Raha Akhavan-Tabatabaei, Ph.D. Associate Professor Six Sigma Program Director Center for Optimization and Applied Probability (COPA) Industrial Engineering Department Universidad de los Andes Bogota, Colombia

Contact information

Education

• Ph.D., Industrial and Systems Engineering , North Carolina State University, May 2011. Dissertation Title: A Markov Chain Framework for Approximation of Cycle Time in Semiconductor Manufacturing Toolsets.
  Keywords: Cycle Time Approximation, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Operational Rules, Markov Chains, Phase-type
  Distributions, Quasi Birth-Death Processes.
  Minor: Operations Research.
  Advisers: Dr. Yahya Fathi, Dr. J. George Shanthikumar.
  Advising Committee Members: Dr. James R. Wilson, Dr. Reha Uzsoy, Dr. Thomas Culbreth.


• Master of Science, Industrial and Systems Engineering - Operations Research (co-major) , North
  Carolina State University, August 2005.
  Thesis Title: An Interactive Framework for The Parameter Design Problem in Quality Engineering.


• Bachelor of Science , Industrial Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, December 2011.

Research Interests

Stochastic modeling and analysis, applied to:

• Disaster Operations Management
• Health Care Systems
• Medical Decision Making
• Production and Maintenance Systems
• Quality and Reliability Engineering
• Revenue Management
• Transportation and Logistics

Journal Publications

1. Otero, D., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R.,"A Stochastic Dynamic Pricing Model For The Multiclass Problems in The Airline Industry " , European Journal of Operational Research , In Press.


2. Riascos, J., Sanchez-Silva, M., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R.,"Reliability Analysis of Shock-Based Deterioration Using Phase-Type Distributions" , Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics, In Press.


3. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Bolivar, M., Hincapie, J. and Medaglia, A., 2014,"Parking Revenue Management Combining Simulation and Optimization" , Annals of Operations Research,vol. 222 (1), pp. 29-44.


4. Arunachalam, V., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Lopez, C., 2013, "Results on a Binding Neuron Model and Their Implications for Modified Hourglass Model for Neuronal Network", Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine, Volume 2013.


5. Borrero, J., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2013, "Time and Inventory Dependent Optimal Maintenance Policies for Single Machine Workstations: An MDP Approach", The European Journal of Operations Research, vol. 228 (3), pp. 545-555.


6. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Fathi, Yahya, Shanthikumar, J. George, 2012, "A Markov Chain Framework for Cycle Time Approximation of Toolsets", IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing, vol. 25 (4), pp. 589-597.


7. Gomez, A., Mariño, R., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Medaglia, A., Mendoza, J.,"A Flexible Framework For Vehicle Routing Problems with Stochastic Travel and Service Times", Transportation Science , under 3rd round of revision.


8. Hoyos, M. C., Morales, R. S., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., "OR Models with Stochastic Components in Disaster Operations Management: A Literature Survey", Computational and Industrial Engineering, under 2nd round of revision.


9. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Sanchez, D., Yeung, T., "A Markov Decision Process Model for Cervical Cancer Screening Policies in Colombia ", Medical Decision Making, under review.

Book Chapter

1. Vargas, S. A., Zhang, S., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., "Optimal Decision Making for Breast Cancer Treatment in The Presence of Cancer Regression and Type II Error in Mammography Results", Springer PROMS Special Issue on Current Trends in Applied Mathematical Science, In Press.

Working Papers

1. Annear, L.M., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Schmid, V., "A Stochastic Dynamic Approach for Maintenance Planning with Multiple Machines", working paper.


2. Rodriguez, D., Ruiz, C. F., Lozano, L., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Medaglia, A., "Staffing under Uncertainty: The Case of Fast-Food Industry", working paper.


3. Otero, D. F., Imbett, J. F., Montoya, A. F., Daza, J. D., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., "Optimal Class Segmentation for Hotel Rooms: A Case Study in The Colombian Hotel Sector", working paper.


4. Lopez, E., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Dieulle, L., Labadie, N., Medaglia, A., "On the Combined Maintenance and Routing Optimization Problem ", working paper.


5. Murcia, M., Rivera, M. J., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Medagila, A. L., Sarmiento, O. L., "A Decision Support Methodology to Evaluate Open-Streen Programs as Means Of Improving Public Health and Promoting Social Inclusion Through The Promotion of Physical Activity in The Americas", working paper.


6. Lopez, D. I. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Celis L. M., "Análisis de Costo-Efectividad de la Conización Lletz en Pacientes con Lesiones Intraepiteliales de Alto Grado en Colombia", working paper.


7. Perez, J. F., Riao, G., Sarmiento Romero, A., Silva, D. F., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Goez, J. C., "jMarkov Package: A Stochastic Modeling Software Application", working paper.


8. Namén, M. I., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Gel, E., Celis L. M., "A Partially Observable Markov Decision Process for HPV-DNA Testing", working paper.


9. Zhang, S., Bolivar, J. D., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., "Inclusion of Patient Preferences in Optimal Decision Making for Breast Cancer Treatment", working paper.

Conference Proceedings

1. Murcia, M., Rivera, M. J., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Sarmiento, O. L., "A Discrete-event Simulation Model to Estimate The Number of Participants in The CICLOVIA Program of Bogota", Proceedings of the 2014 Winter Simulation Conference, Savannah, Georgia, USA, to appear.


2. Morales, G., Morales, S., Valencia, C., F., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., "A Forest Fire Propagation Simulator for Bogota", Proceedings of the 2014 Winter Simulation Conference, Savannah, Georgia, USA, to appear.


3. Sanchez-Silva, M., Riascos-Ochoa, J., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2014, "A Review of Challenges and Strategies for Modeling Structural Degradation, Procc Structures Congress 2014 Boston, MA.


4. Riascos-Ochoa, J., Sanchez-Silva, M., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2014, "Phase-type Distributions in Structural Degradation: Fitting to Real Data and Reliability Estimation", Procc. 46th ESReDA Seminar on:Reliability Assessment and Life Cycle Analysis of Structures and Infrastructures. May 29th - 30th, 2014, Politecnico di Torino, Turino, Italy.


5. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Morales, R., and Ríos, J., 2013, "Capacity and Location Planning of Auxiliary Medical Facilities in Earthquake Relief Operations", ICORD/EWG-ORD 2013 Workshop on OR in Development, Rome, Italy.


6. Hoyos, M. C., Morales, R., and Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2013, "Modeling the Inclusion of Trapped Victims in Logistics Planning for Earthquake Response: A Case Study in The City of Bogota", Proceedings of the 2013 Winter Simulation Conference, Washington, D.C., USA.


7. Gómez, A., Mariño, R., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Medaglia, A., Mendoza, J., 2013, "A Unified Framework for Vehicle Routing Problems with Stochastic Travel and Service Times", Proceedings of The TRISTAN VIII Triennal Symposium on Transportation Analysis, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile.


8. Riascos Ochoa, J., SanchezSilva, M., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2013, "Stochastic Shock Models for Degrading Infrastructure Systems via Phase-Type Distributions", Proceedings of ESREL 2013 Annual Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.


9. Namén, M., I., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Celis, L. M., 2013, "Optimal Screening Policies for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Colombia", IIE Annual Conference and Expo 2013, ISERC, San Juan, Puerto Rico.


10. Morales, R., and Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2012, "A Model for Storage of Emergency Supplies to Respond to Technological Accidents in Bogota", Proceedings of the 2012 Winter Simulation Conference, Berlin, Germany.


11. Cote, M., Riaño, G., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Perez, J., Sarmiento, A., Goez, J., 2012, "jMarkov Package: A Stochastic Modeling Tool", SIGMETRICS Performance Evaluation Review.


12. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., and Ruiz Salazar, C., 2011, "Effective WIP-dependent Lot Release Policies: A Discrete Event Simulation Approach", Proceedings of the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference, Phoenix, AZ, USA.


13. Norena, D., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Yamin, L., and Ospina, W., 2011, "Using Discrete Event Simulation to Evaluate the Logistics of Medical Attention During Relief Operations in an Earthquake in Bogota", Proceedings of the 2011 Winter Simulation Conference, Phoenix, AZ, USA.


14. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R. and Ruiz Salazar, C. F., 2011, "Choosing Effective Operational Rules To Reduce The Cycle Time In Semiconductor Manufacturing Fabs: A Queueing Network Approach", Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Production Research (ICPR21), Stuttgart, Germany.


15. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R. and Borrero, J. S., 2010, "A Markov Decision Process Model For Optimal Policy Making In The Maintenance Of A Single-Machine Single-Product Toolset", Proceedings of the 2010 Winter Simulation Conference, Baltimore, MD, USA.


16. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Shanthikumar, J. G., and Ucros, J., 2010, "Application Of Erlang Distribution In Cycle Time Estimation Of Toolsets With WIP-Dependent Arrival And Service In A Single Product-Type Single Failure-Type Environment", Proceedings of the 2010 Winter Simulation Conference, Baltimore, MD, USA.


17. Sanchez, D., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R. and Yeung, T., 2010, "An Optimal Policy for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Colombian Women: An MDP Approach", Proceedings of The 5th INFORMS Workshop on Data Mining And Health Informatics, Austin, TX, USA.


18. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ding S., and Shanthikumar, J. G., 2009, "A Method for Cycle Time Estimation of Semiconductor Manufacturing Toolsets with Correlations", Proceedings of the 2009 Winter Simulation Conference, Austin, TX, USA.


19. Ding, S., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., and Shanthikumar, J. G., 2007, "Stochastic Modeling for Serialbatching Workstations with Heterogeneous Machines", Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.


20. Ding, S., Yi, J., Zhang, M.,T., and Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., 2006, "Performance Evaluation and Schedule Optimization of Multi-cluster Tools with Stochastic Process Times", Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, Shanghai, China.

Funded Research Project

1. Evaluation of Open Street Programs (Ciclovas Recreativas): strategies for non-transmissible diseases and social inclusion through the promotion of physical activities, $120,000 granted by Colciencias (Colombian National Science Foundation) and Coldeportes (Colombian Ministry of Physical Education), 2014.

Academic Leadership

• Leader, Professional Masters Program in Analytics (to be launched in Fall 2015), Department of Industrial Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Since 2013.
• Program Director, Six Sigma Black Belt Certication, Universidad de los Andes - Arizona State University, Since 2009.
• Coordinator, Dual Degree Master's Program, Universidad de los Andes - Arizona State University, Since 2010.
• Program Director, Six Sigma Green Belt Certication, Universidad de los Andes, Since 2012. Co-Track Coordinator, Homeland Security and Emergency Response, Winter Simulation Conference, 2014.

Teaching Experience

• Universidad de los Andes, Bogota, Colombia
  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Course (continuing education), Since Fall 2014.
  Advanced Techniques in Discrete-Event Simulation (graduate level course), Since Fall 2012.
  Quality Management Systems (graduate level course), Since Fall 2011.
  Stochastic Processes (graduate level course), Since Fall 2010.
  Markov Decision Processes (12-hour graduate level module), Spring 2010.
  Probabilistic Modeling (undergraduate level course), Since Fall 2009.
  Applications of Stochastic Modeling in Manufacturing (12-hour graduate level module), Spring 2008.
  http://www.uniandes.edu.co


• Intel Corporation, Chandler, AZ, USA
  Six Sigma Green Belt Training, Fall 2008.
  Workshop on Eective Methods for Fab Data Analysis, Summer 2008.
  http://www.intel.com/jobs/usa/sites/chandler/


• North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
  Statistical Quality Control (undergraduate level), Fall 2006.
  Teaching Assistant for Computer Simulation, Quality Engineering, Engineering Economy and Linear Programming courses, 2004 - 2006.
  http://www.ncsu.edu/

Developed Courses

• Advanced Techniques in Discrete-Event Simulation (an introductory graduate-level course), Fall 2012.
• Quality Management Systems (graduate level course), Fall 2011.
• Decision Support Systems (a rst course in programming with VBA), Fall 2011.
• Stochastic Processes (graduate level course), Fall 2010.
• Probabilistic Modeling (undergraduate level course), Fall 2009.

Directed Master Theses

1. Bolivar, J., 2014. A treatment decision model for breast cancer patients.
2. Murcia, M., 2014. A discrete-event simulation model to estimate the number of participants in the Ciclovia programs.
3. Annear, L. M., 2014. An approximate dynamic programming approach for workforce planning in job shops.
4. Rodriguez, D., 2013. Stang under uncertainty: the case of fast-food delivery.
5. Celis, M., 2013. Costo-efectividad de la conizacin LLETZ en el manejo de pacientes con Lesiones In- traepiteliales de Alto Grado (H-SIL).
6. Zarrate, M. A., 2013. A methodology for evaluation and improvement of six sigma programs in healthcare.
7. Lopez Santana, E. R., 2013. On the combined maintenance and routing optimization problem.
8. Mariño Serpa, R., 2013. A united framework for vehicle routing problems with stochastic travel and service times.
9. Morales, R. S., 2013. A location-allocation model under uncertainty applied to disasters.
10. Otero Leon, D. F., 2012. An optimum pricing policy for a multiclass problem in the airline industry.
11. Ucros Ospina, J. J., 2012. Application of phase-type distribution in cycle time estimation of queueing networks: a case of semiconductor manufacturing systems.
12. Norena Daza, D. L., 2011. Logistics of medical attention for relief operations after an earthquake in Bogota.
13. Rios Hurtado, J. A., 2011. Estimating the capacity and location of auxiliary medical resources required for responding to a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in Bogota.
14. Sanchez Ramrez, D. M., 2011. An optimal policy for cervical cancer prevention : an MDP approach.
15. Borrero, J. S., 2010. A time and workload dependent optimal maintenance policy for single machine work- stations : an MPD approach.

Directed Theses

Capstone Theses
Master Theses
ESICO Theses

Professional Experience

• Co-Principal Investigator, Cycle Time Improvement in Semiconductor Manufacturing Fabs, Intel Corporation - UC Berkeley, 2008 - 2009.
• Senior Industrial Engineer, Intel Corporation, Chandler, AZ, 2007- 2009.
• Project Manager, Production Ramp-up of Peugeot 206 Interior Trim Parts, Azin Khodro Co., Tehran, Iran, 2001 - 2003.
• Project Manager, Certication of QS9000 Standard, Azin Khodro Co., Tehran, Iran, 2000 - 2001.

Professional Certifications

• Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Arizona State University (2012)
• Lean Manufacturing Expert, Intel Corporation (2006)
• Project Manager Level II, Andishevaran Co. (2002)
• ISO9000 and QS900 Internal Auditor, DNV (2001)

Completed Industrial Projects

• Realistic Queueing Models for Cycle Time Estimation in Semi-Conductor Manufacturing Systems, Intel Corporation - UC Berkeley, 2007 - 2009.


• A Heuristic Algorithm for Lot Dispatching And Maintenance Scheduling in Implanter Toolsets to Maximize Ion Source Life, Intel Corporation, 2008.


• Root Cause Analysis of Difference in Output between Day and Night Shifts, Intel Corporation, 2008.


• An MIP Optimization Model for Resist Plumbing Scheme on Lithography Tools, Intel Corporation, 2007.


• A Heuristic Algorithm to Schedule The Dispatch of Lithography Masks to Inspection To Minimize Tool Idle Time, Intel Corporation, 2007.


• A Target WIP Profile Platform for Fab Operations, Intel Corporation, 2006.


• A Dynamic Cost Analysis Model for Oil Filters, NCSU - Pennzoil, 2004. Economic and Technical Analysis for Mass Production of Laboratory Size High Temperature Ovens in Iran, Atbin Co, Iran, 1999.
• Economic and Technical Analysis for Mass Production of Laboratory Size High Temperature Ovens in Iran, Atbin Co, Iran, 1999.

Honor Society Membership

• Omega Rho (International Honor Society for Operations Research and Management Science)
• Alpha Pi Mu (National Honor Society for Industrial Engineering)

Professional Organization Membership

• IIE (Institute of Industrial Engineers)
• INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and The Management Sciences)
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
• ASQ (American Society for Quality)

Talks and Tutorials

1. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Medaglia, A., Morales, R. 2013. Location-allocation under Uncertainty Applied to Disaster Operations Management. INFORMS. Minneapolis, MN.


2. Annear, L.M., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Schmid, V. A. 2013. Stochastic And Dynamic Approach For Maintenance Planning With Multiple Machines. Euro 2013. Rome-Italy, 1-4 July


3. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Morales, R.S., Ríos, J. 2013. Capacity and location planning of auxiliary medical facilities in earthquake relief operations. ICORD/EWG-ORD Workshop 2013.


4. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Morales, R. 2012. A Location Model for Storage of Emergency Supplies to Respond to Technological Accidents in Bogota. INFORMS. Phoenix, AZ.


5. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Borrero, J. S. 2012. Maintenance Policies for Multiple Machines with Technician Constraints in a Stochastic Environment. INFORMS. Phoenix, AZ.


6. Prevention and Response for Disasters, Keynote Speech, IX Congreso Latinoamericano IIE, Bogota, Colombia.


7. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ríos, J., Morales, R. 2011. Earthquake Relief Operations Management for City of Bogota. INFORMS. Charlotte, NC.


8. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Noreña, D. 2011. Logistics of Medical Attention for Relief Operations after An Earthquake in Bogota, Health and Humanitarian Logistics Conference, Atlanta, GA, USA.


9. Cote, M., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ucros, J. J., Riaño, G. 2011. jMarkov: A Modelling Software for Markov Chains and QBDs. INFORMS. Austin, TX.


10. Otero, D., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R. 2011. Role of Higher Moments in The Accuracy of G/G/m Approximations. INFORMS. Austin, TX.


11. Ucros, J. J., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R. 2011. A Queueing Network Model for Cycle Time Analysis of A MiniFab in Semiconductor Manufacturing. INFORMS. Austin, TX.


12. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Sánchez, E., Borrero, J. S. 2011. Comparative Study of Stochastic Models to Estimate Reliability of Infrastructure Systems. INFORMS. Austin, TX.


13. Otero, D.F., Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R. 2010. Role of Higher Moments of Arrival and Servicer in G/G/m Approximations. ALIO-INFORMS 2010.


14. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ucros, J.J., Gutierrez, J.C. 2010. A Markov Chain Model for Cycle Time Estimation of Workstations with Operational Rules. ALIO-INFORMS 2010.


15. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Borrero, J. S. 2010. An MDP for Optimal Maintenance Policies with Age and Load Dependent Failures. ALIO-INFORMS 2010.


16. Optimal Policy for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Colombian Women: An MDP Approach. 2010. Department of Mathematics Seminar Series, Universidad Nacional de Colombia


17. Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methodology for Small Businesses. 2010. International Conference on Production Research (ICPR20), Bogota, Colombia


18. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ding, S., Shanthikumar, J. G. 2009. A State-dependent Markov Chain Model for Cycle Time Estimation of Complex Manufacturing Systems. INFORMS. San Diego.


19. Lean Six Sigma: What it means to the fab and to your career, Fab Engineering Forum, Intel Corporation , Chandler, AZ, 2009.


20. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ding, S. 2008. A Flow Analysis Model for Cycle Estimation of Systems with Correlated Queue Size and Service Rate. INFORMS. Washington DC.


21. Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methodology. 2008. Department of Industrial Engineering Seminar Series, Universidad de los Andes , Bogota, Colombia.


22. Akhavan-Tabatabaei, R., Ding, S., Shanthikumar, J. G. 2007. Stochastic Modeling of Correlated Parallel Heterogeneous Servers. INFORMS. Seattle.


23. Impacts of Variability in Maintenance Activities on Cycle Time of Factories, High Precision Maintenance Workshop, Intel Corporation , Chandler, AZ, 2007.

Links

• Universidad de los Andes
• School of Engineering, Universidad de los Andes
• Industrial Engineering Department, Universidad de los Andes
• Center for Optimization and Applied Probability (COPA)
• Institute of Industrial Engineers/Uniandes, Student Chapter
• CvLAC - Colciencias