Jayashankar M. Swaminathan

Chair of Operations, Technology and Innovation Management (OTIM)
Kay and Van Weatherspoon Distinguished Professor

Teaches: Global Operations Management, Supply-Chain Management,
Operation Management Models

Leads a global immersion class: "Doing Business in India"

Teaches in the following programs: MBA, MBA for Executives, Executive Education, PhD

Research and impact on business
Swaminathan studies how companies and nonprofit groups can use supply-chain management and information technology to improve their operations.

In one big research project, Swaminathan helped the California Public Health Institute distribute more than $150 million worth of free medicine to poor people in need.

Before that, his research helped IBM change the way it built computer servers. This involved using semi-finished products - "vanilla boxes." These boxes enabled rapid customization. Now most computer manufacturers have adopted this configure-to-order (CTO) approach.

His recent research is focused on:

• The role of information in retail operations
• Managing global supply chains that span emerging economies like India and China

"I bring my work and contacts to the classroom all the time."

In his teaching, he strives "to reduce the gap between theoretical knowledge and its applications."

What UNC students should expect
At the end of each class, he believes that students "should feel that they learned the topic from the expert in the field."

"In my classes, I use different tools and approaches to create a unique learning experience for my students."

Something personal
He likes classical music, tennis, golf and cricket.

He also sings popular songs with local Indian bands.

Bio and areas of expertise

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