Shows
Heizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #46: Logistics, Circularity & Vertical Integration at East Penn ManufacturingIn this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley interview Harry Ziff, VP of Corporate Logistics at East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s largest lead battery producers. Harry shares insights from his 37‑year supply chain career, discusses East Penn’s broad range of battery applications, and explains how the company’s deep vertical integration and closed‑loop recycling system create efficiency, sustainability, and competitive advantage. The conversation also explores East Penn’s private fleet strategy and the intentionality behind every operational decision.
2026-02-2314 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #45: Inside University PurchasingIn this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley talk with Donna Schweibenz, former Senior Director of Purchasing at Temple University, who brings more than 26 years of experience in higher‑education procurement. Donna shares what it takes to manage a centralized purchasing operation responsible for everything from scientific equipment and IT to construction projects and even medical cadavers. She offers insights into purchasing alliances, vendor management, compliance challenges, and why even simple purchases can become surprisingly complex in a university environment. A great listen for anyone interested in procurement, operations, or the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps universities running.
2026-02-0212 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #44: Inside the Cold Storage Industry with Dr. Anna JohnsonBarry Render and Misty Blessley talk with Dr. Anna Johnson, VP of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at U.S. Cold Storage, about the critical role of temperature-controlled logistics in the food supply chain. From sustainability initiatives to AI, robotics, and digital twins, this episode explores how technology and innovation are reshaping cold storage operations and creating new opportunities for the workforce.
2026-01-1212 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #43: An Interview with Mike Rich, VP of Supply Chain at American WaterIn this episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessly sit down with Mike Rich, Vice President of Supply Chain at American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S. Mike shares insights from his career journey—from inventory management at Home Depot to strategic sourcing at APS—and dives into the challenges and opportunities of leading supply chain operations in a critical utility industry. The conversation explores talent acquisition, negotiation strategies, and how AI technologies like Agentic AI and generative tools are transforming procurement practices.
2025-12-0715 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #42: An Interview with Simpla FoodsBarry Render interviews Canadian entrepreneurs Katie Wookey and Ari Davis, co-founders of Simpla Foods, a plant-based yogurt company. They discuss co-packing, supplier relationships, sustainable packaging, and their growth strategy across Canada and into the U.S.
2025-11-0915 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #41: An Interview with Jennifer Taylor from UHSIn this podcast Barry Render and co-host Misty Blessly interview Jennifer Taylor, Director of Contracts at Universal Health Services. Jennifer shares her journey from the Philadelphia Housing Authority to UHS, offering insights into healthcare procurement, tariff challenges, and how her team manages product allocations. She also discusses UHS’s innovative internship program and its role in building a pipeline of supply chain talent.
2025-10-2010 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #40: AI in the MBA Classroom and BeyondIn our latest episode, Barry Render sits down with David Rosenthal, a recent MBA graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming business education and early career experiences.
David shares insights into AI in the classroom, AI as a central part of his internship, and his entrepreneurial journey using AI to build Fantasy Fusion Sports.
2025-10-0513 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #39: AI, Sustainability, Cybersecurity & Blockchain in OperationsBarry Render interviews Dr. Subodha Kumar of Temple University on how AI is transforming operations—from sustainability and compliance to cybersecurity and blockchain. Subodha shares insights on greenwashing, supply chain visibility, and advice for students entering an AI-driven workforce.
2025-09-1513 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #38: Editorial Leadership and the Future of Operations ManagementIn our August podcast, Barry Render interviews Dr. Tyson Browning, Professor of Operations at Texas Christian University and former co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Operations Management. Barry and Tyson discuss Tyson’s editorial experience, the evolving role of AI in research, and the future direction of the operations management field.
2025-08-2214 min
Heizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #37: Global Supply Chain VulnerabilitiesIn our July podcast, Barry Render interviews Darrell Edwards, professor of supply chain at University of Tennessee Knoxville, with decades of industry experience including at La-Z-Boy, a leading provider of home furniture. In this podcast Barry and Darrell discuss vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
2025-07-2813 min
Heizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #36: Life Sciences Supply ChainWe're excited about our June podcast, wherein Barry Render interviews Bob O’Donnell, Vice President of Business Development of Life Sciences at East Coast Warehouse, who has extensive experience with life sciences supply chains. Barry and Bob discuss Bob's experience and how life sciences supply chains operate.
A transcript can be downloaded here: https://operationsmanagementblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/HRM-Podcast-Life-Sciences-Transcript.docx
2025-06-2312 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #35: Procurement in Global Supply ChainsIn our latest podcast, Barry Render interviews Chris Calabretta, founder of Silk Road Supply Chain Advisors, which specializes in transforming supply chain operations and procurement and purchasing functions. In this podcast Barry and Chris will be discussing how global supply chains have been totally refocused since Covid, especially in the area of biologics.
2025-05-1911 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #34: An Inside Look at TariffsIn our latest podcast Barry Render interviews Bob O'Donnell, Vice President of Business Development of Life Sciences at East Coast Warehouse, who previously spent 13 years with Maersk. Barry and Bob discuss tariffs and their potential impacts.
You can find a transcript of this podcast here: https://operationsmanagementblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HRM-Podcast-Tariffs-Transcript.docx
2025-05-0411 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #33: The Value of an OM ConsultantIn our latest episode Barry interviews Mark Gershon, a retired professor from Temple University and former chair of the Management Science and Operations Management Department. Barry and Mark discuss the value of consulting in Operations Management with several real world examples.
2025-04-0612 min
Heizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #32: Supply Chain Risk ManagementIn today's podcast Barry Render interviews George Zsidisin, the John W. Barringer III Professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Missouri - Saint Louis as well as author of several books on Supply Chain Risk. In this episode Barry and George will be speaking about supply chain risk.
2025-03-1614 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #31: The Impact of AIIn our latest podcast, Barry Render interviews Charlie Render, President of Render Analytics, which helps businesses of all kinds implement AI. In this episode, Barry and Charlie discuss the impact of AI on the environment and on jobs.
2025-02-2409 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #30: Enterprise Resource PlanningIn our latest podcast, Barry Render interviews Anne-Marie Salamone, Senior Consultant at MCA Connect, which focuses on helping manufacturing organizations modernize. Anne-Marie and Barry discuss enterprise resource planning (ERP).
A transcript is available within the latest blog post: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/category/podcast/
2025-01-2511 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #29: The Art & Science of Developing Supply Chain StrategiesWe're back with the first podcast of 2025. In this podcast, Barry Render interviews Alex Klein, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Solutions for APL Logistics, a third-party logistics provider. Alex and Barry discuss the art and science of developing supply chain strategies for shippers with three fascinating, wide-ranging real world examples from Alex's career.
A transcript is available here: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HRM-Podcast-APL-Logistics-Transcript.docx
2025-01-0412 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #28: (11/25/24) Thanksgiving in the Cold Food Supply ChainOM Podcast #28: (11/25/24) Thanksgiving in the Cold Food Supply Chain by Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast
2024-11-2409 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #27: The Role of Warehouses in the Supply Chain (11/4/24)In today's podcast Barry Render interviews Paul Delp, President of Lansdale Warehouses located in Eastern Pennsylvania. Paul and Barry discuss the role of warehouses in the supply chain and spend time digging in on what it means to be a 3PL and offer "white glove service" to customers.
2024-11-0210 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #26: Operations at the Port of PhiladelphiaIn the latest podcast Barry Render interviews Dominic O'Brien, an executive at the Port of Philadelphia or Philaport. Dominic and Barry discuss why the port system is so important to supply chains in the US and worldwide.
2024-10-2113 min
Heizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #25: Global Supply Chain DisruptionsIn our latest, very timely podcast Barry Render interviews David Panzera, Vice President of Purchasing for FXI with a 30 year history in global supply chains. Dave and Barry discuss disruptions to global supply chains, including increasingly common weather events and the lingering, long-term impacts they have.
2024-10-0113 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #24: Supply Chain: A System in CrisisWelcome to our most podcast. In this podcast Barry Render interviews Andreas Weiland, Professor of Supply Chain at the Copenhagen Business School and Editor of the Journal of Supply Chain Management. Andreas and Barry discuss Andreas' new book, Supply Chain: A System in Crisis, as well as other topics such as the circulator economy and the latest trends in journals.
2024-09-1013 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #23: Global Supply Chain Management at Ricoh USAIn our most recent podcast Barry Render interviews Todd Ahern, Vice President of Supply Chain for Ricoh, USA, the biggest producer of large printers in the world. Barry and Todd discuss the complexity of supply chains for a global company with facilities in Asia, Mexico, and the US.
2024-08-2612 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #22: Continuous Process ImprovementIn this most recent podcast Barry Render interviews John Beakes, Senior Director of Continuous Process Improvement at Pearson, the publisher of our Heizer/Render/Munson textbook. Barry and John discuss the importance of Lean and continuous process improvement at Pearson and in other industries John's worked in.
2024-08-1210 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #21 (6/10/24) - Operations at Falcon's BeyondIn our latest podcast Barry Render interviews Simon Philips, former President at Marvel, former Executive Vice President at Disney, and current President at Falcon's Beyond, a global entertainment powerhouse and visionary leader in storytelling sitting at the intersection of content, technology and experiences. Barry and Simon discuss The latest announcement about the new Dragon Ball theme park as part of Qiddiya as well as other operations at Falcon's Beyond.
2024-06-0812 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode #20 (5/27/24): Manufacturing & Operations at NautiqueIn our latest podcast Barry speaks with VP of Operations at Nautique, Kris Hanigosky, about operations for this luxury ski boat manufacturer. They discuss maintaining the highest levels of quality, the importance of accuracy forecasting and inventory management, and innovative approaches to employee retention through upskilling.
Download a transcript of this podcast at heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/
2024-05-2712 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #19 (5/3/24): US Manufacturing & the Awareness GapIn our most recent podcast, Barry speaks with Mike Nager, Business Development Manager at Festo Didactic, and advocate for US Manufacturing careers. Barry and Mike discuss the awareness gap around US manufacturing, which is alive and well, and offering lucrative, technology-driven careers.
Download a transcript of this podcast at heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/
2024-05-0412 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #18 (4/7/24): Issues in the Food Supply ChainIn our latest podcast Barry Render welcomes Don Durm, Vice President of Customer Solutions at PLM Fleet.
Download a transcript of this podcast at https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/
2024-04-0812 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #17 (3/1/24): Pfizer's Global Supply ChainsIn our latest podcast, Barry welcomes Tom Cheslock, VP of Global Supply Chains at Pfizer. Tom and Barry discuss the massive network of supply chains that support Pfizer's pharmaceutical business, including their recent success delivering the COVID vaccine to 180 countries around the world during the height of the pandemic. Additionally Tom describes his recent trip to Tokyo to experience the Toyota Production System first-hand and bring new tactics back to Pfizer.
Download a transcript of this podcast at https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/
2024-03-0112 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast #16 (2/12/24): Engaging, Real World OM SimsIn the latest podcast, Barry Render, coauthor of the #1 Operations Management textbook on the market, interviews Dr. Andy Johnson, who teaches Operations Management to over 1,000 students a semester at University of Central Florida. Andy and Barry discuss the unique way UCF's course is set up, and the Pearson OM Sims the course is centered around, which bring an essential real world, engaging hands-on element to the course.
2024-02-1213 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 1 (3/27/23) - Sustainability and Supply ChainsToday’s topic relates to Supplement 5, Sustainability in the Supply Chain. In it, we talk about new government regulations, the clothing industry, Apple, and greenhouse gasses. Let us know what you think.
2024-01-2907 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 2 (4/10/23) - How Does Blockchain Work?Today, Jay Heizer and Barry Render delve into the topic of blockchain, which is a topic in Chapter 11, Supply Chain Management. We will talk about its cryptocurrency origins and the work of Gerber, Nestle, Unilever, Walmart, and IBM to create a blockchain system called Food Trust. We also discuss blockchain’s shortcomings and how both shipping giant Maersk and retail giant Walmart have had to cut back on their original goals dramatically.
2024-01-2908 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 3 (4/24/23) - Managing Large ProjectsWelcome to our latest Operations management podcast! Today, Jay Heizer and Barry Render delve into the topic of managing large projects, which is a topic in Chapter 3, Project Management. What makes a project successful? Why do so many fail to meet their objectives? What is a “megaproject”? All three of these questions are answered by our authors.
2024-01-2908 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 4 (5/8/23) - Strategic Decision Making at McDonald'sWelcome to our latest Operations management podcast! Today, Jay Heizer and Barry Render discuss the strategic decision making at McDonald’s that has made it such a successful company. We hope you enjoy hearing about some of the interesting operations advances that firm has made in its products (Chapter 5), processes and technology (Chapter 7). and layout (Chapter 9) to give it a competitive advantage.
2024-01-2908 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 5 (6/19/23) - NASCAR Pit StopsWelcome to our latest Operations Management podcast! Today, Jay Heizer and Barry Render discuss the OM side of NASCAR racing pitstops in this 9-minute recording. Chapter 10 of the text opens with a Global Company Profile featuring NASCAR. Racing teams’ use of time and motion studies are great examples of operational efficiency. In the podcast, Jay and Barry also describe how Formula One racing approaches to pit stops have helped a hospital and a pharma manufacturer.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/06/19/om-podcast-5-nascar-pit-stops/
2024-01-2909 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast 6 (7/31/23) - The EV Battery Supply ChainWelcome to our latest Operations Management podcast! Today, Barry Render and his guest, Providence College Professor Jon Jackson, discuss an important issue facing the auto industry: the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. Their talk includes battery end-of-life issues, recycling in the U.S., and a look ahead to 2035 when the E.U. and several U.S. states will ban gas-powered vehicles.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/07/31/om-podcast-6-the-ev-battery-supply-chain/
2024-01-2914 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 7 (8/22/23) - The Cold Food Supply ChainWelcome to our latest Operations Management podcast! Today, Barry Render and his guest, Temple University Professor Misty Blessley, discuss cold food storage and the importance of this often hidden supply chain. Their talk includes benefits of a well-developed cold food supply chain, an assessment of the U.S. cold supply chain, and a look across the world.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/08/22/om-podcast-7-the-cold-food-supply-chain/
2024-01-2911 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 8 (9/6/23) - Operations Management at Red LobsterWelcome to a very exciting Operations Management podcast! Today, Barry Render and his guest, Executive Vice President of Red Lobster, Horace Dawson, talk about operations at Red Lobster. They discuss the most important operations tasks to get right in any restaurant but especially the world’s largest seafood chain: forecasting, scheduling, supply chains, and quality.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/09/06/om-podcast-8-operations-management-at-red-lobster/
2024-01-2910 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 9 (9/25/23) - Lessons from ToyotaOur latest podcast is an exciting change of pace. Today, Jay Heizer hosts leadership coach, consultant, speaker, and author, Katie Anderson. In this podcast they discuss her book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning and the stories from her experience with Isao Yoshino and the Toyota Way that has made Toyota world-renown for the company’s style of management and culture of learning.
To learn more about Katie and her work, or to get the book, visit her website: https://kbjanderson.com/
A transcript is available on the bl...
2024-01-2912 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 10 (10/11/23) - Technology in the Hospitality SectorThis week’s podcast is back in the restaurant and hospitality world, with Barry Render hosting Jordan Lomas, Senior Vice President of Information Technology for Darden Restaurants, the largest full-service restaurant company in the world.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/10/11/om-podcast-10-technology-in-the-hospitality-sector/
2024-01-2913 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 11 (10/23/23) - Project Management in the Real WorldIn our latest podcast Jay Heizer speaks with a real world project manager, Dr. Dan Bumblauskas, who is currently Executive Director of Convergent Technology Alliance Center and Associate Dean and Professor of the Business College at Missouri Western University. He and Jay discuss a variety of aspects of project management, including tools, risk management, and strategies to keep within budget and on schedule.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/10/23/om-podcast-11-project-management-in-the-real-world/
2024-01-2911 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 12 (11/13/23) - Data Analytics & Operations ManagementOur latest podcast is all about data analytics. Barry Render speaks with his son, Charlie Render, president of Render Analytics, about his real world experience using data analytics to solve problems around forecasting, sustainability, and quality. Charlie shares some recommendations for students who are considering studying or about to graduate in the field of data analytics.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/11/13/om-podcast-12-data-analytics-and-operations-management/
2024-01-2912 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 13 (12/5/23) - An interview with DuPont's CPOIn our latest podcast, Barry interviews Miguel Gonzalez, Chief Procurement Officer at DuPont. They discuss the increase in uncertainty and the importance of risk management with the growing number of supply chain disruptions caused by things like COVID and geopolitical situations across the globe, and how DuPont has weathered these by relying on strategic relationships.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2023/12/05/om-podcast-13-an-interview-with-duponts-chief-procurement-officer/
2024-01-2911 minHeizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 15 (1/29/24) - Operations at Frito-LayIn the latest podcast, Barry Render, author of the #1 Operations Management textbook on the market, interviews Tom Rao, Senior Vice President of US Field Operations for Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo. Tom and Barry discuss various operations improvements at Frito-Lay, general plans for how Frito-Lay plans to utilize AI to support the business, and how Frito-Lay is addressing the challenge around labor shortages.
A transcript is available on the blog: https://heizerrenderom.wpcomstaging.com/2024/01/29/om-podcast-15-automation-ai-and-operations-at-frito-lay/
2024-01-2911 min
Heizer Render Munson OM PodcastOM Podcast Episode 14 (1/2/24): Feeding the World Through Complex Supply ChainsIn our latest podcast, Barry speaks with F. Scott Fein, Vice President of the Northeast Region of Robinson Fresh, a company that aims to “feed the world through complex supply chains.” They discuss cold food storage supply chains and operations, the effects of AI, sustainability, and product variety and customization.
2024-01-1613 min