Inside Operations Management: From Microsoft to Bain

At We Create Loop, we believe conversations with industry experts are the best way to understand how global companies operate and how students can prepare for future leadership roles. In this episode of our podcast, hosted by Ronak Poddar, we had the honor of speaking with Prof. Aditi Joshi, an accomplished academic and industry professional.

Prof. Joshi holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and a Master’s in Engineering Management from Northeastern University, Boston, USA, along with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, Pune, India. She has a unique perspective, having worked with some of the world’s leading firms, including Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and Bain & Company, and now teaching future leaders in academia.

This blog summarizes the key insights from our conversation, covering operations strategy, emerging technologies, supply chain management, and career advice for MBA students.

1. Transition from Industry to Academia

Prof. Joshi began by sharing what inspired her move from industry to academia. Her career in large firms gave her firsthand experience of how operations work at scale. However, her passion for research and teaching motivated her to enter academia, where she could impact the next generation of leaders.

She emphasized that her real-world experience in firms like Microsoft and Bain helps her bring practical insights to the classroom. Students don’t just learn frameworks; they learn how those frameworks are applied in day-to-day operations at Fortune 500 companies.

Takeaway: For MBA students, it’s not just about academic learning. Exposure to real business cases bridges the gap between theory and practice.

2. Reverse Supply Chains in the Circular Economy

As sustainability becomes a top corporate priority, reverse supply chains are gaining traction. Prof. Joshi explained that in a circular economy, companies not only deliver products but also ensure they can be reused, recycled, or refurbished.

Practical strategies she suggested:

• Designing products with modular parts for easy reuse.

• Setting up collection points for used products.

• Partnering with logistics companies for reverse flows.

• Leveraging AI-powered predictive analytics to manage returns efficiently.

📊 Fact: According to Accenture, companies that embrace circular supply chains can increase profitability by up to 35% while reducing environmental impact.

3. Emerging Technologies – AI, IoT & Blockchain

Prof. Joshi stressed that the 21st century belongs to digitally enabled operations managers. Technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain are transforming how supply chains, manufacturing, and operations function.

Core skills MBA students should develop:

• Data analytics & visualization (Python, R, Tableau, Power BI).

• Systems thinking & process design.

• Understanding blockchain applications in supply chain transparency.

• IoT-driven decision making for real-time monitoring.

📊 Fact: By 2030, AI in operations is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy (PwC).

4. Critical Metrics for Operations Managers

In operations, what you measure is what you manage. Prof. Joshi highlighted key metrics every operations manager should track:

• Cycle time (time to complete a process).

• Inventory turnover ratio.

• Order fulfillment rate & accuracy.

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

• Customer satisfaction & Net Promoter Score (NPS).

These metrics ensure efficiency, quality, and customer-centricity.

5. Operational Strategies for Start-ups

Start-ups face unique challenges: limited resources, need for scalability, and high uncertainty. Prof. Joshi shared three strategies:

1. Focus on lean operations – keep processes simple and adaptable.

2. Leverage cloud-based tools for low-cost scalability.

3. Build supplier partnerships early for reliable sourcing.

📊 Fact: Start-ups with optimized supply chains can reduce costs by up to 20–30% and scale faster.

6. How Operations Work in Big Firms

At Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, and Bain, operations departments are the backbone of the organization. Prof. Joshi explained that operations teams handle:

• Process optimization to cut waste.

• Risk management & compliance.

• Technology adoption for efficiency.

• Resource allocation & global coordination.

For example, Microsoft uses AI-driven forecasting to manage global hardware supply chains, while Bain applies simulation tools to optimize client processes.

7. Using Simulation Tools for Optimization

MBA students often underestimate simulation tools. Prof. Joshi explained that simulations allow companies to test scenarios without real-world risk. For instance:

• Supply chain network design – testing cost vs speed.

• Queue simulations in banking or call centers.

• Inventory optimization under demand uncertainty.

📊 Fact: Simulation can improve operational efficiency by 15–20% before full-scale implementation.

8. Fastest-Growing Careers in Operations

Prof. Joshi outlined several career paths growing rapidly:

• Supply Chain Analytics (AI + big data).

• Digital Transformation in Operations.

• Sustainability & ESG operations roles.

• Consulting in Operations & Strategy.

📊 Fact: The demand for supply chain analysts is projected to grow by 28% by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

9. Balancing Cost-Effectiveness with Sustainability

A major challenge for firms is finding balance between profitability and sustainability. Prof. Joshi suggested:

• Investing in renewable energy for factories.

• Using carbon accounting tools.

• Implementing green logistics (electric fleets, optimized routes).

• Partnering with sustainable suppliers.

📊 Fact: According to McKinsey, companies that prioritize sustainability in operations see higher customer loyalty and can reduce supply chain costs by up to 16%.

10. Applications of IoT in Operations

IoT is revolutionizing industries:

• Manufacturing: predictive maintenance reduces downtime.

• Retail: smart shelves track inventory in real-time.

• Logistics: GPS & RFID improve tracking accuracy.

• Healthcare: IoT wearables monitor supply usage.

📊 Fact: The global IoT in manufacturing market is projected to reach $399 billion by 2026 (MarketsandMarkets).

11. Advice for MBA Students

Prof. Joshi concluded with advice:

• Stay curious – always explore new tech.

• Build cross-disciplinary skills – operations overlaps with finance, marketing, IT.

• Gain hands-on experience with tools like ERP, SAP, Tableau, Python.

• Network with professionals and join industry communities.

Her message was clear: the future of operations belongs to those who can combine technical know-how with strategic thinking.

Final Thoughts

This episode with Prof. Aditi Joshi was a deep dive into the evolving world of operations management. From reverse supply chains and sustainability to AI, IoT, and global operations strategy, her insights are a roadmap for MBA students and young professionals.

At We Create Loop, our mission is to bring clarity and real guidance through conversations with leaders like Prof. Joshi. If you’re an aspiring operations manager, this is the knowledge you need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business landscape.