’s Graduate School of Business, where he earned a Ph.D. in 1992, specializing in Operations Management with a minor in Business Strategy. His doctoral studies provided not only the analytical tools but also the strategic perspective that became the foundation of his scholarly and professional pursuits.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Morgan Lee Swink has built a remarkable academic and leadership career, culminating in his current position as the Eunice and James L. West Chair of Supply Chain Management at Texas Christian University (TCU). He also serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation at the Neeley School of Business, where he actively leads initiatives that bridge academic research with real-world industry challenges.

Throughout his career, Swink has taken on roles that demonstrate his commitment to advancing the discipline of supply chain management. Beyond TCU, he has taught, mentored, and collaborated with students and scholars across the nation, consistently elevating the standard of teaching and research in operations and supply chain strategy. His leadership at the Center for Supply Chain Innovation showcases his belief in collaborative and applied research that delivers tangible business value.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Swink’s research portfolio is vast and impactful. His work primarily centers on innovation in the supply chain, particularly the integration of product and process technology development with operational processes. He delves into design and co-development strategies, offering insights into how companies can better manage and execute innovation projects in dynamic environments.

His interest in supply chain integration spans buyer-supplier relationships, the role of social networks, and the intricacies of internal cross-functional collaboration. These themes reflect his deep understanding of both the structural and interpersonal dynamics that drive supply chain effectiveness.

Furthermore, Swink is a thought leader in the domain of supply chain technologies, exploring how digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies—such as analytics, enterprise systems, and emerging process innovations—can reshape traditional supply chain models. His research in operations strategy is equally significant, offering valuable perspectives on the alignment of competitive priorities with capabilities and the challenges of strategic implementation in complex organizational settings.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Over the years, Morgan Swink has received numerous accolades that affirm his influence and excellence in the field. He is widely published in top-tier academic journals, and his work is frequently cited by scholars and practitioners alike. These honors are not just personal milestones; they reflect the broader value of his research to the academic community and industry.

In addition to formal awards, Swink is a respected voice in supply chain forums and conferences, often invited to speak or participate as an expert panelist. His positions of leadership within TCU, especially his stewardship of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation, are further recognition of the trust and admiration he commands within academic and corporate circles.

🌎 Impact and Influence

Morgan Swink’s impact transcends traditional academic boundaries. His work has shaped how organizations approach innovation, supplier collaboration, and digital integration in supply chains. By focusing on real-world applicability, Swink ensures that his research not only advances theory but also provides actionable insights for businesses navigating complex, competitive environments.

He is a mentor to many—guiding doctoral students, junior faculty, and professionals in cultivating a rigorous yet practical approach to research and problem-solving. His influence is also evident in curriculum development, where he continuously integrates cutting-edge topics into teaching, preparing students to meet future challenges head-on.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Morgan Swink’s legacy is poised to grow through his ongoing commitment to blending research excellence with industry relevance. His leadership at the Center for Supply Chain Innovation will continue to foster partnerships that yield innovative solutions to modern supply chain challenges. As a scholar, he is likely to push further into the realms of AI-driven decision-making, sustainability in operations, and resilient supply networks—areas that are critical in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Moreover, his legacy will live on in the many students and researchers he has inspired—individuals who are now contributing to the field with the same rigor and curiosity he has long modeled. In shaping minds, influencing practice, and advancing knowledge, Morgan Lee Swink stands as a beacon of innovation and thought leadership in supply chain management.

The role of direct equity ownership in supply chains

Authors: I.G. Haw, In–Mu G., M.L. Swink, W. Zhang
Journal: Journal of Operations Management
Year: 2023

 Firms’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: M. Klöckner, C.G. Schmidt, S.M. Wagner, M.L. Swink
Journal: Journal of Business Research
Year: 2023

Delaying supplier payments to increase buyer profits

Authors: J.J. Kovach, M.L. Swink, M. Rodríguez
Journal: Journal of Supply Chain Management
Year: 2023