IIO Research Seminar - Dr. Alejandro Toriello

The Operations Research Institute (IIO) of Universidad Galileo, had the pleasure of presenting its first research seminar – IIO Research Seminar – which was attended by Dr. Alejandro Toriello from Georgia Tech University (Georgia Institute of Technology–Georgia Tech) as a guest speaker.

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Dr. Toriello is Guatemalan and is currently a professor at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering) in Georgia Tech, same department where he received his BS and Ph.D. in industrial engineering in 2003 and 2010, respectively. Prior to joining as a teacher at Georgia Tech, Dr. Toriello He was also a professor at the University of Southern California (University of Southern California-USC).

In addition to his work as a teacher, the Dr Toriello He is a scientific researcher. Among his areas of interest are the development of models to support decision-making in supply chains, logistics and transport, and leads theoretical and computational research on topics related to mathematical optimization. His research work has contributed to the optimization of various problems such as oil tank routing, sending cut flowers and fashion items, and hiring personnel in the health area.

In it IIO Research Seminar, Dr. Toriello presented some of his research on tactical design for same-day delivery systems (Tactical Design of Same-Day-Delivery Systems) such as Amazon Prime, For example. These types of systems are used by electronic stores to compete with traditional stores where customers can immediately obtain the product by visiting the store.

The presented model uses continuous approximation techniques to optimize a simple dispatch model that considers the average behavior of a same-day delivery system from a single location. Several examples were presented showing how various configurations can answer various tactical questions such as fleet size and the time until orders are accepted.

The model is validated by means of a simulation, obtaining a margin of error of at most one 1%. According to the speaker, this is the first time presenting these research results to the public, besides being the first time he has presented his research in Guatemala and in Spanish.

"These types of activities are important for our students as it allows them to learn about innovative research topics; In addition, it shows them how new models are developed and motivates them to develop research in various areas.”, points out the Dr. Jose Ramirez, deputy director of the IIO and organizer of this seminar. According to Dr. Ramirez, these talks also allow students to see the concepts they study in the programs offered by the IIO applied to real models – “Students sometimes wonder about the practical utility of some concepts and this is a good opportunity to see it first hand.”, he added.

Rodrigo Morales, one of the seminar attendees commented, “I find it interesting that mathematics is applied to something as common as package deliveries. It shows us how everything around us can be optimized with mathematical tools to create value”. Similarly, Paula Cazali added, “I really liked Dr. Alejandro's presentation, the subject was very interesting and his way of making it understood was simple and well understood.”.

In addition to presenting the results of his research, Dr. Toriello shared with the students his experience and provided insight into the study of a Ph.D. in United States. One of the objectives of the speaker is motivate students to continue their doctoral studies in that country, especially in Georgia Tech.

The students had the opportunity to ask details of this type of program, how funds are obtained to study it and what the application process is. “For us it is important that more Guatemalans continue their studies in highly prestigious institutions, this is ultimately a benefit for education in Guatemala and for us as a university. Our institute has several professors with Ph.D. degrees, some of them in the United States, which helps us to ensure that our programs have a high academic/scientific level.” commented the Dr. Jorge Samayoa, director of the IOI.

One of the seminar attendees also added, “I think it's great that they bring people from abroad to share their experience and offer opportunities because I think that this topic is not very strong here in Guatemala”.

To learn more about the professional, visit: Alejandro Toriello

For more information about future seminars, send an email to iio@galilieo.edu

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