E. Powell Robinson, Jr.

Biography

Dr. Robinson is the former Head of the Department of Information and Operations Management and the Tenneco Professor of Business in the Mays Business School.  He received his Ph.D. (1985) in operations management from the University of Texas at Austin with emphasis in business logistics.  Prior to joining the faculty at Texas A&M University in 1992, he was at Indiana University for seven years.  

Dr. Robinson's research interests include designing production and distribution networks, inventory planning and control, information systems for supply chain management and supply chain security. His research results are reported in leading business journals including Management Science, Decision Sciences, Journal of Operations Management, Journal of Business Logistics, European Journal of Operations Research and others.

Dr. Robinson has conducted research on numerous types of supply chain problems for leading firms including Ashland Chemical Co., Westinghouse Heavy Industrial Motor Division, DowBrands Inc., Polygram Records, Berendsen Fluid Power, Inc., Energy Logistics, Inc., NCH Corporation, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency, among others.  He received the distinguished "Dissertation Research Award" from the Council of Logistics Management. His work with Ashland Chemical Co. designing chemical distribution networks received national recognition from the Decision Sciences Institute for its contribution to enhanced decision making.

Dr. Robinson’s current research involves supply chain security, demand/supply planning in retail networks, and multi-item inventory replenishment.   

In addition to maintaining an active research program, Dr. Robinson demonstrates excellence in teaching at all education levels. He received the Centennial Assistant Instructor Award for teaching excellence by the College of Business Administration Council at the University of Texas. At Indiana University, he received an MBA Teaching Excellence Award from the Doctoral Student Association. Dr. Robinson is also active in continuing and executive education. He has developed and taught management seminars in several topical areas including quality, distribution, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management. He received a district level education award from the Society of Logistics Engineers for his contributions to continuing education in logistics management.

Education

PhD University of Texas at Austin, 1985
MBA University of Texas at Austin, 1981
BA University of Texas at Austin, 1970
U.S. Air Force Academy, June 1968-January 1970