Benjamin Grant
Benjamin Grant is a versatile academic and entrepreneur with a passion for blending theory with real-world application. With degrees in mathematics and quantitative analysis, plus a PhD in Operations Management from Kellogg School of Management, he's now a tenure-track Assistant Professor at Clemson University and Visiting Assistant Professor at Kellogg.
His main research interest lies in improving healthcare operations, focusing on increasing quality, reducing costs, and tackling disparities in care. With almost two decades of experience in data science consulting, Benjamin co-founded a SaaS startup specializing in AI-driven demand forecasting, aiming to simplify inventory management for businesses.
Through his work, Benjamin strives to make a tangible impact in healthcare and data science, bridging academic research with practical solutions for everyday challenges.
Operations Management (OPNSM-430-0)
Strategic Decisions in Operations (OPNS-454-0)
This course provides a framework and multiple analytic tools to analyze, value, and optimize the strategic asset and process decisions involved in configuring the "operating system" of the firm. Asset decisions include capacity sizing, expansion, flexibility and location. Process decisions include strategic sourcing, operational hedging, new technology and operating model selection. The focus is on value-creating decisions that are grounded in operational reality. A typical week covers one decision introduced first during a lecture, followed by an assignment (some in group, some individual) and then case-discussion. A final group project is due in week 10. There is no final exam.
MBAi Operations Management (OPNS-435-0)
Applied AI Lab (AIML-972-0)
Companies are creating new roles to deploy AI inside existing organizations - and need leaders who can translate fuzzy business problems into working AI products. The Applied AI Lab is a 10-week experiential course in which students work in small cross-functional teams to scope, build, and ship AI-driven solutions for company partners. Teams deliver a working AI product - not a slide deck - that partners continue using after the engagement ends. Each week pairs a 90-minute instructor-led session on a transferable framework (process mapping, problem quantification, eval-driven development, stakeholder sequencing, production handoff) with several hours of team-led project work and direct client engagement. Students graduate with both a portable framework and a deployed artifact built inside a real organization.
AI Foundations for Managers - AgentOps (AIML-901OP-5)
AI is advancing at an unprecedented pace. The best way to understand its potential is not just by studying it- but by using it. This immersive course provides Kellogg students with extensive hands-on experience building with generative AI, equipping you with practical skills to immediately apply these technologies in business contexts. In just five weeks, you will go from AI outsider to AI insider, taking your first steps toward building solutions while developing the essential vocabulary and conceptual framework to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Course Goals:- Create Value through Real-World Projects: Complete an exciting, relevant AI project that demonstrates real business value
- Master the AI Toolkit: Gain practical experience with various AI tools, including the latest AI agents
- Demystify AI: Understand how AI works under the hood, understanding ethical considerations while developing fluency in AI concepts at both a technical and higher level
- Develop a "Tinkerer's Mindset": Cultivate the curiosity, skills, and strategies to experiment with emerging AI technologies and stay ahead of rapid developments
