The Distinguished Lecture Series in Business Analytics & Data Science at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) presents public lectures on selected topics in analytics, data science, and their applications across various industries, including logistics and supply chain management. Targeted at students, alumni, industry professionals, and other interested individuals, the series offers insights into the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in these fields. Attendees gain valuable knowledge on how data-driven decision-making can transform business operations and enhance efficiency in today's digital economy.
#1 AI-Enhanced Life
Empowering Your Personal and Professional Journey Through Generative AI
Generative AI is advancing at such a rapid pace that it can be difficult to keep up. New tools, features, and opportunities are emerging almost daily, opening up a world of possibilities. In this talk, we will explore how AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency, but a catalyst for creativity, decision-making, and personal growth. We will dive into the ways Generative AI can enhance individual potential by helping people unlock new levels of productivity, streamline everyday tasks, and fuel innovation in the workplace. In the professional realm, we will discuss how AI-driven insights are transforming industries, allowing for more agile business strategies and improved collaboration between humans and machines. By examining real-world use cases and offering practical insights, this talk will equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI in your own journey.
#2 Optimization for the Masses
No-Code, No-Math Modelling of Decision Problems
Despite significant advancements in optimization algorithms, their application remains limited to a narrow range of decision problems within businesses and organisations. Contributing to this gap between algorithmic innovation and practical usage is the complexity of translating real-world constraints into mathematical models required in order to be able to apply off-the-shelf optimization solvers. Developing custom-made optimization algorithms, as an alternative, demands substantial upfront investment and ongoing maintenance to ensure compatibility with evolving business needs. If such maintenance and adjustments are not done continuously, a significant technical debt can accumulate weakening overall competitiveness. This presentation shows how domain experts without expertise in mathematical modelling or programming can formulate and maintain decision problems graphically, providing all the information that is needed to apply algorithms for solving respective optimization problems.
#3 Learning to Optimize
How machine learning drives decisions at companies like Uber
Have you ever wondered why and where taxi cars wait, or how smart Uber drivers make their decisions? This talk will delve into these intriguing questions. We will explore the concept of sequential decision-making and policy classes through a hands-on approach. Using taxi services as an example, we learn how service providers can optimize their decision-making. And guess what? There´s not as much magic behind it as you might think...so prepare to be surprised!
#4 Business Analysis without Data
Business Analysis without Data
Business analysis can thrive even without rich datasets by leveraging qualitative insights and strategic reasoning. This talk explores analytic methods that prioritize theory over pure data accumulation. It deep dives into game theory by dissecting the principal-agent model to reveal hidden strategic dynamics.
Ultimately, the presentation underscores that thoughtful analysis provides robust decision-making tools where data is scarce.
June 4th, 2025 | 6 p.m. | KLU Campus
Stay tuned for more episodes, where we bring you selected topics in analytics, data science, and their applications across various industries
Upcoming events
Open Lecture SeriesWelcome Ceremony
Prof. Dr. Arne Heinold "Reinforcement Learning: The Real Delivery Hero"
View detailsRecordings from previous events
Are you curious about how cutting-edge optimization techniques can be applied to real-world challenges – without needing advanced technical or coding skills? Then tune into this free lecture with Prof. Asvin Goel from KLU (Kühne Logistics University): "Optimization for the Masses - No Code, No Math-Modelling of Decision Problem." Discover how to solve complex problems without coding skills in this insightful lecture. Prof. Goel shares an innovative, user-friendly approach to optimization that empowers domain experts and curious minds alike to: graphically define and manage decision problems, no programming required; harness advanced algorithms to tackle business and organizational challenges; and understand how to stay agile and competitive while avoiding common pitfalls like technical debt.
Click here to watch the lecture on AI-Enhanced Life with insights from Prof. Henrik Leopold at KLU.
Speakers
Professor for Data Science and Business Intelligence & Head of Department of Operations and Technology
Kühne Logistics University - KLU
Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Kühne Logistics University - KLU
Assistant Professor for Sustainable Operations
Kühne Logistics University - KLU
Organisation - Contact us if you have questions.
