Postgraduate ProsPectus - Aston University

School of Engineering & Applied Science
Project and Supply Chain Management Research Group
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Sustainable Environment Research Group
Group overview
This is a new and rapidly developing group of
established researchers in supply chain and project
management. We conduct qualitative, quantitative
and modelling based research across a wide range of
settings, including health, automotive, construction,
engineering design, agri-food, retailing, humanitarian
and third party logistics. Our work often crosses
disciplinary, functional and organizational boundaries,
and is at the intersection of technology, policy and
management practice.
Research interests
We are interested in supervising projects in all areas
of project or supply chain management, including in
particular:
Innovation: developing products, services and
markets
Construction: whole life costing, sustainability,
design and process improvement
Supply management and business strategy
Sustainable/resource efficient supply chains.
Current Projects
Current projects include:
Risk and uncertainty in supply markets in the
energy from waste sector
Logistics: parcel delivery, RFID and 3PL;
warehousing
The implementation of ultra low carbon vehicles
Technology management in export-oriented SMEs
in Pakistan
Supply chain visibility and pharmaceuticals
shortages
NHS and medical device manufacturers -
collaboration for innovation
Project risk management in the electric power
sector.
Several of these projects involve collaboration with
other research groups at Aston University and
externally.
Specialist equipment
The Group’s laboratory facility is equipped with
purpose-built power supplies, LeCroy high-speed
oscilloscopes and probes, Agilent network/impedance
analyser and DSpace and OPAL-RT rapid prototyping
systems for power engineering research work.
Funding sources
The group has been funded from Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council; Economic and
Social Research Council; various manufacturing
companies, third party logistics companies and public
organisations.
Collaboration
Several projects involve collaboration with other
research groups at Aston University and externally,
for example EBRI (see page 57) and the Work and
Organizational Psychology group in Aston Business
School. Students work closely with companies and
public organizations such as Birmingham City Council
and the NHS.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Louise Knight
T: +44 (0)121 204 3605
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: l.knight2@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/pscm
Group overview
The Sustainable Environment Research Group (SERG)
aims to develop sustainable solutions for vital services
in the areas of energy, water, food and transport.
It is an interdisciplinary group that brings together
experts in mechanical engineering, product design,
remote sensing, computer modelling, and engineering
management – all having a common interest in meeting
the challenges posed by the impact of human activities
on the environment. Research falls under four main
themes:
Green transport and alternative fuels
Resource efficiency in product design and
supply chains
Solar energy for cooling and desalination
Land resource assessment.
Current projects
Current projects include:
BUMILLA – Business Model Innovation in Living
Labs
CABLED – Coventry and Birmingham Low
Emission Vehicle Demonstrators
Desert Agriculture Research Initiative
Resource-efficient agri-food supply chains
Science Bridge Project – Bioenergy: Technology
and Business Solutions for UK and India
Water use rates of fenland.
Application and contact
Research Group Convenor
Dr. Philip Davies
T: +44 (0)121 204 3724
F +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: p.a.davies@aston.ac.uk
W: www.aston.ac.uk/eas/research/groups/serg
62 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
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