Optimism in the Face of Disruption: Chatting with Anne Partington on Manufacturing Operations and Decarbonization

 

As we propel ourselves into the mid-decade of the 2020s, the manufacturing operations all over the world are under significant disruption. Technology advancements, the rise of 5G, the pandemic’s influence, and more recently, decarbonization efforts in the fight against climate change have redefined the landscape. As vast capital shifts into the decarbonization movement, it is anticipated that a large percentage of this expenditure will necessitate changes to supply chain operations. But how are industry leaders navigating these waves of change?

In this episode of DisruptED, host Ron Stefanski dives into the world of manufacturing operations with Anne Partington, Managing Director of the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan. Described as a “force of nature” for her relentless energy and optimistic outlook, Partington uses her engineering and business knowledge to handle and talk about what’s happening with manufacturing operations today.

In their riveting discussion, Ron and Anne delve into:
– The implications of the Decarbonization Summit and how industry and academia need to adapt to the shifting landscape.
– How interdisciplinary connections are pivotal for problem-solving in this disrupted era.
– The importance of public and private partnerships in confronting sizable challenges like global climate change.

Anne Partington brings an impressive repertoire of experience and knowledge to the conversation. Her career began in the automotive world, later transitioning into diverse areas including e-powertrain and health services. She currently oversees at the Tauber Institute, standing above the chaos, leveraging a multidisciplinary approach to managing operations. Her influence in the industry is bolstered by her firm optimism and belief in collaboration as essential tools to confronting global challenges.

Recent Episodes

In a workforce reshaped by automation, accelerated AI adoption, and persistent labor shortages, the demand for skilled tech talent has never been more urgent—or more difficult to meet. The traditional pipelines, namely college degrees and four-year institutions, are no longer producing enough candidates to meet the explosive growth in tech roles. With tech jobs…

School Safety Today podcast, presented by Raptor Technologies. In this episode of School Safety Today by Raptor Technologies, host Dr. Amy Grosso talks with TJ Markland, General Manager of Payments at Raptor Technologies, to discuss the often-overlooked safety challenges of school events—from daytime assemblies to Friday night football. As schools work to balance hospitality…

The labor market is evolving quickly and traditional higher education faces increasing pressure to demonstrate real-world value. According to Strada Education Network, just 63 percent of college graduates feel their education was worth the cost. With shifting learner expectations and growing employer demand for work-ready skills, universities and employers are confronting a critical question:…