Pervaiz Akhtar

Professor Pervaiz Akhtar is Chair (Full Professor) of Business Analytics, Big Data, and Supply Chains at the University of Aberdeen Business School, UK. He holds a PhD and multiple master's degrees in supply chain, business analytics, and mathematics, and is a UK HE Senior Fellow. With over 20 years of international experience in academia and industry, he has held leadership roles including Associate Dean, Director of MBA Programs, and Director of Data and Analytics.

Research Interests: His research focuses on the integration of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics in supply chains and operations. Key areas include digital transformation, sustainable operations, circular economy, blockchain applications, humanitarian logistics, and innovation management. He employs advanced tools such as Python, R, SAP, Tableau, and structural equation modeling.

His recent publications span top journals like International Journal of Production Economics, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, British Journal of Management, and Journal of Product Innovation Management. The research trends reflect a strong emphasis on digital technologies, sustainability, organizational agility, and ethical business practices, particularly in emerging markets and crisis contexts.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Youngest professor in his country of origin (2018)
• Three consecutive academic promotions (a historical record)
• Professorship offer from a top 10 UK university
• Among fewer than 150 UK academics to achieve professorship before age 35 (HESA)
• UK HE Senior Fellow

Advising and Grants: Professor Akhtar has supervised over 50 research students, including PhDs. He has completed more than 15 funded projects with a total value exceeding £5 million, collaborating with organizations such as UNICEF, Oxfam, Red Cross, Unilever, and Reckitt Benckiser. He is currently accepting PhD students in Artificial Intelligence and related fields.

Labs and Research Centres: While no specific lab is named, he is affiliated with research centers at the University of Aberdeen Business School, contributing to initiatives in sustainability, digital transformation, and global supply chains. He also serves on editorial boards of British Journal of Management and Journal of Knowledge Management, and was Senior Associate Editor for International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management.