The goal of Dr. Stylianos (Stelios) Kavadias’ Managing Product, Service & Technology Development course is to provide an overview of the process for product development, services and technologies and to integrate the fundamentals of marketing and engineering into a coherent “theory” of new product development. Using lectures, case study discussions, in-class exercises, Kavadias guides cross-discipline teams throughout the course as they work together to develop new products and services.

Kavadias is the Edward J. Brown Jr. Associate Professor of Technology and Operations Management in the College of Management. An award-winning author and editor, his research focuses on new product development (NPD) and the management of technology. His most recent recognition is the College’s inaugural Brady Family Award for Faculty Research Excellence, bestowed by peers within the College. Both honored and motivated by his award, Kavadias says “I am looking forward to continued contributions to Tech’s research output, and to advising great students that will carry Tech’s research philosophy and quality worldwide.”

A native of Greece, Kavadias earned both his PhD and M.Sc. in Management from INSEAD in France. He also holds a Diploma (M.Sc. Equivalent) in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (Greece).

Dr. David Ku’s Cutting-Edge Engineering Seminar showcases innovative technologies developed by industry leaders both in and outside of Georgia Tech. The seminar requires the students to study journal papers in preparation for weekly presentations and provide them with an invaluable opportunity to interact with industry experts in an informal, small group setting.  

Ku, who holds a PhD from Tech and an MD from Emory, is the Lawrence P. Huang Chair of Engineering Entrepreneurship, a Regents' Professor of Mechanical Engineering, and directs the Program for Engineering Entrepreneurship at Tech. He has been involved with four start-ups, successfully raising over $20 million in financing, and is the 2009 recipient of the Jack M. Zeigler Outstanding Educator Award in the College of Engineering.

Ku has an active research interest in cardiovascular disease pathophysiology and treatment, the commercialization of novel medical devices through start-up companies, and efficient methods of product development. His work is supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, the Mason Foundation, and the Whitaker Foundation.