MIT Supply Chain Expert Calls for More Applied Research

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 26, 2012 -- Dr. Mahender Singh, Executive Director of MIT Global SCALE Network and Rector of the MIT supported Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain innovation (MISI), called for more applied research in the supply chain and logistics domain. Speaking at the Distinguished Lecture Series at Middlesex University Dubai, Dr. Mahender said, “supply chains are complex adaptive systems for which solutions cannot be arrived at based solely on theory, logic, quantitative techniques and experience.”

Dr. Mahender called on academics to involve industry in research to understand the processes and complexities of real life operations to stay true to one of the key objectives of academic research namely, impact practice. He emphasized that this is possible only via applied research. Elegant theoretical solutions, be it mathematical optimization or economic models, are unable to take into consideration the highly unpredictable and dynamic business environment where step changes are frequent. The MIT Global Scale Network’s philosophy has been to focus on applied research by engaging with industry in solving real world problems and not only on abstract or theoretical ones.
Dr. Cedwyn Fernandes, Middlesex MBA Program leader said, “MIT’s Center for Transport and Logistics CTL has set a high bar for academia–industry partnership. By setting up MISI in Kuala Lumpur the exchange of ideas can now take place in Asia – the heart of the logistics industry.” He looked forward to MIT opening up a center in the UAE where Dubai is positioning itself as the world’s newest logistic hub.
About MISI

The Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation (MISI), located near Kuala Lumpur is the fourth center in the MIT Global SCALE (Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence) Network. The institute was launched as a joint initiative between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the government of Malaysia on March 22, 2011. The MIT Global SCALE Network is an international alliance of leading edge research and educational organizations, dedicated to the development and dissemination of global innovation in supply chain and logistics. http://www.misi.edu.my

About Middlesex University Dubai

Middlesex University Dubai is the first overseas campus of the internationally renowned Middlesex University in London. The Dubai campus is celebrating its seventh year in Dubai which currently enrols over 2100 students and has more than 1500 graduates. The Dubai campus offers 33 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a variety of areas including social science, arts, education, business, and IT. The Middlesex MBA program has 240 students across three cohorts is offered on a fulltime and part time basis and has specializations in Finance, Marketing, Operations & Logistics, International Business , and Business Excellence. www.mdx.ac