Find Academic Supervisors

Professor Jonathan Boff (FRHistS) is a leading military historian in the Department of History at the University of Birmingham. His research explores the intersection of institutions, individuals, and warfare through comparative and cross-disciplinary approaches. He has a unique background combining academic expertise with two decades of private-sector experience, primarily in Asia. PhD in War Studies, King’s College London MA in History of Warfare, King’s College London BA in PPE, Merton College, Oxford University Boff’s research focuses on Economic Statecraft , the military history of the World Wars, British strategy (1880–1945), and the psychological dynamics of combat. He bridges historical analysis with modern policy challenges, particularly in financial and strategic contexts. Recent publications highlight his expertise in First World War financial policy, battlefield tactics, and institutional adaptation. His work is recognized for its empirical rigor and interdisciplinary methodology. AHRC Fellowship in Research Leadership (2020–23) Prize-winning books: Haig's Enemy (OUP, 2018) and Winning and Losing on the Western Front (CUP, 2012) Fellow of the Royal Historical Society He supervises PhD research on topics such as economic statecraft, World War-era military strategies, and comparative studies of morale. His grants include AHRC funding for his current project on financial warfare, culminating in a 2025 monograph by Oxford University Press.

• Economic Statecraft
• Military History
• World War I
• +7 more

Samir Dani is a Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Keele University’s Keele Business School. He holds Chartered Manager status and is a Fellow of multiple professional bodies, including the Higher Education Academy and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Prior to academia, he worked in India’s automotive industry. His research focuses on supply chain resilience, sustainability, food logistics, and Industry 4.0 technologies like AI and Blockchain. Affiliations: Keele University (current), University of Huddersfield (2014–2019), Loughborough University (2005–2008) Leadership: Former Head of Logistics, Marketing, Hospitality, and Analytics Department at University of Huddersfield Industry Engagement: £5M Leeds City Region LEP Supply Chain Program, UK-India trade advisory roles Research Interests: Supply chain risk and resilience Food supply chain sustainability AI, IoT, and Blockchain applications Industry 4.0 transformations Recent Article Trends: Focus on climate action impacts, blockchain trust mechanisms, and SME net-zero strategies. His work bridges academic theory with industry challenges, emphasizing technology adoption and sustainability. Awards: Prix des Associations (2015), UK Top 100 Logistics Professional (2017/18) Grants: £800K+ from EPSRC, IMCRC, and KTP Advisory Roles: Editorial Board member of Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Academic Review Board member of International Journal of Operations and Production Management.

• Supply Chain Management
• Logistics
• Risk and Resilience in Supply Chains
• +5 more

Dr. Kenan Arifoglu is an Associate Professor at the UCL School of Management. He previously held a postdoctoral position at the Ross Business School, University of Michigan (2008–2012). His education includes a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences from Northwestern University (2012), two MSc degrees from Northwestern University (2008) and Koç University (2007), and a BSc from Koç University (2005). His research focuses on behavioral motivations in healthcare, supply chains, pricing, and entrepreneurial operations. Key projects include analyzing inefficiencies in flu vaccine supply chains and developing frameworks for high-growth startups. His work bridges operations management with practical challenges in healthcare, retail, and entrepreneurship. Recent publications address topics such as luxury brand licensing dynamics, incentive programs in healthcare systems, and the theoretical foundations of lean startup methodologies. These contributions span disciplines like marketing, operations research, and public health, emphasizing cross-sectoral applications. Dr. Arifoglu’s advising and grant activities are not detailed here. He is affiliated with the UCL School of Management and actively contributes to academic discourse through his research and teaching roles.

• Healthcare Management
• Supply-Chain Management
• Pricing and Revenue Management
• +3 more

Aeli Roberts is a Professorial Teaching Fellow at The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, University College London, specializing in sustainability, health and safety, and sustainable construction practices. She is a member of BSSC's Centre for Sustainable Governance and Law in the Built Environment, a partnership between UCL and Gatehouse Chambers. Her educational background includes a diverse range of qualifications: PhD from Open University (2004), Bar Vocational Course from BPP Law School (2005), BSc in Construction Management from University College London (2003), MSc from Royal Holloway (1988), BSc from Royal Holloway (1986), and Higher National Diploma from Camberwell College of Art (1990). Initially trained as a chemist, she worked in industry and taught material science to conservation students before transitioning to construction management. Roberts' research focuses on integrating green space within urban environments for environmental and social benefits, health and safety in construction, and sustainable building practices. Her work examines sustainability in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which employ 85% of UK construction workers, and explores architect-client interactions for sustainable domestic construction. She has conducted comparative studies of health, safety, and well-being in UK and Hong Kong construction industries. Her publication record shows a strong focus on operational failure mitigation, knowledge transfer for safety culture, and the role of building control in sustainable construction. Recent work emphasizes climate change impacts on construction, wellbeing in the industry, and sustainable design integration. Her research bridges academic theory with practical application in the construction sector. Scientific Awards: Significant contributions serving the Design Futures Council's London and Cambridge Think Tank (2012) Roberts has held teaching positions across multiple subject areas including materials science, law, and sustainability. She has developed a third-year module on built asset management, emphasizing the importance of post-occupancy building performance. Her teaching philosophy connects historical building conservation with contemporary sustainability challenges, particularly in the context of upgrading existing housing stock to meet carbon reduction targets. She has been involved in collaborative research projects with organizations including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), focusing on eco-design training for the construction supply chain. Her work with the CIC 2050 Group demonstrates engagement with industry-wide sustainability initiatives.

• Sustainability
• Green space in urban environments
• Health and safety in construction
• +10 more

Professor Jan Bebbington holds the Rubin Chair in Sustainability in Business at Lancaster University and serves as Director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business . Her research intersects sustainable development with organisational operations, focusing on accounting technologies for control and accountability, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and carbon accounting. Her recent work explores sustainability reporting norms , inter-corporate accountability mechanisms , and biodiversity scenario analysis . Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to climate accountability, organisational stability, and resilient business practices. Key projects include collaborations with Stockholm Resilience Centre , The Swedish Research Council , and Innovate UK , addressing topics like ocean stewardship (SeaBOS) and biodiversity decision-making frameworks. She employs virtual labs and cross-sector partnerships to advance sustainability governance.

• Sustainability Reporting
• Carbon Accounting
• Organizational Control
• +4 more

Jim Hall is a Professor of Climate and Environmental Risk at the University of Oxford's School of Geography and the Environment, and serves as Director of Research there. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Linacre College and holds leadership roles including Chair of the Science Advisory Committee at IIASA, and Expert Advisor to the UK's National Infrastructure Commission. His work focuses on systemic risk analysis, infrastructure resilience, and policy implications of climate change adaptation. Prof Hall has pioneered methodologies like the National Infrastructure Systems Model (NISMOD) and chairs the Data and Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure (DAFNI). His research spans flood risk management, energy systems decarbonization, and transboundary water resource conflicts in regions such as the Eastern Nile Basin and the Caribbean. Key research areas include robust decision making under uncertainty, info-gap theory applications, and integrated assessments of human-environmental systems. He has contributed to major international assessments, including the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report, and developed frameworks for multi-hazard stress testing of infrastructure networks. Scientific Awards: George Stephenson Medal (2001), Prince Sultan Prize for Water (2018), Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship (2010) His advising and grants work includes mentoring a DPhil student Erin Canning and leading projects like MARIUS and ENHANCE. He has also developed innovative modeling tools for coastal erosion prediction and probabilistic assessments of global shipping fuel transitions. Prof Hall’s research groups actively engage in interdisciplinary projects, including the Oxford Martin Programme on Resource Stewardship and the UK Infrastructure Transitions Research Consortium. His work emphasizes bridging scientific analysis with actionable policy solutions for climate adaptation.

• Climate Change Adaptation
• Infrastructure Resilience
• Risk Analysis
• +5 more

Professor Ashley Braganza serves as Dean of Brunel Business School at Brunel University London and holds the Chair in Business Transformation. He founded and co-directs Brunel's interdisciplinary Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (established 2018), which includes a dedicated AI Lab and forms part of Brunel's broader AI Ecosystem. His leadership secured £3.5 million in grants during the 2022/23 academic year and a recent €5.8 million ELOQUENCE EU project (2024-2027). His academic qualifications include a PhD in Organisational Change and Information Systems from Cranfield University and an MBA in Strategic Management Responsibility from the University of Strathclyde. Professor Braganza's research centers on artificial intelligence, big data, change management, strategy implementation, process and knowledge management, and transformation-enabled information systems . His practice-based approach stems from over 40 major consultancy projects with global organizations including BT, Microsoft, McDonald's, Astra Zeneca, and UN agencies. He champions interdisciplinary experiential learning and rigorous academic research with real-world applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in applying AI and digital technologies to healthcare supply chains, blockchain governance, and socioeconomic challenges like digital poverty. His work consistently bridges operations management, information systems, and social sciences while examining human-organizational impacts of technological transformation. His distinguished recognition includes: Election to the British Academy of Management College of Fellows for 25+ years of scholarly contribution and community service Professor Braganza has directed significant research initiatives including the British Academy-funded digital poverty study in Margate, UK-India collaborative projects on AI in healthcare productivity, and curriculum development for special needs trainers. His consultancy assignments with major corporations have co-created practical frameworks for implementing complex organizational change programs. He founded and chairs the British Academy of Management Special Interest Group in Transformation, Change and Development, and directs Brunel's AI: Social and Digital Innovation Research Centre, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration through the Operations and Information Systems Management Research Group (OISM).

• Artificial Intelligence
• Change Management
• Strategy Implementation
• +4 more

Dr. Godfred Afrifa is a Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Senior Tutor (Canterbury) at Kent Business School , University of Kent. He is also a Visiting Lecturer at IESEG School of Management (France) since 2014 and at ISCID-CO International Business School (France) since 2016. PhD in Finance and Risk (Bournemouth University, 2013) MSc in Finance (University of Leicester, 2008) BSc in Applied Accounting (Oxford Brookes University) HND in Accounting (Kumasi Polytechnic) Chartered Accountant and Certificate in Insurance (Chartered Insurance Institute) His research explores the intersection of corporate governance , working capital management , and microfinance institutions . He investigates how CSR governance affects business practices, the dynamics of trade credit in SMEs, and the role of regional development in service-sector performance. His recent work also covers linguistic influences on financial reporting and pedagogical innovations in accounting education. Dr. Afrifa's 15 most recent publications (2020–2025) span topics like CSR decoupling , firm identity changes , credit policies , and microfinance integrity , with methodologies including stochastic frontier analysis and cross-country comparisons . His work frequently addresses financial strategies in SMEs and sustainability in supply chains and development. Scientific Awards : Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (2015), Affiliate Member of ACCA (2004). Dr. Afrifa supervises Mohammad Abwen (PhD thesis: Credibility of CSR Disclosure ) and welcomes PhD candidates in SME management , working capital , and microfinance . His Visiting Lecturer roles at French institutions highlight international collaboration. The 2023 Evaluation Report on Re:Generation 2031 underscores his work in sustainable development beyond traditional finance.

• SMEs Financing
• Corporate Governance
• Working Capital Management
• +5 more

Dr. Artin Backtash-Rad is a Senior Lecturer in Global Strategy & International Business at the Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, where he also serves as the Director of the MSc International Business Management programme. He holds a PhD in Global Strategic Management from Royal Holloway, University of London, an MBA in International Management from Carleton University, Canada, and a BSc in Industrial Management from the University of Tehran, Iran. He has held academic positions at University College London, Royal Holloway, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales. BSc in Industrial Management, University of Tehran, Iran MBA in International Management, Carleton University, Canada PhD in Global Strategic Management, Royal Holloway, University of London Artin's research focuses on Global Strategic Management, with a particular emphasis on strategy implementation. His doctoral research involved a large-scale comparative study across 20 sectors in 20 countries, resulting in a comprehensive model for corporate-level strategy execution. His work integrates resource-based, industry, and institutional perspectives to develop a holistic theory of strategy implementation. He has conducted extensive research on barriers to implementation, supply chain strategies, manufacturing strategies, and transcontinental investments. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in developing taxonomies and theoretical models in strategic management, particularly in international and cross-sectoral contexts. He frequently presents at top-tier conferences such as the Academy of International Business (AIB), British Academy of Management (BAM), and Euro-Asia Management Studies Association (EAMSA), with recent work focusing on organizational culture transfer, research populations, and Europeanization of strategy. Artin is actively involved in academic service and leadership: Director of MSc International Business Management Member of the Doctoral Programmes Review Committee Personal Tutor for 22 students Work Placement Programme Tutor He supervises postgraduate research, currently guiding two PhD students, and has previously supervised numerous master’s and MBA dissertations across multiple institutions. His teaching spans strategic management, international business, entrepreneurship, research methodology, and operations management at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Artin is affiliated with leading academic organizations: Academy of International Business British Academy of Management Euro-Asia Management Studies Association

• Global Strategic Management
• Strategy Implementation
• International Business
• +10 more

Professor Alistair Brandon-Jones (PhD, PGDip, BSc Hons) is a Full Chaired Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Bath's School of Management since 2014. He serves as Head of the Information, Decisions and Operations Division (2020–present) and holds Visiting Professor roles at Hult International Business School and Danish Technical University. His career spans academic leadership positions at Manchester Business School, Bath, and Warwick Business School, where he completed his PhD. Research Interests : Digitalisation of operations and supply chains, professional service operations, healthcare operations, and cybersecurity in AI systems. His work combines empirical methods with cross-sector collaborations, supported by UKRI, ESRC, EPSRC, and the Welsh Assembly Government. Key themes include telehealth integration , responsible AI deployment , and value-based procurement . Teaching & Consulting : He teaches Operations Management, Supply Chain, and Project Management across executive, MBA, and undergraduate levels, with consulting experience for Maersk, NHS, and Qatar Leadership Centre. His textbooks like Operations Management (10th ed., 2022) are globally cited. Scientific Awards : Times Higher Education Teaching Excellence Prize Association of MBAs (AMBA) Award Production Operations Management Society (POMS) Recognition Hult International Business School Teaching Prize Supervision & Projects : Currently supervising doctoral students in digital transformation, he leads two major projects: ESRC Digital Security by Design Social Science Hub (2020–2025) and Welsh Government Healthcare Integration (2009–2009). His research aligns with UN SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production) through supply chain innovations.

• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Digital Transformation
• +5 more

Dr Georgios Batsakis is a Reader in International Business & Economics at Brunel Business School, Brunel University London. His research and teaching focus on internationalization processes of multinational enterprises (MNEs), strategic management, and digitalization in global markets. PhD in Management Studies (2014) - Brunel Business School MSc in Business Economics (2010) - Erasmus School of Economics BSc in Business Administration (2006) - University of The Aegean, School of Business His research spans international business, examining temporal dimensions of MNE internationalization, product/geographic diversification, foreign market entry modes, and the impact of digitalization on global operations. He has published extensively in top journals like the Journal of International Business Studies and Global Strategy Journal , with recent work highlighting the intersection of digital transformation and international diversification. Scientific recognitions include Poets&Quants' Best 40-Under-40 Business School Professors in 2022 and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2019). He serves as Track-Chair for academic conferences and ad-hoc reviewer for leading journals. Advisor to pre-seed startups in Greece on business model formulation Mentor and judge in global startup competitions (e.g., VISA Innovation Program, Disrupt Greece)

• International Business
• Strategic Management
• Digitalization of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)
• +5 more

Sankar Sivarajah is the Head of Kingston Business School and Professor of Technology Management and Circular Economy at Kingston University London. He joined the university in September 2024 after serving as Dean of the School of Management at the University of Bradford (2017-2024). His academic career began at Brunel University London in 2014 as a post-doctoral researcher. Qualifications: PhD in Management and Information Systems Studies, Brunel University London MSc in Management (Entrepreneurship), Bayes Business School BSc in Business and Management (Computing), Brunel University London His research focuses on leveraging digital technologies for societal benefit, particularly in Technology Management , Circular Economy , and Operations/Supply Chain Management . Recent work analyzes AI-driven decision-making in public sectors, blockchain integration for sustainable supply chains, and smart technology applications in green HRM. His publications span journals like Government Information Quarterly , Annals of Operations Research , and Information Systems Frontiers , covering topics from drone-based food security to ethical AI frameworks. Trends show increasing emphasis on Industry 5.0, 6G impact evaluation, and cross-country sustainability practices. Scientific Recognition: Included in World’s Top 2% Scientists (2023, 2024) Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (FHEA) He serves as Deputy Editor for the Journal of Enterprise Information Management , peer reviewer for EFMD and AACSB accreditations, and governing council member of Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS). His £3M+ funded projects address 6G evaluation, AI strategy, and Smart Cities.

• Technology Management
• Circular Economy
• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• +7 more

Tara Garnett serves as Director of TABLE, a global knowledge platform for food systems analysis hosted by the Environmental Change Institute within the School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford. TABLE operates as a collaboration between the University of Oxford, Wageningen University & Research, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, facilitating evidence-based dialogue on sustainable food futures. Her research interrogates the complex intersections between food systems, climate change, public health, and sustainability, with particular focus on livestock as a critical nexus point. Garnett investigates how scientific knowledge is translated across policy, civil society, and industry contexts, emphasizing the diverse values stakeholders bring to food system challenges. Her work consistently advocates for systems-thinking approaches that recognize the interconnected nature of food-related problems. As a fellow of the Oxford Martin School and co-investigator on the Wellcome Trust-funded Livestock, Environment and People (LEAP) project, she contributes to high-impact research at the food-environment-health interface. Her publication portfolio reveals evolving research trajectories from early climate-food connections toward contemporary explorations of alternative proteins, regenerative agriculture, and the political economy of food system transformation. Recognition Oxford Martin School Fellowship Garnett's leadership through TABLE exemplifies her commitment to creating spaces for inclusive, evidence-informed dialogue about building food systems that are sustainable, resilient, and just. Her work consistently bridges academic research and practical application, emphasizing that context-specific solutions and multi-stakeholder engagement are essential for meaningful food system transformation.

• Food Systems
• Climate Change
• Sustainability
• +5 more

Dr. Stijn Maesen is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Imperial College Business School, specializing in retailing and marketing strategy. His research examines how retailer and manufacturer marketing activities affect firm performance and societal outcomes, with a focus on consumer behavior, health labeling, and payment innovations. He holds a PhD from KU Leuven and previously worked in marketing research at GfK. Education: PhD in Marketing, KU Leuven Pre-PhD work experience at GfK Research Interests: Retail competition dynamics, consumer decision-making in retail settings, and the societal implications of marketing practices. His work bridges academic rigor with practical insights for retailers and policymakers. Awards: 2020 AMS Mary Kay Doctoral Dissertation Award (best dissertation in marketing science) Teaching: Marketing Analytics (MSc Strategic Marketing), Marketing Decisions (MSc Management). Combines data-driven approaches with traditional marketing principles. Labs/Teams: Engaged in collaborative research projects within Imperial's Business School analytics cluster.

• Retailing
• Marketing Strategy
• Consumer Behavior
• +3 more

Professor Dylan Jones is a Professor of Operational Research at the University of Portsmouth within the School of Mathematics and Physics. He holds dual affiliations with the Centre for Operational Research and Logistics and the Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk & Resilience. His academic journey includes a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Operational Research from the University of Southampton and a PhD in Operational Research from the University of Portsmouth. Specializing in Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM), his research spans logistics, healthcare, renewable energy, and defense applications. He has led over 18 PhD theses and secured EU funding for projects focused on offshore wind energy and sustainable logistics. Professor Jones is also the Director of the Centre for Operational Research and Logistics, emphasizing strategic port development and disaster risk reduction. His work integrates advanced methodologies like goal programming and mixed modeling to address complex real-world challenges. Recent contributions include frameworks for offshore wind farm logistics, sustainable port selection, and resilience-based maintenance strategies. Education: BSc (Hons) in Mathematics with Operational Research, University of Southampton PhD in Operational Research, University of Portsmouth Research interests revolve around applying operational research principles to solve multi-objective problems in logistics, healthcare systems, and renewable energy sectors. His work emphasizes sustainability, decision-making under uncertainty, and optimizing resource allocation. Key projects include developing methodologies for offshore wind energy infrastructure and analyzing risk in maritime logistics. His research outputs (109+ publications) focus on advancing operational research techniques, with notable contributions to goal programming, logistics optimization, and multi-criteria decision analysis. He collaborates internationally, particularly in Brazil, France, Spain, and Portugal, to address global challenges in sustainable energy and infrastructure. Labs/Teams: Centre for Operational Research and Logistics Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk & Resilience

• Operational Research
• Logistics
• Healthcare
• +3 more