Hau L. Lee

Hau L. Lee
Professor, Operations, Information & Technology
Contact Info
HauL.Lee

Additional Administrative Titles

Co-Director, Value Chain Innovation Initiative

Research Statement

Hau Lee’s research focuses on value chain innovations to develop new business models and networks for value creation through effective management of the value chain. His works spans both global enterprises in developed and emerging countries, as well as entrepreneurs in developing economies.

Research Interests

  • Supply chain management, entrepreneurship, information technology, value chain innovations

Bio

Hau L. Lee is the Thoma Professor of Operations, Information and Technology at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His areas of specialization include global value chain innovations, supply chain management, global logistics, inventory modeling, and environmental and social responsibility.  He is also the faculty advisor for the Stanford Institute for Innovations in Developing Economies, and is a co-director of the Stanford Value Chain Innovation Initiative.

Professor Lee has published widely in journals such as Management Science, Operations Research, Harvard Business Review, Sloan Management Review, Supply Chain Management Review, IIE Transactions, and Interfaces, etc. He has served on the editorial boards of many international journals, such as Operations Research, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, IIE Transactions, Supply Chain Management Review, Sloan Management Review, and the Journal of Production and Operations Management. From 1997-2003, he was the Editor-in-Chief of Management Science.

Professor Lee was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2010. He received the Harold Lardner Prize for International Distinction in Operations Research, Canadian Operations Research Society, 2003. He was elected a Fellow of Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, INFORMS, 2001; Production and Operations Management Society, 2005; and INFORMS, 2005. In 2006, he was President of the Production and Operations Management Society. His article, “The Triple-A Supply Chain,” was the Second Place Winner of the McKinsey Award for the Best Paper in 2004 in the Harvard Business Review. In 2004, his co-authored paper in 1997, “Information Distortion in a Supply Chain: The Bullwhip Effect,” was voted as one of the 10 most influential papers in the history of Management Science.  In 2014, his co-authored paper in 2013, “The Impact of Logistics Performance on Trade,” received the Wickham Skinner Best Paper Award from the Production and Operations Management Society.

Professor Lee has consulted extensively in the public and private sectors. He is a co-founder of DemandTec, which went public in 2007. He is on the board and advisory board of several logistics services and supply chain software companies. He has also given executive training workshops on supply chain management and global logistics in Asia, Europe, and America.

Professor Lee obtained his B.Soc.Sc. degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Hong Kong in 1974, his M.Sc. degree in Operational Research from the London School of Economics in 1975, and his MS and PhD degrees in Operations Research from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1983.

Academic Degrees

  • PhD, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1983
  • MS, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, 1979
  • MSc, London School of Economics, 1975
  • BS, University of Hong Kong, 1974
  • Honorary Doctorate, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, 2008
  • Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, 2006

Academic Appointments

  • At Stanford since 1983
  • Assistant Professor – Professor, Stanford University, 1983-present
  • Lecturer, University of Pennsylvania, 1982-1983
  • Lecturer, University of Hong Kong, 1975-1977

Professional Experience

  • Project Engineer, Hewlett-Packard Company, 1989-1990

Awards and Honors

  • Best Paper in Production and Operations Management category, Case Center Awards and Competitions, 2018
  • Codirector, Value Chain Innovation Initiative, Stanford GSB, 2015
  • GSB Trust Faculty Fellow for 2014-2015
  • Best Paper Award, Production and Operations Management Society, 2014
  • National Academy of Engineering, 2010
  • Distinguished Teaching Award, Stanford GSB, 2007
  • Fellow, INFORMS, 2005
  • Fellow, Production and Operations Management Society, 2005
  • Paper voted as one of ten most influential papers in the history of Management Science, 2004
  • Fellow, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, INFORMS, 2001

Publications

Journal Articles

Morris A. Cohen, Hau L. Lee. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management. January 2020, Vol. 22, Issue 1, Pages 15-24.
Joann de Zegher, Dan A. Iancu, Hau L. Lee. Manufacturing and Service Operations Management. June 2019, Vol. 21, Issue 2, Pages 251-477.
Hau L. Lee. Production and Operations Management. September 2018, Vol. 27, Issue 9, Pages 1642-1646.
Morris Cohen, Shiliang Cui, Ricardo Ernst, Arnd Huchzermeier, Panos Kouvelis, Hau L. Lee, Hirofumi Matsuo, Marc Steuber, Andy Tsay. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management. May 8, 2018, Vol. 20, Issue 3, Pages 389-600.
Hau L. Lee, Christopher S. Tang. Management Science. March 2018, Vol. 64, Issue 3, Pages 983-996.
Li Chen, Hau L. Lee. Management Science. September 2017, Vol. 63, Issue 9, Pages 2795-2812.
Shi Chen, Hau L. Lee. Management Science. April 2017, Vol. 63, Issue 4, Pages 1105-1025.
Hau L. Lee, Glen Schmidt. Production & Operations Management . April 2017, Vol. 26, Issue 4, Pages 617-632.
Hau L. Lee, Sri Chen, Kamran Moinzadeh. Operations Research. September 30, 2016, Vol. 64, Issue 6, Pages 1320-1337.
Ruixue Guo, Hau L. Lee, Robert Swinney. Management Science. September 2016, Vol. 62, Issue 9, Pages 2722-2744.
Hau L. Lee, Erica Plambeck, P. Yatsko. The European Business Review. May 2012.
Hau L. Lee. Harvard Business Review. October 2004.
Hau L. Lee, V. Padmanabhan, Seungjin Whang. Management Science. April 2004, Vol. 50, Issue 12 Supplement, Pages 1875-1886.
Susan Cohen Kulp, Hau L. Lee, Elie Ofek. Management Science. 2004, Vol. 50, Issue 4, Pages 431-444.
Hau L. Lee, Martin Christopher. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management. 2004, Vol. 34, Issue 5, Pages 388-396.
Hau L. Lee, Michael Wolfe. Supply Chain Management Review. January 2003, Vol. 7, Issue 3, Pages 12-20.
Hau L. Lee, Seungjin Whang. Management Science. 2002, Vol. 48, Issue 6, Pages 719-731.
Hau L. Lee, Seungjin Whang. Sloan Management Review. 15, 2001.
Hau L. Lee, V. Padmanabhan, Terry A. Taylor, Seungjin Whang. Management Science. 2000, Vol. 46, Issue 4, Pages 467-482.
Corey Billington, Hau L. Lee, Christopher S. Tang. Sloan Management Review. 1998, Vol. 39, Issue 3.
Hau L. Lee, Christopher S. Tang. Management Science. 1998, Vol. 44, Issue 2, Pages 162-172.

Books

Hau L. Lee, Chung-Yee Lee New York: Springer, October 31, 2006.

Other Publications

Hau L. Lee, Haim Mendelson, Barchi Gillai. Value Chain Innovation Initiative. May 2019.
Hau L. Lee, Haim Mendelson, Sonali Rammohan, Lauren Blake. Value Chain Innovation Initiative. October 2018.
Hau L. Lee, Haim Mendelson, Sonali Rammohan, Akhil Srivastava. Value Chain Innovation Initiative. August 2017.

Working Papers

Benchmarking Global Production Sourcing Decisions: Where and Why Firms Offshore and Reshore
Morris A. Cohen, Shiliang Cui, Ricardo Ernst, Hau L. Lee, Arnd Huchzermeier, Panos Kouvelis, Hau L. Lee, Hirofumi Matsuo, Marc Steuber, January 82020
Supply Chain Compliance | PDF
Li Chen, Hau L. Lee, September 42019
Multi-Tiered Supply Chain Risk Management | PDF
Georg Schorpp, Feryao Erhun, Hau L. Lee, January 2018
Retailing with 3D Printing | PDF
Li Chen, Yao Cui, Hau L. Lee, September 82017

Teaching

Degree Courses

2020-21

Globalization of businesses has resulted in companies having to manage global networks of suppliers, integrators, contract manufacturers, logistics service providers, distributors, and service support operators in geographically dispersed...

2019-20

This course, which is an accelerated version of OIT 262 (Operations), focuses on basic managerial issues arising in the operations of both manufacturing and service industries, and on strategic issues arising in global supply chains. The...

Globalization of businesses has resulted in companies having to manage global networks of suppliers, integrators, contract manufacturers, logistics service providers, distributors, and service support operators in geographically dispersed...

2018-19

Operations refer to the processes through which businesses produce and deliver products or services. Managing operations well is necessary in order for these processes to be completed in a timely manner, consume minimal resources and costs, and...

Globalization of businesses has resulted in companies having to manage global networks of suppliers, integrators, contract manufacturers, logistics service providers, distributors, and service support operators in geographically dispersed...

In this course, we will take an operations view of innovation. The course relies on three principles, 1) innovation requires strong processes that can both guide the development and execution of a firm's innovation strategy; 2) strong processes...

Executive Education & Other Non-Degree Programs

Stanford Case Studies

Mekelle Farms Poultry Entrepreneurship in Ethiopia | IDE05
Hau Lee, Michael Kennedy, Jonathan Elist2014
McDonald’s India: Optimizing the French Fries Supply Chain | GS79
Hau L. Lee, Sonali Rammohan2013
PCH International (B) Supply Chain Solutions Take Off | GS61B
David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Michael Marks2013
Crocs (B): Hitting the Skids | GS57B
David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Michael Marks2011
Crocs (C): Back from the Dead | GS57C
David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Michael Marks2011
Ma Jun and the IPE: Using Information to Improve China's Environment | SI115
Hau Lee, Erica Plambeck, Maria Shao2009
Zappos.com: Developing a Supply Chain to Deliver WOW! | GS65
David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Michael Marks2009
Unsafe For Children: Mattel’s Toy Recalls and Supply Chain Management | GS63
David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Mitchell Tseng2008
Crocs (A): Revolutionizing an Industry's Supply Chain Model For Competitive Advantage | GS57A
Charles Holloway, David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Michael Marks, Amanda Silverman2007
Starbucks Corporation Building a Sustainable Supply Chain | GS54
Stacy Duda, LaShawn James, Hau Lee, Zeryn Mackwani, Raul Munoz, David Volk2007
Evolution of the Xbox Supply Chain | GS49
Charles Holloway, David Hoyt, Hau Lee2006
Woolworth "Chips" Away at Inventory Shrinkage Through RFID Initiative | GS51
Mike Gozycki, M. Johnson, Hau Lee2006
Netafim: Migrating from Products to Solutions | GS46
Hau Lee, Guy Michlin2006
CEMEX: Transforming a Basic Industry Company | GS33
David Hoyt, Hau Lee2005
Intel Corporation Product Transitions and Demand Generation | GS43
Feryal Erhun, Jay Hopman, Hau Lee, Mary Murphy-Hoye, Paresh Rajwat2005
POSCO: Global Supply Chain Management | GS44
Hau L. Lee, Seungjin Whang, David Hoyt2005
Toyota: Demand Chain Management | GS42
Hau Lee, Barchi Peleg, Seungjin Whang2005
Toyota: Service Chain Management | GS41
Hau Lee, Barchi Peleg, Seungjin Whang2005
OnStar: Connecting To Customers Through Telematics | GS38
Peter Koudal, Hau Lee, Barchi Peleg, Paresh Rajwat, Seungjin Whang2004
General Motors: Building A Digital Loyalty Network Through Demand And Supply Chain Integration | GS29
Peter Koudal, Hau Lee, Barchi Peleg, Paresh Rajwat, Richard Tully2003
Hewlett-Packard DeskJet Printer Supply Chain (A) | GS3A
Laura Kopczak, Hau Lee2001
Lucent Technologies: Provisioning and Postponement | GS02
David Hoyt, Hau Lee, Enrique Lopez-Tello2001
Agile Software - I Want My WebTV! | GS20
M. Johnson, Hau Lee2000
Intuit Inc.: From Products to Services in the Information Age | GS21
Lyn Denend, Charles Holloway, Hau Lee, Terry Taylor2000
Note on Logistics in the Information Age | GS19
Laura Kopczak, Hau Lee, Seungjin Whang2000
Adaptec Inc.: Cross-Enterprise Integration | GS8
Hau Lee, Barchi Peleg1999
E-Greetings Network | GS5
Haim Mendelson, Sengjin Whang, Sunil Kuman, Hau Lee1999
Streamline, Inc.: A Lifestyle Solution Through Information-Smart Logistics | GS16
Hau Lee , Terry Taylor, Seungjin Whang1999
Hewlett-Packard Company: Network Printer Design for Universality | GS4
Toni Cupal, Hau Lee, Steven Plous1996
Tong Yang Cement (A): Logistics and Incentives | GS14A
Seungjin Whang, Hau Lee, G. Schmidt1996
Information Flows in Manufacturing under SAP R/3 | OIT13
Seungjin Whang, Hau Lee1995
Hewlett-Packard: DeskJet Printer Supply Chain (B) | GS3B
Hau Lee, Laura Kopczak1994
Steelmaking at POSCO (1992) | GS17
Hau Lee, Seungjin Whang1992

Stanford University Affiliations

Stanford GSB

In the Media

New York Times, September 2, 2005
EE Times, November 1, 2004
Adapt Ability
The Manufacturer, June 2003
2003 Pros to Know
iSource, March 2003

Insights by Stanford Business

March 5, 2020
Faced with a mushrooming coronavirus outbreak and ongoing trade wars, global manufacturers need to focus on “operational hedging,” a Stanford expert says.
September 14, 2018
Stanford GSB faculty suggest books and articles related to the theme.
May 8, 2018
These seven technologies are making farms smarter.
July 6, 2017
How the spread of computerized gizmos is shifting business models big and small.
October 31, 2016
To ensure that contract manufacturers act responsibly, employ a mix of strategies — and don’t skimp.
May 1, 2014
Responsible supply chain practices are associated with lower operating costs and improved overall performance.
February 5, 2014
By making key changes to the normal supply chain supporting tourism, a group of researchers look to alleviate rural poverty.
February 3, 2014
Experts on supply chain management and intellectual property outline three ways businesses can safeguard their proprietary information.
September 19, 2013
Can well-managed fleets of vehicles increase health worker productivity?
June 6, 2012
Stanford graduates Daniel Spitzer and Justin Finnegan aim to help Bhutan farmers boost their income by growing hazelnuts.
May 9, 2012
A group of scholars, students, and business and nonprofit leaders say yes, but it requires "a thoughtful, systemic approach."
February 7, 2012
Mountain Hazelnuts of Bhutan aims for a triple bottom line: alleviating poverty, restoration of landscape, and gain for investors.
March 1, 2010
Motorcycles can be a key to effective health care for millions of people across Africa.
April 1, 2008
Companies can make money being socially responsible and environmentally friendly ways, says Professor Hau Lee. It just takes the Triple-A approach.
September 13, 2005
The one-day “Effective Disruption Management” seminar was aimed at improving the effectiveness of major international disaster efforts.
February 1, 2005
How shared information and trust can curb irrational worry and prevent inefficiencies.
November 1, 2000
Successful businesses will be the ones who can adapt to changes from globalization, greater product variation, and shorter production cycles.
March 1, 1999
Research looks at how much supply chain data should be kept secret.
March 1, 1995
How shared sales data, computer-based ordering, consolidating deliveries, and other innovations can benefit all stakeholders.

School News

May 2, 2018
Prize awarded in the case method community’s annual ‘Oscars’.
February 27, 2018
“Effective leaders in the digital age will need to be mindful of the social consequences of technology.”
January 31, 2011
Structured trips provide intellectual and emotional experiences with other cultures for Stanford MBA students learning to lead in a global economy.