Laird Burns is an Associate Professor of Management Science in the Management, Marketing and Information Systems Department at UAH, where he joined UAH in 2009 as the first group hire between the College of Business and College of Engineering.
His research interests focus on various aspects of supply chain design, and include related work in risk and resilience in supply networks, dynamics of integrated supply networks, supply chain management, systems engineering, agent based modeling, production/operations management, and complex systems. Dr. Burns’ research includes funded research through the U.S. Army Material Command and subordinate commands. Dr. Burns is also involved in a NASA funded research project for space launch systems affordability.
His executive management and consulting experience spans more than 80 companies in over 30 industries in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and South America. Dr. Burns’ background includes experience in growth, mature market, start-up and turnaround companies. Dr. Burns has been co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of a design engineering and manufacturing firm, Chief Operating Officer of a start-up division in the material handling industry, and Chief Operating Officer of an automotive equipment supplier in a turnaround situation. He has over 15 years of consulting experience, specializing in the areas of strategy, supply chain management, business process reengineering, operations, engineering, new product development, total quality management, executive coaching and executive education.