2016 Best 40 Under 40 Professors: M. Murat Kristal, Schulich School of Business

Murat Kristal

M. Murat Kristal

Director of the Master of Business Analytics Program

Schulich School of Business, York University  

How do you measure an educator’s success? That’s easy when it comes to Dr. M. Murat Kristal. In just four years, he has grown Schulich’s business analytics program from 4 students to 42. At the same time, his students have produced a 100% placement rate. One of the youngest professor to ever receive tenure at York University, Kristal is regarded as one of the leading researchers in the areas of supply chain management and data analytics. At the same time, his students laud him for his openness and “relentless passion.”

Age: 39

At current institution since: 2004

Education: PhD in Operations, Technology, and Innovation Management, Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Courses you currently teach: Operations Research, Multivariate Analytics

Professor you most admire: Professor Aleda V. Roth, my dissertation advisor and life-long friend. She is a pioneer in research, and her innovative dedicated approach to her field has shaped, and continues to inspire, my own work as a professor.

“I knew I wanted to be a b-school professor when…I realized I could make a profession out of being a student.”

“If I weren’t a b-school professor…I would be a civil engineer. Working on construction projects that I grew up fascinated by.”

Most memorable moment in the classroom or in general as a professor: The final term of the first year of the Master of Business Analytics program. I was able to see every one of my students successfully find jobs upon graduation. Since then, I have been able to share in the same pride and excitement with two more graduating classes and their 100% job placement.

What professional achievement are you most proud of? Establishing the Master of Business Analytics Program at Schulich.

What do you enjoy most about being a business school professor? Working with students, and conducting continuous research in areas that have practical applications, and can provide data-driven solutions for real life problems.

What do you enjoy least about being a business school professor? Grading

Fun fact about yourself: People seem to often wonder if I’m serious or not. I am told this might be a result of my dry sense of humor.

Favorite book: Len Deighton’s Trilogy: Berlin Game, Mexico Set, and London Match

Favorite movie: Layer Cake and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Favorite type of music: Crooners / Jazz

Favorite television show: Inspector Lewis and Mad Men

Favorite vacation spot: The Mediterranean Coast

What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family and cooking.

Twitter handle: None

“If I had my way, the business school of the future would have…more courses in analytics.”

Students say…

“I worked as a Project Manager in the Deans’ Office at Schulich for over 3 years until this past October, after receiving my MBA. In that time, Dr. Kristal established his Business Analytics program, which responded to direct industry demand and is now an obvious highlight for Schulich. He has always been invested in student success (during his program, after graduation, and even when considering enrollment). So much so, that he encourages them to reach out to him directly, at any time.

He truly is an inspirational faculty member, both approachable and highly respected, and I can attest to his sincere dedication to the business profession.

Lisa Andrews, MBA | Brand Manager

“Professor Kristal is the sole Founding Director of the Master of Business Analytics Program at the Schulich School of Business, York University. From 2012 to the current year, Dr. Kristal’s program has grown from 4 students to 42 students enrolled, with 100% job placement ratio. He responded to industry feedback when establishing this program, and continues to do so through his creation of an exclusive Business Analytics Advisory Board of industry leaders.

Dr. Kristal received his tenure as the youngest Professor at the Schulich School of Business. He teaches Business Analytics in the Schulich MBAN Program and teaches Multi-Varied Analytics in the Schulich/Kellogg EMBA Program. Dr. Kristal has published in journals such as Management Science, Journal of Operations Management, POMS Journal, and MSOM Journal; has co-authored a book published by Sage Publications; and is personally highlighted, quoted and interviewed often by prominent new outlets such as, Financial Times, Economist, National Post, and Globe & Mail.”

Anonymous Student

“Dr. Kristal is a renowned expert in the fields of organizational strategy and management, agile manufacturing and supply chain management to name a few. He is also among one of the first founders of Business Analytics education programs in the world. He is the founding director of Canada’s first Business Analytics graduate program, which prepares candidates as experts in the fastest growing field of data-driven business analytics. Cutting edge curriculum combines data science and business courses seamlessly and is supplemented by lectures and workshops from world-renowned data science experts.

His relentless passion, drive, engaging teaching methods and vast industry connections are among qualities I admire in him.”

Ilnaz Elle Ameli |MBAN Class of 2016 Academic Representative

DON’T MISS: THE COMPLETE LIST: POETS&QUANTS’ 2016 MOST OUTSTANDING B-SCHOOL PROFS UNDER 40

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