INFORMS Open Forum

OR/MS Tomorrow Team
Lead Editor: Kara Combs
Editorial Staff Writers: Abigail Lindner, Saeedeh Dehghani, Nandan Kumar Singh, Soham Agarwal, Alexander Scarcelli 
Editorial Board Members: Farzin Ahmadi, Harsh Anand, Haokun Du, Amir Moadab, Sen Li
Production Editors: Valentina Castañeda-Torres, Xiaoyu Ma
Webmaster: Yiwen Wang
Social Media Coordinators: Paula A. Penagos-Rodriguez, Zihan Zhang 
Faculty Advisor: Prof. David Czerwinski
INFORMS HQ Liaison: Kara Tucker

Many thanks to the entire OR/MS Tomorrow team for the excellent fall/winter edition! 

Hi Zihan,

Thank you for sharing such a useful edition with us!

Hi Icey,

Thank you for sharing your reflections with us! We're delighted to learn that you found our article enlightening. Your question about navigating the delicate balance between immediate economic challenges and long-term sustainability objectives is indeed a crucial topic. If you're keen, we would be thrilled to have you contribute an article expressing your perspectives in our next issue. Please don't hesitate to get in touch via email at orms_tomorrow@mail.informs.org. 

Additionally, we're currently expanding our team and would love for you to consider joining us. For more information on this opportunity, please visit our website: https://www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow/We-re-Hiring. 

We look forward to potentially collaborating with you!

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Zihan Zhang, PhD Candidate
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta GA
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Hello Zihaan,

Thank you for bringing the INFORMS article and sharing valuable information with us.

Among the diverse range of OR/MS-related articles, I was drawn to the one addressing "College Competition and the Connection to Rising Student Costs" from INFORMS which discusses a study conducted by economists Pavlov and Katsamakas about the significant increase in college tuition and fees over the years, particularly a 180% rise from 1980 to 2019, adjusting for inflation. They propose a hypothesis that competition among universities is a driving factor behind this tuition inflation. They use a system dynamics approach to analyze the feedback loops in higher education, focusing on how competition for resources and reputation among universities leads to increased tuition. Their study highlights the role of college rankings and the continuous investment in facilities and amenities as part of this competitive dynamic. The findings suggest that this competition significantly impacts rising tuition costs in the U.S.

From a critical thinking perspective, the article highlights the complex interplay between competition, educational quality, and costs in higher education. It demonstrates that the usual market dynamics can have unintended consequences in this sector. For instance, data science technologies like predictive analytics and machine learning could be employed to better understand and manage these dynamics. Predictive analytics can help in forecasting enrollment trends and financial needs, while machine learning could analyze patterns in student success and resource allocation. However, technologies like automated decision-making might not be as effective due to the nuanced and human-centric nature of education, where personal judgment and qualitative factors play a significant role.

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Shrunkhala Rajesh Choukade
UC Davis
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Hi Shrunkhala,

Thank you for sharing your insightful analysis of our article "College Competition and the Connection to Rising Student Costs." Your perspective on how data science technologies like predictive analytics and machine learning could be applied to better understand and manage these dynamics in higher education adds a valuable dimension to the discussion.

Given the depth of your understanding and the clarity with which you articulate these issues, we would be delighted to have you contribute an article to our next issue. Please feel free to reach out to us via email at orms_tomorrow@mail.informs.org to discuss this further.

Furthermore, we are excited to inform you that our team is expanding, and we believe your expertise and approach would be a great fit. We encourage you to consider joining our team. For more details about this opportunity, please visit: https://www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow/We-re-Hiring.

We eagerly anticipate the possibility of collaborating with you!

Hello Zihan,

Thank you for sharing the Fall/Winter 2023 edition of OR/MS with the community!

One article that particularly captured my attention was "Smart Ports: How Analytics is Reshaping the Global Shipping Industry". This piece provided insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed traditional ports into 'smart ports', leveraging advanced analytics and technology. It underestimated the pandemic's role in highlighting the vulnerabilities of maritime supply chains and the pressing need for enhanced efficiency in port operations. The article described smart ports as entities that integrate big data, machine learning, and digital technologies, not just to boost operational efficiency but also to fortify risk management, drive innovation, and foster environmental sustainability.

Reading this, I learned about how functions of data analytics and machine learning in the modernization of port operations. The transition of conventional ports into highly efficient, environmentally responsible infrastructures. However, the article also prompted me to think about the balance between embracing automation and preserving employment, alongside the persistent challenge of cybersecurity in this rapidly digitalizing sector. It shows the need for innovation to adapt to global shifts, while also considering the potential socio-economic and security issues with technological progression. This leads me to think in the era of smart ports, how is the balance between advanced automation, data analytics, and the potential impact on maritime industry employment being managed, and what strategies are being employed to combat cybersecurity threats in these increasingly digital environments?

Hi Yingyu,

Thank you for engaging with our latest issue and for highlighting the fascinating article "Smart Ports: How Analytics is Reshaping the Global Shipping Industry." Your insights into how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to 'smart ports', and the crucial role of advanced analytics and technology in this transformation are incredibly awesome.

Given this, we would be thrilled to have you share your perspectives in an article for our next issue. Your ability to weave together complex technological and socio-economic considerations would be a tremendous addition to our publication. Please contact us at orms_tomorrow@mail.informs.org to explore this opportunity.

Additionally, we are excited to announce that our team is growing, and your expertise would be a valuable asset. We encourage you to consider joining our team and bring your unique insights to our work. For more information about this opportunity, please visit our website at: https://www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow/We-re-Hiring.

We are looking forward to the possibility of working together and eagerly await your response!

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"Joaquin ""Quino""" Carretero Martinez
UC Davis
Sunnyvale CA
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Hi Joaquin,

Thank you for diving into our latest Fall/Winter 2023 issue of OR/MS Tomorrow and sharing your thoughts on the intriguing article about rising college tuition costs. Your reflection on how competition between colleges, particularly in the realm of amenities and facilities to improve rankings, contributes to tuition inflation is a significant observation. This kind of critical engagement with the content is exactly what we strive for in OR/MS Tomorrow.

Given your keen analysis and the depth of your inquiry, we would be excited to have you contribute your insights in an article for our upcoming issue. Your ability to explore and articulate these multifaceted educational and economic issues would greatly enrich our publication. Please feel free to reach out to us at orms_tomorrow@mail.informs.org to discuss this opportunity further.

Furthermore, we're thrilled to let you know that our team is expanding. Your thoughtful approach to these topics suggests you would be a great fit for our team. We encourage you to consider joining us and bringing your unique perspective to our work. For more details about this opportunity, please visit our website: https://www.informs.org/Publications/OR-MS-Tomorrow/We-re-Hiring.

We eagerly look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you and hope to hear from you soon!

Hello Zihaan,

I want to express my gratitude for bringing the INFORMS article to our notice and for sharing valuable information with us.

Among the diverse selection of OR/MS-related articles, I was particularly interested in the one that explores "Converging Pathways of Operations Research, Data Science, and Sustainable Futures - INFORMS" from INFORMS. This article discusses a study conducted by Dr. Aineth Torres-Ruiz and an M.S. student at Purdue University, shedding light on the life of an Operations Research and Data Scientist.

Dr. Aineth Torres-Ruiz, a data scientist at Fractal, discusses her role as an Operations Research Scientist, emphasizing the integration of advanced analytics to enhance decision-making in Finance, Supply Chain, and Behavioral Sciences. She highlights the importance of sustainability in both personal and professional realms, addressing challenges in incorporating eco-friendly practices into corporate decision-making. Additionally, Dr. Torres-Ruiz sheds light on the ongoing challenges for women in STEM fields and advocates for initiatives promoting inclusivity. Looking ahead, she predicts the continued significance of Operations Research in addressing complex problems and suggests a balanced approach involving collaboration and skill development in optimization and analytics.

While the article underscores the significance of tools like Azure, Python, SQL, and Pyspark in the data science domain, there's an opportunity to explore the integration of emerging technologies such as machine learning frameworks and AI algorithms for more advanced analytics. Additionally, the article mentions the challenges companies face in implementing advanced technologies, and a critical aspect could be exploring scalable and user-friendly platforms to bridge the gap between untrained workforces and sophisticated tools. Lastly, the emphasis on sustainability aligns with the current global focus, and incorporating blockchain technology for transparent and traceable sustainability practices could be a noteworthy consideration in future discussions about eco-friendly decision-making.

Hi Zihan,

Thank you for sharing such an insightful information!

Hi Zhang, 

Thanks for sharing the articles!

I was reading this article "Converging Pathways of Operations Research, Data Science, and Sustainable Futures" emphasizing the importance of optimization techniques, data analytics, and sustainability in business decision-making. It also addresses the challenges faced by women in STEM fields and the need for greater representation and support.

I was happy to see this part "She encourages building a portfolio on platforms like GitHub, personal websites, or Google Drive to showcase practical experience, as it often speaks louder than just credentials on a resume." as I have recently created my account in GitHub to build my portfolio. Glad to see I'm on the right track. But I came across one doubt, what would you say is more important in building a portfolio - the number of projects or the depth of each project? 

Hi Zihan, 

Thank you for sharing this insightful edition of OR/MS Tomorrow! 

I read the article on "Smart Ports: How Analytics is Reshaping the Global Shipping Industry". I was very interested in learning about the evolution of ports into "smart ports" and how they have posed as a challenge on maritime trade by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights how over 80% of global goods are transported by sea and how the pandemic has shown the need for improved efficiency in port operations. The concept of small ports shows the reliance on analytics, big data and machine learning to improve operational efficiency, manage risks and enhance sustainability. The article also provides examples of smart port innovation such as the Port of Gdynia and port of Antwerp, while also highlighting the future challenges we might face with cybersecurity threats and the potential impact of automation on employment. 

From the article, I gathered that traditional ports are transforming into small ports using advanced technology to meet growing demands and to prevent future disruptions in maritime trade. The article also highlights a crucial balance that needs to be maintained between technological advancements and environmental sustainability, along with addressing potential cybersecurity risks and the socio-economic impact of automation. 

After reading this article, I want to ask a few questions. Firstly, how can ports globally implement these technologies, given the diverse levels of economic and technological development across countries? Secondly, how can ports ensure the ethical use of AI and big data, considering the potential risks related to privacy and data security? I look forward to seeing your reply and reading more new articles. 

Thank you!

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Priyanka Malhotra
UC Davis
San Francisco CA
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Hi Zihan,

Thank you for sharing such a useful edition with us!

The article examines the causes of the notable rise in college tuition and fees that has occurred in the United States since 1980. With an emphasis on higher education, economists Pavlov and Katsamakas deny the conventional economic idea that competition drives down prices. Their 2023 study uses a system dynamics method to show how rising tuition costs are caused by university competitiveness, which is triggered by things like college rankings and the availability of extracurricular services. The study provides an illustration of the intricate feedback loops present in higher education, demonstrating how continuous tuition rises are a result of attempts to enhance facilities and reputation in a cutthroat market.

From this article, I deeply feel that article's insight into how competition in higher education paradoxically drives tuition up challenges conventional economic thought. It suggests a misalignment between the escalating costs and the actual educational value offered, prompting a need to reassess priorities in the higher education system.

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Rachita Harit
MSBA Student
UC Davis
San Francisco, CA
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