Global supply chain scholar brings diversity insights to Edwards
With support from the Hanlon Centre for International Business Studies, the Edwards School of Business (Edwards) welcomed internationally renowned operations management expert Dr. Richard Metters (PhD) as visiting scholar in October 2024. His visit brought global research expertise to campus and fostered meaningful academic exchange with students and faculty.
Dr. Metters is the Paul W. and Rosalie Robertson Chair in Business at the Mays Business School, Texas A&M University, where he also serves as head of the Information and Operations Management Department. He has published over 50 academic articles and is the principal author of the textbook Successful Service Operations Management.
Throughout his career, Dr. Metters has collaborated with organizations such as Kroger, Blockbuster Video, the U.S. Postal Service, Lincoln Electric Motors and American Airlines, among others. In 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award for service operations research excellence from the Production and Operations Management Society.
Over the past decade, his work has focused on how national culture, gender and religion influence business processes. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, Dr. Metters has led research projects in countries around the world, including India, Barbados, Venezuela and Croatia.
At the Edwards monthly research seminar, Dr. Metters presented Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Role of Gender in Supply Chain Management. His talk explored operational issues that arise from perceptions of appropriate treatment of—and activities for—women. He shared insights with faculty members and graduate students on how gender influences global business practices ranging from facility design and location, to shift scheduling, quality management programs, operational compliance, and volume flexibility. Dr. Metters also highlighted examples of how gender bias can create inefficiencies, such as legal restrictions that prevent women from working in mining in some countries.
In addition to the Edwards research seminar, Dr. Metters delivered a guest lecture to Edwards undergraduate students in a Purchasing and Supply Management (COMM 491) class. Dr. Metters discussed how gender influences business and supply chain operations, encouraging students to think critically about how this knowledge can shape more inclusive and effective practices.
Dr. Mohammadreza Nematollahi (PhD), assistant professor of management science and instructor of COMM 491, said the visit left a lasting impression.
"I was honoured to welcome Dr. Metters to my Purchasing and Supply Management class," said Nematollahi. "As a guest lecturer, he delivered an insightful talk on the role of gender in business and supply chains, drawing from his extensive experience visiting 64 countries and touring various operations."
Nematollahi said he found it fascinating to see how business processes evolve when viewed through the lens of women's and gender studies.
"This perspective brings new depth to operations and supply chain management and opens exciting avenues for future research," said Nematollahi.
Dr. Craig Wilson (PhD), acting associate dean of research, graduate programs and faculty relations, emphasized the value of international collaboration.
"His visit gave faculty and students the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research from international perspectives,” said Wilson. “International collaborations like these are essential to Edwards’ commitment to building innovative solutions that meet the needs of society. We look forward to welcoming and connecting with more international scholars in the future."
Support for the visiting scholar was made possible through funding from the Hanlon Centre for International Business Studies at the Edwards School of Business.