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Sinan Erzurumlu

  • Professor
Academic Division: Operations and Information Management
781-239-5663

Bio

Sinan Erzurumlu is Professor of Innovation and Operations Management at Babson College. Professor Erzurumlu's research, teaching and consulting interests are in the areas of sustainability, strategic innovation management, technology & operations management, and entrepreneurship. He was named a "Most Favorite MBA Professor" and "The Best 40 B-School Profs Under the Age of 40" in the Poets & Quants rankings of Business School professors. He also received Kaplan Award for Sustainability in Academics and Research, Deans' Award for Excellence in Applied Research, and Deans' Award for Excellence in Teaching at Babson College.

Professor Erzurumlu concentrates his work on helping startups and large organizations to evaluate business uncertainties and manage their innovation strategy for sustainable growth and transformation. He investigates how businesses can compete on sustainability and environmental/social impact and scale up with new business models. His research has been published in leading journals including Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Production and Operations Management, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Resources Policy, Decision Sciences Journal of Education, and Omega.

Professor Erzurumlu develops and teaches innovation, systems and design thinking, sustainability, and operations management related courses and executive education programs at Babson College. In addition, he has co-founded FutureLab on Mobility at Babson College, a design-led innovation lab with emphasis on complex problem solving for social impact. He designed and delivered an experiential project-based course at FutureLab that focuses on how students can learn and apply innovation and human-centered design principles to complex social problems for the industry and government partners. Since 2015, he has served as the Faculty Director of Babson's Full Time MBA programs. He also works with and consults for industrial clients and partners in manufacturing, healthcare, mining, and high tech.

Prior to joining Babson, Sinan has worked as a project-based consultant for Dell on service operations and as a research engineer for Center for Space Research at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned an M.S. in Operations Research/Industrial Engineering from Department of Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Management Science and Information Systems from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with distinction from Bogazici University, Turkey.

Academic Degrees

  • Ph D, The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business
  • MS, The University of Texas at Austin, Operations Research/Industrial Engineering
  • BS, Bogazici University, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Academic Interest / Expertise

Sustainability; Sustainable Innovation; Strategic Innovation Management; Innovation Strategy; Entrepreneurship; Technology and Operations Management; Decision Making under Uncertainty

Awards & Honors

  • 2022 — Babson College Deans’ Research Award , Babson College
  • 2021 — Most Favorite MBA Professor, Poets & Quants
  • 2018 — Babson College Deans’ Teaching Award , Babson College
  • 2018 — oikos Case Writing Competition Winner in Social Entrepreneurship Track , oikos International
  • 2018 — Babson Research Scholar, Babson College
  • 2016 — Babson College Kaplan Award Sustainability in Academics , Sustainability Office
  • 2015 — 40 Most Outstanding B-School Profs under 40 in the World , Poets & Quants
  • 2013 — Best Teaching Brief Award, Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education
  • 2012 — Best Case Competition Winner , Decision Sciences Institute
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Publications

Journal Articles

  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Deets, S.G., Nersessian, D., Rodgers, V.L. (2023). Strategic Engagement of Business with Sustainable Development Goals: A Systems Thinking Approach. Business Strategy and the Environment. Wiley. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Gupta, A. (in press). How to design inclusive aging innovations. Design Management Review.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Smith, N. (2022). Managing technological innovation capabilities to align exploration and exploitation for technological changes. International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Erzurumlu, Y., Yoon, Y. (2022). National innovation systems and dynamic impact of institutional structures on national innovation capability: A configurational approach with the OKID method. Technovation. Vol: 114. Technovation.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Bhaskaran, S., Ramachandran, K. (2021). Sequential product introduction by cash-constrained startups. Manufacturing and Service Operations Management. Vol: 23, Issue: 6, Page: 1505-1523.
  • Tanrisever, F., Joglekar, N., Erzurumlu, S.S., Levesque, M. (2021). Managing capital market frictions via cost-reduction investments. Manufacturing and Service Operations Management. Vol: 23, Issue: 1, Page: 88-105.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Pachamanova, D.A. (2020). Topic Modeling and Technology Forecasting for Assessing the Commercial Viability of Healthcare Innovations. Technological Forecasting and Social Change. Vol: 156. Elsevier. link
  • Deets, S.G., Rodgers, V.L., Erzurumlu, S.S., Nersessian, D. (2020). Systems Thinking as a Tool for Teaching Undergraduate Business Students Humanistic Management. Humanistic Management Journal. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Levesque, M., Joglekar, N., Tanrisever, F. (2019). How angel know-how shapes ownership sharing in stage-based contracts. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. Vol: 43, Issue: 4, Page: 773-801. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Canakoglu, E., Erzurumlu, Y. (2018). How data-driven entrepreneur analyzes imperfect information for business opportunity evaluation. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. Vol: 65, Issue: 4, Page: 604-617.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2018). What can the innovator learn from the operations manager? An operations view of innovation strategy. IEEE Engineering Management Review. Vol: 46, Issue: 2, Page: 97-102.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Yu, W. (2018). Development and deployment dynamics of sustainability-driven innovations in the electricity and energy utilities industry. Journal of High Technology Management Research, The. Vol: 29, Issue: 1.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2017). 4Cs of innovation: A conceptual framework for evaluating innovation strategy. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. Vol: 45, Issue: 3.
  • Deets, S.G., Greenberg, D., Erzurumlu, S.S., Hunt, J.M., Manwaring, M.M., Rodgers, V.L., Swanson, E. (2017). Signing to Living PRME: Learning from a Journey Towards Responsible Management Education. The International Journal of Management Education. Vol: 15, Issue: 2, Page: 205-218.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Erzurumlu, Y.O. (2015). Sustainable mining development with community using design thinking and multi-criteria decision analysis. Resources Policy. Vol: 46, Issue: 1, Page: 6-14. Pergamon Press. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Davies, J., Joglekar, N. (2014). Managing Highly Innovative Projects: The Influence of Design Characteristics on Project Valuation. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. Vol: 61, Issue: 2, Page: 349 - 361. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Erzurumlu, Y.O. (2013). Development and deployment drivers of clean technology innovations. Journal of High Technology Management Research, The. Vol: 24, Issue: 2, Page: 100-108. Pergamon Press.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Rollag, K.W. (2013). Increasing Student Interest and Engagement with Business Cases by Turning Them into Consulting Exercises. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education. Vol: 11, Issue: 4, Page: 359–381. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc..
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2013). The compatibility of durable goods with contingent generic consumables. Omega - The International Journal of Management Science. Vol: 41, Issue: 3, Page: 574-585. Pergamon Press.
  • Bell, J.E., Erzurumlu, S.S., Fowler, H. (2012). Deploying Sustainability at Solea. IMA Educational Case Journal. Vol: 5, Issue: 2, Page: 1-11. Institute of Management Accountants.
  • Tanrısever, F., Erzurumlu, S.S., Joglekar, N. (2012). Production, Process Investment and the Survival of Debt Financed Startup Firms. Production and Operations Management. Vol: 21, Issue: 4, Page: 637–652. Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc..
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Gilbert, S.M., Ramachandran, K. (2010). To Share or To Compete: Managing Revenue Streams for Innovations in Markets with Network Effects. Technology, Operations, and Management. Vol: 2, Issue: 1.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2010). Collaborative Product Development with Competitors to Stimulate Downstream Investment. Vol: 14, Issue: 4, Page: 1-30.

Cases and Teaching Notes

  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Erzurumlu, Y. (2019). Eureka.com: Moving from start-up to scale-up.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2018). Preserve: Growing a sustainable goods company . Babson College.
  • Bell, J.E., Erzurumlu, S.S., Fowler, H. (2013). Better Tomorrow at Sodexo North America. The Case Centre.
  • Bell, J.E., Erzurumlu, S.S., Fowler, H. (2013). Better Tomorrow at Sodexo North America: Teaching Note. The Case Centre.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2013). Note on Innovation Management. Babson College.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2012). Goldlake/Eurocantera Honduras. Babson College.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2012). Goldlake/Eurocantera Honduras: Teaching Note. Babson College.

Book Chapters

  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Joglekar, N., Levesque, M. (2017). Business startup operations: The Routledge Companion to Production and Operations Management. Routledge .
  • Bell, J.E., Erzurumlu, S.S., Fowler, H. (2013). Better Tomorrow at Sodexo North America: Sustainability in Supply Chain Management Casebook: Applications In SCM. Issue: 1st. Pearson.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Joglekar, N., Tanrisever, F. (2013). Operational hedging strategies to overcome financial constraints for clean technology start-up and growth: Small and Medium Enterprises: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications. Page: 1044-1063. IGI Publishing.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2012). Collaborative Product Development for Competing Suppliers: Perspectives on Supplier Innovation: Theories, Concepts and Empirical Insights on Open Innovation and the Integration of Suppliers (Series on Technology Management). Page: 129-168. Imperial College Press.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Tanrisever, F., Joglekar, N. (2011). Operational Hedging Strategies to Overcome Financial Constraints during Clean Technology Start-up and Growth: Advanced Analytics for Green and Sustainable Development: Supply Chain Models and Financial Technologies. Page: 112-131. IGI Global.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Anderson Jr., E.G., Davis-Blake, A., Joglekar, N.R., Parker, G.G. (2008). The Effects of Outsourcing, Offshoring, and Distributed Product Development Organization on Coordinating the NPD Process: Handbook of New Product Development.

Conference Proceedings

  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Canakoglu, E., Erzurumlu, Y. (2018). Data-driven entrepreneurship: A data analysis approach to business opportunity evaluation. Academy of Management.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Joglekar, N., Levesque, M., Tanrisever, F. (2015). Seeking early-stage financing and know-how: A formal assessment of contingent contract. Academy of Management.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Joglekar, N., Lévesque, M., Tanrisever, F. (2013). Avoiding capability traps through contingent contracts: The role of cash and knowhow in startups: Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research. Vol: 33. Babson College.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., Joglekar, N., Lévesque, M., Tanrisever, F. (2013). Avoiding capability traps through contingent contracts: The role of cash and knowhow in startups: Academy of Management Proceedings. Page: 11019-11029. Academy of Management.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2012). Operations Design to Enhance ARPA-E Funding for Transformational Clean Technology Startups: Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research. Vol: 32, Page: 61-75. Babson College, Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship.

Other

  • Mancha, R., Erzurumlu, S.S. (2017). 5 Digital Super Powers: An Approach to Sustainability with Digital Technologies: Research and Practice Blog. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2013). Will the Real Sustainability Leader Please Stand Up?: TriplePundit: The MBA Series. TriplePundit. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., White, W., Crawford, M., Tremblay, T., Raney, J., Neuenschwander, A. (2003). Evaluation and validation of EO-1 and Landsat-7 imagery through an analysis of land cover/land use of rates of deforestation in Belize, Central America: The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology, final report prepared for NASA Belize.
  • Erzurumlu, S.S., White, W.A., Crawford, M., Tremblay, T.A., Raney, J.A. (2002). Analysis of EO-1 ALI data to determine local impacts of Hurricane Iris on broadleaf forests in Belize, Central America: IEEE International Geosciences and Remote Sensing Symposium, Toronto.

Articles - Circular or newsletter (e.g., Babson Insight)

  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2018). 5 digital technologies every business manager must understand for digital transformation. Page: 92-96. Skylife. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2018). A new guide for entrepreneurs: Digital technologies. Skylife. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2017). The Irresistible Rise of Internet of Things: The Irresistible Rise of Internet of Things. Skylife.
  • Bhaskaran, S., Erzurumlu, S.S., Ramachandran, K. (2014). Patience pays off for startups: BizEd. BizEd. link
  • Erzurumlu, S.S. (2014). The new leader’s guide to innovation: Basics for your first 90 days: Babson Insight. Babson College.

Presentations

  • Product development decisions: A behavioral perspective Erzurumlu, S. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN (2022)
  • The Power of Entrepreneurship in Engineering and Technology Education Erzurumlu, S. Babson Academy One Hour Entrepreneurship Educator Webinar Series, Online (2022)
  • Technology and Digitalization Erzurumlu, S. NETSA 22, Boston, MA (2022)
  • Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Research using GEM Data Kelley, D. Shay, J. Majbouri, M. Erzurumlu, S. Brush, C. Randolph, A. , . Babson Research Day, Babson College (2022)
  • Entrepreneurial mindset and behavior for product introduction decisions Erzurumlu, S. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA (2021)
  • Teaching Sustainability in Entrepreneurship Erzurumlu, S. Babson Academy One Hour Entrepreneurship Educator Webinar Series, Online (2021)
  • A behavioral study of product introduction decisions Erzurumlu, S. Production and Operations Management (POMS) Annual Meeting, Virtual Conference (2021)
  • A behavioral study of product introduction decisions Erzurumlu, S. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Virtual (2020)
  • Therapeutic vs. preventive care under resources constraints Erzurumlu, S. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Virtual (2020)
  • Understanding technology access and utilization among older adults Erzurumlu, S. MA Councils on Aging Virtual Fall Conference, Virtual (2020)
  • When lean gets mean: Sequential product introduction by cash-constrained startups Erzurumlu, S. BFRF Research Chat, Babson Park, MA (2020)
  • Sequential product introduction by cash-constrained startups Erzurumlu, S. Bhaskaran, S. Ramachandran, K. INFORMS Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA (2019)
  • Entrepreneurial thought and action: Decision making and taking action in a complex world Erzurumlu, S. International Engineering and Technology Management Summit, Istanbul, Turkey (2019)
  • Managing time as a resource and managing resources over time in entrepreneurial firms Erzurumlu, S. Academy of Management, Boston, MA (2019)
  • Drivers of Commercial Value for Healthcare Innovations Erzurumlu, S. Pachamanova, D. 2019 EURO Conference, Dublin, Ireland (2019)
  • Sequential product introduction by cash-constrained startups Erzurumlu, S. Bhaskaran, S. Ramachandran, K. International INFORMS Annual Meeting, Cancun, Mexico (2019)
  • Drivers of health care innovations Erzurumlu, S. Pachamanova, D. Production and Operations Management, Washington, DC (2019)
  • Sequential product introduction by cash-constrained startups Erzurumlu, S. Bhaskaran, S. Ramachandran, K. Production and Operations Management , Washington, DC (2019)
  • Drivers of Commercial Value for Healthcare Innovations Erzurumlu, S. Pachamanova, D. Babson Faculty Research Day, Wellesley, MA (2019)
  • Drivers of Commercial Value for Healthcare Innovations Pachamanova, D. Erzurumlu, S. 2018 INFORMS Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ (2018)
  • Identifying national innovation capability: A state-space modeling approach for configurational combinations Erzurumlu, S. Erzurumlu, Y. Yoon, Y. 2018 INFORMS Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ (2018)
  • Data-driven entrepreneurship: A data analysis approach to business opportunity evaluation Erzurumlu, S. Canakoglu, E. Erzurumlu, Y. 2018 Financial Management Association Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (2018)
  • Data-driven entrepreneurship: A data analysis approach to business opportunity evaluation Erzurumlu, S. Canakoglu, E. Erzurumlu, Y. 2018 Academy of Management Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL (2018)
  • Data-driven venture capitalist: Portfolio selection with imperfect information Erzurumlu, S. Canakoglu, E. Erzurumlu, Y. 2018 Production and Operations Management Society Conference, Houston, TX (2018)
  • Data-driven venture capitalist: Portfolio selection with imperfect information Erzurumlu, S. 2018 Babson Research Day, Babson College (2018)
  • Evaluating the hidden market: The impact of the entrepreneur’s risk preference and operational shortages Erzurumlu, S. INFORMS Conference 2017, Houston, TX (2017)
  • The Identity of the Worker in the Sustainable Ridesharing Business Models Erzurumlu, S. POMS Conference 2017, Bellevue, WA (2017)
  • Business model innovations in the on-demand economy Erzurumlu, S. INFORMS Conference 2016, Nashville (2016)
  • Building Community and Trust in the Sharing Economy Sims, J. Erzurumlu, S. Sustainability, Ethics, & Entrepreneurship Conference 2016, Denver, CO (2016)
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Additional Links

Department & College Wide Services

  • Faculty Director, FutureLab on Mobility (Spring 2019 - Spring 2021)