Vijay Pandiarajan
Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
“Dr. Pandiarajan is an astounding professor at Ross. Every class he brings the utmost enthusiasm, energy and passion for what he does and his students. He brings in professionals in the technology and innovation fields to come speak with us, and has us do real world projects in which we interview and come up with innovative solutions for challenges posed in the SOW. For instance, this semester my team is working to come up with an AI powered solution for high school students with physical disabilities to increase educational equity. He is deserving of this award and is able to foster a safe learning environment in the classroom, encouraging participation and always brings snacks for us to munch on!” – Elizabeth Webb
Vijay Pandiarajan, 63, is on the faculty in the Technology and Operations area at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He brings more than 20 years of global leadership experience in digital transformation, technology strategy, and supply chain innovation, having worked with leading organizations including Verizon Wireless, Whirlpool Corporation, and Accenture, and consulted at Johnson & Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Siemens Westinghouse, Boston Scientific, Paccar, Manitowoc, Kodak, and Ford/Visteon.
At Ross, Pandiarajan teaches and develops courses such as Business Information Systems, Tech-Enabled Business Innovation, and The New Age of Innovation. He also mentors student teams through the Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP) Supply Chain Programs and the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. His research and teaching interests span digital transformation, AI, business innovation, and supply chain management.
Pandiarajan is the author of Business Innovation: A Case Study Approach (Routledge, 2022) and the forthcoming Integrated Business Innovation: Case Studies and Frameworks in Design Thinking and AI for Business Excellence (Routledge, 2025). A Sloan Fellow from MIT, he earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University. Recognized as a thought leader in technology and innovation, he has been featured on Marketplace and National Public Radio for his insights on technology and operations strategy.
In 2025, Pandiarajan was named a Michigan Road Scholar, a university-wide initiative that fosters collaboration between faculty and communities across Michigan. Through this program, he integrates community priorities and economic development perspectives into his curriculum and research. He began his career at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, India, as an elite management trainee, advancing to engineer and deputy manager. At HAL, he collaborated with Rolls-Royce, McDonnell Douglas, Turbomeca, and British Aerospace in the production of Jaguar fighter aircraft, an experience that shaped his enduring interest in technology-driven innovation, supply chain excellence, and large-scale systems design.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2018
Education: MBA and a Sloan Fellow – Innovation and Leadership, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; MBA – University of Pittsburgh; PhD – Industrial Engineering, West Virginia University; MTech – Aircraft Production Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; BE – Mechanical Engineering (Honors), University of Madras
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Business Information Systems, Technology-Enabled Business Innovation
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … After years of chasing KPIs and managing transformation projects, I realized that the real reward for me was never in the numbers or dashboards. What truly mattered was seeing people grow, gain confidence, and discover their own insights. During my time at Accenture, Whirlpool, and later at Verizon, I found how much energy I drew from helping teams make sense of complexity and uncertainty, and from seeing that light bulb moment and the smile on everyone’s face when new ideas took shape. That feeling stayed with me. At Ross, I get to experience that joy every day, guiding students, learning alongside them, and watching them discover their own paths without the constraints of the corporate world. I genuinely enjoy what I do, giving back what I have learned to the next generation.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am exploring how Fourth Industrial Age technologies, especially AI, digital twins, and automation are transforming the way organizations think, innovate, and create new products, services, and experiences. What continues to draw me in is not just the sophistication of the technology but how it reshapes what people do, how they think, and how they find meaning in their work. Over the years, I have realized that true technology-driven innovation is not about replacing people with machines but about unlocking human imagination, empathy, and strategic insight. Each project I study reinforces my belief that progress becomes lasting and purposeful only when people remain at the center of technological change and feel empowered to shape it.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … This question never really occurred to me before, but it is an interesting one. I imagine I would be leading an organization focused on digital transformation, helping clients, including non-profits, reimagine sustainable innovation through technology-enabled strategies. I would also spend more time traveling and exploring different cultures to understand how people around the world use creativity and technology to improve their lives. I have never visited countries in Africa or South America, and I hope to spend time there someday, learning how communities adapt, collaborate, and grow even when resources are limited.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? As professors, we rarely think about what makes us stand out, and I personally do not believe in competing or comparing myself with my colleagues at Ross, who do an outstanding job in both research and teaching. I truly admire them and learn from them. However, I recognize that every teacher brings a unique style and way of connecting complex ideas with students. For me, it is the energy, preparation, and enthusiasm I bring to every single class that I am most proud of. I often think of how future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook, whom I greatly admire, steps onto the basketball court with relentless energy and love for the game, no matter the day, the score, or the opponent. I try to bring that same spirit into the classroom.
I treat every session, even one I have taught before, as new and deserving of my full attention. Having worked in both the corporate world and academia, I teach with authenticity and empathy, drawing from real business challenges and practical insights. I strive to make every concept come alive through stories, curiosity, and humor so that students can see the connection between what they learn and the world they are about to enter. Some students have told me my classes inspire them, and to me, that is the greatest compliment I could ever receive.
Teaching, to me, is about creating an environment where students leave the room more energized, confident, and curious than when they arrived. I believe in teaching students how to fish rather than giving them fish itself, because knowledge is abundant, but the ability to think, seek, and apply it with purpose is what truly defines lifelong learning and success.
One word that describes my first-time teaching: Humbling
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: The world is changing faster than ever, especially with the rapid advancement of AI. What we teach in the classroom today must prepare students to face challenges we cannot yet foresee. I wish someone had told me how important it would be to go beyond teaching content and focus instead on building adaptable, critical thinkers who can thrive in uncertainty. Developing scalable thinking skills that stand the test of time is essential. As professors, we must help our students learn not just what to think, but how to think, so they can shape the future with confidence and purpose.
Professor I most admire and why: I deeply admire my Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan, Professor of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, and Director of the Industrial Assessment Center. Dr. Gopala, as he is fondly called, has received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Mountaineer award presented by the Honorable Mr. Jim Justice, Governor of West Virginia, on October 25, 2022.
Dr. Gopala exemplifies what it means to be an inspiring educator and mentor. He believes deeply in his students and their potential to excel. He sets high standards while providing opportunities for his students to grow, whether through research, publications, or teaching. I was one of the fortunate students who was profoundly influenced by his guidance during my doctoral journey. I admire him for his humility, his unwavering commitment to student success, and his lasting impact on both the professional and personal growth of those he has mentored.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? What I enjoy most about teaching business students is their curiosity and persistence to experiment. Ross students approach topics such as artificial intelligence, digital strategy, and design thinking with remarkable energy and a genuine desire to make a difference in the real world. Whether it is a classroom discussion or a Michigan Action-Based Learning project with companies like Stanley Black & Decker, they bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a “can-do” mindset that continually inspires me. As a teacher, I truly value this symbiotic relationship with my students, while they learn from me, I am constantly learning from them.
What is most challenging? That is a great question. The most challenging part of teaching students today is keeping pace with the rapid changes of the Fourth Industrial Age and the growing influence of technology on society. These shifts shape not only how students think and learn but also what they expect from their classroom experience. For instance, many students use intuitive and visually engaging applications like Instagram or Reels, so they naturally expect the same seamless design and interactivity from online learning platforms such as Canvas. The same applies to digital tools used for simulations and experiential learning. There is always room to improve, and while this constant evolution can be demanding, it also makes teaching deeply rewarding and keeps it vibrant, relevant, and motivating.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Curious
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: No comments.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as …Fair but demanding. I hold my students to high standards because I genuinely believe in their potential. I value both teamwork and individual effort, since success in business and in life depends on balancing the two. I want my students to leave class feeling confident, capable, and proud of what they have accomplished. I make time to meet with them one-on-one whenever possible because every student’s journey is unique, and I care deeply about helping each one grow.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I enjoy reading about innovation and leadership, mentoring early-stage founders, and exploring how non-profits operate with constrained resources. I love listening to Indian classical music and run religiously every day on a treadmill, since I cannot run outside because of my knee issues. I also cherish spending time outdoors with my family and playing with my beautiful cats, Nome and Poe, who are six and three years old. They are endlessly curious, affectionate, and a constant source of joy.
How will you spend your summer? I will be advising student consulting teams through MAP and Tauber projects, collaborating on research around AI and innovation, and exploring ideas for a new publication project. I also plan to update course content for upcoming semesters and spend some time visiting countries outside the United States to experience new perspectives, cultures, and ideas that can enrich my teaching and research.
Favorite place(s) to vacation: The California coast, the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, Limerick in Ireland, and Tamil Nadu in India. Each offers its own rhythm, a balance of reflection, culture, and connection that helps me slow down, recharge, and see the world with renewed curiosity.
Favorite book(s):
Business
- All Hands on Tech: The AI-Powered Citizen Revolution by Thomas H. Davenport et al.
- The New Science of Customer Relationships: Delivering the One-to-One Promise With AI by Thomas H. Davenport & Jim Sterne
- Smart Rivals: How Innovative Companies Play Games That Tech Giants Can’t Win by Feng Zhu & Bonnie Yining Cao
- Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation by Steven Johnson
Spiritual
- Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda. Published by Self-Realization Fellowship (12/01/1978 edition).
- Freedom from the Known – J. Krishnamurti (editor Mary Lutyens). First published 1969 by Harper & Row.
- Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – Shunryu Suzuki. Published 1970 (Weatherhill).
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? Although it is an old film, Papillon (1973) remains my favorite movie. I have probably watched it a dozen times, and it has never once felt boring. It is a powerful story of human resilience and the will to be free, set against the brutality of a French prison colony. The bond between Henri Charrière and Louis Dega embodies courage, loyalty, and the unbreakable human spirit. Every time I watch it, I feel inspired by its reminder that true freedom begins in the mind and heart, even in the harshest circumstances.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I have always been drawn to South Indian vocal and instrumental music because it blends structure with deep emotion and improvisation. I often find myself listening to M. S. Subbulakshmi, whose divine voice brings an unmatched sense of calm and devotion. The violin of Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan moves me with its energy and spontaneity, turning every note into a heartfelt conversation. I also admire Jagjit Singh, the “Ghazal King” of the 1970s, whose music carries both poetry and soul. Their work reminds me that true creativity emerges when discipline, emotion, and sincerity come together in harmony.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this.. I would love to see greater interdisciplinary collaboration and a stronger focus on human communication. In a world shaped by data and algorithms, the ability to explain insights, tell stories through analysis, and connect meaningfully with people is becoming rare yet essential. Students should not only learn to interpret results but also visualize the change they create and understand the real-world impact of their decisions. The future of business education, in my view, lies in blending analytical rigor with empathy, creativity, and clarity in communication, preparing leaders who think deeply, act responsibly, and inspire others to do the same.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … I believe companies should give people the freedom to experiment, learn from failure, and bring their authentic selves to work. I have always admired organizations like Patagonia and Ford Motor Company, where leaders invest in people, encourage reflection, and connect daily work to a deeper sense of purpose. Both have shown that staying true to values while embracing innovation can build enduring cultures. Too often, businesses chase digital transformation without paying enough attention to the human transformation that sustains it. I want to see more workplaces where people feel they are part of a culture and a movement built to make a positive impact on the society they serve. When that sense of purpose is genuine, creativity and commitment naturally follow.
I’m grateful for … I am deeply grateful for my early education in India, supported by people who had very little yet gave so much. Growing up in the 1970s and 80s with limited resources and opportunities taught me resilience, gratitude, and the value of hard work. I remain thankful to the people and the government of India who made my education possible, and to mentors like Dr. Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan at West Virginia University, who has guided me since my Ph.D. days.
I feel fortunate to work with students whose curiosity keeps me learning and with colleagues at Ross who inspire creativity, collaboration, and purpose. Above all, I am profoundly thankful to my parents, family, and childhood friends, whose love, encouragement, and faith have been the foundation of my journey.
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