Research
At CSCI, we haven’t adopted an ivory tower approach to research. The Harbert faculty and students who work with us recognize the importance of directly addressing industry requirements.
Supply Chain Resiliency
Examining the ability to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from network disruptions.
Omnichannel Supply Chains
Investigating the strategic and operational innovations needed to serve today’s customers.
Technology Transformation
Analyzing the role and value proposition of supply chain digitalization.
Stakeholder Integration
Exploring efforts to enhance performance through the alignment of stakeholder interests.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Understanding the pivotal environmental and social impacts of supply chain processes.
Supply Chain Transparency
Assessing the ability to foster accountability and trust through information accessibility.
Applied Research
Aligned with Auburn University’s guiding principles as a land-grant institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and enriching lives, our research team is committed to producing applied research that delivers substantial value to our diverse array of stakeholders. Our portfolio of articles, industry reports, conference presentations, and working papers capture the pulse of current trends and provide actionable insights.
Academic Research
For academic thought leadership, the Auburn University SCM faculty stands at the forefront. Our distinguished research record positions Auburn in the global top 10 institutions for publications in premier empirically focused SCM, logistics, purchasing, transportation, and operations management journals. This work offers bridges academic rigor and practical application with profound managerial implications.
Faculty Experts
Glenn Richey, PhD
Harbert Eminent Scholar
Dr. Richey is a leading researcher in supply chain responsiveness, relationships, and strategy. He has presented supply chain, logistics, and international business research in 33 countries on six continents. Dr. Richey holds a PhD from the University of Oklahoma and has extensive industry experience in procurement, sales, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, operations, and retail consulting in the product wholesaling and paper industries.
Jen Blackhurst, PhD
McWane Chair and Professor
Dr. Blackhurst examines supply chain management risk, how to handle supply chain disruptions, and how companies should structure and manage their supply chain relationships to help minimize risk exposure. Her research is highly cited by fellow academics and regularly utilized by industry practioners. In addition to her extensive research capabilities, Jen is a proven leader who has previously served as associate dean for graduate programs at a highly respected university. Prior to earning her PhD at the University of Iowa, Jen served in the manufacturing industry working in several engineering and project management related roles.
Beth Davis-Sramek, PhD
Gayle Parks Forehand Professor
Dr. Davis-Sramek specializes in sustainable supply chain management, emphasizing the need for firms to meet the needs of customers at a profit, while also addressing the environmental and social concerns of their stakeholders. She holds a PhD from the University of Tennessee and has published extensively in top academic journals serving the supply chain profession.
Shashank Rao, PhD
Jim W. Thompson Professor
Dr. Rao focuses on internet retailing, logistics, and the intersection of development economics and supply chain management. A Co-Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, he frequently speaks at academic conferences, executive education seminars, and professional meetings as well as consults for companies such as Target, Aptar Pharma, and the US Department of Labor.
Rafay Ishfaq, PhD
Reed Family Professor
Dr. Ishfaq specializes in operational and service issues in supply chain management, especially the impact of strategic planning and managerial decision-making on supply chain performance. His research has addressed these issues across various industries, including omnichannel retail, e-commerce, healthcare, energy, automotive, and information systems. He holds a PhD from the University of Alabama and is the founding Faculty Director of SCM Graduate Programs at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.
Joe Hanna, PhD
Regions Bank Professor
Dr. Hanna analyzes freight transportation practices, addresses sourcing issues, and tracks third-party logistics trends across the supply chain. A former associate dean of research and interim dean of the Harbert College of Business, he now serves as Executive Director for the Center for Supply Chain Innovation and works closely with various supply chain industry-focused professional organizations. Joe worked in the petroleum, chemical, and consulting industries prior to earning a PhD in Logistics from New Mexico State University.
Tyler Morgan, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Morgan examines transparency and resilience within supply chains, as well as reverse logistics. He has experience in the finance industry and warehousing/distribution. Dr. Morgan earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama.
Tony Roath, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Roath focuses on understanding how supply chain networks respond to global environments. He previously served in the US Air Force and worked in management consulting. Dr. Roath earned his PhD from Michigan State University.
LaDonna Thornton, PhD
Associate Professor and Dean’s Fellow
Dr. Thornton examines political and social dynamics that impact the well-being and performance of supply chain employees. In addition, she studies transformative supply chains focused on improving stakeholder and customer well-being. She has experience in distribution and the transportation industry and holds a PhD in Logistics from the University of Tennessee.
Jessica Darby, PhD
Associate Professor and Dean’s Fellow
Dr. Darby explores how outside forces, such as government, regulatory agencies, and financial markets, influence supply chain operations and decision-making. She holds a PhD in Supply Chain Management from the University of Arkansas and previously worked as a commodity analyst.
Dustin Cole, PhD
Assistant Professor and Dean’s Fellow
Dr. Cole investigates how companies can be better community partners from both a social and environmental perspective. He holds a PhD in Operations & Sourcing Management from Michigan State University and, prior to his academic career, spent six years in sourcing at Mayville Engineering Company.
Mark Clark, PhD
Clinical Professor
Dr. Clark focuses on quality management and business analytics and serves as an instructor in Harbert’s Executive MBA program and. He holds a doctorate in industrial and systems engineering and spent eight years in the pulp and paper industry prior to joining Auburn.
Irv Grossman, MS
Professor of Practice
Irv Grossman is a Professor of Practice and Director of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation. Irv’s professional experience includes expertise in the Retail, Consumer Goods, and High-Tech industries. He served as Vice President at Cingular Wireless (now AT&T Mobility), where he spearheaded the development of a supply chain competency that had not previously existed.
In the decade prior to joining Auburn, Irv founded a consulting firm that became part of Chainalytics, where he played a key leadership role until its acquisition by NTT Data, a global technology consultancy. Irv holds a B.S. in Business Logistics from Penn State University and a Master’s in Global SCM from Purdue University.
What our partners are saying
“Buddy Moore Trucking’s engagement with CSCI has become a cornerstone of our strategic plan to better position ourselves in the supply chain space for the 21st century including access to world class faculty and students as well as being the recipient of data analysis from student led projects that helps us be better corporate citizens of the world while meeting our customer needs and financial goals.”