Ugur Aytun Ozturk

Education

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 2003

M.S. in Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 2001

B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, University of California at Berkeley, 1999

Since 2003, Dr. Ozturk has held academic positions in the U.S., China, and Japan, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, including Business Analytics, Data Science, Management Sciences, Quantitative Methods, and Business and Operations Management. With over two decades of pedagogical experience, he has been involved in team teaching, executive education, distance education courses, and curriculum design for undergraduate, MBA, and Executive MBA programs. His current teaching focus is at the intersection of Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Prof. Ozturk also has leadership experience, having served previously as MBA chair, assistant dean, and the dean of the College of Business Administration at Hawai'i Pacific University in the U.S. He is the Vice President of the International Centre for Innovation and Industrial Logistics.

Message to Students

As the world transforms under the influence of AI and advanced analytics, there’s never been a more exciting time to begin your college journey. At GLA, you’ll study alongside peers who are just as curious and energetic as you, guided by faculty who are passionate about what they teach. Together, you’ll learn from accomplished professors who will challenge you to think critically and creatively, equipping you with the tools you need to excel. You’ll also expand your perspectives by exploring multiple disciplines, developing versatile skills and broad knowledge for diverse career paths. Most importantly, you’ll shape your own future by building on all you learn here, writing your own career story with the support of our vibrant community. In an era where empathy, ethics, and global awareness are just as vital as technical expertise, GLA is the ideal place to harness cutting-edge tools for positive impact. I look forward to supporting and challenging you every step of the way in your journey at GLA.

Courses Taught

• Introduction to Innovation and Knowledge Management
• Global Management Studies
• Special Lecture (Social Sciences) [The Art of Data-Driven Management]
• Special Lecture (Social Sciences) [Strategic Data-Driven Decision Making]
• Research Seminar and Thesis

Strategic Data-Driven Decision Making
In a world increasingly shaped by data and technology, understanding how businesses make informed decisions is more important than ever. This course introduces students to the power of data-driven thinking, without requiring a technical background. Through real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and teamwork, you’ll learn how to analyze information critically, communicate insights effectively, and navigate the ethical and societal questions that come with an AI-driven world. If you're curious about how data influences business and society, this course will give you the tools to think critically and make an impact.

Research Interests

Business Analytics, Data Science, Management Sciences, Operations Research, and Operations Management.

Prof. Ozturk specializes in Operations Research and Management Sciences, applying analytical methods to decision-making and data-driven problem-solving. His past projects have focused on strategic planning in energy systems, logistics, tourism, and group decision-making, exploring how analytics-driven methodologies enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term planning. His work has been published in leading academic journals, and he has secured competitive research funding, including support from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Through an interdisciplinary approach, he continues to explore innovative solutions that bridge analytical modeling with real-world challenges.

Supervision Information

Students interested in how analytics and data-driven decision-making shape strategy, efficiency, and innovation are encouraged to consult with me about potential thesis topics. Focus areas include data-driven management, operations research, and the role of AI-driven analytics in business and society. No technical background is required, but a strong curiosity about the impact of data and analytical methodologies across industries is essential.

Representative
Publications

• Ozturk, U. A., Mazumdar, M., & Norman, B. A. (2004). A solution to the stochastic unit commitment problem using chance constrained programming. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 19(3), 1589-1598. (Citations: 348)
• Ozturk, U. A., & Norman, B. A. (2004). Heuristic methods for wind energy conversion system positioning. Electric Power Systems Research, 70(3), 179-185. (Citations: 227)
• Gong, Z., Xu, X., Zhang, H., Ozturk, U. A., Herrera-Viedma, E., & Xu, C. (2015). The consensus models with interval preference opinions and their economic interpretation. Omega, 55, 81-90. (Citations: 181)
• Yalcintas, M., & Ozturk, U. A. (2007). An energy benchmarking model based on artificial neural network method utilizing U.S. Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) database. International Journal of Energy Research, 31(4), 412-421. (Citations: 133)
• Ozturk, U. A., & Gogtas, H. (2016). Destination attributes, satisfaction, and the cruise visitor's intent to revisit and recommend. Tourism Geographies, 18(2), 194-212. (Citations: 108)
• Sheng, J., Miao, Z., & Ozturk, U. A. (2016). A methodology to estimate national REDD+ reference levels using the Zero-Sum-Gains DEA approach. Ecological Indicators, 67, 504-516. (Citations: 10)