On Friday 24 May alumni and their guests came back to campus for the 2024 alumni conference 'Beyond tomorrow: Navigating AI, sustainability and the global economy'.
The event follows our previously successful alumni conferences including 'A resilient future' and 'Inclusive Talent Management - towards a new norm'. The conference was reintroduced following a short break due to Covid-19 based on feedback that alumni wanted to have access to content and professional networking opportunities.
Hosted by Cranfield School of Management's Professor Joe Nellis, this year's conference explored the pivotal themes shaping our world, charting a course for a more sustainable and more technically advanced future.
Bringing together Cranfield academics, alumni and industry experts, attendees explored the dynamics of the global economy, gained foresight into the future of work, delved into the transformative power of AI, and soared into the realm of sustainable transportation. There were also opportunities to participate in discussions, interactive sessions, and networking, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Whether you attended the event and would like to conduct some background reading, or if you couldn't make it but would like to know more about the topic, your free Alumni Library Online (ALO) can help you stay informed.
Here are a few examples of the articles you can read via your ALO:
The economy - Past, present and future - Professor Joe Nellis CBE, Professor of Global Economy and Deputy Dean, Cranfield School of Management
A look back at some of the major economic events and policy developments that have shaped the wider business environment over the past 40 years - since Joe joined Cranfield! This will set the scene for a critical assessment of the current economic situation and the prospects for sustained recovery and long-term growth.
Emerald Journals
Kumar, A., Sharma, S., Vashistha, R., Srivastava, V., Tabash, M.I., Munim, Z.H. and Paltrinieri, A. (2024), International Journal of Emerging Markets: a bibliometric review 2006–2020, International Journal of Emerging Markets, 19(4), 1051-1089.
O’Mahony, T., Luukkanen, J., Vehmas, J. and Kaivo-oja, J.R.L. (2024), Time to build a new practice of foresight for national economies? Ireland, and uncertain futures in forecasts and scenarios, Foresight, 26(1), 18-34.
Tutar, H., Eryüzlü, H., Erdem, A.T. and Sarkhanov, T. (2024), A study on comparison of economic and scientific performances of BRICS countries, Journal of Economic Studies, Ahead-of-print.
Dhiman, V. and Arora, M. (2024), How foresight has evolved since 1999? Understanding its themes, scope and focus, Foresight, 26(2), 253-271.
Beyond tomorrow: The changing world of work - Professor Emma Parry, Professor of Human Resource Management
Over the past few years, we have seen the world of work change dramatically due to aspects such as technological advancement, demographic trends and the Coronavirus pandemic. This session will explore how changes to the external context are expected to influence the nature of work, the workplace and the workforce and how leadership, people management and organisation design will need to adjust to address these.
Emerald Journals
van der Laan, L., Ormsby, G., Fergusson, L. and McIlveen, P. (2023). Is this work? Revisiting the definition of work in the 21st century, Journal of Work-Applied Management, 15(2), 252-272.
Qvarfordt, M., Lagrosen, S. and Nilsson, L. (2024). Medical secretaries’ fears and opportunities in an increasingly digitalised workplace environment, Journal of Health Organization and Management, 38 (9), 175-194.
Sage Journals
Lott, Y., Kelliher, C., & Chung, H. (2022). Reflecting the changing world of work? A critique of existing survey measures and a proposal for capturing new ways of working. Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, 28(4), 457-473.
Thomas, S. M., & Baddipudi, V. (2022). Changing Nature of Work and Employment in the Gig Economy: The Role of Culture Building and Leadership in Sustaining Commitment and Job Satisfaction. NHRD Network Journal, 15(1), 100-113.
Balakrishnan, J. (2022). Building Capabilities for Future of Work in the Gig Economy. NHRD Network Journal, 15(1), 56-70.
Business and social impact: The case of social procurement movement - Dr Leila Alinaghian, Associate Professor of Business Relationships and Impact, Director of full-time MBA and Timo Worrall (MBA 2010), Director of Global Supplier Diversity & Inclusion, Johnson & Johnson
Businesses have begun to take a lead role in addressing complex, multi-layered global social challenges. Discover how social enterprises are the ultimate form of social-value focused business and the role of corporate buyers in progressing the social procurement movement. Timo will share insights and examples from his own experience of leading successful global supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives at Johnson & Johnson internationally, including how the company is partnering with social enterprises.
Emerald Journals
Razmdoost, K. and Alinaghian, L. (2023), Advancing social procurement: an institutional work perspective, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Malcolm, K., Cairns, F. and Pouwhare, T. (2023), Empowering indigenous enterprise through supplier diversity – The case for Puna Awarau in Aotearoa (New Zealand), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Sage Journals
Muftugil-Yalcin, S., & Mooijman, A. (2023). Making sense of each other: Relations between social enterprises and the municipality, Public Policy and Administration, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Borchardt, M., Silva, M. G. da, Carvalho, M. N. M. de, Burdzinski, C. S., Kirst, R. W., Pereira, G. M., & Silva, M. A. da. (2024). Uncaptured Value in the Business Model: Analysing its Modes in Social Enterprises in the Sustainable Fashion Industry, Journal of Creating Value, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Kruse, P., & Rosing, F. (2023). An Experimental Investigation of Perceived Differences in Personality and Leadership Attributes of Social Entrepreneurs Compared to for Profit Entrepreneurs and Non-Profit Organisations Leaders, The Journal of Entrepreneurship, 32(1), 75-110.
The future of strategic leadership: Leading people and organisations in a complex world - Professor Andrey Pavlov, Professor of Strategy and Performance and Head of Strategy Group and Elizabeth Honer (MSc Managing Organisational Performance 2009), former CEO of the Government Internal Audit Agency
Discover a compelling vison for strategic leadership in today’s volatile world. The session introduces the complexity paradigm as a more realistic approach that acknowledges the unpredictable, nonlinear nature of organisational and human dynamics. Examples will show how to cultivate an organisational culture that embraces change, leverage values for decision-making, and prepare for future challenges without relying on predictability and control.
Emerald Journals
Andrews, S.M. (2023). Strategic leadership, change and growth in not-for-profit, membership-based, value-driven organisations, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 36(4), 517-540.
Singh, A. and Jha, S. (2023). Strategic leadership and team innovation: a qualitative study from the lens of leader–member exchange, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Sage Journals
Bornay-Barrachina, M., López-Cabrales, Á., & Salas-Vallina, A. (2023). Sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring dynamic capabilities in innovative firms: Why does strategic leadership make a difference? BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 0(0).
EBSCO
Vera, D., & Crossan, M. (2004). Strategic Leadership and Organizational Learning. Academy of Management Review, 29(2), 222–240.
De-globalization, slowbalization or re-globalization? The future prospects for global trade - Professor Andy Angus, Professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
The World Economic Forum believes there are strong indications that the era of globalization is coming to an end. The risks created by geopolitical conflicts, pandemics and climate change appear to favour national security over global value chains. This talk will explore the different views on the future direction of global trade, drawing out the implications for countries, businesses and managers.
Emerald Journals
Garg, S. and Sushil, S. (2023). Deglobalization: a systematic enquiry using 5 Ws and 1 H framework, Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Tunyi, A.A., Hussain, T. and Areneke, G. (2024). Deglobalization and the value of geographic diversification: evidence from Brexit, International Journal of Managerial Finance, 20(2), 479-502.
Arkhipov, A.Y. and Yeletsky, A.N. (2021). Modern globalization: development of glocalization and fragmentation of the world economy, International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 41(1/2), 224-238.
Hafezi, R. and Asemi, P. (2023). Global scenarios under crises: the case of post COVID-19 era, Foresight, 25(4), 477-501.
Navigating the AI-cyber 'fog' - Dr Emma Taylor CISSP CEng FIMechE FSaRS, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in Digital Safety and Security
Management of cybersecurity is impacted by AI's explosive growth in capabilities and reach across the global economy, individuals, and society. It is unclear how things may play out and where, outside the evident technical complexities, management focus should be directed. This talk will present a novel blend of perspectives and present some food for thought for those looking to navigate through the AI-cyber 'fog'.
Emerald Journals
Birkstedt, T., Minkkinen, M., Tandon, A. and Mäntymäki, M. (2023). AI governance: themes, knowledge gaps and future agendas, Internet Research, 33(7), 133-167.
Trabelsi, M.A. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence on economic development, Journal of Electronic Business & Digital Economics, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
ElHassan, B.T. and Arabi, A.A. (2024). Ethical forethoughts on the use of artificial intelligence in medicine, International Journal of Ethics and Systems, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Rezaei, M., Pironti, M. and Quaglia, R. (2024). AI in knowledge sharing, which ethical challenges are raised in decision-making processes for organisations?, Management Decision, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Oppioli, M., Sousa, M.J., Sousa, M. and de Nuccio, E. (2023). The role of artificial intelligence for management decision: a structured literature review, Management Decision, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Dencik, J., Goehring, B. and Marshall, A. (2023). Managing the emerging role of generative AI in next-generation business, Strategy & Leadership, 51(6), 30-36.
Leading beyond tomorrow - Dr Rosina Watson, Associate Professor of Sustainability
In the face of global social and environmental challenges, there is increasing pressure from customers, investors and citizens for business to be part of the solution. Those leading their businesses into the future must now respond and engage with a wider set of stakeholders than ever before, in the context of a volatile, uncertain and complex environment. Explore the capabilities leaders need to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future and how these can be taught and developed within your organisation.
Emerald Journals
Zada, M., Khan, J., Saeed, I., Zada, S. and Yong Jun, Z. (2024). Linking sustainable leadership with sustainable project performance: mediating role of knowledge integration and moderating role of top management knowledge values, Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Snyder, K., Ingelsson, P. and Bäckström, I. (2024). Developing value-based leadership for sustainable quality development: a meta-analysis from a study of Lean manufacturing, International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Sage Journals
Zacher, H., Kühner, C., Katz, I. M., & Rudolph, C. W. (2024). Leadership and Environmental Sustainability: An Integrative Conceptual Model of Multilevel Antecedents and Consequences of Leader Green Behavior, Group & Organization Management, 49(2), 365-394.
Davies JF, Seglenieks R, Cameron R, et al. (2023). Operation clean up: A model for eco-leadership and sustainability implementation, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, 51(2):88-95.
Fuelling progress: Entrepreneurship as the engine for growth - Professor Stephanie Hussels, Group Head: Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability, Director of Business Growth Programme
During the panel discussion, we will explore the significance of entrepreneurship, highlighting that it is critical for establishing new businesses and emphasising that an entrepreneurial mindset is now more essential than ever to keep established businesses ahead of the curve.
Emerald Journals
Hussain, S., Vershinina, N. and Carey, C. (2024). Defying the odds? Multiple disadvantage as a source of entrepreneurial action, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Lee, Y., Liguori, E.W., Sureka, R. and Kumar, S. (2024). Women’s entrepreneurship education: a systematic review and future agenda, Journal of Management History, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Gawe艂, A. and Toikko, T. (2024). Female immigrant entrepreneurship – predicted by women’s empowerment in host country, International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Sisu, J.A., Tirnovanu, A.C., Patriche, C.-C., Nastase, M. and Schin, G.C. (2024). Enablers of students' entrepreneurial intentions: findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 30(4), 856-884.
Balhico, A., Pereira, R. and Jarrar, H. (2023). Cross-cultural examination of successful entrepreneurial small and medium-sized enterprises, European Business Review, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Contemporary trends and challenges in supply chains: Planning for the future, including a case study of bp pulse - Professor Michael Bourlakis, Director of Research and Director of the Centre for Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain Management and Joel Brown (MSc Supply Chain Management 2018) Head of Logistics, bp pulse
This session will analyse the major, contemporary trends taking place and their significant impact on current and future supply chains. Key insights will be provided for the transformative role and importance of these trends with a particular focus on how these trends shape and influence current and future supply chains. This presentation will be based on past and ongoing research work and Joel Brown will share a case study of BP Pulse.
Emerald Journals
Mahdikhani, M., Mahdikhani, M., Gonzalez, M. and Teixeira, R. (2023), High-technology within the supply chain: a systematic review, Management Decision, 61(8), 2257-2279.
Detwal, P.K., Agrawal, R., Samadhiya, A., Kumar, A. and Garza-Reyes, J.A. (2024), Research developments in sustainable supply chain management considering optimization and industry 4.0 techniques: a systematic review, Benchmarking: An International Journal, 31(4), 1249-1269.
Balkumar, K., Gedam, V.V., Himateja, M., Anbuudayasankar, S.P., Narassima, M.S., Ganesh, K., Dwarakanath, M. and Pazhani, S. (2023), Prevalence and future trend in green supply chain management (GSCM): a systematic literature review, Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
Sage Journals
Benatiya Andaloussi, M. (2024). A Bibliometric Literature Review of Digital Supply Chain: Trends, Insights, and Future Directions, Sage Open, 14(2).
Kumar, S., and Mallipeddi, R. R. (2022). Impact of cybersecurity on operations and supply chain management: Emerging trends and future research directions, Production and Operations Management, 31(12), 4488-4500.
A journey in(to) the future - Professor Graham Braithwaite FRAeS FISASI FCILT, Director, Transport Systems
How do we ensure that transport into the future is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable? In reflecting on Cranfield’s contribution to this field, we will consider how technology creates both challenges and opportunities and how developing a whole journey approach can radically change how we think of a journey.
Emerald Journals
Mogaji, E. and Nguyen, N.P. (2023). Exploring interactions between commuters with disabilities and transport service providers, Journal of Services Marketing, 37(6), 762-787.
Oestreich, L., Neuenfeldt Júnior, Á. and Ruiz-Padillo, A. (2024). Guidelines to promote sustainable transport in higher education universities: a bibliometric and systematic review, International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print.
IEEE ASPP Journals
Nold, M. and Corman, F. (2024). How Will the Railway Look Like in 2050? A Survey of Experts on Technologies, Challenges and Opportunities for the Railway System, IEEE Open Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems, 5, 85-102, 2024,
Borchers, T., Wittowsky, D. and Augusto Souza Fernandes, R. (2024). A Comprehensive Survey and Future Directions on Optimising Sustainable Urban Mobility, IEEE Access, 12, 63023-63048.
Ioannou, P. Connectivity, Automation and Safety in Transportation of the Future, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, 25, (4), 94-123.
Sage Journals
Rahman, D., Bhuiyan, Md. I. H., & Khan, N. A. (2023). Access to Inclusive Urban Public Transport System in Bangladesh: The Case of Dhaka City, The International Journal of Community and Social Development, 5(3), 266-285.
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