Colloquium Speaker - Mr. Eric (Yubin) Li

Abstract:

How does academic training in statistics translate into effective business decisions? Drawing on his experience as Data Analytics Supervisor at CanPrev Natural Health Products, Eric Yubin Li will discuss the application of statistics, economics, and mathematical thinking to demand forecasting, purchasing, inventory optimization, and operational planning.

Since joining the company, he has developed an integrated suite of analytical models that has helped maintain stable inventory supply at appropriate levels. This work supported the company’s ability to capitalize on market opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributed to a fourfold expansion in its business scale.

The talk will frame operational decisions as multivariable problems shaped by interdependent factors, including sales, supplier conditions, warehouse capacity, quality requirements, marketing plans, and budget constraints. It will explore how business needs guide model development and the design of performance indicators, and how implementation and feedback inform ongoing improvements.

The discussion will also examine the relationship between academic research and professional practice, emphasizing problem formulation, critical evaluation of data and models, continuous learning, and communication with different audiences. Finally, the talk will consider the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for data analysts, highlighting the continuing importance of domain knowledge, independent judgment, and attention to real-world business needs.