Keynote Speakers
Recent Investment Opportunities and Sustainability Concerns in North America
Prof. Mostafa Hajiaghaei-Keshteli
University Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
Short Biography:
Prof. Mostafa Hahiaghaei-Keshteli is a Distinguished Research Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Engineering and Science, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico. He co-founded the Center of Sustainable and Smart Logistics (CLIS). His main research areas are Sustainable and Smart Logistics, Supply Chain Integration and Optimization, Energy Supply Chains, MCDM, and Combinatorial Optimization. He has developed some food and agricultural supply chains as well as designing some famous and capable Metaheuristics Algorithms in optimizations, such as Keshtel Algorithm (2012). He is the principal researcher of some international research projects, such as EU Projects. Also, he is in charge of the seed grant project with the University of Ottawa, Canada. He was ranked as one of the top 5 scholars in the area of Supply Chain and one of the top 2% scientists, according to the SciVal and Scopus reports. Mostafa is ranked #1 in Closed-loop Supply Chain and Reverse Logistics in North America and #2 Worldwide. According to research.com, he is among Mexico's top 5 scholars in all engineering fields. He is also an editorial board member in some top journals in Elsevier and Springer, such as ASOC, EAAI, AIR, and ESWA. He has a solid industrial background, especially in European industries, such as Food, Dairy, Poultry, Engine, and Automotive.
Abstract:
North America, comprising the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has become a prime destination for investment, driven by factors like the USMCA, nearshoring, and shifts in global supply chains. Key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, energy, and logistics are experiencing rapid growth, offering new opportunities for businesses and investors. However, this growth comes with significant sustainability challenges. As industries expand, there is increasing pressure to address environmental concerns like carbon emissions, resource depletion, and climate change. Governments and companies are now focused on integrating sustainability into their operations, with a shift towards renewable energy, circular economies, and more efficient supply chain management.
This keynote will examine the investment opportunities in North America, highlighting sectors poised for growth, while addressing the critical sustainability concerns shaping future investment strategies. By exploring the intersection of economic expansion and environmental responsibility, the presentation will offer insights into how businesses can balance profitability with sustainability, ensuring long-term resilience and success. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on aligning investment decisions with sustainability goals in today’s evolving market.
A decision-making framework for determinants of an organization's readiness for smart warehouse
Prof. (Dr.) Sadia Samar Ali
Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering
King Abdulaziz University
Short Biography:
Sadia Samar Ali is a Full Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research, specializing in Supply Chain Management for Consumer Analytics. With a strong background in engineering and management, Dr. Ali focuses her research on Circular Sustainable Supply Chain Management and the application of AI/ML optimization techniques in developing countries. She is actively involved in international groups like EURO and IFORS, promoting sustainable practices and smart technologies. Her impressive body of work includes 80 + published papers, with many in top-tier journals, alongside three authored books. As an Associate Editor for GRETS and PLOS One, she contributes significantly to the field while mentoring students and enhancing their research capabilities. Her expertise has also led her to serve as an editorial board member in 30 + international journals, keynote speaker at various international forums on applications of data analytics and optimization in the field of technology integration such as UAVs.
Abstract:
Demanding, competitive business dynamics drive organisations to continually evaluate and adopt automation in their structural setups, particularly warehouses, for growth and profitability. Industry 4.0 technologies transform warehouse operations for reduced cost and streamlined operations and sustainability to business. The readiness of organisations to adopt these technologies is evaluated with the help of hard and soft determinants selected through a theoretical framework of Technology–Organization-Environment (TOE). The study presents a unique proposition as it considers a Multi-Criteria-Decision-Making (MCDM) analysis to rank the determinants using the Best Worst Method (BWM) based on experts of the warehousing industry. Warehouse service providers who convert their warehouses into smart modes to serve fast-moving consumer goods companies in Tier-2 cities are chosen for the structural framework. Results present the role of the 'operational efficiency of technology', 'top management', 'employee's education', and 'technical background' as the most effective driving determinants. This research provides valuable information to researchers and managers trying to upgrade their warehouse into a smart warehouse.