Role
Rupert’s research interests focus upon the role of operational process improvement activities within a range of broader aspects of the business. His PhD and subsequent publications explored how this took place within small and medium sized firms, in terms of how they were able to develop a competitive advantage within international, highly competitive markets. Rupert also researches operational improvement activities and frameworks within a range of large, public and private firms, as well as the role of craft-based practices within operational improvement. He has published and presented on these topics in internationally recognised journals and conferences.
Rupert teaches on undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses on a range of topics that span his research interests and experiences. He was a Doctoral of Business Administrator (DBA) Programme director from 2017 to 2019 and leads to research project modules on the Business Management and Entrepreneurship course.
Since joining NTU in 2013, he leads a number of undergraduate and postgraduate modules and has developed his research interests into the domain of public sector improvement and innovation.
As well as working with a wide range of international DBA students, as part of my work on craft-based practices, Rupert visited a number of production facilities in India. Included within this visit, he also visited a number of Indian Universities, including Chitkara and Punjab University in Chandigarh (North India) and O.P. Jindahl Global University near New Delhi. These visits included the presentation of Craft-Based industry research and the development of links with potential collaborative partners.
Career overview
Following his undergraduate degree in Manufacturing Engineering and Management, Rupert worked for four years as an engineer within a manufacturing SME and then within a multinational supplier to the automotive industry. He returned to university where he studied for a Masters Degree in Operations Management and Manufacturing Systems in 2008, before winning an ESRC case scholarship to complete a research Masters followed by a PhD, which he completed in 2013. In addition to his engagement with practice through research, during his PhD studies, Rupert has also worked closely with companies to research business practices and provide insight and direction on resolving their business issues.
Research areas
Rupert is research active with research activities that build upon his PhD, researching process improvement within Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, with particular interest in the Lean Six Sigma Improvement Methodology. Other research activities include supply chain management and service provision.
External activity
Rupert is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the British Academy of Management and the Academy of Management. Rupert also regularly reviews for a number of international academic journals and conferences.