INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  Call for collaboration with a researcher: districting problem, territory design, network optimization

    Posted yesterday

    Dear INFORMS community,

    I am looking for an academic partner to collaborate on a paper on the districting problem. My goal is to explore how different methodologies can be used in a business setting to improve an existing territory clustering. I will provide the industry context and the practical constraints that come with "brownfield" adjustments to existing networks. 

    If you are interested in working together on this topic, please reach out. 



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    Marianna Vydrevich
    Manager, Operations Research and Network Optimization
    GAF
    Cedar Knolls NJ
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  • 2.  RE: Call for collaboration with a researcher: districting problem, territory design, network optimization

    Posted 15 hours ago

    Hi Marianna,

    This is a very interesting topic. I would be glad to explore a potential collaboration on the districting problem, particularly around methodological approaches for improving existing territory structures under real-world constraints.

    My background is in analytics, management science, and applied optimization in business settings, and I'm especially interested in how analytical models can be adapted for brownfield environments where legacy structures and practical constraints matter.

    Happy to connect and discuss fit and next steps.

    Best regards,
    Praveen Manimangalam
    Doctoral Researcher (DBA)
    Florida International University



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    Praveen ManimangalamFLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITYpmani006@fiu.edu
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Call for collaboration with a researcher: districting problem, territory design, network optimization

    Posted 3 hours ago

    Dear Dr. Vydrevich,

    Thank you for sharing this opportunity with the INFORMS community. I would be very interested in collaborating with you on the districting problem project.

    My background includes dual PhDs in Operations Management and Applied Mathematics, with research and teaching experience in operations research, optimization, graph and network modeling, and transportation and territory analysis. I have worked extensively with mathematical programming, clustering and partitioning approaches, and metaheuristic methods applied to logistics, supply chain, and network design problems. Several of my recent publications involve optimization of transportation systems and network-based decision problems that closely relate to districting and territory design.

    Your focus on improving existing "brownfield" networks particularly resonates with my applied work connecting methodological development with practical business constraints. I would be glad to explore appropriate modeling frameworks and solution approaches together.

    If this aligns with what you are looking for, I will welcome the chance to connect further and discuss ideas. I am happy to review any contextual materials you can share.

    Warm regards,

    Michael C. Agarana
    Ottawa, ON, Canada
    mcdecker777@gmail.com
    Member, INFORMS



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    Michael Agarana
    Professor
    Lambton College
    OTTAWA ON
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    Original Message


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