New CN professorship

Securing the study of supply chain management in Manitoba.

Trains, supply chains and research plans. Maybe not your usual combination, but a powerful new one in Manitoba that will help drive excellence in transportation research and education at the Asper School of Business—thanks to the CN Professorship in the Department of Supply Chain Management, announced recently by Dr. Glenn Feltham, dean of the school.

CN contributed $750,000 to establish the professorship through a previously announced donation to the school.

Railways play an integral role in North American transportation, says Feltham, therefore industry leader CN is a logical entity to take an active role in shaping commerce in the future through the support of the study of Supply Chain Management (SCM). “CN’s generous support of our program through the CN professorship again demonstrates its commitment to Manitoba and the development of world-class education in this country,” he adds.

Dr. Paul D. Larson was named the inaugural holder of this prestigious position. One of Canada’s premier researchers in SCM, Dr. Larson is head of the SCM department at the Asper School and director of the University of Manitoba’s Transport Institute, which conducts transportation research focused on policy impact, as well as economic and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Larson has published 50 peer-reviewed articles in leading SCM, logistics and transportation journals and has delivered many more presentations at academic and practitioner conferences. His special areas of interest and contribution include supply chain relationships and information sharing, humanitarian logistics, supply chain sustainability, and freight transportation—especially air, motor, and rail.

“It is quite an honour to be named the CN Professor of Supply Chain Management,” says Larson. “In the industry, CN is widely regarded the best–run railroad in North America. They understand the role of multi-modal transportation in North American supply chains. As CN Professor of Supply Chain Management, I plan to continue with research streams in SCM, as well as on the environmental impact of modal shifts in freight transportation. This support from CN will also facilitate the start-up of our nascent doctoral program in SCM.”

Mike Cory, CN Senior Vice-President, Western Region, says Larson’s appointment reflects the growing importance of academic study of transportation issues.

“The U of M and the Asper School do a tremendous job in promoting a deeper understanding of the industry and its complex role in the global economy,” says Cory. “By investing in the CN Professorship, we’re helping develop graduates ready to guide the rail industry in the 21st century.”