Project Experiences Track Co-Chair Election

With over a decade of experience in higher education and a strong research background in Programme and Project Management, I am well positioned to contribute meaningfully as a co-track chair for the BAMPrex SIG. My involvement in managing conference tracks for EERN has provided me with valuable insights into fostering high-quality academic engagement and supporting the successful organisation of conference sessions. Drawing on this experience, if elected to the role I would prioritise enhancing the quality and impact of submissions to the Project Experiences track at the BAM conference. I aim to encourage a higher number of full paper submissions by engaging with potential contributors early in the process and fostering a supportive environment for research development. Further strengthening the academic value of our work, I intend to establish links with journals to create a pathway for conference papers to transition into published research. In my view this initiative would not only raise the profile of our track but also provide authors with additional recognition and dissemination opportunities for their research. To further support the research community, I plan to develop targeted workshops and feedback sessions during the conference. These sessions will help researchers to refine their work in line with journal standards, enabling a more vibrant and academic community within the SIG. Ensuring that our track attracts high-quality contributions and supports participants in furthering their academic careers is a key objective. I strongly believe that my ability to lead and collaborate across academic and professional networks makes me a strong candidate for co-track chair, ensuring that our SIG continues to flourish and achieve its strategic goals. Additionally, my interest in the BAMPrex SIG stems from my passion for advancing research in project management and exploring the complex nature of project experiences. The SIG’s inclusive approach to capturing diverse aspects of projects, from governance and sustainability to agile practices and leadership, aligns closely with my research interests. As such, I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of the BAMPrex SIG and I am fully committed to supporting its objectives.

Ambi brings onboard almost two decades of industry and academic experience in the project management discipline. He is vastly experienced in contributing to the development and advancement of project management research and, therefore, offers this experience to the Project Experience SIG Committee. Ambi was the former Chair of the Project and Operations Management SIG at Coventry University, where he chaired SIG meetings, facilitated discussions and developed strategies for the growth of the SIG. Through this medium, he advanced the development of the PM discipline by promoting research, communication, and knowledge sharing among various SIG members and within other disciplines. Ambi is currently the Convener of the Project Management Research and Practice Committee at the University of Birmingham and the current Co-Proponent of the Projects and Society Track at the European Academy of Management (EURAM) Conference. Ambi is an active member of BAM and has consistently contributed to the development of Project Experience SIG through his conference papers and strong networks.

Ambi’s vision for this role is to further enhance collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the Project Experience SIG. He aims to advance the work being done by the current committee by promoting innovative research and membership growth for the benefit of the entire SIG. He also aims to create stronger synergies between SIG members by organizing targeted events to encourage interdisciplinary research collaborations and responsible business research, such that the project management discipline plays an active role in our quest to tackle grand challenges and ensure sustainable development. Ambi seeks to leverage his extensive networks, both within BAM and the wider academic community, to position the SIG as a leading platform for advancing project management research and its real-world applications.

As a Senior Lecturer in Project Management at the University of Southampton Business School, I bring a wealth of academic and practical expertise that can contribute to the BAM Project Experiences SIG Committee. 
My current research focus is on contemporary project management, including Agile and digital transformation. In the past few years, I have actively participated in the Project Experiences track at BAM conferences, as well as presented at other international conferences. 

My involvement in various collaborative research projects has provided me with insights into the emerging opportunities and diverse challenges faced by project managers across sectors, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to discussions on contemporary issues in project management. In addition to my academic outputs, I have also developed a track record engaging with the project professional community, via APM reports and events, magazine articles, as well as media exposure.

I am experienced in university teaching and mentoring junior researchers, as well as engaging with senior project stakeholders. I am passionate about fostering a collaborative community among practitioners and academics, and I aim to create platforms for knowledge exchange and networking within the SIG. I am eager to contribute to work with the excellent project academics in this community and enhance the impact of the SIG.