Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Meet the lecturers of the VHB ProDok programme
Marlin Ulmer is Professor of Management Science at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. His research focuses on data-driven, quantitative decision support for problems in logistics and supply chain management. Since, 2019, he teaches a ProDok course on Stochastic and Dynamic Decision Problems.
What fascinates you about Stochastic and Dynamic Decision Problems?
This type of problem regularly requires plans to be adapted in light of new information. Therefore, the plans must be designed flexibly and with foresight. As the problems vary greatly, there is no universal solution procedure. Strategies must consider the specifics of each problem, model and set of data. This requires a combination of structured analysis and creative thinking.
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
‘AI’, of course. The challenge lies in extracting the relevant aspects from the forest of buzzwords and exaggerated promises, and using them sensibly. However, this is also an opportunity to establish an additional pillar alongside 'classic', often theory-driven research. There is still plenty of scope here, particularly with regard to how theory and machine learning can be meaningfully combined.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by the community, the media and my own everyday experiences. For instance, I have researched the reliability of delivery time windows, rework at repair services, and the deployment of outpatient care services on an individual basis. With topics like these, the introduction practically writes itself.
And what else?
The first page of the first draft of a paper I wrote with Martin Savelsbergh in 2019 hangs in my office. The page is completely covered in red ink due to his corrections. I often show it to my doctoral students to put them at ease before giving them my feedback.
Who is Who - About this campaign
VHB ProDok lecturers are distinguished by their strong research skills, internationally recognised expertise and high level of professional commitment. Most of them have been involved in the ProDok programme for many years. As part of the 'Who's Who' campaign, they share insights into their personal motivations and what participants can expect from their courses in short interviews.
The campaign aims to demonstrate that VHB ProDok offers much more than just a course programme. It is a network of dedicated scientists from the German-speaking region and beyond who prioritise sound research, methodological quality and collaborative exchange.