Georgia Tech SCL Georgia Tech SCL Georgia Tech SCL

Title:

 Diversity, equity and inclusion and racial and social justice in the field of operations research and analytics: Results from an examination of recent scholarship and university academic programs

Abstract: 

This talk describes a project to better understand the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the decision sciences. By doing so, we can identify areas for improvement in scholarship, practice and education. I discuss two recent studies: a review of recent scholarship in operations research, operations management and supply chain management intended to identify opportunities for DEI-forward work in these fields, and a survey of university programs in OR/analytics to learn about the characteristics of students, faculty, DEI-related curricula and supports for traditionally-underrepresented students.

Co-authors:

Tayo Fabusuyi, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

Elham Hesari, doctoral candidate, Public Policy PhD program, University of Massachusetts Boston

Bio: 

Michael P. Johnson is professor in the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs and special assistant to the chancellor for Black life at University of Massachusetts Boston. He received his PhD in Operations Research from Northwestern University and his BS from Morehouse College. His research addresses decision modeling for nonprofit organizations and government agencies. His primary application areas include affordable and assisted housing, community development, climate change response, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the decision sciences. He has authored multiple books, including Supporting Shrinkage: Planning and Decision-Making for Legacy Cities (SUNY Press, 2021) and Decision Science for Housing and Community Development: Localized and Evidence‐Based Responses to Distressed Housing and Blighted Communities (Wiley, 2016). He has served as INFORMS vice-president of Chapters and Fora, and was founding chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. His research has received support from the National Science Foundation, the Abell Foundation and the INFORMS Diversity Ambassadors program.