Dr Di Li (MSc in e-Business Management, 2013; PhD Research, 2017), is an Associate Professor and Programme Lead for the MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations (ITSO) at WMG.

What makes Warwick so special to you?

The motto, “Mind moves matter” really speaks to me, especially with WMG’s vision to shape the future with industry informed education and impactful research. I love how inclusive and supportive the environment is at Warwick. I truly believe we’re one of the top universities in the UK for student support. There are so many resources available, and I found plenty during my studies that helped me along the way.

We also invest a lot of time in our students, genuinely caring about their voices and opinions. We strive to make real changes based on their feedback. To me, that commitment is what makes Warwick truly special.

What has drawn you to pursue a career with Warwick after your studies and kept you here for so long?

I’ve been at Warwick for many years and I’ve had so many personal milestones on this campus. I completed both my MSc and PhD here, and it was also here that my path to research enlightenment began and I’m now working at the University.

Completing my master’s helped me gain a strong understanding of the University and department. Therefore, moving directly into my PhD felt natural, especially with WMG’s broad range of subjects that allowed me to dive into my interests. I’m particularly drawn to WMG’s research philosophy, with its emphasis on practical, empirical research that makes a real impact in industry - advancing both knowledge and practice.

Do you remember your first day?

I remember when I first arrived, I wasn't sure what to expect. Coming from my undergraduate studies in China, I found Warwick was modern with fantastic facilities, but I had anticipated something more traditional.

Despite that initial surprise, I quickly grew to appreciate Warwick’s unique beauty. The campus is full of life, with beautiful greenery and a supportive environment that helps you escape the pressures of daily life.

How has the MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations programme evolved in the time you’ve been here?

This programme was built up from a solid foundation thanks to the previous course leaders who came before me. Through great teamwork, our numbers have grown from about 50 to around 200 students, and now we’ve made it into the 16th globally in the QS rankings for International Trade. This is a huge achievement for us! I’m proud of what everyone on the course team has accomplished.

We’ve been able to achieve this through making some significant changes to align the programme with industry demands and to emphasise its interdisciplinary nature. We’ve integrated international trade, strategy, and operations management because the job market now wants talent that covers multiple fields.

Can you highlight some unique aspects of the MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations programme at Warwick?

This course is really one of a kind in the UK. There aren’t many programmes that focus specifically on international trade, most are centred around international business.

It is heavily focused on the application of theory into practice and how the skills developed throughout the programme are used to best advantage in a professional environment. Students benefit from industry inspired teaching and immersive learning through case studies, business simulations, games, negotiations and more.

Also, the teaching team bring a wealth of research and industry experience to the classroom, with many tutors actively participating in world-leading research and/or engaging with business on an international scale.

What’s also exciting is the interdisciplinary nature of our course, which is another unique selling point. Plus, we’re the first programme to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade.

What are some of the most significant changes you’ve observed in supply chain and operations management?

First and foremost is digitalisation. Everything is becoming more digital, which is transforming how we operate in supply chains.

Secondly, there’s a much greater focus on sustainable practices. Sustainability goes beyond being environmentally friendly; it also includes economic and social aspects.

Lastly, we’re seeing the emergence of a supply chain ecosystem. In my view, we’ve evolved from thinking about a simple supply chain to recognising it as a network, and now we’re at a point where we can truly see it as an ecosystem. This emphasises resilience and collaboration to adapt to the dynamic business environment.

What does diversity mean to you, especially in the context of international trade and operations?

When it comes to people and culture, diversity is crucial in global trade. You’re constantly engaging with different countries and cultures, so respect is vital. In this context of diversity, I believe it's crucial to empower everyone, particularly women, to pursue careers in this field. From my experience as a member on the Membership Committee for the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, I've started to see a growing number of women represented, including many who are senior leaders and advisors.

How do you engage with alumni and what opportunities do you see for them to connect with current students?

Engagement with alumni is key for us. Each year during the induction of the programme, we invite alumni from previous years to meet with new students. They share their experiences and insights on how the programme has positively impacted their career development. This connection is incredibly valuable for current students as they begin their own journeys at WMG.

Find out more about the ITSO programme here: MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations