What was your first job?

As a Research Assistant at Loughborough University where I worked on a research project funded by the UK Ministry of Defence and working with data from electronic companies. My role was to develop a database and model the reliability of electronic components. As my first degree was in mathematics and statistics (Dr Marshall is a chartered statistician) I was able to develop and apply statistical models to the component reliability data. From there, I gained my PhD. This set the scene for the rest of career in reliability engineering. My second job was in academia but I continued to do consultancy in reliability engineering and eventually decided to leave education and move into industry.

My next position was as a reliability engineer at Lucas Aerospace (now Rolls-Royce Aero Engine Controls) where I worked on various aero-engine projects investigating the reliability of the new designs of electronic engine controllers. I applied various reliability tools and carried out statistical analysis of test and field data with respect to the product reliability. After a few years I moved into research in the reliability field, at what was then TRW Aeronautical Systems, and project managed a partially government funded programme within an industrial and academic consortium . The main focus of this research was how to implement reliability tools effectively during design to enhance product reliability. It also focussed on modelling reliability throughout the design phase again to enhance product reliability. Safety and reliability are paramount in the aerospace field and thus have huge impact on customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the market place.

How did you first become interested in engineering management?

When I came to WMG in 2003, my experience was applied engineering and research- focussed on near-market applications. But, having worked in industry for so long in quality and reliability I realised the importance of quality management in underpinning the organisational culture that is necessary for a successful business. Quality management is an essential element of engineering business management and I witnessed this in so many different ways while working in industry and how motivating employees to do their best work and ‘driving our fear’ among workers leads to business excellence.

Why does engineering management matter to our lives?

If you get the best out of staff then the customer gets a good quality product, and your business grows. Quality management is all about people. When you design and produce services, it is important that workers, at all levels, get the best training – and that requires proper leadership. Engineering Business Management looks at all aspects of the business from, design, manufacturing and logistics to finance and project management and is driven by good leadership and strategy. This leads to businesses growing and developing and thus to good quality products and services that customers want to buy.

What expertise do you bring to the course?

My experience has given me the skills required to enhance business excellence in industry this has helped me recognise the important features necessary for the course to develop students who are equipped to work in many different aspects of a business whether it’ in engineering or other aspects of an organisation. Developing soft skills is important to be effectual in an organisation and learning how to work in a team is crucial to developing these soft skills. Many of our students come from engineering backgrounds that are predominantly theoretical or maths based and many realise that they would like to develop their careers in a management direction. The EBM course provides that balance between all aspects of business It includes soft skills development through teamwork to analytical and problem solving skills in conjunction with broadening and deepening knowledge of the core aspects of an engineering business.

How is your job rewarding?

I’d have to say, the most rewarding aspect is watching students develop and grow academically, personally and professionally. It’s amazing to see students achieve throughout their Master's study. Some students may be joining us from a country where the education experience involves a teacher talking at them. The EBM course is highly practical and applied, which means that from day one our students are interacting with each other, and with course tutors, to solve real-world business issues. It’s amazing to watch students thrive in this active learning environment. As well as being the Course Leader for EBM, I’m also one of WMG’s Senior Tutors; in this role I’m responsible for looking after student welfare and providing pastoral support.

What’s the most important part of teaching?

Empathy. It’s about putting yourself in each student’s position. My children are grown up so I appreciate how tough it is for students. Every student has a different story to tell, and many students are joining us from overseas. My job is to ensure that they get the support and direction they need, both inside and beyond the classroom.