Faculty Profiles

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Sinan Erzurumlu is a Professor of Innovation and Operations Management at Babson College. He studies how organizations design their business models and operations to address complex growth and sustainability challenges. Specifically, his research and teaching interests focus on decision making under risk and uncertainty for innovation process, technology development and commercialization, technology entrepreneurship, and sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, with emphasis on the intricate sustainability challenges that arise at the intersection of business, society, and the environment. Dr Erzurumlu regularly advises entrepreneurs and organizational leaders on issues related to developing and commercializing their innovations for business growth and environmental/social value creation simultaneously.

His research has been published in leading journals including Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, and Production and Operations Management. He has received several awards including Fulbright Scholar (2023), Deans Award for Excellence in Applied Research (2022), Deans Award for Excellence in Teaching (2018), and Kaplan Award for Sustainability in Academics and Research (2016) at Babson College. He has also received Poets & Quants Most Favorite MBA Professor (2021) and the Best 40 B-School Profs Under 40 (2015).

Sinan has served as the Faculty Director for the Full-Time MBA programs. He earned his MS in Operations Research/Industrial Engineering and PhD in Management Science at the University of Texas at Austin and his BS (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) at Bogazici University, Turkiye.

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

Strategic Innovation Management; Business Model Innovation; Growth and Scaling Businesses; Technology Development and Commercialization; Technology Entrepreneurship; Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); Social Innovation; Systems Thinking; Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning; Decision Making under Uncertainty

2023 — Fulbright Scholar, Fulbright Denmark
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

Journal Articles

Erzurumlu, S.S., Gupta, A. (2023). How to design inclusive aging innovations. Design Management Review. Vol: 34, Issue: 1.
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., Smith, N. (2023). Managing technological innovation capabilities to align exploration and exploitation for technological changes. International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management. Vol: 20, Issue: 3.
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.

Advancing Sustainability for a Sustainable Franchising System Erzurumlu, S. International Production and Operations Management Meeting, Istanbul, Turkiye (2024)
Sustainable Systems Transformation through Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Erzurumlu, S. Copenhagen Business School Research Seminar, Copenhagen, Denmark (2023)
Accelerating the adoption of ESG at Entrepreneurial Franchise Systems Erzurumlu, S. Production and Operations Management (POMS) Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2023)
Sustainable Innovation or Greenwishing: Will ESG spur systemic innovations? Erzurumlu, S. Babson Research Day, Babson Park (2023)
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)

Sinan Erzurumlu

Academic Degrees

Academic Interest / Expertise

Awards & Honors

Publications