The Lundquist College of Business Doctoral Program in Operations and Business Analytics prepares students for impactful academic and research careers in the fields of operations management, supply chain management, business analytics, and data-driven decision making.
The program's quantitative focus equips students with advanced analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of quantitative research methodologies. Prospective students should have a keen interest in leveraging quantitative techniques to tackle real-world business challenges and contribute to academic advancements in the field.
Our program trains students to develop expertise at the intersection of economics, applied mathematics, and business research. Students leverage their rigorous training to address complex research problems, adding value to businesses across various industry sectors such as manufacturing, service, retail, and healthcare. A notable feature of the program is the close collaboration between students and faculty members, whose research interests include retailer operations, revenue management and pricing, business model innovation, new product development, supply chain, sustainability, healthcare, queueing theory, and behavioral operations management.
Operations and Business Analytics PhD Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor Behrooz Pourghannad
Program Structure
The operations and business analytics PhD program requirements include approximately two years of coursework, completion of a second-year research paper, a comprehensive exam, and the dissertation.
Coursework
The required coursework for the operations and business analytics doctoral program falls into two categories: core and specialization. To fulfill the required coursework, students must successfully complete a minimum of 18 courses, with at least six of them chosen from a core course list. PhD students are expected to plan their course schedules after consulting with their faculty advisor to help ensure that coursework is sequenced appropriately.
Second-Year Research Paper
Students write and present a research paper at the end of the second year of the program. This paper gives students an early opportunity to learn research skills and interact with faculty and may serve as the catalyst for subsequent dissertation work. After submitting the paper, PhD students present their work to faculty and their PhD student peers by the end of the second week of their third year.
Comprehensive Exam
Each student is required to take a two-part exam spanning two core areas: optimization methods and analytics; and foundations of economic analysis. Questions are drawn from the various courses taken as part of students' first-year studies. The qualifying exam is administered near the end of the summer term in the first year.
Dissertation
A dissertation proposal is scheduled after the student has documented their research progress to the extent that the trajectory for completing the dissertation is clearly apparent to their faculty advisors. If the proposal defense is successful, then the student will receive a written document that outlines the nature of the additional work that remains to be done. Lundquist College policy requires students to defend their thesis proposal by May 31 of their fourth year. The final thesis defense is scheduled by the primary thesis advisor after they have determined that the PhD candidate has extended their research and dissertation draft to satisfactorily address the concerns documented at the time of the proposal defense. The final thesis committee typically consists of four faculty members, one being from another college within the university.
Other Program Features
The operations and business analytics PhD program also includes other processes and resources to enhance student productivity and ultimately foster good placement on the academic job market.
Financial Support
Each matriculated student receives a tuition waiver, generous stipend, and access to our expansive graduate student health plan.
Research Assistant Matching
Before each fall term, each PhD student is matched with one or more tenure-track faculty members who serve as the student's research assistant advisors during the year. Matching is done based on mutual interests and preferences. These appointments accelerate the student's growth in skills and productivity in research outcomes.
Office and Technology
Students are assigned a dedicated workspace and a computer to use for their coursework and research. Students are collocated to enhance knowledge sharing, collaboration, and student culture.
Research Funds
PhD students have access to funds from the PhD program for presenting or acting as a discussant at conferences. Funds are also available for professional development workshops and other general research expenses.
Robin and Roger Best Awards
These awards are given for doctoral research and teaching excellence. They include financial rewards for conference presentations, teaching awards, and journal submission and publication milestones.