Advancing Women in Supply Chain:
Research Questions and Opportunities

Abstract

This panel will examine the progress and challenges for women academics and practitioners in logistics and supply chain management. The panel will discuss the progress made in the inclusion of women in the male-dominated disciplines of logistics and supply chain management in academia and practice. They will discuss the challenges women face and share their experiences as supply chain leaders and academics. The panel will discuss career opportunities in academia, entrepreneurship, and corporate environments and propose potential research questions to examine gender diversity and inclusion in logistics and supply chain management. The panel discussion will include a questions and answers (Q&A) session.

Moderator

Dr. (Mrs.) Felicity Asiedu-Appiah, Senior Lecturer, KNUST, Ghana

Felicity Asiedu-Appiah is a senior lecturer in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology’s (KNUST) Department of Human Resource and Organizational Development. Asiedu-Appiah teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students and supervises student theses. Her research focuses on work-life intersections, organizational behavior, human resource management, and cross-cultural management. 

Panelists

Prof. Yemisi Bolumole, Ryder Professor of Supply Chain Management, University of Tennessee, U.S.

Yemisi Bolumole is the Ryder Professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Tennessee. Bolumole’s research program has generated over 30 publications, including a best paper award in the journal of business logistics. Her journal articles have been published in the Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, International Journal of Production Research, the International Journal of Logistics Management, and the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing.

Ms. Azuka Okeke, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Resource Center, Nigeria

Azuka Okeke oversees supply chain transformation projects in Nigeria and supports other African countries to strengthen their health systems. Okeke is best known for engaging and supporting governments and development partners to prioritize and invest in health supply chain programs in Africa. Her work has improved financial investments by the Federal and State governments in Nigeria and co-investments worth over $8 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Global Fund, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. In addition, Okeke is well known for the role she plays as a thought partner and Advisor to the National Ministries of Health in Africa.

Dr. Dorcas Nuertey, Lecturer, KNUST, Ghana

Dorcas Nuertey teaches in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems. She has extensive expertise with sustainable supply chains, green supply chain management, and strategic supply chains.

Mrs. Stella Addo, Country Manager, Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), Ghana 

Stella Addo is a practicing procurement and supply chain professional with over 25 years of experience. Her career as a procurement professional started in 1991 at the Ministry of Education after finishing her national service. Throughout her career, Addo has contributed to the development of the procurement profession in Ghana in various capacities: as a procurement specialist, project manager, and procurement advisor with Crown Agents, Funds and Procurement Management Unit of the Ministry of Education, and as the head of procurement for Fidelity Bank.