Ilitch School welcomes Junwoo Cha, assistant professor of Global Supply Chain Management

Hello! I am Junwoo Cha. I am from South Korea. I received my PhD in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee, M.S. in Supply Chain Management from the University of Texas at Dallas, and Bachelor of Business Administration from SolBridge International School of Business, South Korea.

What are your primary teaching interests?

My primary teaching interests are Operations Management, Supply Chain Business Analytics, and Procurement.

What are your primary research interests?

My primary research interests include Supply Chain Network Evolution, Network Design, and Supply Chain Complexity.

Tell me about your background in Technology?

I love learning about new technologies in teaching and research. I am using different technological and methodological software for my research, including R, Python, Stata, UCINET, etc.

Why did you come to the Ilitch School of Business?

I chose to join the Mike Ilitch School of Business because of its outstanding reputation for fostering innovation and excellence in business education. The school's strong emphasis on experiential learning and its connections to the thriving business community in Detroit were particularly appealing to me.

I was excited by the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed faculty and motivated students, and I believe the school's resources and network will help me make significant strides in my research and professional development.

What makes you passionate about business education?

My passion for business education stems from its power to transform lives and drive innovation. I am fascinated by how strategic decisions, supply chain efficiencies, and effective management can create significant value for organizations and society. Teaching allows me to share this knowledge, inspire future leaders, and contribute to their growth.

What is one thing you wish all your students would do?

Get out of your comfort zone. I firmly believe that new learning comes from new environments. Do not be afraid to take on challenges; if you decide to challenge yourself, give it your all so you have no regrets. Regardless of the outcome, if you put in your best effort, the process becomes a driving force for growth and an experience that will eventually help you. Focus on how you can become a better person through the growth process rather than being outcome oriented. If you live each day with a positive mindset, I believe you can find happiness no matter where you are or what you do.

What are you excited about seeing in Detroit?

I am thrilled to explore the dynamic and resilient city of Detroit. I'm eager to experience its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and the remarkable transformation it has undergone in recent years. I look forward to witnessing the city's innovative spirit firsthand, as it continues to reinvent itself as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.