Centre for Sustainable Operations and Innovation (CSOI)
The Centre for Sustainable Operations and Innovation (CSOI) is a research centre at the Sprott School of Business, Carleton university. Our research is focused to advancing knowledge and practice in sustainable operations, resilient supply chains, innovation, and analytics.
About The Centre for Sustainable Operations and Innovation (CSOI)
The Centre for Sustainable Operations and Innovation (CSOI) is a collaborative research hub dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in sustainable operations, resilient supply chains, innovation, and analytics. Our mission is to conduct, coordinate, and disseminate cutting-edge research that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations while addressing pressing environmental and societal challenges. CSOI brings together scholars, industry partners, and policymakers to explore innovative strategies and data-driven solutions that promote sustainable value creation across supply chains and business processes. Through interdisciplinary research, applied projects, and knowledge mobilization initiatives, the Centre strives to empower organizations to adopt forward-thinking approaches that integrate sustainability, resilience, operational excellence, and innovation into their core strategies.
Our History
Founded in 1986 by Dr. Vinod Kumar, the Centre – formerly named “Manufacturing Systems Centre” – has primary aims to develop a scientific understanding of manufacturing/operations systems, to develop techniques and models for enhancing their productivity, and to integrate the manufacturing and operations function into corporate strategy.
A significant number of PhD. and MMS/MSc students have been affiliated with the Centre over the past 30 years. Most of the PhD. graduates hold academic positions as Associate professors, one as Head of departments and even Canada Research Chair and the others as Full professors.
No longer focusing solely in manufacturing, the Centre has been renamed in 2025 to reflect the dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in sustainable operations, innovation, and analytics.
CSOI Leadership
Aaron L. Nsakanda is the Director of the Centre. He is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics at Sprott School of Business. His academic and professional work focuses broadly on the use of mathematical modeling, simulation, and data analytics to address complex challenges in operations and supply chain management. His research is rooted in real-world applications and aims to improve the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of operations and supply chains across various sectors. His research has been supported by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), among other organizations.
Our People
Ahmed Doha
- Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics
- ahmed.doha@carleton.ca
Belaid Aouni
- Adjunct Research Professor & Contract Instructor
Marcia Mkansi
- CSOI Member
Uma Kumar
- Professor Emeritus, Distinguished Research Professor, Supply Chain Management
- uma.kumar@carleton.ca
Vinod Kumar
- Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus, Distinguished Research Professor, Supply Chain Management
- vinod.kumar@carleton.ca
CSOI News
News and recent publications from CSOI members.
Contact Us
Centre for Sustainable Operations and Innovation
Carleton University, Sprott School of Business
6055 Nicol Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6