Youssef El Akkad, MSBA '23
In a rapidly changing working environment and with increased technological developments, having a deep understanding of analytics and AI is a necessity, not a luxury.
As the Head of Operations at AK-Ships, Youssef El Akkad oversees the daily operations and performance of the company's fleet, comprised of time-chartered container vessels trading in the East Mediterranean & Black Sea. He works with a team of technical, commercial, and administrative professionals to coordinate and optimize the fleet's finances, routing, maintenance, and compliance.
Increasingly, Youssef says, artificial intelligence applications are being integrated into the field of logistics and supply chain, and in his specific work, analytics are used in engineering functions, to reduce downtime and navigation errors, and increase ship availability.
In a recent conversation, Youssef shared how the Stern MSBA program equipped him to embrace these advancements, the skills he gained, and how the program provided him with a competitive edge.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue this MSBA program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
I decided to pursue the MSBA program back in January 2019. I’d just returned to Egypt from New York after completing my post-grad Optional Practical Training, and I was already looking for my next challenge. I scoped out a few programs; however, just thirty seconds into exploring the NYU Stern MSBA program, I knew that there was no comparison, and I made my decision. This program was made for me.
I decided I would be better prepared for the program with more professional experience under my belt, so three years later I officially applied and was accepted. Fast forward three years, and I had a startup idea in mind, and I wanted to become a data-driven decision maker. Stern’s program offered a perfect opportunity to learn more about the applications of data science and AI.
Why was now the moment to make a big investment in yourself?
In a rapidly changing working environment with increased technological developments, having a deep understanding of analytics and AI is a necessity.
I have worked with both tech-savvy youngsters with strong educational backgrounds and old-school industry specialists with more than thirty years of experience. To gain a competitive advantage, I’ve had to analyze the common factors leading to organizational inefficiencies. The major reoccurring problem is often misinterpretation of data. To interpret is to analyze, and in order to analyze we need accurate data. Therefore, the MSBA program gave me the competitive advantage by allowing me to encourage data-driven decision making across all company functions.
What excites you about the field of analytics and artificial intelligence now, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field? How will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
We are still really scratching the surface. Professionals are currently misinterpreting the terms analytics and AI. Usually, when I am having discussions with peers, the topic is generic and there aren’t concrete steps on how to properly utilize these groundbreaking developments.
I believe that Stern helped me lay the foundation of where and how to start in my respective field. After completing the program, I have a structured understanding of data science and its applications. That’s step one of the process. Step two would be to develop standard operating procedures designed to meet the company’s needs while investing in corresponding applications and resources. The final step would be to validate decision making processes and minimize task execution inefficiencies by harnessing artificial intelligence as a technology.
What has the immediate value-add of the program been on your career?
Stern’s brand name has held its weight whenever I introduce myself to people within my professional network. Being a Stern alumnus credits me as an individual of high intellectual value, which has aided me in getting more business opportunities. Being part of the Stern community also helped me expand my network to all parts of the globe.
However, this is the external value-add of the program. I believe that the effect this program had on me within me has been more powerful. This is an intensive program, during which we were expected to deliver. Managing multiple responsibilities such as maintaining job duties, studying course material, completing assignments, and networking has taught me the meaning of delivering under pressure. We tend to believe that we are overwhelmed with responsibilities given our time constraints. However, we are never living up to our own potential. We always have time on our side; it’s just how efficient we are in allocating it. The program taught me this.
What are some specific skills you gained in the program?
Due to the program’s structure, I was able to gain a detailed technical understanding of the CRISP-DM process. After completing the program, I can properly interpret the data, select an appropriate model, utilize mining tools and machine learning applications, and translate all the information available to me into comprehensive business decisions.
We covered the four pillars of analytics throughout the duration of the program: Descriptive, Predictive, Causal, and Prescriptive. As Head of Operations at a third-party ship management company, my job requires me to analyze data to achieve maximized results. Assessing a vessel’s output is based on increasing availability and efficiency . Therefore, it is critical to use data mining applications and AI-powered drivers to monitor fuel consumption levels, optimize voyage routes, minimize carbon emissions, and predict engine breakdowns.
Some of the applications I use include RStudio for data mining, integrated Python + Excel for optimization, Oracle Crystal Ball for simulation, STATA for statistical interpretation & causal inference applications, and Tableau for visualization. I also managed to get a basic understanding of Neural Networks.
What three words would you use to describe your experience in the program?
Only a book would be enough to highlight all types of emotions I’ve had during this remarkable fifteen-month journey. However, if I were to use only three words to express my experience, then they would be: Intensive. Profound. Thrive.