Henrik Franke

Research focuses

Research Approach

• Collaboration with industry partners
• Randomized field experiments (RCTs and A/B tests)
• Laboratory experiments

Selected Research Projects

• Smartwatches in manufacturing (RCT)
• Workforce flexibility and collaboration (quasi-experiment)
• Machine-learning predictions in quality management (RCT)
• Agentic AI in procurement (RCT)
• Generative AI in visual design (laboratory experiment)
• VR/AR-supported asset valuation decisions (RCT)

Selected Teaching Projects

• Virtual-reality factory tour of Nobilia Werke GmbH
• Virtual-reality workshop tour of a Porsche repair facility

Curriculum vitae

• 2023-now: Assistant Professor for Supply Chain Innovation, University of Cologne
• 2019-2023: Postdoc ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
• 2016-2019: PhD student, EBS University for Business and Law, Oestrich-Winkel, Germany (summa cum laude)
• 2015-2019: Research associate, German Graduate School of Management and Law, Heilbronn, Germany
• 2018: Visiting researcher, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Indianapolis, USA
• 2013-2015: M.Sc. Management, EBS University for Business and Law, Oestrich-Winkel, Germany
• 2010-2013: B.Sc. Electrical Industrial Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany

Publications (selection)

• Kwasnitschka, D., Franke, H., von Maydell, R., Netland, T. (2025) Give Me a Choice! A Field Experiment on Task Choice Enabled by Wearables. Production and Operations Management https://doi.org/10.1177/10591478251400469
• Franke, H., Kwasnitschka, D., Netland, T. (2024) Emphasizing Worker Identification with Skills to Increase Helping and Productivity in Production: A Field Experiment. Journal of Operations Management, 70(5), 712-732 https://doi.org/10.1002/joom.1300
• Kwasnitschka, D., Franke, H., Netland, T. (2024) Effects of Feedback in Manufacturing: A Field Experiment using Smartwatch Technology. Journal of Operations Management, 70(6), 933-956 https://doi.org/10.1002/joom.1305
• Franke, H., Eckerd, S., Foerstl, K. (2022). Rising to the Top: Motivational Forces Influencing Status Conflict in Sourcing Teams. Production and Operations Management, 31(3), 963-983. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.13590