Facilitating interactions between industry and academics leading to the identification of problems and teaching needs in operations management

The Fishman-Davidson Center for Service and Operations Management seeks to provide a solid research and teaching foundation that addresses the operations issues of firms in both the service and manufacturing sectors. We are particularly interested in facilitating interactions between industry and academics that can lead to identification of interesting research questions. We accomplish this goal through a portfolio of activities including direct grants to faculty, industry partnerships that bring together a group of companies around a particular issue, impact conferences that enable an exchange of information between faculty and practicing managers, and funded research projects with individual companies.

The results of research and the problems of practice are also being integrated into our educational curriculum. In this way, industry partners help to focus the research agenda of Wharton faculty and influence the course of research and teaching in the field.

For more information, contact us at WhartonFDCenter@wharton.upenn.edu.