AUS hosts conference on technology, management, operations and decisions

The event attracted participants from 30 countries, driving global dialogue

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has transformed into a meeting ground for global thought leaders as it hosted the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Technology, Management, Operations and Decisions (ICTMOD 2024). The event, held in collaboration with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering and Management Systems, drew more than 140 participants from across the world to discuss and explore the latest advancements in technology, modeling and operations.

The three-day conference opened with remarks from Dr. Tod Laursen, AUS Chancellor, and Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, in the presence of Dr. Mohamed El Tarhuni, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS. The opening emphasized the university’s dedication to fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Aloul remarked: “ICTMOD is more than just a conference; it is a global gathering that exemplifies the vital role of research and collaboration in transforming our technological landscape. The conversations and partnerships formed here have the potential to lead to groundbreaking solutions for some of the world's most pressing challenges, from supply chain resilience to healthcare management and sustainable operations. Hosting this event at AUS reflects our commitment to being at the forefront of academic excellence and practical impact.”

The conference featured a prestigious lineup of keynote speakers. Professor Dmitry Ivanov from the Berlin School of Economics and Law presented on the integration of humans and artificial intelligence for supply chain resilience, while Professor Taesik Lee from KAIST delved into how individual decisions shape healthcare outcomes. Professor Stefan Minner of the Technical University of Munich discussed strategies for managing supply chain risk and Professor Yasser Dessouky from San Jose State University shared insights into data-driven approaches to supply chain analytics. Dr. Mahmoud Awad from AUS questioned the role of technology in sustainable development and Professor Constantin Blome from Lancaster University examined the ethical practices in conflict mineral supply chains, emphasizing the connection with modern slavery.

A highlight of the conference was an editorial panel session on publishing in high-impact journals, featuring the same keynote speakers. Targeting graduate students and early-career researchers, the session provided essential insights into the journal selection process, successful submission strategies and tips to maximize research impact.

Dr. Abdulrahim Shamayleh, Head of the AUS Department of Industrial Engineering and Conference co-chair, reflected on the event’s significance: “The diverse range of topics and the caliber of discussions at ICTMOD 2024 underscore the growing influence of interdisciplinary research in technology and management. This conference serves as a catalyst for connecting research with real-world applications, enabling our community to make substantial contributions to both academic and industry advancements.”

The conference program also included 30 parallel sessions, covering a wide spectrum of topics such as smart cities management, digital marketing, emerging technologies, healthcare systems, data science, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. 

Dr. Malick Ndiaye, Professor of Industrial Engineering at AUS and Co-chair, said: “We are thrilled to see how ICTMOD has evolved into a global platform that bridges academic theory with practical innovation. The dialogues and exchanges here will surely ignite new research initiatives and foster collaborations that extend beyond the conference walls. It is incredibly rewarding to see AUS playing a central role in facilitating these meaningful connections.”

The event was sponsored by BEEAH Group as part of its commitment to fostering academic excellence and sustainable innovation.

Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Executive Development Officer at BEEAH Group, commented: “BEEAH Group is proud to sponsor ICTMOD 2024, a platform that fosters innovation and collaboration in technology and management. By bringing together brilliant minds, this conference is driving the development of cutting-edge solutions to address global challenges like supply chain resilience and sustainable operations. We believe that the insights gained from these discussions will inspire groundbreaking innovations that benefit our communities and the planet. Together, we can harness the power of technology to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

The conference concluded with a guided tour of the AUS College of Engineering's state-of-the-art labs and visits to BEEAH Group and Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, where participants explored research and development projects that define the region’s innovation ecosystem.

The AUS Department of Industrial Engineering offers dynamic undergraduate, master’s and PhD programs designed to equip students with the skills to develop innovative, data-driven solutions for complex systems. The department emphasizes experiential learning, industry collaboration and a forward-thinking curriculum focused on sustainability and artificial intelligence. To learn more about the department, visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-industrial-engineering.