PBL
Amazon Project
AI in Operations Strategy
Optimize complex operational decisions using AI-powered tools such as reinforcement learning, resource allocation models, and multi-criteria analysis.
Project
Amazon Project
Location
Online
Duration
8 Weeks
Upcoming Sessions
Winter 2026
Outcomes
Apply reinforcement learning to pricing strategies
Implement multi-armed bandit algorithms for decision-making
Solve resource allocation and assignment problems
Analyze equity metrics in operational models
Use multi-objective optimization techniques
You Will Get
Industry Guidance
Work directly with our project leads—experts and top researchers—who bring their real-world insights and expertise straight to your learning experience.
Research Experience
Collaborate with teammates and the project lead in a multi-week project to pursue novel questions in your research field.
Peer Networks
Engage with our PBL participants from all over the world. Collaborate with new peers and learn about their own research endeavours.
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A Strong Portfolio
Put your best foot forward in the PBL with a standout project and receive a PBL Evaluation Report that can be used as a recommendation letter for employers and grad schools.
Expert Guidance
Get personalized feedback to grow your research and innovation skills.
Deliverables
Real projects, lasting connections, and new opportunities beyond your program.
Project Deliverables
The final presentation of your 8 weeks could be a poster, written report, or a slide deck, all of which can be expanded on.
Research Extension
Utilize up to 5 additional meeting times with the project lead after the project’s conclusion to build your work out for publication or conference presentation.
Industry Network
Meet peers in your projects and participate in a global talent community both online and in-person.
Industry Application
Amazon is a global leader in using AI and data-driven strategies to optimize operations, from dynamic pricing and real-time inventory management to last-mile delivery and resource allocation. This PBL mirrors Amazon’s approach to applying AI in decision-making across its vast supply chain and retail ecosystem, giving students exposure to tools and strategies used in real-world business optimization.
Popular Industry Positions
Operations Analyst
Use data to improve fulfillment, logistics, and pricing models.
Data Scientist (Supply Chain)
Build forecasting and optimization models for efficiency.
Operations Analyst
Use data to improve fulfillment, logistics, and pricing models.
Tracks
Track 1
Online Learning for Dynamic Pricing and Inventory Management
Learners will explore how to use online learning algorithms to optimize pricing and product strategy in real time based on demand and inventory constraints.
Frame key supply-side and demand-side operations challenges
Implement and evaluate multi-armed bandit algorithms
Apply reinforcement learning to pricing and assortment optimization
Understand the exploration–exploitation tradeoff in decision-making
Connect online learning strategies to real-world retail use cases
Track 2
AI-Driven Resource Allocation and Assignment Models
Learners will analyze resource allocation decisions through classic and modern optimization frameworks, with emphasis on fairness and efficiency in operations.
Study the single-resource allocation problem and practical variants
Apply frameworks like the secretary problem and stable matching
Evaluate facility location models and logistical tradeoffs
Investigate ethical tradeoffs and equity metrics in resource distribution
Link theoretical models to applications in hiring, logistics, and public services
Track 3
Multi-Criteria Decision Making for Complex Business Problems
Learners will build frameworks for making decisions with multiple conflicting objectives, applying quantitative tools to evaluate tradeoffs in business contexts.
Identify and structure decisions involving competing priorities
Differentiate between sorting, ranking, and design problems
Formulate and solve multi-objective optimization problems
Analyze tradeoffs in cost, quality, and sustainability
Apply decision-making tools to real-world operations and policy challenges
PBL Journey
Online PBL Projects meet once a week for 8 weeks, and follow the research project format. Participants will meet the project lead, learn the conventions of the field and familiarize themselves with the tracks, then spend the middle portion of their time collaborating to develop their research.
At the end, participants will present their final project and receive feedback, with the opportunity to extend their timeline and develop the project in greater depth.
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Project Team
Our Academic Team plays a vital role in your PBL journey at Blended Learning. We are dedicated to enhancing your learning experience and ensuring your academic success. Our team consists of three distinct roles, each with a specific focus to support your Research Guidance, Project Progress, and Personal Growth.
Project Lead
Providing Industry and Research Guidance
Operations Management Researcher, Sloan Business School, MIT
The project lead of this PBL is a Operations Management Researcher at the Sloan Business School at MIT, where she researches algorithmic equity and applied optimization. She earned her B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech. She received numerous accolades, including the Adobe Women in Technology scholarship and the top honor graduate for the College of Engineering. She has interned at Tesla Motors, Hermeus, and Space Capital, acquiring skills in data analytics, optimization, queuing, and business applications. She also won the Brooke Owens Fellowship, several undergraduate research awards, and an INFORMS Travel scholarship.
Academic Advisor
Tracking Your Project Development
The Academic Advisor is dedicated to your project completion success. They manage the progress of your PBL, guiding team formation, facilitating group discussions, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the Academic Advisor ensures team member contributions are on track and provides logistical support, including attendance tracking, hosting recitation sessions, managing research support requests, and conducting student evaluations at the end of the PBL.
From Our Students
"After a night spent debugging, I suddenly discovered the program running perfectly. In that triumphant moment, you realize your true capability and success. The exhaustion fades, replaced by the thrill of knowing your skills and persistence led to this achievement, reaffirming your potential."
Nicole Y.
National University of Singapore
B.S. Economics
FAQs
What is the learning format of a PBL?
All PBLs are offered in an 8-week online format that begins with an orientation followed by subject setup overview of the different tracks. The majority of the session time is dedicated to project development, with a final presentation at the culmination of the 8 weeks. Many PBLs are also offered bi-annually in an on-campus format that consists of daily in-person meetings.
How long does each PBL cohort last？
One round of the Online PBL cohort lasts 8 weeks, preceded bys a pre-PBL orientation week. Each On-Campus PBL usually has 8 in person meetings, with intensive classroom education and collaboration. This means the biggest difference between online and on-campus PBLs is time participants have in between meetings.
How can I be more academically prepared before the PBL starts?
Review the Blended Learning Insights sent by the Academic Advisor and familiarize yourself with the project topic and pre-learning materials. Ensure you have all necessary softwares and other resources needed for the PBL.
For each PBL cohort, will I work in teams? Are PBL team members self-selected or assigned?
Yes, you will work in teams for each round of the PBL Cohort. Each team has 3 to 6 participants, organized by the Academic Team. The Academic Advisor will organize groupings based on students' backgrounds, preferred track, and skills.
Can I work with the Project Lead on my project after the PBL ends?
Yes, with your AI + X Research Plan, you may request up to five PBL Research Extension meetings, where you work with the project lead to develop your project into a working manuscript. To schedule a PBL Research Extension meeting, talk to your Academic Advisor at the conclusion of your PBL.
What do I receive at the end of the PBL?
At the conclusion of the PBL cohort, you can request a PBL Evaluation Report which summarizes the PBL content, the hours you spent, the track you chose, and includes a recommendation letter from the Project Lead (for eligible participants who completed the project successfully).
Is attendance mandatory for PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions?
Yes, attendance is mandatory for both PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions. Participants with three or more unexcused absences forfeit their eligibility for a PBL Evaluation Report.
Do I need to have my camera on during online PBL Live Sessions?
Yes, you must have your camera on during online PBL Live Sessions. Participants with cameras off will be marked as absent. This is meant to encourage active engagement and participation in meetings.
