Vote Now: BAM Doctoral Representative Election: January 2025 - December 2025

The Doctoral Representatives (Full-time student and Part-time student) positions on BAM Council are now vacant for 2025.

We have received a total of 12 declarations of candidacy, representing a diverse range of research backgrounds and interests. Both Doctoral Representative positions will commence from January 2025 - December 2025.

Each student member has two votes, one may be cast for a full-time student candidate, and one may be cast for a part-time student candidate. However, you may only cast one vote if you wish.

BAM Members – How to Cast Your Vote

* A separate voting link will be sent to all active members of the SIG via OpaVote*. The deadline for votes to be returned is 17:00 (UK Time) on Thursday 5th December 2024.

Please note that canvassing is not permitted. Only current student members of BAM are permitted to vote.
 

The Candidates:

Each candidate’s statement is available below

Full-time Doctoral Student Representative Candidates

Amira Abougazia (University of Dundee)

As a PhD candidate in Management and Marketing at the University of Dundee, my research interests focus on strategic management, organizational behavior, and leadership development, with a particular emphasis on cross-cultural competence and its impact on organizational effectiveness. I am committed to bridging theory and practice, with an ongoing interest in how organizations can cultivate inclusive leadership and foster sustainable growth.

My involvement with BAM has been through participation in annual conferences, and workshops where I’ve presented research and engaged in discussions about the evolving landscape of management research. I have also contributed to the organization of academic events, collaborating with fellow researchers and professionals to strengthen the network.

If elected, I aim to contribute to BAM’s mission by promoting collaborative research initiatives, supporting early-career researchers, and advocating for the integration of diversity and inclusion in management practices. I would also focus on strengthening BAM’s connections with international research communities, ensuring that our work remains globally relevant and impactful.

Shual Ahmed (Selinus University Italy)

As a new student member of BAM A and a PhD candidate in Business Administration, I am excited about the opportunity to connect with fellow PhD students and expand our global network. If elected, my primary focus will be to build strong connections and foster collaboration among PhD students worldwide, leveraging both my academic and social networks. I believe that by reaching out across borders, we can enrich our learning experiences, support each other's research endeavors, and foster a thriving academic community.

Through my role, I aim to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to BAM by actively engaging with students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. As a student, I recognize the immense value of learning from others, and I am committed to integrating insights gained from my interactions with the BAM community into my research and professional growth.

In addition, I hope to learn from BAM’s vast resources and experienced professionals, which I believe will be instrumental in shaping my academic journey. Together, we can work toward a more inclusive and dynamic BAM, bridging gaps and promoting knowledge sharing within our community."

Winifred Aina (Bournemouth University)

I, Winifred Aina, am a third-year and full-time doctoral researcher at Bournemouth University. Prior to studying at BU, I had worked in the Research Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2010 to 2022. I hold a master’s degree in finance from the University of Leicester, UK. My research focuses on green human resource management, its implementation, context, challenges, and impact on employees' green attitudes and behaviours. 

Since joining BAM, I have presented a developmental paper during the 2023 BAM Conference and two papers during the 2024 Doctoral Symposium and Conference. I have actively engaged in BAM webinars on peer review, research methodology, and early career development. 

If elected, I will work with the BAM council to improve PhD student recruitment through social media outreach, personalised communications, and career development programs that highlight BAM membership benefits, fostering  a supportive community for long-term engagement.

I possess strong communication and leadership skills essential for representing PhD students’ interests. I am currently the PGR Representative for the People and Organisation Department at Bournemouth University Business School.  I am highly collaborative, organised, and proficient at problem-solving, with a genuine interest in improving the academic journey of PhD students within BAM and more broadly.

Olamide O. Falehin (University of the West of Scotland)

My interest in standing for the BAM Doctoral Representative election is driven by my passion for impactful leadership that aligns with BAM's vision. Since joining BAM, I have actively engaged with Special Interest Groups (SIGs) such as Entrepreneurship and the African Studies track, contributing meaningfully to meetings. This commitment was recognised with the title of Best Reviewer award in my first year of doctoral studies.

BAM has provided me with an invaluable platform for accessing a global learning community. If elected as Doctoral Representative, I will focus on high-impact areas such as strategic networking partnerships and establishing small grant schemes. I am also dedicated to creating opportunities for our doctoral researcher community to collaborate and learn together, while promoting BAM's work in the UK and beyond.

This is because as a servant leader, I am committed to a supportive environment and championing the interests of our doctoral community. In closing, my dedication is to serve with integrity, drive impactful initiatives, and uphold BAM’s vision for advancing business and management scholarship.


 

Zakia Jabeen (University of Strathclyde)

Dear BAM Council,

I am thrilled to submit my application for the role of Doctoral Representative on the BAM Council, a position through which I am eager to advocate for PhD students and contribute actively to the Academy’s initiatives in academic affairs, conference engagement, and capacity-building. I am well-prepared to support the Academy’s commitment to enriching management knowledge and education. My research focuses on rural entrepreneurship, female entrepreneurship, digital ecosystems, entrepreneurial ecosystems, SMEs, social enterprises, and sustainability.

My experience as an active BAM member has allowed me to participate in various BAM events, and I also participated in the BAM Doctoral Symposium and Conference, where I presented my research. These experiences have reinforced my dedication to contributing to BAM’s strategic goals by actively engaging in Council discussions and planning activities that foster doctoral student participation and development. I am also well-acquainted with the BAM structure and share a genuine enthusiasm for expanding doctoral engagement across BAM’s activities.

If elected, I intend to focus on creating support structures for PhD students by fostering connections between early-stage researchers and BAM’s resources. I will promote initiatives that emphasize capacity-building and ensure that students feel empowered and engaged at all levels of BAM. 
 

Rita Lamsal (University of Bolton)

After working more than 10 years in the public sector (civil service) of Nepal, I started academic journey. My broad research interests included public sector management, human resource management, and public policy. My current doctoral research focuses on the reservation system (affirmative action) and its impact on the public sector of Nepal. 
After being a student member of the BAM and presenting a full paper at the BAM conference 2024 at Nottingham Business School, I got interested in continuing to connect with the BAM community and contribute to conferences and capacity building. After being a student member of BAM, I have been actively engaged with BAM participating in regular online seminars, conferences, and Annual General Meeting.

I believe I can easily understand the feelings, emotions, and interests of international PhD students in the UK based on my experience and knowledge. Being a woman from South Asia, I am familiar with diverse socio-cultural aspects and can motivate diverse PhD students to be members of BAM to connect with the wider research community and get benefits for the duration of their academic careers. 

 I would appreciate the opportunity to be a part of a well-recognized research community. 
 

Seitova Nazym (Queen Mary University of London)

Prior to this, I held positions in industry and academia of hospitality and tourism sector that allowed obtaining a wide range of transferable skills. 

While my industry experience includes assisting with organisation of international conferences in EU’s medical sector, international practical experience in five-star hotel chains/ restaurants, my academic experience includes organisation of a scientific conference, journal editing and teaching modules as a Research Assistant in my Swiss Alma mater and a Senior Lecturer, teaching over 200 students per academic term on various subjects in hospitality and tourism management at the M. Narikbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. 

My current research interest lies in understanding how to improve effectiveness of organisational performance through studying impact of stress caused by digital technologies and its' coping strategies on individual and organisational levels.

In case I succeed, being a PhD representative for BAM could allow me to contribute to bringing academia and industry together utilising the authority and network of the positions I have held before and that of a PhD student now. I plan to contribute to voicing the interests of both sides on various levels, which is an overarching issue mentioned by several academics during recent BAM conference that I have attended.

Yixuan Shi (Aston University)

I am a PhD student at Aston University with a background in Measurement and Control Technology from Southeast University, China, and a Master’s in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Cranfield University, where I graduated with distinction. Originally from China, I moved to the UK in 2020 and married my British-Indian husband in 2022. Before my studies here, I worked as an entrepreneur in China, selling products via Amazon.

My PhD research focuses on how vehicle companies shift from product-based to platform-based ecosystems, examining decision patterns in software and mobility platforms. My research interests include platform ecosystems, corporate entrepreneurship, strategic renewal, and open innovation.

Presenting my work at this year’s BAM Annual Conference allowed me to connect with scholars and align my interdisciplinary research in management and operations. I found the BAM community to be incredibly supportive and collaborative with a wide range of trainings, networks, and events. If elected as a Doctoral Representative, I would work to expand cross-universities networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities for doctoral students, especially those in cross-disciplinary fields. My goal is to foster an inclusive environment where we can share and re-use each other’s research experience, knowledge, and resources to grow as a knowledge-sustainable community.
 

Francine Tagoudi Silatsa Mafoungang (University of Wales Trinity Saint David London)

I present my candidacy for the full-time position of Doctoral Student Representative at the BAM.  

Inspired by Aimé Césaire: "My mouth will be the mouth of the misfortunes that have no mouth, my voice, the freedom of those who are despaired," I am committed to being a voice for the student community. I believe that every student, regardless of background, deserves a supportive and inclusive academic environment.

If elected, I will advocate for accessibility and inclusivity by ensuring equal opportunities for all. My focus will include promoting initiatives that support student development, mental health and well-being.

In discussions with students, I have heard a desire for a supportive community where student voices are championed, and one that fosters cross-fertilization and collaboration of ideas. This will be my first point of action: actively engage with students to address their needs and concerns.

For this role, and to make these commitments a reality, I bring strong communication skills, a passion for social justice, and a dedication to academic support. As a servant leader, I am confident in my ability to effectively represent the diverse needs of our doctoral student body, and I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve you.

Preethi Thankappan-Nair (University of East London)

Preethi brings years of practical experience and a strong track record of championing initiatives for empowering PhD students (Steering group member for the student- led PGR group at ARU; PhD representative for IOC SIG at BAM). 

As a mature student working in academia, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by doctoral students, and would advocate tirelessly for the support, and opportunities that enable students to flourish.

She has consistently demonstrated leadership in creating inclusive and impactful learning environments, through various academic initiatives. As a dedicated EDI member at UEL, she has consistently advocated for diverse perspectives and for creating accessible platforms for engagement. Her track record in planning, organizing, and leading events that welcome diverse audiences demonstrates a strong ability to build community and facilitate meaningful exchange across professional boundaries. Evidenced through her diverse course leadership roles she is adept at building consensus, aligning diverse interests toward shared goals, ensuring that initiatives are sustainable, relevant, and impactful. 

Preethi will be a dedicated advocate for doctoral candidates. With a visionary yet pragmatic mindset, Preethi is uniquely positioned to advance the capacity-building mission, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience for all doctoral students.
 

 

Part-time Doctoral Student Representative Candidates

AJ Emmanuel (University of Derby)

I am an IT professional with nearly two decades of experience specialising in e-commerce implementations and digital transformation. I am a Chartered IT Professional (BCS) with certifications in Business Analysis, IT Service Management, and Project Management, and I hold a master’s degree in marketing. I am based in London, UK. Currently, I am pursuing a DBA at the University of Derby, my research interest is Ecommerce Technology Adoption. My research is focusing on the impact of Progressive Web App (PWA) technology adoption on the e-commerce user experience of UK retailers.

I have been an active member of BAM, participating in symposia and the annual conference. If elected as a Doctoral Representative, I aim to advocate for the interests of PhD students and support the Vice Chair portfolios by fostering collaboration within the BAM community. I would also work to promote the benefits of BAM membership to new PhD students, encouraging them to engage with the Academy throughout their academic journey.

I am committed to contributing to BAM’s strategic goals and would welcome the opportunity to represent part-time students in shaping the future of management research and education.

AJ Emmanuel
 

Stephanie Huang (Royal Holloway University of London)

My name is Stephanie Huang, and I am applying for the BAM Part-Time PhD Student Representative role. Originally from Taiwan, I have lived in the U.K. for 20 years, gaining industry experience that now enriches my part-time PhD research at Royal Holloway, University of London. My research examines innovation in multicultural teams and the role of intercultural competence within organisations. With the U.K. being the second largest exporter in professional services, fostering innovation is key to its competitive edge. My background aligns with BAM’s mission, and I am excited to support its initiatives.

As a BAM member for three years, I have benefited from events like research seminars and Doctoral Fridays, which have greatly supported my PhD journey. In return, I have encouraged peers to join BAM. Now, as I approach the later stages of my studies, I am eager to take on this role to actively support BAM and enhance part-time PhD students’ engagement with its resources. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to BAM and strengthen its support for doctoral researchers.

 

Please note that all votes are checked to ensure that they have been cast by eligible voters. Eligible voters are individuals with student membership of BAM that was current on the date that the poll opened. Please do not use a link forwarded to you by anyone else as that vote will be invalid.

The closing date for votes to be returned is 17:00 (UK Time) on Thursday 5th December 2024.