Dr. Burak S. Ayata has over 20 years of experience in the supply chain, technology, and retail spaces. As an adjunct professor in LIM’s Graduate Studies department, Dr. Ayata prepares students for careers in one of fashion’s most in-demand fields—global supply chain management.
Please tell us about your professional background.
I have professional experience in numerous industries, including supply chain management, shipping and logistics, consumer goods, healthcare, and retail and fashion management. I primarily conduct research in the field of technology management and in its branches.
My current role is at a Swiss-based international logistics company, where my title is Senior Director Sea Logistics, North America. I hold a BA in Economics in Business Finance from Montclair State University, an MBA in Marketing and E-business from Yeditepe University (Istanbul), and a Ph.D. in Technology Management and Global Innovation Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. I’ve also been a featured speaker at conferences and have presented several research seminars at universities.
How do you bring your professional experience into your classroom?
The courses I teach at LIM provide students with the elementary quantitative tools needed within the supply chain field, highlighting methods frequently used by many businesses while introducing a collection of newer tools designed to enhance managerial decision-making.
We look into the qualitative side of the supply chain too, with industry discussion, articles, case studies, simulations, and real-world business examples. We also look at other industries and apply those supply chain procedures to fashion.
Over the last couple of years, supply chain has become a primary topic discussed at every level of organization, government, and media. The increased buying power of consumers has made things like port congestion, trucking, warehousing, freight cost, inventory shortage, and even shoplifting hot topics. So, in class, we talk about prioritizing, optimizing, and contingency planning to cope with the current problems and plan for the future.
Did you know LIM College’s Global Fashion Supply Chain Management degree can now be earned fully online?
What do you see as some possible solutions for the supply chain issues the world is currently facing?
We see challenges being faced by the construction and materials industry, high-tech, chemical, automotive, and many other industries, including fashion.
In terms of fashion, where luxury products have advantage, “fast fashion” is the most challenged space due to price sensitivity. Solutions: Improve supply chain planning by adopting the right tools and technology, and verify what is advertised versus what is achievable in terms of production!
What can a graduate do with LIM’s master’s degree in Global Fashion Supply Chain Management?
The workforce has a lot to offer to graduates who understand things like innovation and change management, logistics, and supply chain analytics. A demand for supply chain professionals extends from entry level all the way up to board member level; opportunities are unlimited.
LIM’s program has a lot to offer for those looking to differentiate themselves from their competition and increase their knowledge rapidly.
