About me

Joe Naoum-Sawaya

Email: jnaoum-sawaya@ivey.ca

Phone: (519)661-3462

Office: Ivey Building, office 2349

Address: 1255 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 0N1, Canada

I am an Associate Professor of Management Science at Ivey Business School. I hold a Ph.D. in Management Science/Operations Research from the University of Waterloo. Prior to joining Ivey, I was a research scientist at IBM Research. I also hold an adjunct appointment at the Department of Management Sciences at the University of Waterloo. I was a visiting scholar at various institutions including Politecnico di Milano, Imperial College, University of Paris 13, University College Dublin, Technical University of Dortmund, Concordia University, and University of Cologne.

My research focuses on the methodological development of large-scale optimization and machine learning with applications in supply chains, energy, transportation, and telecommunication. My research work has appeared in INFORMS Journal on Computing, European Journal of Operational Research, Transportation Research, and Naval Research Logistics among others. I co-edited the book volume "Analytics for the Sharing Economy: Mathematics, Engineering and Business Perspectives" which is published by Springer.

I am currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of INFOR: Information Systems and Operational Research, the flagship journal of the Canadian Operational Research Society.

Research

Edited Book

  1. E. Crisostomi, B. Ghaddar, J. Naoum-Sawaya, G. Russo, R. Shorten, and F. Häusler, “Analytics for the Sharing Economy: Mathematics, Engineering and Business Perspectives”, Springer, 2020 (ISBN 978-3-030-35032-1).

Patents

  1. B. Eck, B. Ghaddar, A. Kishimoto, and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Multi-objective scheduling for on/off equipment”, US Patent US10061279B2
  2. R. Cogill, C. Lee, Z. Nabi, J. Naoum-Sawaya, M. Rufli, R. Shorten, T. Tchrakian, R. Verago, F. Wirth, and S. Zhuk, “System for Charging Mobile Devices Using an ad-hoc Infrastructure with Energy Harvesting Capabilities”, US Patent US20170187210A1
  3. R. Cogill, S. Sajja, J. Naoum-Sawaya, R. Shorten, F. Wirth, and J. Yu, “Joint Meeting Scheduling and Carpooling”, US Patent US20160224907A1
  4. E. Baranagh, R. Cogill, A. Heching, A. Kishimoto, N. Lechelt, P. Lin, Y. Long, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and S. Sajja, “Job Assignment Optimization”, US Patent US20170270456A1
  5. R. Cogill, F. Lecue, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and R. Shorten, “Detecting and Explaining Driver Confidence”, US Patent US20180103888A1.

Journal Papers

  1. A. Lotfi, Z. Jiang, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and M. Begen, “Multigeneration Product Sales in the Presence of Repeat Purchases: A Fractional Calculus-Based Approach”, Production and Operations Management, to appear (2024).
  2. R. Fukasawa, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and D. Oliveira, “The price-elastic knapsack problem”, OMEGA, 124: 103003 (2024).
  3. J. Naoum-Sawaya, S. Elhedhli, and P. De Carvalho, “Strategic blockchain adoption to deter deceptive counterfeiters”, European Journal of Operational Research, 311(1): 373-386 (2023).
  4. D.M. Manias, J. Naoum-Sawaya, A. Shami, A. Javadtalab, M. Hemmati, and Y. You, “Robust traffic grooming and infrastructure placement in OTN-over-DWDM networks”, Journal of Optical Communications and Networking, 15(8): 553-568 (2023).
  5. D.M. Manias, I. Shaer, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and A. Shami, “Robust and Reliable SFC Placement in Resource-Constrained Multi-Tenant MEC-Enabled Networks”, IEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management, to appear (2023).
  6. D.M. Manias, A. Chouman, J Naoum-Sawaya, and A. Shami, “Resilient and Robust QoS-Preserving Post-Fault VNF Placement”, IEEE Networking Letters, 5(4): 270-274 (2023).
  7. D.M. Manias, A. Javadtalab, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and A. Shami, “The Role of Optical Transport Networks in 6G and Beyond: A Vision and Call to Action”, Journal of Sensor and Actuator Networks, 12(3) (2023).
  8. P. De Carvalho, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and S. Elhedhli, “Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chains: An Application in Fresh-Cut Flowers”, Applied Mathematical Modelling, 110: 841-858 (2022).
  9. G. Gambella, B. Ghaddar, and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Optimization Models for Machine Learning: A Survey”, European Journal of Operational Research, 290(3): 807-828 (2021).
  10. B. Rostami, N. Kämmerling, C. Buchheim, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and U. Clausen, “Stochastic Single-Allocation Hub Location”, European Journal of Operational Research, 289(3): 1087-1106 (2021).
  11. H. Sarhadi, J. Naoum-Sawaya, M. Verma, “A Robust Optimization Approach to Locating and Stockpiling Marine Oil-spill Response Facilities”, Transportation Research Part E, 102005(141): 1-19 (2020).
  12. X. Kuang, B. Ghaddar, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and L. Zuluaga, Alternative SDP and SOCP approximations for polynomial optimization, EURO Journal on Computational Optimization, 7(2): 153-175 (2019).
  13. M. Liu, J. Naoum-Sawaya, Y. Gu, F. Leccue, and R. Shorten, “A Distributed Markovian Parking Assist System”, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 20(6): 2230-2240 (2019).
  14. C. Gambella, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and B. Ghaddar, “The Vehicle Routing Problem with Floating Targets: Formulation and Solution Approaches”, INFORMS Journal on Computing, 30(3): 554-569 (2018).
  15. B. Ghaddar and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “High Dimensional Data Classification and Feature Selection using Support Vector Machines”, European Journal of Operational Research, 265(3): 993-1004 (2018).
  16. W. Griggs, R. Verago, J. Naoum-Sawaya, R. Ordonez-Hurtado, R. Gilmore, R. Shorten, “Localizing Missing Entities Using Parked Vehicles: An RFID-Based System”, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, 5(5): 4018-4030 (2018).
  17. Y. Gu, M. Liu, J. Naoum-Sawaya, E. Crisostomi, G. Russo, and R. Shorten, “Pedestrian-Aware Engine Management Strategies for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles”, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 19(1): 92-101 (2018).
  18. J. Naoum-Sawaya and B. Ghaddar, “Cutting Plane Approach for the Maximum Flow Interdiction Problem”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 68(12): 1553-1569 (2017).
  19. J. Naoum-Sawaya and J. Y. Yuan, “Ridesharing for Emergency Evacuation”, Information Systems and Operational Research, 55(4): 1553-1569 (2017).
  20. X. Kuang, B. Ghaddar, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and L. Zualaga, “Alternative LP and SOCP hierarchies for ACOPF problems”, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 32(4): 2828-2836 (2017).
  21. A. Yassine and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Architecture, Performance, and Investment in Product Development Networks”, Journal of Mechanical Design, 139(1): 1-11 (2017).
  22. J. Naoum-Sawaya, E. Crisostomi, M. Liu, Y. Gu, and R. Shorten, “Smart Procurement of Naturally Generated Energy (SPONGE) for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Buses”, IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 14(2): 598-607 (2017).
  23. J. Naoum-Sawaya and C. Buchheim, “Robust Critical Node Selection by Benders Decomposition”, INFORMS Journal on Computing, 28(1): 162-174 (2016).
  24. J.C. Villumsen and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Column Generation for Stochastic Green Telecommunication Network Planning with Switchable Base Stations”, Naval Research Logistics, 63(5): 351-366 (2016).
  25. U. Challita, Z. Dawy, G. Turkiyyah, and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “A Chance Constrained Approach for LTE Cellular Network Planning under Uncertainty”, Computer Communications, 73: 34-45 (2016).
  26. B. Eck, E. Arandia, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and F. Wirth, “Decomposition Approach for Background Leakage Assessment: BBLAWN Instance”, Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 142(5): C4015009 (2016) (Awarded First Prize at the Water Distribution System Analysis Conference 2014 in Bari, Italy).
  27. J. Naoum-Sawaya, B. Ghaddar, E. Arandia, and B. Eck, “Simulation-Optimization Approaches for Water Pump Scheduling and Pipe Replacement Problems”, European Journal of Operational Research, 246(1): 293-306 (2015).
  28. J. Naoum-Sawaya, R. Cogill, B. Ghaddar, S. Sajja, R. Shorten, N. Taheri, P. Tommasi, R. Verago, and F. Wirth “Stochastic Optimization Approach for the Car Placement Problem in Ridesharing Systems”, Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 80: 173-184 (2015).
  29. S. Elhedhli and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Improved Branching Disjunctions for Branch-and-Bound: An Analytic Center Approach”, European Journal of Operational Research, 247(1): 37-45 (2015).
  30. B. Ghaddar, J. Naoum-Sawaya, A. Kishimoto, N. Taheri, and B. Eck, “A Lagrangian Decomposition Approach for the Pump Scheduling Problem in Water Networks”, European Journal of Operational Research, 241(2): 490-501 (2015).
  31. H. El-Hosni, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and H. Artail, “The Shared-Taxi Problem: Formulation and Solution Methods”, Transportation Research Part B, 70: 303-318 (2014).
  32. J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Recursive Central Rounding for Mixed Integer Programs”, Computers and Operations Research, 43: 191-200 (2014).
  33. J. Naoum-Sawaya and S. Elhedhli, “A Stochastic Optimization Model for Real-Time Ambulance Redeployment”, Computers and Operations Research, 40(8): 1972-1978 (2013).
  34. J. Naoum-Sawaya and S. Elhedhli, “An Interior-Point Benders based Branch-and-Cut Algorithm for Mixed Integer Programs”, Annals of Operations Research, 210: 33-55 (2013).
  35. B. Ghaddar and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Environmentally Friendly Facility Location with Market Competition”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 63: 899-908 (2012).
  36. J. Naoum-Sawaya and S. Elhedhli, “An Interior Point Cutting Plane Heuristic for Mixed Integer Programming”, Computers and Operations Research, 38(9): 1335-1341 (2011).
  37. J. Naoum-Sawaya and S. Elhedhli, “Controlled Predatory Pricing in a Multiperiod Stackelberg Game: An MPEC Approach”, Journal of Global Optimization, 50(2): 345-362 (2011).
  38. S. Elhedhli, L. Li, M. Gzara, and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “A Branch-and-Price Algorithm for the Bin Packing Problem with Conflicts”, INFORMS Journal on Computing, 23(3): 404-415 (2011).
  39. J. Naoum-Sawaya and S. Elhedhli, “A Nested Benders Decomposition Approach for Telecommunication Network Planning”, Naval Research Logistics, 57(6): 519-539 (2010).
  40. J. Naoum-Sawaya and B. Ghaddar, “A Fuzzy Adaptation Method for Improving Link Utilization and Reducing Network Delays in IEEE 802.11e Wireless Ad Hoc Networks”, Ad Hoc & Sensor Wireless Networks, 9(3-4): 203-222 (2010).
  41. H. Artail, H. Safa, J. Naoum-Sawaya, B. Ghaddar, and S. Khawam, “A simple recursive scheme for adjusting the contention window size in IEEE 802.11e Wireless Ad Hoc Networks”, Computer Communications, 29(18): 3789-3803 (2006).

Research Funding

  1. NSERC Alliance Grant “Design of optimal ecommerce networks with autonomous airplanes to serve remote communities” (2022 – 2025). Joint with with S. Alumur Alev and B. Ghaddar, Amount: CAD$112,500.
  2. Nova Scotia Health Research Fund “Optimizing Access to Endovascular Treatment for Rural Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients” (2022 – 2024). Joint with with N. Kamal, Amount: CAD$96,000.
  3. Bell-Western 5G Research Grant “MEC Enabled ITS and AVs Services Placement and Orchestration Framework” (2022 – 2024). Joint with A. Shami and K. McIsaac, Amount: CAD$65,000.
  4. SSHRC Insight Development Grant “Developing a Robust Framework For Choice Based Conjoint Analysis” (2022 – 2024). Joint with B. Ghaddar, Amount: CAD$64,766.
  5. NSERC Discovery Grant “Optimizing Future Mobility Systems” (2017 – 2023). Amount: CAD$156,000.
  6. NSERC Alliance Grant “Solution of Optimization Problems for Group Decision Making” (2021 – 2022). Joint with with R. Fukasawa, Amount: CAD$30,000.
  7. France Canada Research Fund “Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery Systems based on Connected Electric Vehicles” (2021 – 2023). Amount: CAD$14,250.
  8. SSHRC Research & Travel Grant: “Smart Cities Analytics” (2018 – 2021). Amount: CAD$18,000.

Industry Collaborations

Bell

challenger

Ethelo

Ribbit

Courses Taught

HBA

Intro. Data Science

Topics: Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, Neural Networks.

Software: R

HBA

Competing with Analytics

Topics: Timeseries Forecasting (Regression, Simple/Double/Triple Exponential Smoothing, ARIMA, Neural Networks).

Software: R

HBA

Decision Making with Analytics

Topics: Introductory Statistics, Simulation, and Optimization

Software: Excel

Msc

Prescriptive Analytics

Topics: Linear, Integer, and Stochastic Programming

Software: Python, CPLEX

PhD

Deterministic Optimization

Topics: Advanced Integer Programming

Software: Julia, CPLEX

Published Teaching Cases and Teaching Notes

  1. J. Gualandris, N. Leili, J. Naoum-Sawaya, S. Jain, “Circulr: Creating Sustainable Value from an Empty Jar”, Ivey Publishing Product Number: W28381, 2022 (Featured in the Financial Times for best responsible teaching resources: innovative materials with a financial sustainability focus).
  2. J. Naoum-Sawaya and A. Xiong, “Capital Bikeshare: Analyzing Bike Rental Demand”, Ivey Publishing Product Number: 9B21E008, 2021.
  3. J. Zguri, F. Gzara, and J. Naoum-Sawaya, “Warehousing Enhancements for E-Commerce Growth”, Ivey Publishing Product Number: 9B20E006, 2020.
  4. E. Arandia, J. Naoum-Sawaya, and K. W. Xue, “City of London Water: Predicting Electricity Prices and Optimizing Operations”, Ivey Publishing Product Number: 9B19E004, 2019.