ASIA AKRAM

I joined Edge Hill University as a Lecturer in Business and Management in 2020, bringing a good mix of academic achievements and professional experience. With a B.Sc. in Computer Science, an M.Sc. in Human Resources Management, and a PhD, my journey has been one of interdisciplinary discovery—blending technology and management to enrich both my teaching practices and learning aspirations.

At Edge Hill, I have been fortunate to contribute to the Leading Lancashire Program. This executive education initiative supports aspiring, middle, and senior managers from SMEs in the Lancashire region. Designing and delivering modules such as Strategic Management, Personal Leadership Development, Change Management, Stakeholder Management, and Coaching and Mentoring has given me the opportunity to work closely with industry professionals. These collaborations allowed me to build valuable connections with SMEs, helping managers translate theoretical insights into practical solutions for leadership, motivation, and productivity challenges.

As a Lecturer, I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students on modules including Enterprise and Innovation, Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Business and Management, Business Economics and Corporate Social Responsibility. My earlier experience of teaching Computing, ICT, and Programming brings a unique perspective to my work, enabling me to bridge the gap between technical and managerial disciplines. This has allowed me to approach complex organisational challenges in a way that feels both practical and accessible to students.

Outside of academia, my professional background spans the finance and higher education sectors, where I held various Marketing and Operations roles. These experiences have shaped how I approach teaching and mentoring and provide me with a genuine deep appreciation for the challenges students face. I aim to create a supportive learning environment where they can thrive—not just academically, but personally and professionally.

I’m particularly passionate about enterprise education and building stronger links between academia and industry. Programs like Leading Lancashire have reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration to inspire innovation and drive sustainable growth. I see my role as a bridge between these two worlds and I aspire to work with future leaders to translate academic knowledge into impactful real-world outcomes.

My research interests include exploring the themes of leadership, power, gender, and identity and focusing on how cultural narratives shape (women’s) careers in (gendered) organisations. I draw inspiration from scholars like Emile Durkheim, Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, and Antonio Gramsci, whose work informs my analysis of workplace structures and cultures. These interests drive not just my research but also my teaching, where I encourage students to critically engage with the systems and stories that shape our workplaces and professional lives.