Distinguished Lecture Series
in Business Analytics and
Supply Chain Management
Spring 2025
Executive Lessons Learned in Analytics, Advanced Technologies and Supply Chain Management
Presented by the Stillman School of Business
Hosted by Kenneth Jones, M.B.A., Department of Computing and Decision Sciences
“Beyond the Chain: Building Earth-Centered Sustainable Supply Networks”
Presented by Michael D. Ford, Principal, TQM Works Consulting
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Trading Room, Jubilee Hall
Lunch will be served.
Join us for a thought-provoking session as we explore the evolution from traditional end-to-end supply chains (E2E SC) to Earth-to-Earth supply networks, highlighting the vital role our planet plays in every step of the supply process. From the extraction of raw materials to the ultimate disposal of waste, every supply chain has an impact on the Earth. This perspective emphasizes the urgency of adopting sustainable practices and proactive solutions.
This session will include an interactive CSR exercise challenging the audience to discern between proactive versus reactive social responsibility, as well as determining if actions are strategic.
“The Five Components of Supply Chain”
Presented by Olga Horoho, Director - SOIP/ Supply Chain, LIXIL Water Technology Americas
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 6 - 7 p.m.
Faculty Library, Jubilee Hall
The session will explore the intersection of supply chain concepts and the use of advanced technologies to drive productivity and operational efficiency into the manufacturing and sourcing functions. Specifically, Horoho will discuss the steps involved in getting a product or service from its origin to the final consumer, reviewing supply chain's complex choreography of interconnected activities, starting with raw materials and manufacturers to logistics providers, warehouses, retailers and, finally, the consumer.
Understanding the supply chain is crucial in today's interconnected world, allowing businesses to optimize efficiency, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.
“Unlocking the Importance of Supply Chains”
Presented by Denise Allec, Vice President - Industry Global Strategy, NTT DATA, Inc.
Monday, April 14, 2025 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Jubilee Hall Auditorium
Virtual option also available - View the Live Stream
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after the event.
Join us for an insightful session as we explore the far-reaching impact everyday business decisions have on a company’s supply chain, including the ability to meet customer demand, reduce operating costs, and enhance revenue. We will discuss the interdependencies between effective product design, optimizing inventory levels, improving order fulfillment and more. Learn the realities of what is behind today’s supply chain headlines!
Registration
About Our Speakers
Michael D. Ford, M.S.I.S.E., CFPIM, CSCP, CLTD, CTSC, CMQ/OE, CQA, CRE, CQE, ACPF, CPSM, CSSGB is an Earth-to-Earth Sustainable Supply Network Expert with TQM Works Consulting. He provides innovative solutions based on forty years of experience in retail, distribution, manufacturing, training, and consulting. His work history includes software implementation, business planning, inventory control, distribution planning, and corporate training. This includes a broad range of experience in manufacturing, from engineer-to-order to make-to-stock, as well as distribution, non-profits, service, and Department of Defense.
Ford combines his technical expertise with personal skills, to develop a unique outside-the-box approach to life’s challenges. He is a charismatic speaker who specializes in delivering training that is “edutaining.”
Olga Horoho is a supply chain director for Lixil Corproation, a Japanese based company
who produces kitchen and bathroom products under the American Standard, Grohe and
DXV brands. Prior to Lixil, she worked for leading corporations Union Carbide and
Dow Chemical in a variety of logistics and customer service functions.
Horoho possess extensive expertise in worldwide supply chain and global logistics, specializing in navigating these processes with sophisticated technology-based approaches including daily use of the worldwide software leader in Enterprise Resource Planning, SAP. She holds a B.A. in Economics and an M.B.A., both from Rutgers University.
Denise Allec is vice president of industry consulting, global strategy and innovation
at NTT Data, Inc., a Japanese multinational information technology service and consulting
company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. She is a highly accomplished business and digital
transformation leader with a track record of steering strategic and operational results
at the C-Suite level with high ROI.
Allec's distinguished career includes stints as the vice president and chief information officer at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, director of information management at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and several highly successful entrepreneurial endeavors in the management consulting field.
A recognized expert in business process improvement, Allec has volunteered her time to speak to Stillman School of Business classes as a guest lecturer on many occasions.