Dr. Sarah Y. Al-Osailan is an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) Department at Effat University’s College of Business. She holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Technology from Claremont Graduate University, with a research focus on design science and data analytics, and a master’s degree specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analytics.
Her academic and professional work sits at the intersection of digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and business innovation, complemented by a strong consultancy focus on spatial analytics and GIS. Dr. Al-Osailan has extensive teaching and leadership experience in business analytics, project management, and IT strategy, with a clear emphasis on preparing students to operate in complex, technology-enabled environments.
Her consultancy experience centers on leveraging geospatial technologies to support decision-making across sectors such as healthcare, environmental research, and digital innovation. She has led and contributed to projects involving spatial data analysis, location intelligence, and geospatial modeling, utilizing platforms such as ArcGIS and cloud-based technologies to design analytical workflows, develop interactive mapping solutions, and generate insights that inform strategic planning and operational efficiency.
Before joining Effat University, Dr. Al-Osailan served as an adjunct professor and research and teaching assistant at the Advanced GIS Lab at Claremont Graduate University. She has also provided hands-on consultation to students, faculty, and external stakeholders through workshops, advisory sessions, and interdisciplinary research initiatives integrating spatial analytics with data mining and social media analysis. Her work includes developing geospatial applications and coordinating projects that demonstrate the applied value of GIS in both education and research.
In addition to her teaching and research, she plays a key role in curriculum development, accreditation initiatives, and industry collaboration, aligning academic programs with global standards and Saudi Vision 2030.
Dr. Al-Osailan combines strong technical expertise in spatial analysis, database systems, and analytics with proven project management capabilities, consistently translating complex data into actionable insights that enhance planning, optimize resource allocation, and support strategic decision-making.
