Kate Rowlands

PhD Development Policy and Management (University of Manchester), MSc Human Resource Management (University of Salford), pgCert Academic Practice (University of Salford); FHEA, Chartered CIPD.

PhD Development Policy and Management (University of Manchester), MSc Human Resource Management (University of Salford), pgCert Academic Practice (University of Salford); FHEA, Chartered CIPD.

I am a Reader based in the Global Development Institute (GDI). I hold a PhD in International Development from the University of Manchester and specialise in the transfer of HR practices from parent multi-national companies to host organisations in developing and transitional contexts. Prior to joining GDI, I lectured full-time in HRM at a leading business school in the UK for eight years where I directed the MSc programme in HRM.

Previously, I held senior HR positions in a world leading multi-national company in the retail sector. The focus of my responsibilities lay within the management of large scale store opening projects across several international settings. This work, in the fast moving nature of the retail business, involved key features of project management including the coordination of multi-disciplinary project teams, human resource management and development, risk analysis, and project cost management. 

Currently, one of my key roles is to Chair the School’s Research Ethics Committee. This is a substantive role, which requires me to engage with a diverse range of staff, students, and programmes. I am also the programme director of the MSc in Management and Implementation of Development Projects (MIDP).  

My main teaching responsibilities involve International Management, Learning, Training and Development, and Organisational Behaviour. For example, I convene and deliver the Learning, Training and Development module, which is one of the largest taught modules in GDI. I am a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). I am an experienced PhD and Master’s degree dissertation supervisor and External Examiner for postgraduate taught and research programmes.

I enjoy travelling and have undertaken professional work in a range of countries including: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Poland, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.