UBC Sauder School of Business

UBC Sauder | Café & Connections with Chris Ryan

The video features Aria, a master’s student, interviewing Chris Ryan, professor of operations and logistics at UBC Sauder, discussing how operations management and supply‑chain education remain vital amid evolving global trade. Ryan defines operations management as “making it happen,” emphasizing the messy, day‑to‑day decisions that keep businesses running. He highlights the “Five Whys” technique from the Toyota Production System as a universal skill, and notes that supply‑chain mechanics are the backbone of modern international commerce. He shares case studies drawn from former students, notably a nail‑salon founder who attempted to scale a single‑service concept and ultimately failed during the pandemic, illustrating the gap between small‑business operations and chain expansion. Ryan also mentions that master’s programs foster the most debate around these cases. The discussion underscores the importance of embedding real‑world entrepreneurial examples into curricula, preparing graduates to navigate complex operational challenges and adapt to shifting trade dynamics, which is crucial for future business leaders.