Subject groups

Abstract glass window showing Maurice Keyworth building reflection

Management is the broadest academic discipline in the Business School and comprises six interconnected subject groups engaging in interdisciplinary research projects and the delivery of taught programmes. Find an expert in the Management Department here. Our subject groups are as follows: 

Decision Research

Decision Research studies how we can make better decisions in our personal and professional lives: understanding and avoiding common mistakes in thinking, helping people to be appropriately confident, and informing us on the best ways to manage group decisions. The importance of Decision Research is increasingly recognized internationally, influencing policy worldwide to help people make better decisions about their finance, health and environmental impacts. Effective decision making is taught in leading US business schools (Harvard, Chicago, Carnegie Mellon), but is less common in the UK. Leeds University Business School provides courses in Decision Research developed by internationally recognised researchers from the Centre for Decision Research, who have experience of applying research to real world problems in a variety of applied fields.

For further information please contact Professor Peter Ayton.

See also Centre for Decision Research.


Enterprise and entrepreneurship

The Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies (CEES) is the focal point for enterprise education on the campus and part of being an Enterprising University. Our experienced teaching team, associate lecturers, visiting staff and enterprise ambassadors help us deliver interesting and stimulating modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The MSc Enterprise and Entrepreneurship programme practically develops understanding of enterprise on a global scale, and the Year in Enterprise allows you take a year out to work on your own business idea.

We will also help you find enterprise opportunities and get involved: from joining a student enterprise group to starting a business with SPARK, and from taking on a social project to entering a national competition.

We support a number of leading organisations involved in enterprise education:

We provide practical support, materials and guidance to all those who are interested in gaining new skills and improving their enterprise background. The Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies is available to all staff and students at the University of Leeds.

For further information please contact Professor Diane Holt.


Logistics, Information, Operations and Networks (LION)

The Logistics, Information, Operations and Networks (LION) subject group advances knowledge and develops leaders in logistics, information, operations, and supply chain and networks management through insightful research and active engagement with relevant organisations. We conduct and disseminate research in the following areas:   

  • Logistics, operations and supply chain management
  • Information systems and information management
  • Technology, complex networks and innovation
  • Networks and networks analysis 

We teach modules related to technology, innovation, operations, logistics, information, knowledge, project and supply chain management at undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and executive levels. We offer two specialised MSc programmes with strong connections to both research and industry:

We are affiliated with several multidisciplinary research centres and groups such as the Centre for Operations and Supply Chain (COSCR), and Adaptation Information Management and Technology (AIMTech)

We are keen on establishing long-term research collaboration and relationships with academics, businesses and wider communities to facilitate knowledge transfer and impactful research.

If you are interested in collaborating with us, please contact Professor Nicky Shaw or any expert in the team.


Organisational Behaviour

Organisational Behaviour is concerned with understanding behaviour at the level of the individual, group and organisation, with the aim of enhancing effectiveness throughout the organisation.

Our Agenda

  • Design healthy productive and sustainable organisations
  • Attract and develop motivated individuals
  • Foster pro-social behaviours and supportive relationships
  • Manage the complexities of organisational change

Our Foundation Disciplines

  • Anthropology
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

To support our agenda, we utilise and are active in the development and validation of a wide range of research designs and techniques.

To ensure our agenda meets not only the rigours of our academic assessors but makes a ‘real’ impact and meets the crucial needs of organisations, we work with a wide range of not-for profit, public and private organisations, including Rolls Royce, Arup, Toyota, Network Rail and DCLG

For further information please contact Professor Chia-Huei Wu.

See also the Workplace Behaviour Research Centre and the Socio-Technical Centre. 


Strategy and Organisation

The Strategy & Organisation (S&O) group is engaged in cutting-edge research and teaching centring on the purpose, strategies and performance of companies and organisations. Research focusses on explaining the role that various factors play in shaping strategic decisions and achieving innovation, profit and social goals, such as:

  • Corporate leaders
  • Organisational vision
  • Resources and capabilities
  • Technologies
  • Structures
  • Processes

 The group is particularly keen on helping enterprises manage the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s economic, social, and technological dynamics.

S&O faculty members publish in leading academic journals, serve on editorial boards and committees of professional academic associations, and are active participants at the foremost international conferences. Faculty members have won prestigious projects funded by the EU and national research councils (ESRC and EPSRC) as well as industry-linked associations (Foundation Management Studies, Netherlands). Group members have close ties to the corporate world, empowering the delivery of impactful research and vibrant, inspirational teaching in full-time and executive programmes. 

The Centre for Technology Innovation and Engagement (C-TIE) brings together management researchers who share an interest in studying organisational, strategic and institutional factors that shape innovation processes. The Centre works with reseachers and corporate practicioners from profit and non-for-profit organisations toaddressing academic and practical challenges. Find an expert in C-TIE.

For further information please contact Professor Jatinder Sidhu.


Enhancing Management Learning

The Enhancing Management Learning group (EML) brings together specialist practitioners in learning and teaching, employability, student experience and engagement. The group works to enhance the student journey through providing a myriad of opportunities. Activites include: 

  • Developing and sharing best practice
  • Engagement with and contributing to the scholarly field of learning, teaching and professional development
  • Developing strong connections with business leaders
  • Interacting with emerging trends in the field

Research and teaching 

EML act as a hub for teaching excellence in the department and work closely with the faculty’s Academy of Innovation. The group also undertake action research and current interests are around: 

  • Tailoring the student journey
  • Embedding employability
  • Cultural filters on student experience
  • Improving feedback mechanisms

We teach modules in the exploration and development of student potential, employability and professional skills, current business practice, ethics, and research and fieldwork methods. We also provide the personal tutorial and pastoral support for the management department students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. 

For further information please contact Dr Anna Viragos.