ABSTRACT

Motivated by real-world challenges in service systems, in the past decade our research team has focused on pursuing transdisciplinary approaches that rise above discipline-specific methodologies. In this talk, we will discuss two specific initiatives. The first initiative is visibility-based retail layout, which involved Psychology, Computer Science, and Marketing researchers. We first estimated various visual measures by modeling the interaction of a traveling shopper's 3D field of view with a given rack layout. These estimates served as building blocks in our proposed optimization approach for determining the optimal orientation and curvature of racks to maximize marginal impulse profit. VR-implementation of a few designs will be shared. The second initiative is related to trauma systems, which involved Trauma Surgeons, EMS providers, and state-level policy makers. We analyzed thousands of deidentified trauma records to estimate the impact of existing state-wide trauma policies and network on patient safety and costs. We subsequently used the resulting data models and policy estimates in an optimization framework to determine a trauma network that would minimize triage errors. Equity in patient safety and government subsidies were also considered. At the end of the talk, we will discuss our personal experiences working with such a broad set of researchers and practitioners during these initiatives.

BIO

Dr. Pratik J. Parikh is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Louisville. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Dr. Parikh's research in data analytics and optimization with applications in supply chain, retail, and healthcare has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, the Veterans Affairs, state of OH, and industry. His advisees have received multiple Best Paper awards at IISE Annual Meetings and national scholarships. For his contributions, he has been honored with the IISE's Logistics and Supply Chain Division Teaching Award, IISE Global Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, INFORMS Volunteer Service Award, several university awards, and Dayton Forty Under 40 Award. Dr. Parikh currently serves as the Associate Editor of IISE Transactions, Chair of the IISE Innovation Cup, and Co-Chair of a CIEADH taskforce.