JANAKAN SOTHINATHAN
MIDDLESEX,UK
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in strategic planning, academic advising, and programme development. Proficient in leveraging learning management systems, virtual classroom technology, and remote teaching techniques to enhance student engagement and academic outcomes. Demonstrates strong capabilities in research methodology, curriculum mapping tools, and statistical analysis software to support data-driven decision-making. Skilled in assessment marking, grading, feedback provision, and professional accreditation processes. Adept at fostering critical thinking and managing student records with precision. Committed to advancing educational excellence through innovative tutorial planning and peer review methodologies.
Ambitious educator eager to contribute academic background to winning university faculty. Strong drive to support student comprehension and deliver engaging lectures.
Innovative Lecturer with knack for engaging students and fostering collaborative learning environment. Transformed course content to include interactive and multimedia elements, significantly boosting student participation and satisfaction. Led research projects that have been published in reputable journals, enhancing institution's academic reputation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work history
Associated Professor / Senior Lecturer
Newcastle Business School | Northumbria
2019.06 - 2026.05
- Establish own area of independent research as appropriate to the work of the Department/School, ensuring a commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in research Participate in collaborative research projects as appropriate to the discipline Identify sources of funding and secure funding for own research
- Programme Write papers and submit for publication in leading research journals and/or leading national/international conference proceedings or other outputs as appropriate to the discipline Present research at national and/or international conferences and/or at other appropriate events Supervise doctoral research students as required
- Coordinated with the library services to enhance the availability of key texts and resources for students.
- Planned and developed course curriculums based on government guidelines, trends and head of department input.
SENIOR LECTURER
University of Sunderland
2018.01 - 2022.12
- Faculty of Business & Law Newcastle Business
- School) Faculty of Business and Law, To teach on undergraduate and taught postgraduate Institute of Management related programmes, leading as appropriate in dedicated post graduate areas To contribute and lead, where appropriate, to commercial income generation activity, and will undertake research and scholarly activity to contribute to the development of new areas in their relevant subject field - especially in PG apprenticeship provision Working with other departments across the University to develop and maintain links between the IOM and corporate clients regionally and nationally Publish research in leading academic journals and contribute significantly to IOM's next REF submission Responsible for carrying out Lecturing, teaching and research duties Involved in the administration of degree and postgraduate courses as well as responsible for organizing lectures and supervising seminars and tutorials Involved in the research and designing of new courses and materials Assessing students course work and material Involved in the set-up of exams and the marking of results Responsible for the departmental administrative tasks Providing mentoring, advice and support to students on a personal level Implementing University research projects and involved in its publication Carrying out staff appraisals Prepared monthly reports for senior managers Actively leading class discussions and encouraging debate Supervised PhD students with research projects, offering constructive feedback and guidance to produce excellent results Compiled, administered and graded examinations to assess student learning and identify individuals likely to need assistance Delivered high-quality instruction to more than 650 students every semester Helped recruit students to business program, assisted with registration activities and directed placement of individuals into appropriate courses Worked with distance learning technology to facilitate online/on Campus classroom environments Developed teaching skills at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, from small group seminars to large lectures, enhancing Strategic Management skills Challenge ideas, foster debate and encourage students to develop skills in critical discourse and rational thinking Use a variety of learning and teaching methods/materials (e.g Web-based and blended learning) to enhance the student experience Take responsibility for the pastoral care of students within a specified area, referring problems on where complex or serious Coordinate others and plan assessment deadlines and specific teaching arrangements to ensure student needs and expectations are met and that time and resources are used effectively Manage the demands of teaching, administration, research and scholarly activity to ensure competing deadlines are met Design, review and adapt academic/program content and guidance materials by interpreting student feedback pre-empting needs to enable input to the overall development of the programme and enhance and support student progression and experience.
Lecturer of Business Management
University of Plymouth, Plymouth Business School
2014.01 - 2017.12
- Delivering lectures to groups of students and using advanced teaching techniques to inspire and motivate them for higher level qualifications and then employment Lecturing, Teaching, research project supervision, Assessment formative feedback, tutorial sessions, seminars, workshops, conferences and student support learning and administrative activities The management and direction of academic/research team(s), students and learning resources as assigned by the Head of Centre (s) Be responsible for the design, delivery and on-going evaluation of relevant modules/programs, ensuring IOM objectives and learning outcomes are met, and reflects relevant content and current practice Develop and monitor innovative and creative appropriate assessments which measure student performance and understanding, to ensure learning outcomes have been met To provide effective management and academic leadership on a range of postgraduates
- Business and Management programmes alongside the process of enrolment, induction, student choice, module scheduling and provision of any relevant student information To work alongside University employability champions to ensure the curriculum is industry focused and that students are ready for the world of work after graduation Design, review and adapt academic/program content and guidance materials by interpreting student feedback pre-emptying needs to enable input to the overall development of the Program and enhance and support student progression and experience Write and publish results of high quality and innovative research within national and international literature and peer reviewed journals developing appropriate research methodologies to further scholarly activities Supervise the work of taught postgraduate and/or research students, as required, to support the development of student research skills
- Attended and actively contributed to departmental and faculty meetings, conferences and seminars.
Visiting Lecturer
London South Bank University | London
2013.01 - 2017.11
- Organized, implemented and monitored programmes and assessments Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations Was responsible for preparing learning material for courses and devising relevant practical activities Involved in course team activities and curriculum development for students Prepared instruction materials, including making copies, constructing bulletin boards and setting up work areas Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications Teach in a variety of settings from small group tutorials to large lectures, ensuring content, methods of delivery and learning materials meet the defined learning objectives for individual teaching sessions Set and mark assignments and set examination questions as well as assessing the work and progress of students by reference to defined criteria and provide constructive feedback to students
- Supervised 150 undergraduate projects since 2012.
Associate Lecturer
Glyndwr Wrexham University | London
2012.06 - 2015.12
- Worked independently and in collaboration with colleagues to submit proposals and bids for funding and scholarships to enrich student experience and education.
- Participated in departmental meetings, contributing to the discussion on curriculum development and academic standards.
- Created presentations to deliver lecture material in classroom and online learning environments.
- Developed tests and materials to assess and promote student learning objectives.
- Assessed student assignments and examinations, providing constructive feedback to support learning outcomes.
- Initiated a peer review process for continuous improvement of teaching methods, encouraging a culture of excellence and innovation.
- Built internal contacts and participated in external networks to exchange information and form relationships for future collaborations.
- Contributed to the university's outreach programme, delivering public lectures to engage the wider community in literature.
- Collaborated with faculty members in the development and revision of course content, ensuring relevance and rigour.
- Planned and developed course curriculums based on government guidelines, trends and head of department input.
- Integrated technology in teaching methods, utilising online platforms to supplement traditional classroom instruction.
- Evaluated assessments and assignments to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to students and vocational faculty.
- Coordinated with the library services to enhance the availability of key texts and resources for students.
- Tutored students in one-to-one and small group sessions to progress learning.
- Acted as an external examiner for other universities, upholding academic standards and contributing to the broader academic community.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Collaborated with academic colleagues to develop new courses, incorporate curriculum changes and develop research activities.
- Maintained office hours to offer additional support, addressing students' academic concerns and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced working relationships by participating in team-building activities.
- Updated databases while complying with GDPR regulations.
- Met schedule using excellent planning and coordination skills.
Business Consultant & Assistant Team Manager
Tesco PLC LTD | London
2010.01 - 2012.12
- Worked with company departments to develop new strategies to capitalize on emerging customer and market trends Mentored and internally promoted successful company sales and account management personnel into leadership positions to drive company growth Utilised variety of methods, including cold calling, networking and lead generation lists to locate new business opportunities Attended conferences and trade association meetings to represent company and promote products Driving force for strategic planning meetings for new business development with stakeholders Set up promotional activities in accordance with available inventory and staff resources Used well-developed public speaking skills to pitch business development ideas to company executives and present information to prospective customers Provided research and development on Tesco products to showcase benefits and retain customers Captured new customers by optimizing business strategies and launching products to diversify offerings.
Graduate Research Associate / Academic Business Consultant
UCL London & Glyndwr University
2008.08 - 2011.11
- Informed managerial staff of impact of data capabilities within specific business areas
- Analysed complex datasets, offering clear examples and insights when leveraging data to propose changes
- Transformed raw data into actionable reports and recommendations, leading to measurable changes
- Generated forecasts and statistical models to guide future planning
- Improved data access for stakeholders by designing and building data models
- Unearthed robust and actionable insights through quantitative and qualitative methods
- Designed and delivered end-user training, offering technical support as necessary
- Investigated user requirements, using results to design functional specifications
- Completed impact assessments to outline and implement necessary changes to drive business-wide improvements
- Summarized large quantities of complex data in statistical and written formats for easy digestion and better understanding
- Built reports based on stakeholder requirements to implement meaningful and necessary business changes
- Used sophisticated data modelling solutions to translate complex insights to non-technical audiences
- Identified room for process improvements and automations to increase operational accuracy and efficiency.
Education
MBA - Marketing
Cardiff Metropolitan University
UKPhD - Business with Management
Plymouth University
PlymouthMRes - Business Management
Plymouth University
PlymouthBachelor of Science (BSc)(Hons) - Business Information Technology
University of Greenwich
LondonMaster of Science (MSc) - Business Information Technology
Cardiff Metropolitan University
CardiffSkills
- Strategic Planning & Academic advising
- Learning management systems operation
- Remote teaching techniques
- Research methodology expertise
- Program development and management
- Virtual classroom technology
- Assignment monitoring Peer review expertise
- Critical thinking facilitation
- Statistical analysis software
- Tutorial planning
- Student records management
- Curriculum mapping tools
- Student engagement
- Assessment marking, grading, feedback
- Professional accreditation processes
Affiliations
- Association of International Business Management Research Fellow
- Professional NU Association Associate Member of CIM Member of British Association of Management Certifications
- HEA - Teaching Fellowship UKPSF
- UKPDC PhD: Plymouth University, 2017
- MEMBERSHIPS UKPSF – Teaching Fellowship Higher Education Aug 2020 UKPDC – Annual Research Conference – Plymouth University July 2017
- CIM – Associate Fellow Member April 2015
- BAM – British Association of Management – Fellow Member January 2014
PUBLICATIONS
- 1. Co-authored a research paper on (2023), "An Analysis of influence on teaching Business simulation games and effectiveness of active learning and deepen engagement in Higher Education international Students. A systematic review of educator interventions" International Small Business Journal, pp.1-24.
- 2. Coauthored and published a research paper on (2021),, "Antecedents of customer complaint resolution process and role of BI towards adoption of Internet Banking Services: The emerging sector banking sector from the perspective of consumer Journal of Business Research, First View, 1-3.
- 3. (2020),, "Innovation in managing sustainability: a tentative integration of accounting for employee health and safety" Journal of International Management, Vol. 38(1), pp. 73-101.
- 4. Co-authored and published a paper on "Systematic View of Drivers of SME internationalisation and their influence on performance: An empirical study of Sri Lankan Garment Industry (SMEs) Cambridge Journal of Economics (2020) pp.60-76.
- 5. Co-authored and published a research paper on "Multiple Perspectives on the Challenges for Knowledge Transfer between Higher Education Institutions and Industry. (2018) International Small Business Journal, pp.661. 6. Presented a research paper on "Factors affecting the Adoption of Tableau Business Intelligence Tool and its impact on Retail Business Process Optimization of emerging market Retail SMEs, STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, 2017Vol: 33.
- 7. Co-authored and published a paper on "the drivers and strategic challenges of SMEs during the internationalization and its impact on organization performance and national competitive advantage The International Journal of Management Education, 2019 ISSN: 2465-4556.
- 8. Co-authored and published a paper on "Role of Kaizen implementation and their impact on green innovation performance (Radical Innovation approach): The case of emerging Sri Lankan apparel industry sector" International Journal of Innovation and Learning on 10th of December, 2016.
- 9. Co-authored and published a research paper on "Determinants of Behavioral Intention to use the Mobile Banking Services: An extension of the classic TAM model of Sri Lankan online banking consumer perspectives. Open Journal of Business and Management ISSN: 2329-3284 November 2015.
- 10. Presented and published a joint research paper on "Teaching Business strategy using business simulation and effectiveness of learning and engagement of international students- A pilot project at NUL & NUN" International Journal of Innovation and Learning on January 2020.
RESEARCH AND TEACHING INTERESTS
- International Business Strategic management
- Strategic Operational Management
- Strategy & Digital Innovation Management
- Business Intelligence
- Digital Marketing & Marketing Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Consulting & HRM Consumer Behaviour
- Research Methods (Qualitative & Quantitative Statistical analysis)
- Entrepreneurship & Brand Management
- Enterprise Business Application
- SME Business Strategy Implementation
- Business Simulations
BOOK CHAPTERS
- Application of TAM model to the use of internet online banking in terms of consumer perspectives. (Chapter-05 - 2021)
- Technological Governance (Cybersecurity and AI): Role of digital governance. (Chapter-04 - 2020)
- AI and governance of SDGs AI: building sustainability in the implementation of SDGs (Chapter-02 - 2022)
- Greening the Glamour: Eco-Friendly Digital Marketing Approaches for Fashion and Luxury Brands (Chapter-03 - 2023)
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
- Module Leader for Business Management (MSc, BA(Hons), MBA)
- Programme Leader for Undergraduate BA(Hons) Business Management
- External Examiner & Project Supervisions (MSc, MPhil, PhD)
- Dissertation Supervisions (BA, Msc, MBA)
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
- Student Led Teaching Award at Newcastle University – 2022 & 2023
- Student Nomination Award for most outstanding high quality of Teaching – University of Nortumbria – London 2021
- MOST OUTSTANDING SENIOR RESEARCHER AWARD - 2020 – University of Plymouth, LONDON.
- Best Presenter – Business & Management (2019) – 17th Annual Conference of Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
- University Scholarship (2017) - Highest results in the first examination in Business Information E-Commerce Project [Distinctions] by University of Greenwich – London 2015.
CONTRIBUTION TO TEACHING AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
Teaching and Assessment: As a Senior Lecturer/Professor (from 2017 to date), I have conducted lectures, tutorial classes and practicals in a variety of courses such as General & Postgraduate Business Management, International Business, Strategic Management, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Marketing Management, CSR, Sustainability, Managing Operational Excellence and other undergraduate modules/Programme, PhD professional, Business Consultancy Modules, Advanced Internships, Project supervisions , I was involved in setting and moderating question papers as well as in marking answer scripts. Preparation of Module Curriculum Teaching Materials For undergraduate & postgraduate students, I have prepared a series of course materials, details of which are given below.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
As a member of the academic staff of Faculty of Management, Newcastle Business School from its inception in 2017, I was involved in curriculum development of B.Sc, BA(Hons), MSc, MBA in Business with Management Degree Program at various stages. To demonstrate the scope of my career history and professional competencies, please take a moment to review my resume. I appreciate your evaluation of my credentials and subsequent response.
Timeline
Associated Professor / Senior Lecturer
Newcastle Business School | Northumbria
2019.06 - 2026.05
SENIOR LECTURER
University of Sunderland
2018.01 - 2022.12
Lecturer of Business Management
University of Plymouth, Plymouth Business School
2014.01 - 2017.12
Visiting Lecturer
London South Bank University | London
2013.01 - 2017.11
Associate Lecturer
Glyndwr Wrexham University | London
2012.06 - 2015.12
Business Consultant & Assistant Team Manager
Tesco PLC LTD | London
2010.01 - 2012.12
Graduate Research Associate / Academic Business Consultant
UCL London & Glyndwr University
2008.08 - 2011.11
MRes - Business Management
Plymouth University
Bachelor of Science (BSc)(Hons) - Business Information Technology
University of Greenwich
Master of Science (MSc) - Business Information Technology
Cardiff Metropolitan University
MBA - Marketing
Cardiff Metropolitan University
PhD - Business with Management
Plymouth University