Managerial Perspective to Operational Excellence (PDF)

Jay's primary area of interest is in supply chain optimization, especially as it relates to demand forecasting to assist businesses to run a lean, scalable supply chain that keeps costs low and profits high. Jay currently works with researchers and consultants in this area to help develop customized machine learning and deep learning models for demand forecasting.

Jay lives with his wife, Nidhi, and daughter, Aaradhya, in Fort Worth, TX. Outside of work, Jay enjoys traveling, yoga, volunteering, and working out.

Vikas Kumar is a Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management and Director of Research at Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, UK. He holds a PhD degree in Management Studies from Exeter Business School, University of the Exeter, UK and a Bachelor of Technology (first class distinction) degree in Metallurgy and Material engineering from National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology (NIFFT), Ranchi University, India.

He has over 15 years of experience working in the area of operations and supply chain excellence. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals and International conferences including the Journal of Business Research, International Journal of Production Research, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal, Expert System with Applications, International Journal of Production Economics, Computers & Industrial Engineering, and Production Planning & Control. He has also co-authored three books on quality management systems, innovation, operations, and sustainability. He has guest-edited several special issues in high impact peer reviewed international journals. Prof. Kumar serves on the editorial board of several international journals and is a regular reviewer for many high impact international journals and conferences. He is also regularly invited as keynote speaker at major international conferences. Prof. Kumar has successfully secured funding in the excess of £1 million from various research agencies including EPSRC, Innovate UK, British Academy, British Council, and Newton Fund. He has worked on several international projects with Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Taiwan, and EU. His current research interests include Operational Excellence, Industry 4.0, Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Food Supply Chains.

Vikas lives with his wife, Archana, and son, Viaan, in Bristol, UK. Outside of work, Vikas is an avid traveler and enjoys watching movies, eating out, swimming and badminton.