The Information Systems and Operations Management (ISOM) specialization provides rigorous training on a broad range of data-driven techniques ranging from optimization, applied probability, and econometrics to big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. With an ultimate goal of joining prestigious international academic programs as a professor, students are prepared to apply these techniques, to inform decisions and to have a positive impact by solving pressing technological and operational challenges faced by individuals, businesses, and societies.

The specialization

The specialization relies on a plurality of research approaches including analytical, empirical, experimental, and qualitative methods. As such, it offers Ph.D. students the flexibility to customize their study to their interests and the specific needs of their research agendas.

Research in Operations Management explores strategic, operational, and behavioral aspects in manufacturing and service environments with a particular focus on: 

• Supply chain management
• Sustainability of operations
• Operations of service delivery with an emphasis on healthcare services
• New product development and the management of innovation
• Pricing and revenue management

Research in Information Systems examines the construction, implementation, and impact of technological artefacts with an emphasis on: 

• IT strategy and governance
• Virtual collaboration and IT project management
• Algorithm/AI-based applications including AI-human interaction, digital markets, and platforms
• The role of technology in online communities, social networks, services, and innovation
• Digital media and privacy

Academic environment

The ISOM Ph.D. program is highly research-focused and provides a collegial and supportive environment in which students are viewed as “junior colleagues”. They are encouraged to engage early in academic research in close collaboration with the ISOM faculty through various initiatives and program characteristics, such as:

• the low student-to-faculty ratio,
• a vibrant seminar series that permits constant interaction with leading guest speakers from top academic institutions worldwide,
• the participation in seminar series co-organized with leading European business schools that permits a constant exchange of research ideas and early feedback
• opportunities for visiting and collaborating with scholars at top academic institutions worldwide.

Who we look for

Successful applicants typically have strong technical and mathematical training and an appreciation of the social, organizational and/or business context. We particularly encourage applicants with minimum undergraduate degrees in mathematics, economics, statistics, computer science, physics, and/or engineering. Prior background in business administration is not a prerequisite for admission.

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