14th National Conference: Data-Driven OR and Analytics for National Resilience and Sustainability

Conference Booklet
Date: November 17, 2023
Venue: De La Salle University – Manila

INVITATION
With the theme Data-Driven OR and Analytics for National Resilience and Sustainability, the conference seeks to bring together OR researchers, academicians and practitioners, whose collective work has sustained continuing OR contribution to decision-making.

The 2023 National Conference aims to provide a forum where:

  • Practitioners will share their experiences on the problems, methodologies and outcomes of applying OR to solve real-world problems in the Philippines;
  • Decision-makers will share new applications of OR in non-traditional areas especially those pertaining to sustainability and resilience;
  • Researchers will present their findings dealing with the theoretical, computational, and application aspects of OR;
  • OR workers will discuss pertinent academic-, theoretical- and application- oriented issues;
  • Decision-makers could gain insights from experiences of others who have benefited from the use of OR and analytics in the public and private sectors; and
  • Everyone will be given the opportunity to exchange ideas on how OR and Analytics can help deal with issues that will contribute to Philippine economic growth and sustainability issues.

KEYNOTE & INVITED SPEAKERS
Prominent OR practitioners, academicians, and businessmen have been invited by the organizers to deliver keynote speeches. Speakers and delegates from all over the country will share their work in the parallel sessions.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
The conference will focus on but is not limited to the following topics:

  • Resilience modeling and analysis in various sectors (e.g., healthcare, transportation, finance, supply chain).
  • Sustainable development and environmental management.
  • Decision support systems for disaster response and recovery.
  • Optimizing resource allocation and utilization for sustainable growth.
  • OR applications in renewable energy and green technologies.
  • Socio-economic and policy implication of OR models.
  • Risk assessment and management for critical infrastructure.
  • Innovations in Operations Research methodologies and techniques.
  • Ethical considerations and social responsibility in OR applications.

Submissions of papers aligned with the Conference Theme in the following areas are welcome: Banking and Finance, Mathematical Programming, Corporate Strategies, Modeling, Decision Support Systems, Management Information Systems, Distribution Management, Marketing, Energy, Production Planning, Engineering Production Control, Expert Systems, Project Management, Financial Investment, Queuing, Forecasting System Dynamics, Health and Welfare Services, Transportation, Inventory Control, Innovation/Knowledge Economy, Supply Chain Management, Customer Relationship Management, Complexity Theory, Soft Methodologies. Papers reporting original and unpublished research results and experience are solicited.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The abstract should be typed in English, should not include mathematical notations, and must contain the following:

  • Paper/proposal title;
  • Abstract of not more than 200 words;
  • Author(s) name(s), organization, full mailing address, email address, with an indication of author(s) presenting the paper; and
  • Topic (at most three, chosen from the Conference Topics List) under which paper falls and additional topics if not included in the list.
  • Abstract and paper submission is now open, through orspconf2023@gmail.com

IMPORTANT DATESEXTENDED

Deadline for abstract submissionOctober 25, 2023
Start of Notification of acceptance
Deadline for early registration and Author Registration for Inclusion in the online abstract bookOctober 31, 2023


PROGRAM SCHEDULE

730Registration1155Lunch
830Keynote Speech1310Parallel Sessions
925Plenary 11416Parallel Sessions
1020Break1522Break
1040Plenary 21542Parallel Sessions
1135Induction of New Members & Student Chapters1648Closing Ceremonies


REGISTRATION FEES

  PESO USD
  Early Reg Foreign
Members 2,000 2,500  
Non-Members 2,500 3,000 100
Students 800 1,000 50
Online Members 500 500 50
Online Students 200 200 20
* Registration fees are inclusive of AM/PM snacks and Lunch.


REGISTRATION LINKS

ORSP Members-Early Bird – Google Forms

Member-Regular – Google Forms

Non-Members (Early Bird) – Google Forms

Non-Members (Regular) – Google Forms

Foreign Non-Members (On site) – Google Forms

Students (Early Bird) – Google Forms

Students (Regular Registration) – Google Forms

Foreign Students (On site) – Google Forms

Online Participation for Members/Non-Members – Google Forms

Online Participants-Foreign – Google Forms

Online Participation for Local Students – Google Forms

Online Participation for Foreign Students – Google Forms

RESERVATION & PAYMENT METHODS

  • Payment may be deposited directly to BDO Account No. 00151 0028 666 under the name of Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (Please do not abbreviate). Please send proof of payment with your registration form.
  • For ORSP members, membership fees must be paid for the year.
  • Payments may also be made thru GCASH 0917 863 4196 (Marie Shella Mariscal).
  • For other inquiries, contact Jenny, viber/mobile +63 927 877 5219; e-mail secretariat@orsp.org.ph
  • Certificates of attendance shall be given upon request. 

September 2023 Technical Forum: Data Science and Analytics – Operations Research Tools in Action

Date: September 16, 2023 / 12:30pm – 4:45pm
Venue: Leong Hall, Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University

Speakers

Operations Research for the Modern Data Scientist: The interplay between Optimization and Machine Learning/Generative AI
Alexander Hipolito, Director
Advanced Analytics Group, Bain & Company

This talk explores the connection between Optimization (the principle technique in Operations Research and Prescriptive Analytics), and Machine Learning / Deep Learning (ML/DL).  We’ll discuss Optimization’s critical role in ML/DL algorithms and how Optimization, particularly Mixed Integer Programming, can be used to address data science use-cases directly.  We’ll likewise look at approaches to leveraging ML/DL techniques in solving Optimization problems.  We’ll then provide a framework for combining ML/DL with Optimization and showcase real-world examples (in Supply Chain, Workforce planning, Retail, and Healthcare among others) demonstrating the framework. We will conclude with new research on and a demonstration of combining Generative AI with Optimization applications.  The talk aims to inspire increased cooperation and innovation between Operations Researchers and Data Scientists in addressing complex challenges and harnessing the potential of their respective toolkits.

Alexander Hipolito is a Director within Bain & Company’s Advanced Analytics Group in Manila specializing in the use of optimization and machine learning / data science techniques for supply chain and service operations applications.  Prior to Bain, Alex worked as a Solution Architect for Supply Chain as well as Data Science solutions for Hewlett Packard in Singapore.  Alex has a Ph.D. in Industrial & Systems Engineering (Operations Research) from the University of Florida and holds industry certifications from ASCM (APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional) and INFORMS (Certified Analytics Professional). 

 

 

 

The Use of Data Analytics for Productivity Improvement in a Semiconductor Company in the Philippines
Rex Robielos
Department Manager, Operations Research Engineering, Analog Devices

In this talk, the development of dashboards for key performing indicators such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), provides near real-time monitoring of equipment performances which helps manufacturing in identifying appropriate initiatives to improve productivity and equipment utilization.  In addition, machine learning was applied in one of the key processes in test manufacturing to maximize the number of lots that can skip the In-Line Sampling process while still minimizing the defects.  The machine learning model was able to classify 96.1% of failing lots while skipping 41% of the lots.  Furthermore, the machine learning model classified the failing category at 86% accuracy.  While the results can improve OEE, the model is still being reviewed as this might have an impact on product quality.

Rex Robielos is the Department Manager of Operations Research Engineering at Analog Devices General Trias. He was previously the Dean of the School of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management at Mapua University. He has a BS in Applied Mathematics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and a Diploma and MS in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He received his Ph.D in Industrial Management at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. Currently, he is a Director of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the Philippines.

Fees

  Students Member Non-Member
Early Bird Rate* P300 P400 P500
Regular Registration P400 P500 P600

*Registered & paid before Sept 9

REGISTRATION IS ALREADY CLOSED

Registration Links

 

Early Bird Rate Regular Rate
Students (click here) Students (click here)
Member (click here) Member (click here)
Non-Member (click here) Non-Member (click here)

For more info, please visit www.orsp.org.ph or email secretariat@orsp.org.ph

Payment Details
•  Cash/Checks should be made payable to the Operations Research Society of the Philippines Inc. (please do not abbreviate) and deposited at any Banco De Oro branch to Account No. 1510028666, BDO – Eastwood City E. Rod. Branch
•  GCash: 09178634196 – Marie Shella Mariscal
•  You may apply for / renew your member- ship to avail of the member’s rate.

Fees are inclusive of snacks and forum materials. Certificates of attendance shall be given upon request.

June 2023 Technical Workshop: ChatGPT and Python: A Productivity and Machine Learning / Operations Research Powerhouse

Date: June 9, 2023
Venue: UPD IEOR Computing Laboratory, Room 401-403, Melchor Hall, UP Diliman

How You Will Benefit?
Gain knowledge on how to use ChatGPT to boost productivity. Learn the applications of ChatGPT on Python to LEVERAGE YOUR MACHINE LEARNING AND OPERATIONS RESEARCH SKILLS.

Who Should Attend?
Consultants, Business analysts, Statisticians, Data Scientists, Operations Research Analysts, Educators, Analytics Practitioners, Managers, and other users who want to leverage the power of ChatGPT.

What You Will Learn?
Learn to integrate ChatGPT as a tool to optimize and reduce repetitive tasks. Learn how ChatGPT can be used to further your Machine Learning and Operations Research skills in Python.

Prerequisites
1. Basic knowledge in Python.
2. Subscription to ChatGPT Plus (approx. $20 for 1 month) to ensure continuous connection during the seminar. (Login to your regular account and upgrade prior to the seminar)

Why learn ChatGPT?
¬ ChatGpt is Open-Source
ChatGPT is free. Anyone can access it though OpenAI.

¬ ChatGPT has many applications ChatGPT can be used for a wide array of tasks, most especially in coding.

Why use ChatGPT with Python?
Python is one of the most popular programming languages, and has extensive libraries in machine learning and operations research.

COURSE OUTLINE

 

Morning
Background on ChatGPT
• How to Boost Your Productivity Using ChatGPT
Background on Machine Learning
• Perfect Storm for Machine Learning

Afternoon
Machine Learning using ChatGPT
• Classification, Regression, Clustering
Background on Optimization
Optimization Using ChatGPT
• Transportation, Facilities Location, Scheduling

SEMINAR INFORMATION

Seminar Timing: June 9, 2023
Registration: 7:30 am
Course Proper: 8am – 5pm

15 minute morning and afternoon breaks at 10am and 3pm. Lunch 12nn – 1pm

Venue: UPD IEOR Computing Laboratory, Room 401-403, Melchor Hall, UP Diliman

FEES

  ORSP Member Non ORSP Member
Early Bird Rate (before May 20) P5,000 P5,500
Regular P6,000 P6,500
     
* Fee includes materials, use of computer lab, am/pm snacks and lunch
* Does NOT include subscription to Chat GPT for the seminar

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

REGISTRATION FORMS: 

ORSP Member (Early Bird)Non Member
ORSP Member (Regular)Non Member

Payment Details:

Please deposit cash or check to:

Account Name: Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (please do not abbreviate)
Account Number: 00151-0028-666
Bank/Branch: Banco de Oro Eastwood City, E. Rodriguez
GCash: 09178634196 – Marie Shella Mariscal

Please email or send deposit slip with this registration form to ORSP Secretariat office c/o Jenny, Viber number 09278775219; e-mail: secretariat@orsp.org.ph.

For Inquiries:
Please email ORSP at secretariat@orsp.org.ph c/o Jenny.

October 2022 Webinar: Political Manipulation through Social Media

Date: October 5, 2022
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm

SPEAKER

Philip N. Howard
Philip Howard is a statutory Professor of Internet Studies at the Oxford Internet Institute and a Senior Fellow at Balliol College at the University of Oxford. He studies the impact of digital media on political life around the world. He has published numerous books, including Pax Technica: How the Internet of Things May Set Us Free or Lock Us Up and Lie Machines: How to Save Democracy from Troll Armies, Deceiitfull Robots, Junk News Operations, and Political Operatives.

REGISTRATION DETAILS 

  • Participants who register and pay will be given the Zoom details of the conference. All sessions will be recorded and will be made available to registered participants.  
  • Registration is free for active ORSP MEMBERS who register on or September 20, 2022
  • Registration fee for non-members and students is PhP 100 
  • Registration link: Registration Form – Political Manipulation Through Social Media – Google Forms 

RESERVATION/PAYMENT METHODS 

  • Payment may be deposited directly to BDO Account No. 00151 0028 666 under the name of Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (please do not abbreviate). Please send proof of payment with your registration form. 
  • If you are an ORSP member, check that your membership fees are paid for the year.  
  • Payments may also be made by GCash to 0917 863 4196 
  • You may choose to apply for/renew your membership to avail of member rates. Contact Jenny Alzate,  +63 917 138 3653 viber; +63 927 877 5219 mobile; e-mail secretariat@orsp.org.ph for any inquiries. 
  • Certificates of attendance will be available upon request. 

June 2022 Online Technical Forum Series: Understanding Cryptocurrencies in the Philippines

Date: June 1, 2022 / 1:50pm – 4:30pm (via ZOOM)

The Operations Research Society of the Philippines
cordially invites you to its
June 2022 Technical Forum Webinar Series
“Understanding Cryptocurrencies in the Philippines”

SPEAKERS

Christian John Immanuel S. Boydon graduated Cum Laude with a degree in BS Industrial Engineering in UP Diliman last 2013. In 2017, he graduated with a degree in MS Industrial Engineering major in Operations Research in UP Diliman. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research in UP Diliman as he is finishing his PhD Industrial Engineering at National Taiwan University. He has taught subjects and training courses that deal with Operations Research especially in statistical methods, stochastic processes, systems thinking, and simulation as well as in business analytics and data mining. He has also done several projects in machine learning, artificial intelligence applications, smart manufacturing, process improvement, and optimization both in the Philippines and Taiwan. He is also currently the Lead Creator and Host of Start Up Podcast Philippines.

 

Arvie de Vera is the Co-Founder & CEO of UnionDigital, the digital bank of Union Bank of the Philippines. In 2016, he established the Fintech Business Group at UnionBank, advocating a collaborative model of banking, enabling, and synergizing with fintechs. Now Unionbank is known as the Fintech bank of choice. In 2019, the Singapore Fintech Association recognized him with the Asia Fintech Leader Award. Arvie is also a Founding Member & Board Director of the Fintech Philippines Association.

The Fintech Business Group created UBX, UnionBank’s fintech arm – awarded as one of the fastest growing fintechs in Southeast Asia – where Arvie currently sits as Board Director and member of the Investment Committee.

In 2018, Arvie put the Philippines on the blockchain global stage with world-firsts such as i2i, a rural bank blockchain platform, PHX- an ERC20 commercial-bank backed stable coin, cross-border blockchain remittance with OCBC Bank Singapore, bondsph, crypto atm – and many more firsts, all approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Arvie is also the Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman of the Distributed Ledger Technology Association of the Philippines which aims to educate, innovate, and regulate the use of blockchain technology.

He championed open finance and open API’s through UnionBank’s first and award-winning global API Developer Portal. This “Netflix-style” API portal grew the bank’s experience from zero to billions of API calls, while digitally enabling over 1,000 corporates, fintechs, and partners.

In all three themes: FINTECH, BLOCKCHAIN and OPEN FINANCE, UnionBank blazed a trail fully aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, to TECH UP Pilipinas and drive inclusive prosperity to kababayans everywhere.

Prior to joining UnionBank, Arvie’s experience spans the banking, telecommunications, and media industries, with roles across product, sales, finance, strategic planning, and business development. Grounded as a banker with an MBA from the Asian Institute of Management, Arvie graduated with a degree in Philosophy from Ateneo de Manila University.

 

Melchor Plabasan is a Director of Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision Department (TRISD) at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas based in Malate, Manila.

Regarded as one of the stewards of pioneering and responsive regulatory approach on technology and innovation, Mhel’s career in the BSP spanning decades of supervisory experience, has not only witnessed the dramatic advancement of technology in the Philippine financial sector, but more importantly, has played a key role in reshaping the regulatory mindset towards a more progressive approach on technology risk and innovation supervision. He has taken a highly critical and challenging role in the BSP, as head of the department primarily responsible for supervision of technology and cybersecurity risk, including emerging technologies. He continues to spearhead various cybersecurity reforms aimed at enhancing the BSP’s cybersecurity oversight and supervision, as well as promoting a secure and cyber resilient financial ecosystem through close coordination and partnerships with industry associations, regulatory counterparts, and other relevant stakeholders. As newer technologies continue to revolutionize today’s society, Mhel is yet again at the forefront of regulatory advancements in digital banking supervision and in the key areas of open finance, cloud services, and Regtech/Suptech.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Participants who register and pay will be given the Zoom details of the conference. All sessions will be recorded and will be made available to registered participants.
Registration is free for active ORSP MEMBERS who register on or before May 30, 2022
Registration fee for non-members and students is PhP 100
Registration link: Understanding Cryptocurrencies in the Philippines – Google Forms

RESERVATION/PAYMENT METHODS

Payment may be deposited directly to BDO Account No. 00151 0028 666 under the name of Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (please do not abbreviate). Please send proof of payment with your registration form.
If you are an ORSP member, check that your membership fees are paid for the year.
Payments may also be made by GCash to 0917 863 4196
You may choose to apply for/renew your membership to avail of member rates. Contact Jenny Alzate, +63 917 138 3653 viber; +63 927 877 5219 mobile; e-mail secretariat@orsp.org.ph for any inquiries.
Certificates of attendance will be available upon request.

March 2022 Online Technical Forum Series – OR: Addressing Current National Issues

Date: March 2, 2022 / 1:50 pm – 4:30 pm via ZOOM

The Operations Research Society of the Philippines
cordially invites you to its
2022 Technical Forum Webinar Series

OR: Addressing Current National Issues

PROGRAM

Time

Title of Talk

 

01:50 – 02:00

Welcome Remarks

 
 

02:00 – 02:40

Intro of First Speaker

Alleli Ester C. Domingo

Associate Professor, University of the Philippines – Los Baños     

 
 

Agricultural Land Use Allocation under Current and Projected Scenarios
Dr. Jerrold M. Tubay
Associate Professor, University of the Philippines – Los Baños

 
 
 

Q & A

 

02:40 – 3:20

Intro of Second Speaker

Rene S. Santiago

Chief Executive Officer, Bellwether Advisory Inc.

 
 

Operationalizing Public Transport Planning from the Regional to the Municipal Level
Dr. Alexis M. Fillone
Professor, De la Salle University

 
 
 

Q & A

 

03:20 – 04:00

Intro of Third Speaker

Josef T. Yap

Past President, Philippine Institute for Development Studies 

 
 

The Forgotten Agenda of Poverty and Inequality: Examining Poverty and the Middle Class Amid Covid
Dr. Jose Ramon G. Albert
Senior Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies

 
 
 

Q & A

 

04:00 – 04:15

Closing Remarks

 
 

04:15 – 04:30

Announcements from ORSP

 
 

SPEAKERS

Dr. Jerrold M. Tubay has served as a consultant in comprehensive land-use planning projects that involve optimization models He has extensively published research papers in ecological and dynamical systems modeling, along the lines of his research interest in mathematical biology and optimization.

Currently, he is an Associate Professor of the Mathematics Division in the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics. He obtained his BS in Applied Mathematics and MS in Mathematics degrees from UP Los Baños and his Doctor of Science from the Department of Mathematical and Systems Engineering at Shizuoka University (Japan) as a Mitsubishi Corporation International Scholar. He was a recipient of the Special Citation Award in the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Talent Search for Young Scientist. He is also the head coach of the UPLB Judo team.

Dr. Alex M. Fillone is a recognized Specialist in Transportation Engineering and was past president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines (TSSP). His 30 years of teaching experience in transportation planning and traffic engineering has benefited many, including his Master’s and PhD students at DLSU. His transport researches focus on travel behavior analysis, travel demand modeling, urban transportation planning, and traffic impact studies in conjunction with his consultancy work. A registered Civil Engineer and Environmental Planner, he has published several journal articles and co-authored two books.

He currently holds 2 professorial chairs in Engineering Education and Civil Engineering at the De La Salle University, Manila. He earned his Civil Engineering Degree (Cum Laude) from Central Philippine University, Iloilo, his Master of Engineering (Transportation) from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand and his PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Dr. Jose Ramon G. Albert is a Senior Research Fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. He was the Secretary-General of the National Statistical Coordination Board from 2012 to 2014. He was also the training chief of the Statistical Research and Training Center, the research and training arm of the Philippine Statistical System, from 2005 to 2007, and research chief from 1999 to 2005 of the same office.

He was also a former adjunct faculty member of the Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management. Dr. Albert holds a PhD in Statistics from Stony University in New York, USA, where he got his master’s degree also in Statistics. His areas of expertise include poverty measurement and diagnostics, agricultural statistics, education statistics, survey design, data mining, and statistical analysis of missing data.

REGISTRATION DETAILS
Participants who register and pay will be given the Zoom details of the webinar. All sessions will be recorded and will be made available to registered participants.
• Registration fee is waived for active ORSP MEMBERS provided they register on or before February 28, 2022.
Registration link: OR: Addressing Current National Issues – Google Forms
Other Registration fees:
o Non Member/Student: PhP 100

RESERVATION/PAYMENT METHODS
Payment may be deposited directly to BDO Account No. 00151 0028 666 under the name of Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (please do not abbreviate). Please send proof of payment with your registration form.
If you are an ORSP member, make sure your membership fees are paid for the year.
Payments may also be made by GCash to 0917 863 4196
You may choose to apply for/renew your membership to avail of the member rates. Contact Jenny Alzate, viber No.: +63 917 138 3653, mobile +63 927 877 5219; e-mail secretariat@orsp.org.ph for any inquiries.
Certificates of attendance shall be given upon request.

November 2021 Online Technical Forum: Analytics for Making Better Decisions

Date: November 8, 2021 / 1:50pm – 4:30pm via Zoom

PROGRAM

Time

Title of Talk Speaker

01:50 – 02:00

Welcome Remarks Elise del Rosario

Chief Finance Officer

One Small Step Forward Foundation, Inc.

02:00 – 02:50 Introduction of Speaker

Francis Miranda

Regional Director for Research

Data Science and Quality

GfK

How Point of Sale Analytics Can Drive Decisions for the Market Mix
(Product, Price, Distribution, Promotion)

Fabricio Medeiros

Market Intelligence Lead

APAC at GfK

Q & A

Francis Miranda 
02:50 – 3:40 Introduction of Speaker

Marie Shella T. Mariscal

OR Manager, Data Management Group

San Miguel Corporation 

Analytics in Practice

Michel Onasis S. Ogbinar

Data Management Head

San Miguel Corporation

Q & A

Marie Shella T. Mariscal

03:40 – 03:55

Closing Remarks

 Malu de Guzman-U

Lecturer on leave

John Gokongwei School of Management

Ateneo de Manila University

03:55 – 04:00 Announcements from ORSP

 

Jed Loma

Head, Master in Management Program

Asia Pacific College

 

 

SPEAKERS:

– Fabricio Medeiros
Market Intelligence Lead, APAC at GfK
“How Point of Sale Analytics Can Drive Decisions for the Market Mix” (Product, Price, Distribution, Promotion) 

– Michel Onasis S. Ogbinar
Data Management Head, San Miguel Corporation
“Analytics in Practice”

REGISTRATION DETAILS

• Participants who register and pay will be given the Zoom details of the conference. All sessions will be recorded and will be made available to registered participants.
Registration fee is waived for active ORSP MEMBERS provided they register on or before October 29, 2021.
• Other Registration fees:
– Non Member/Student PhP 100

RESERVATION/PAYMENT METHODS

• Payment may be deposited directly to BDO Account No. 00151 0028 666 under the name of Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (please do not abbreviate). Please send proof of payment with your registration form.
• If you are an ORSP member, make sure your membership fees are paid for the year.
• Payments may also be made by GCash to 0917 863 4196
• You may choose to apply for/renew your membership to avail of the member rates. Contact Jenny Alzate, viber No.: +63 917 138 3653, mobile +63 927 877 5219; e-mail secretariat@orsp.org.ph for any inquiries.
• Certificates of attendance shall be given upon request.

OR Conversations Bring Enlightenment and A Clamor for More

By Malu de Guzman U (malu_de_guzman@yahoo.com)

After a series of forums on special OR topics, the September 8 Operations Research Society of the Philippines Technical Forum (https://orsp.org.ph/september-2021-online-technical-forum-or-conversations/) was a trip back to the basics. It was an afternoon of learning and sharing for 131 operations research students, teachers, and industry professionals.  Even for an online event, participant enthusiasm was palpable. Presentations by invited speakers were followed by unprecedented breakout room discussions, a new feature of the technical series.  This offered all participants an opportunity to interact and share experiences, making this webinar truly live up to its name, “OR Conversations”.

Elise del Rosario provides a brief backgrounder of OR.

Hosted by ORSP Director Juanito Chan, the webinar was opened formally by ORSP President Marie Shella Tan-Mariscal.  Elise del Rosario, past president of the International Federation of OR Societies (IFORS) and founding member of ORSP, then opened the afternoon sessions with “OR: An Express Overview”.  She packed her presentation with many real-life applications she encountered as OR manager in San Miguel and beyond.  She brought to light basic OR tools within Waze, Google Maps, Amazon, vehicle routing and ride-hailing apps, and a glimpse of their mathematical formulations. She covered a wide range of applications covering supply chain, optimal restocking of ATMs, marketing in the age of TV ads and social media, as well as COVID-19 vaccine deployment and health care capacity estimation. Her concluding synthesis for the whole presentation provided a concise working definition of operations research as “the application of analytical methods to help in decision-making.”

Martha Tan tackles The Practice of OR through an example.

The second presentation, “On the Practice of OR”, was delivered by Martha Tan and ORSP Director Dennis Beng Hui, both from the management consulting firm Technopoly, Inc. They are also both part of academe, with Martha as operations management in Ateneo de Manila University and Dennis as former chair of Department of Industrial Engineering at the De La Salle University -Manila. M. Tan energized the attendees with a series of questions on their demographics, interests, and challenges through Mentimeter. D. Beng Hui explained the differences between OR in the classroom, where everything is well-defined, versus the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity one encounters when applying OR in the real world. He emphasized that in applying OR in the real world, focus is not so much on tools and techniques, but rather, on fully understanding the problem, employing systems thinking to spell out the goals not of the different compartments but of the entire organization. M. Tan then discussed a project with PhilSys to improve the systems involved in the national ID registration of 70 million Filipinos in 2021. She touched on the intricacies of the project such as dealing with data and generating evidence-based insights, subject to a demanding time frame in which to deliver results.

Dennis Beng Hui cites the challenges faced by OR practitioners in the current milieu.

The last speaker, Alleli Ester Domingo, presented “On the Teaching of OR.” She shared a wealth of experience since starting her teaching career in 1978. As a teacher of different OR subjects at the University of the Philippines Los Baños Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, she discussed how teaching has evolved through the years from merely delivering instruction to facilitating learning, and how a teacher must always focus on how students learn best. Her alumni students’ stories were inspiring to hear, especially the nonstellar ones and those who started out with little or no interest. From her classes, they grew to appreciate OR and learned not just tools of OR but also tools for success. Truly deserving each and every one of her teaching awards, A. Domingo quoted Christa McAuliffe, “I touch the future, I teach”. She ended with a quote from Amanda Gorman, “… that we’ll forever be tied together, victorious”, no doubt inspiring teacher and student participants, especially amidst the difficult online learning environment.

Alleli Domingo shared valuable tips with teachers of OR.

At the end of the three presentations, participants were assigned to several breakout rooms, each having a facilitator and a mix of students, teachers, and industry professionals. Prior to the event, participants responded to some discussion points, such as teaching and learning methods, important OR tools, necessary skills for an OR consultant, among others. Several student attendees were curious about applications, how it differs from business analytics, how best to make classroom learning more practical. Although time was short, attendees overwhelmingly appreciated this opportunity and have requested longer discussions in future events. An open forum followed where questions collected from the Padlet wall were raised by ORSP director Nestley Sore and answered by the speakers. The webinar closed with a wrap up by ORSP director Malu de Guzman U. Winners of the raffle prizes were informed after the
forum.

Everyone rated the webinar and the speakers, excellent, only wishing that there had been more time for the breakout and Q&A with the speakers. They left the webinar encouraged and energized, realizing yet again that OR functions amidst the complexities of the modern world, and plays a crucial role in supporting decision-making. Whether it is clearly presented or hidden underneath many layers and varying sectors within an organization, or within software tools embedded in apps, OR always tries to make systems more efficient, and, in so doing, improves lives.

Business Analytics and Systems Thinking (BAST) Webinar

Date: October 2, 2021, Saturday / 3:00 – 4:30 PM

About the Webinar

The time to develop new approaches to corporate leadership is now. Digital Transformation will shape organizations to take on the challenges of the new normal.

Business Analytics is a call to develop a data-driven mindset in the management of a corporate enterprise using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytical models.

Embrace Systems Thinking, a practical approach to corporate leadership to address complex issues affecting the achievement of strategic goals and functional objectives.

This unique paradigm will enable leaders to guide the organization to a successful future in this dynamic and uncertain global environment.

Speakers

Francis Miranda
Francis is the Asia Pacific Director of Data Science and Quality at GfK. He is currently the President of the Association of Asia-Pacific Operational Research Societies (APORS).

 

Dennis Beng Hui
Dennis is the Managing Director of Technopoly, Inc., a management consulting firm. He is a former chair and faculty of Industrial Engineering at DLSU for more than 20 years.

 

Marc Constantino
Marc is a Senior Associate at Technopoly, Inc. He conducted trainings at Philippine Trade and Training Center on material/project management and six sigma.

 

September 2021 Online Technical Forum: OR Conversations

Register Now as there are limited number of participants that could be accommodated

Date: September 8, 2021 / 1:50pm to 4:30pm via ZOOM

What is OR? Will we ever get to use these tools in real life? What does the practice of OR entail? What are the best practices in teaching OR? What difficulties have students encountered in its study? What would make it more attractive and interesting to learn? What are the career opportunities for people interested in OR?

This webinar starts with an introduction to OR, and then gives practical tips on the practice and teaching of OR. The audience will be given a chance to discuss among themselves and ask questions that have crossed the minds of OR students, practitioners, and teachers.

Program Schedule

Time Session Speaker

01:50 – 02:00

Welcome Remarks

Shella Mariscal

02:00 – 02:35

OR: An Express Overview

Elise del Rosario

02:35 – 03.00

On the Practice of OR

Dennis Beng Hui and Martha Tan

03:00– 03:25

On the Teaching of OR

Alleli Ester C. Domingo

03:25 – 03:55

Breakout

Breakout rooms of 10 participants with Facilitators from Academe and Practice

03:55 -04:10

Q&A

Nestley Sore

04:10 – 04:30

Wrap up

Malu de Guzman U

Emcee Jed Loma
Zoom Master and Program Chair – Juanito Chan

The Speakers and Session Leaders

Elise Del Rosario
Chief Finance Officer
One Small Step Forward Foundation

Elise is past President of the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS). Elise was an OR analyst at the San Miguel Corporation (SMC). With her as its Manager, the OR Department garnered the 1992 Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) Prize for outstanding and ongoing use of Operations Research in organizational decision-making. She co-founded the Operations Research Society of the Philippines (ORSP).

Upon retirement as SMC Vice President, Elise did OR consulting – mainly pro-bono work with the Philippine government, in her capacity as Chairperson of the ORSP Committee on OR for Public Service (ORSP Corps). She has keynoted national conferences, published papers, and served in the editorial boards of several international OR journals. She is currently CFO of One Small Step Forward Foundation, Inc., a family foundation that helps in educating public elementary school students in Mathematics.

She obtained IE/OR degree from UP Diliman, Master in IE/Mgt from AIT Bangkok, and was an International Research Fellow at the Stanford Research Institute in California. She is an IFORS Fellow and received outstanding alumni awards from PSHS, UP and AIT.

Dennis T. Beng Hui
Managing Director
Technopoly, Inc.

Dennis is a former Chair and Faculty of Industrial Engineering at De La Salle for more than 20 years and currently the Managing Director of Technopoly, a management consulting firm. He is a six sigma master black belt, a certified Lego serious play facilitator, a certified Prosci Change Management Practitioner, and an IC Agile certified professional on business agility. He holds a BS in Industrial Management Engineering and an MS in Industrial Engineering both from DLSU Manila.

Dennis has been involved in building models for strategic and operational decision making in the areas of distribution and logistics, food service operations, and manufacturing.

Martha Tan
Senior Consultant and Engagement Manager
Technopoly, Inc.

Martha is a Senior Consultant and Engagement Manager at Technopoly Inc. Her primary field of experience is in training, coaching and managing process improvement initiatives. She is a certified Lego Serious Play facilitator and a lean six sigma black belt who ushers teams in lean management principles and DMAIC methodology. She has extensive experience in process standardization including implementing quality management systems.

Her special interests include data and analytics. With foundational understanding of statistics, modeling, and coding, she enjoys delving into data wrangling and analysis.

A graduate of Bachelor and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from De La Salle University, she is a part time lecturer for Operations Management in Ateneo De Manila University.

Alleli Ester C. Domingo
Associate Professor
University of the Philippines – Los Baños

Alleli is Associate Professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from UPLB and Master of Science in Mathematics from Melbourne University, Australia.

She received the 2004 UPLB Outstanding Teacher Award for the Physical Sciences, the 2009 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award for Teaching, the 2011 UP System Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in Education Innovation, the 2019 UP Los Baños Outstanding Extension Personnel Award, and the 2019 Raizalishta Foundation Tribute of Legendary Creativity in Teaching. She was an honoree of Bato Balani Foundation’s “The Many Faces of the Teacher” in 2015.

She chaired the UPLB committee on education paradigm shift, which looked into innovations for effective teaching and learning. She served as Program Development Associate in a unique endeavor of the UPLB College of Arts and Sciences to promote the fusion of science and the arts.

Malu De Guzman-U
Lecturer (on leave)

John Gokongwei School of Management
Ateneo de Manila University

Malu is a lecturer of Operations Research at the John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo de Manila. She also taught OR and Applied Math at the University of Asia & the Pacific, and Mathematics at UP Diliman. Her previous work in Dallas as a supply chain analyst, implementor, and trainer has brought her to different U.S. and Asia Pacific cities.

She obtained her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University where she specialized in optimization. Her dissertation entitled “Experiments with Nonlinear Discriminants in the Analysis of Fine Needle Aspirates” won First Place, 1999 Pritsker Doctoral Dissertation Award, given by the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) of the U.S. which recognizes the best dissertations in the field of IE across U.S. universities. She finished MS Applied Mathematics major in Operations Research at UP Diliman, and BS Mathematics at the Ateneo de Manila.

Her research interests are nonlinear optimization for breast cancer diagnosis, pattern recognition, combinatorial and heuristic optimization, and complexity.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Participants who register and pay will be given the Zoom details of the conference. All sessions will be recorded and will be made available to registered participants.
• Registration fee is waived for active ORSP MEMBERS provided they register by August 31, 2021.
Other Registration fees: Non Member/Student PhP 100

RESERVATION/PAYMENT METHODS

Payment may be deposited directly to BDO Account No. 00151 0028 666 under the name of Operations Research Society of the Philippines, Inc. (please do not abbreviate). Please send proof of payment with your registration form.
If you are an ORSP member, make sure your membership fees are paid for the year.
Payments may also be made by GCash to 0917 863 4196
You may choose to apply for/renew your membership to avail of the member rates.
Contact Jenny Alzate, viber +63 917 138 3653, mobile +63 927 877 5219; e-mail secretariat@orsp.org.ph for any inquiries.
Certificates of attendance shall be given upon request.