Process Management
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Overview
Process Management (PM) deals with the production and distribution of goods, services, and information. In doing so, it provides many capabilities that organizations need to compete. In particular, PM investigates how an organization can design, improve, execute, and coordinate its numerous business processes, critical issues for business success. Also fundamental in the decision models of PM is the efficient and effective use of resources such as technology, people, and information.
The subject of inquiry in Process management can vary from tactics to strategy. At the tactical level, research might focus on developing methodology to utilize resources efficiently or developing decision support systems to manage demand and supply. At the strategic level, topics might include acquisition of new technology, quality management, product design, supply chain design, and business process design. Of particular importance is the integration of these decisions with decisions and issues in other business areas. The program of study is designed to train students to be scholars who value rigorous research and teachers who are committed to educating the next generation of students about the exciting world of PM and its indispensable role in an organization.
The faculty in the area of Process management pursues research on problems that have roots in the real world. They use a wide variety of rigorous methodologies and modeling techniques to develop intuition and decision-making aides for managers. Their diverse interests, coupled with the interdisciplinary nature of many inquiries, provide and opportunity for students to experience a variety of research topics. The faculty is committed to providing students with a demanding but supportive environment. Recent graduates have received job offers from Case Western Reserve University, Bentley College, Kookmin University (Seoul Korea), University of Illinois, IBM, Samsung, and I2 Technologies.
Successful applicants will demonstrate promise in analytical problem solving. Common background include degrees in business, economics, engineering, or science, as well as prior work experience.
Course Work
The course-work in the Ph.D. program assists students in developing the essential skills for knowledge generation and dissemination:
- breadth of knowledge about business related disciplines.
- a good understanding of past research in Process management and related areas
- the methodological and analytical skills to conduct independent research relevant to the field of Process management
- the ability to synthesize past research and develop the frontiers of knowledge in the field.
The required course-work is designed to enable students to develop methodological skills. Seminar courses expose students to various area in PM and to the application of methodologies. These courses provide an opportunity to develop independent thought through critiquing past research, and to develop independent research papers. Students also complete the approve courses associated with a chosen minor area of study. Recent graduates have chosen minors in areas such as Accounting, Marketing, Economics, and Strategic Management.
In addition to the required and elective course-work, research seminars form an integral part of the doctoral program. At these seminars, students are exposed to recent developments in Process management research and, beginning in their second year of study in the Ph.D. program, are expected to present their own research at least once a year. The course work and seminars should help students identify a dissertation topic, the research and writing of which is the focus of the third and fourth years.
Faculty
For a complete list of Process Management faculty members please visit our faculty directory.
Current Students
For a complete list of current candidates in Process Management please visit our PhD student directory.
Recent Dissertations
- "Modular Product Line Design", Kilsun Kim
- "Parallel Machine Scheduling In Manufacturing Systems: The Impact of a Shared Resource and Multiple Stages", Sanjeev Sinha
- "Integrated Technology and Product Design Decisions with Market-Based Learning", Marilyn Lucas
- "Manufacturing Technology Adoption in Dynamic Product Environment", Elias Kourpas
- "Optimal Single and Multiple Source Purchasing Arrangements", Jeong-Wook Choi
