Information Technology, Analytics and Operations (ITAO) Department
Our faculty advance knowledge in information systems, analytics and operations to prepare students to thrive in a data- and technology-driven world.
The NC State Poole College of Management Information Technology, Analytics and Operations (ITAO) Department brings together the academic areas of information systems, business analytics and artificial intelligence, and supply chain and operations management.
Our faculty teach students to apply these disciplines to real-world business challenges while conducting research that advances the field.
ITAO Department Leadership
Sebastian (Seb) Heese, Ph.D. serves as Interim Department Head and is the first faculty member to hold the Owens Distinguished Professorship of Supply Chain Management. His research focuses on increasing the efficiency of production and service operations systems, often examining interest conflicts in decentralized supply chains. Before joining NC State, Dr. Heese served as Dean of EBS Business School in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he also was Executive Director of the Institute for Supply Chain Management and held the SGL Carbon Endowed Chair. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has published extensively in leading international academic journals.
Faculty Excellence
ITAO faculty conduct world-class research across information systems, business analytics, artificial intelligence, and operations management while maintaining strong connections to industry practice.
Our faculty bridge business and technology to tackle real-world challenges is through collaborative research projects with NC State’s College of Engineering, and industry partnerships that prepare prepares graduates to drive innovation, optimize performance and lead in a data- and technology-driven business world.
The NC State ITAO faculty lead two major thought leadership hubs that connect academia and industry: the Business Analytics and AI Initiative (BAI) and the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC).
In addition, the ITAO Advisory Board connects students with alumni and industry professionals, providing mentorship, career guidance, and a vital link between the classroom and practice.
Named professorships recognize and support our leading scholars:
- Rob Handfield, Bank of America University Distinguished Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Sebastian Heese, Owens Distinguished Professor of Supply Chain Management
- Tim Kraft, Dean’s Scholar, Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Shawn Mankad, Dean’s Scholar, Associate Professor of Analytics
our newest faculty
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Information Technology Concentration
Through the Information Technology Concentration, students learn computer hardware, software and networking fundamentals, and more importantly, how to apply technical knowledge to business functions such as finance, marketing and product management.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Business Analytics Concentration
Through the Business Analytics Concentration, students explore cutting-edge techniques to harness data for business success. From traditional statistics to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods, they learn to collect, analyze and present data effectively to inform business decisions.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Operations and Supply Chain Management Concentration
Through the Operations and Supply Chain Management Concentration, students develop and evaluate business processes, perform strategic and tactical supply chain planning, and manage activities and resources that transform inputs into finished goods and services.
Business Analytics Honors Program
This selective program offers challenging analytics coursework with a practicum course that engages students with local employers on real-world business analytics projects, providing hands-on experience with industry partners.
Graduate Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA): ITAO Core and Elective Courses
Available in both full-time and online formats, the MBA program equips students with advanced skills in information technology, business analytics, and operations management through courses in data security, enterprise systems, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, supply chain strategy, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Graduate Certificate in Business AI
The Graduate Certificate in Business AI prepares professionals to lead and assess AI-driven initiatives in real-world business settings. With a blend of technical skills, ethical considerations and strategic leadership, this program equips graduates to harness AI for innovation, productivity, decision-making, customer engagement and organizational performance.
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
This Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics develops management professionals skilled in big data analysis and decision-making, providing specialized expertise for data-driven business environments.
Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management
With emphasis on information and supply flow, the Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management helps students develop skills to write comprehensive management reports, manage teams, and make persuasive management presentations.
Centers and Initiatives
Business Analytics and AI Initiative (BAI)
The BAI serves as the hub for all business analytics activities including education, research and thought leadership, positioning Poole College as a leader in data-driven decision-making.
Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC)
The SCRC provides focused, concise, and unbiased information on supply chain management topics to support students, faculty, and professionals.
BAI Roundtable: Bridging Industry and Academia
Thought Leadership and Impact
Our faculty publish in top-tier academic journals while ensuring their research addresses pressing technology, analytics, and operations challenges facing businesses and society. Faculty expertise spans cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, social media policy, and data-driven transformation.
Recent Research Impact
Cybersecurity and AI Innovation
- Julie Earp and Shawn Mankad published research examining how Large Language Models are reshaping cybersecurity, exploring both benefits and emerging risks as AI transforms threat detection and response capabilities.
Social Media Policy Research
- Sherry L. Fowler’s research on social media dangers for minors and policy solutions was featured at a major IT conference, contributing to important discussions about technology regulation and child safety.
Faculty in the News (2025)
Supply Chain Expertise and Economic Analysis
Rob Handfield has been extensively featured in media coverage providing expert analysis on:
- Supply chain stress testing methodologies
- Tariff impacts on consumer spending and holiday supply chains
- Links between supply chain strength and top company performance
- Economic impacts ranging from egg shortages to Target’s grocery market strategy
Contact Us
Contact Us
Department of Information Technology, Analytics and Operations (ITAO)
NC State Poole College of Management
Nelson Hall, Room 2346
Raleigh, NC 27695