Getting to Know Dr. Mostafa K. Ardakani, Kent State Associate Professor

Interested in learning more about our graduate program in Business Analytics? Take some time to learn about our Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship professors who will guide you during your time earning your master’s degree. Today, we highlight one of our new professors, Mostafa K. Ardakani, Ph.D.

Ardakani has multiple publications, with more than 200 citations accrued in the past five years. Additionally, he comes to Kent State with almost a decade of teaching expertise and relevant research experience with an emphasis on infrastructure and transportation. Ardakani is dedicated to making himself available to help his students with developing application ideas, answering class questions, and encouraging them to use their skills to solve problems.

1. What is your role at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship and how long have you been in this role?

I’m an Associate Professor and I joined the College in August 2022.

2. What are your areas of expertise?

My areas of expertise include artificial intelligence, connected and autonomous vehicles, data mining, decision making, machine learning, mathematical modeling, operations management, operations research, optimization, simulation, statistics, STEM education, and transportation.

Additionally, MATLAB (proficient in large-scale optimization and statistics and machine learning-big data), MINITAB, MSP, MySQL, and RStudio.

3. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

When I see my students land good jobs or apply their skills to solve real-world problems.

4. Which research topics or special projects are you currently working on?

The most recent project is about the Assessment of the Digital Maturity of Enterprises. Digital maturity tries to define and measure a systematic way for an organization to transform digitally. Nowadays, digital transformation has become a high priority for many organizations. Digital advances in engineering and its integration with business practices is a key priority for companies’ success, especially in technology and development organizations.

Although significant progress has been made in digital transformation, there is no commonly acknowledged method to assess the maturity of digital transformation. Most of the assessment methods are qualitative. In this research, the focus is to utilize quantitative methods such as multi-criteria decision-making to assess the digital maturity of organizations.

5. Any recent media interviews on your work?

I had an interview with a university in Qatar last year. They wanted to know my opinion about the new constructions for the Qatar Olympics and their impact on the environment. Mainly, because of my relevant paper.

6. How would you describe your teaching style?

Teach well and have high expectations. For instance, without any exception, I always prepare and review my teaching materials before class; even for courses that I have taught for more than 10 years. I also make myself available beyond class times and office hours; students can even schedule a remote meeting during the weekend to ask their questions. They don’t have to wait several days to get a response.

7. What do you enjoy most about working with Kent State graduate students?

The student population is very diverse. Also, I found that many students are actively engaged in athletic activities.

8. What are some of the benefits of the MBA program for students?

Mainly, I teach Business Analytics and some analytical courses in the MBA program. The job market for these graduates is really promising, especially since most of the world's data have been created in the past few years and this trend will continue.

Also, many businesses realize the significance of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytical tools. Accordingly, many companies are looking for young professionals who are savvy and equipped with analytical skills to harness all of these developments. The program/curriculum is aligned with this purpose.

9. What are some benefits of an online graduate program?

Our online graduate program has flexibility and is very practical. Our faculty continuously monitor the job market to find top skill needs and accordingly updates and designs courses. Also, almost all courses have Quality Matters certification (indicating high standards in content and online delivery).

10. What is your favorite thing about Kent State University?

Having nice and professional colleagues. I have never felt uncomfortable.

11. Are you involved with students in any capacity other than teaching?

Sporadically, I help my students in a variety of things (to pursue their passions or overcome their difficulties). For example, I am now helping several students to develop their business ideas for designing an image processing app. In the past, I’ve helped three of my underrepresented students to find scholarships and awards, and engaged them in activities to enhance their skills and résumé.

Earn Your Master’s Degree from Kent State University

Set yourself up for a successful future by creating a stable academic foundation. With challenging yet relevant courses created by some of the best professors like Ardakani, Kent State University is your destination for earning your master’s degree in business analytics.

Start the application process or reach out to us with questions today.