News + Events

AI Centre for Decision Analytics Joins Taiwan-Canada Supply Chain Workshop

On December 17, 2024, Dr. Borzou Rostami, Director of AI4DA, had the privilege of speaking at the Taiwan-Canada International Supply Chain Workshop hosted by National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) in Taiwan. Organized by the Marketing Sustainability Research Lab, the event brought together experts to discuss pressing challenges and exciting opportunities in global supply chains.

In his talk, "The Role of AI in Sustainable Cattle Farming", Borzou discussed how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing agriculture by addressing key challenges like disease management, genetic optimization, and resource allocation. He shared impactful examples, such as using AI for early disease detection through facial recognition and machine vision, optimizing feed distribution to reduce waste, and leveraging predictive analytics to improve cattle breeding practices. These advancements are helping build more efficient and sustainable agricultural systems, with Alberta's beef industry serving as a compelling case study.

The workshop also featured other prominent speakers, including Dr. Edy Wong from the Alberta School of Business and Mr. Hubert Lau, President of TrustBIX Inc., who highlighted sustainable agriculture and supply chain innovations. The event underscored the potential for collaboration between Taiwan and Canada, combining technological expertise with natural resource management.

We are grateful to NCHU for organizing this inspiring workshop and look forward to fostering more such partnerships.

Python for Data Analytics Workshop Series: Event Wrap-Up

The Python for Data Analytics Workshop Series concluded with two sessions on November 22 and 29, 2024, at Enterprise Square. The workshop attracted enthusiastic participation from Business School students eager to enhance their data analytics skills.

The first session introduced participants to Python fundamentals, including syntax, data structures, and the use of Jupyter Notebooks and Google Colab for interactive coding. Participants actively engaged in exercises that laid a strong foundation for data-driven decision-making.

The second session built on this knowledge, focusing on essential data libraries, data exploration, statistical analysis, and visualization techniques. Attendees gained practical experience in data manipulation and visualization, strengthening their confidence and Python programming skills.

The workshops fostered collaboration, with participants tackling challenges and sharing insights, highlighting their enthusiasm for problem-solving.

AI4DA extends its gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and to the organizers for delivering such an impactful learning experience. We look forward to hosting more events that empower students to excel in data-driven decision-making.

Python for Data Analytics Workshop Series

AI4DA is excited to host the Python for Data Analytics Workshop Series, a two-session event designed to introduce participants to Python programming and its application in data analysis. This hands-on workshop provides a solid foundation for data-driven decision-making, making it ideal for students eager to develop real-world skills. No prior programming experience is required—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

  • Dates:
    • Part I: Friday, November 22, 2024
    • Part II: Friday, November 29, 2024
  • Location: Enterprise Square, ENT 2-550D
  • Time: 9:30 a.m. — 11:50 a.m.
  • Open to all Business School students

Highlights

  • Part I: Python Fundamentals, Data Structures, and Jupyter Notebooks. Learn core Python syntax, data structures, and how to use tools like Jupyter Notebooks and Google Colab for interactive coding.
  • Part II: Data Libraries, Statistical Analysis, and Visualization. Explore essential libraries for data analysis, data manipulation techniques, and create compelling visualizations to support decision-making.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with Python, working through practical exercises and tutorials to build their skills. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your analytical toolkit and prepare for future challenges in business and analytics.

Analytics Mixer: Event Wrap-Up

On October 31st, we successfully hosted the Analytics Mixer 2024, bringing together over 40 students, 14 professionals from various businesses in Alberta, and numerous faculty members and researchers for an insightful and collaborative event.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Saleh Farham from AI4DA, followed by opening remarks by Dr. Armann Ingolfsson, who provided an overview of AI4DA's vision and initiatives. Maciej Bukczynski then introduced the OM 468 Business Analytics Consulting Project, showcasing its practical applications and benefits for both students and industrial partners.

A highlight of the mixer was the plenary session by Daniel Haight from Darkhorse Analytics, where he delivered an engaging talk on the importance of data visualization in business analytics and its transformative impact on decision-making. The event also featured a presentation by the OM Club, offering insights into student projects and competitions.

Attendees participated in an interactive Q&A panel with the speakers, addressing key questions and sparking meaningful discussions. During lunch, they also engaged with professionals from various industries, discussing career opportunities, job prospects, and exchanging insights. The mixer concluded with a networking lunch, providing opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, industry professionals, and faculty members to explore partnerships and share ideas.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and organizers for making the Analytics Mixer 2024 a resounding success. Stay tuned for more events as we continue to foster innovation and collaboration in AI and decision analytics!

Analytics Mixer

AI4DA, in collaboration with the Business Operations Management Club, is excited to host the Analytics Mixer – a unique opportunity to connect students, industry professionals, and members of the AI4DA community.

  • Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024
  • Location: BUS 4-06
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. — 2:00 p.m.
  • Lunch: Provided
  • Dress Code: Business casual

Highlights

  • Introduction to OM 468 (Business Analytics Consulting Project): Gain insights into this hands-on consulting project from the operations management curriculum.
  • Plenary Session by Daniel Haight: Learn from an expert in the field of business analytics during this engaging presentation.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, students passionate about business analytics, and members of the AI4DA community.
  • Collaboration and Engagement: Explore potential partnerships and career opportunities while learning more about the exciting work being done in business analytics.

Whether you're an OM or BTM student, a professional in the field, or simply curious about analytics, this is an event you don't want to miss. Join us for an afternoon of learning, networking, and collaboration!

University of Alberta CORS Prep Workshop

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We warmly invite you to the CORS Prep Workshop, a prelude to the Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS) annual conference. This workshop offers a stage for our researchers to present their latest work.

  • Date: May 29, 2024
  • Location: BUS 4-06
  • Time: 9:25 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.

Please register by emailing us at ai4da@ualberta.ca to join us for a day of insightful presentations and interactive discussions. We look forward to your participation as we delve into the latest advancements in decision analytics.

Workshop Schedule

Workshop schedule
Time Session Speaker Talk

9:25am – 9:30am

Opening remarks

Borzou Rostami

9:30am – 10:00am

Session 1

Talk 1

Mehrnaz Behrooz

Retirement decision-making: When is the right time?

10:00am – 10:30am

Session 1

Talk 2

Yasser Zeinali

Predicting Demand for Wildfire Suppression Resources

10:30am – 11:00am

Session 1

Talk 3

Fahimeh Rahimi

Robust and Distributinally Robust Binary Quadratic Programming

11:00am – 11:15am

Coffee Break

11:15am – 11:45am

Session 2

Talk 1

Amin Aslani

Augmented Reality Investment and Assortment Planning in Omnichannel Retail Systems

11:45am – 12:15pm

Session 2

Talk 2

Erfan Rafiekia

Strategic Dual Pricing for Delivery Services: Broadening Reach in Discounted Food Platforms

12:15pm – 1:15pm

Lunch break

(Lunch will be provided)

1:15pm – 1:45pm

Session 3

Talk 1

Arash Asgari

Formulation and validation of a model of a call centre with stochastic agent availability

1:45pm – 2:15pm

Session 3

Talk 2

Mehrnaz Behrooz

Last-mile delivery with lockers and local crowd-shippers: The Study of TELUS Data for Good

2:15pm – 2:45pm

Session 3

Talk 3

Khanh Phuong Nguyen

Selection of Helicopter Bases and Transport Modes to Minimize Pre-hospital Times in Iceland

2:45pm – 3:00pm

Coffee Break

3:00pm – 3:30pm

Session 4

Talk 1

Saleh Farham

Vehicle-Based Hub Network Design with Routing: Exact and Learning-based Approximation

3:30pm – 4:00pm

Session 4

Talk 2

Fahimeh Rahimi

Hub Network Design under Demand Uncertainty

4:00pm – 4:30pm

Session 4 Talk 3

Likang Ding

Causal Analysis for Queues Informed by Queuing Models