Academic programs and research initiatives at the Richard Ivey School of Business will get a boost from a new roll of experts this year, including an agricultural specialist to focus on the agri-sector.
David Sparling is Ivey’s new Chair of Agri-Food Innovation and Regulation and will lead research on regulatory issues facing the agri-foods, agriculture, and biotechnology industries. He joins Ivey from the University of Guelph where he was Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Management and Economics.
An internationally recognized authority on issues related to food policy, agri-food supply chains and commercializing new technologies, his contribution will expose students to such matters and the agri-sector’s growing importance to the Canadian economy. Sparling will also teach Operations for undergraduate business students.
In addition, Ivey has added the following faculty members, with exceptional academic experience and business expertise, to its roster:
Mehmet Begen, Assistant Professor, Management Science, is from Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia where he is completing his Ph.D. His research focuses on appointment scheduling problems in the health-care field.
Adam Fremeth, Assistant Professor, Business, Economics & Public Policy, returns to Ivey from the University of Minnesota where he is completing his Ph.D. An Ivey graduate, he previously taught at the school before moving to Minnesota where he received awards for teaching. His research includes non-market strategy, the political economy of utilities regulation and corporate environmentalism and public policy.
Jana Seijts, Lecturer, Management Communications, brings expertise in communications and writing. The former co-ordinator and English language specialist at the Writing Support Centre at The University of Western Ontario, she has also written a guide on technical communication. Additionally, she has an interest in cross-cultural communications and different generations in the workplace.
Mitchell Stein, Assistant Professor, Managerial Accounting & Control, comes from Queen’s University where he is completing his Ph.D. A chartered accountant with more than 10 years experience, his research is focused on a historical analysis of financial accounting and reporting practices. He is also well-versed in corporate governance and tax issues.
Michael Taylor, Lecturer, Marketing, is an Ivey graduate with 20 years of management experience in the private sector with large international companies. He has knowledge in marketing strategy, business-to-business marketing and sales, sales management infrastructure and account management in complex organizations.
J. David Wood, Lecturer, Operations, has extensive experience in international business, mergers and acquisitions. After graduating from Ivey, he worked at W.C. Wood Corporation, most recently as president. He has also been a board member for several privately held companies. His expertise includes global strategic operations, operational restructuring and board of governance in private business.
“This impressive group of experts will help the School to continue its tradition of world-class teaching and research,” said Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business. “The diverse experience and perspectives – both in academics and in the business world – will enhance the academic experience of our students.”