Why do many organisations and supply chains struggle to achieve lasting improvements in performance, despite heavily investing in new processes and technologies?
In this inaugural lecture, Professor Trevor Cadden, Professor of Operations Management, Ulster University Business School, explores the often-overlooked role of people in shaping a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, and how this culture enables the capabilities needed to improve productivity, sustainability and growth.
Drawing on over 30 years of industry experience, academic research and business collaboration, Professor Cadden will explore why organisational culture is fundamental to building the capabilities needed to achieving operational excellence and supply chain performance.
Through research insights and real-world examples, the lecture will explore three interconnected themes: cultural transformation, data driven supply chains and sustainable supply chains demonstrating how organisations can develop the capabilities needed to improve productivity, sustainability and growth.
Along the way, expect practical insights, personal reflections and a few unexpected connections from a career bridging academia and industry.
Agenda
Tuesday 24 November
6pm to 7.30pm
Lecture Theatre 1 (BC-LG-211)
Belfast campus
- 6pm – Registration and refreshments
- 6:30pm – Formal proceedings and Professorial Lecture
- 7:30pm – Close
About Professor Trevor Cadden
Trevor Cadden is Professor of Operations Management at Ulster University Business School. He joined Ulster University in 2004 following nine years in industry and has developed an internationally recognised research profile in organisational culture, operational excellence, digital transformation and supply chain management.
Throughout his career, he has taught over 10,000 students, published more than 50 international research articles, collaborated with over 40 international researchers and contributed to securing over £12 million in research funding. He has led numerous commissioned industry research projects and participated in more than 30 Knowledge Transfer and Innovation projects, helping businesses improve productivity, competitiveness and sustainability. Working with organisations including Manufacturing NI, InterTradeIreland, the Consumer Council and Social Enterprise NI, alongside government-led initiatives, he has developed skills and capability-building programmes and contributed research insights to inform industry practice and policy.
Professor Cadden is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Fellow of the Centre for Higher Education Research and Practice, and a Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE) with the Chartered Association of Business Schools. His contributions to teaching, research and industry collaboration have been recognised through local and national awards.