Sam holds a PhD in management from INSEAD, and his current research focuses on the interconnections between operations management, sustainability, and public (especially energy) policy. His research has been published in leading management and economics journals and has also been recognized in several prestigious competitions sponsored by INFORMS. Professor Aflaki’s case study – which addresses the scaling process of a startup firm that provides off-grid, solar-powered lighting to rural Tanzanians – won the NextBillion award for the best case study devoted to alleviating poverty. Sam teaches the operations management course in various graduate programs, including the BBA, MSc and EMBA. He also serves as the academic director of the operations module in HEC’s EMBA program and of the French division of the industrial excellence award.