Dr. Ralf Seifert

Biography

Ralf W. Seifert is a Professor of Technology and Operations Management (TOM) at the College of Management of Technology (CDM) at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). His primary research interests revolve around operations management, supply chain strategy, and technology network management. He actively participates in industry analysis, international project work, and new venture formation. Professor Seifert has co-authored more than 30 case studies across various industries, and his efforts have been recognized with multiple international case awards granted by the EFMD and ECCH. He continues to research issues related to supply chain strategy and finance, contributing over 70 articles and conference presentations. Additionally, he has co-authored books focusing on strategic supply chain management and challenges faced by technology ventures. Before joining EPFL, Professor Seifert had a parallel appointment at IMD since 2000, where he served as a Professor of Operations Management. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. and M.S. in Management Science from Stanford University, a Diplom Ingenieur degree in Mechanical Engineering from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and a Master’s degree in Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering from North Carolina State University. He has also consulted for major corporations and worked for companies such as Booz & Company and McKinsey & Company, along with a year as a Visiting Scholar in Operations Research at Waseda University in Tokyo.

Research Interests