Research output per year
Research output per year
Accepting PhD Students
Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer is Reader in Comparative and International Business at Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS), University of Manchester, UK. He has spent over half of his life in higher education and research, working across 16 countries on five continents. His academic journey includes appointments at renowned institutions such as the Manchester School of Management (UK), Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas (France), the University of Twente (Netherlands), and the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa).
At AMBS, Dr Zagelmeyer currently holds several leadership roles. He serves as Programme Director for the MSc International Business and Management (MSc IBM), the Master of Research (MRes), and the Research Training Programme for doctoral students. His teaching portfolio spans MBA programmes, corporate training, and executive education.
Before transitioning fully into the field of international business, Dr Zagelmeyer held professorial positions in organisational behaviour, human resource management, and economics at universities of applied sciences in Germany. In 2014, he was awarded the lifelong title of Professor by the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany).
His research experience includes work at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies and the German Economic Institute. As a policy and research consultant, he has contributed to international organisations such as the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Dublin), the European Commission (Brussels), the International Labour Organization (Geneva), and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Geneva).
Dr Zagelmeyer holds an MSc-equivalent degree in Economics from the University of Cologne (Germany), an MSc Econ in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the London School of Economics (UK), and a PhD (Dr. rer. pol.) in Economics from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany).
2027 (expected) “Exploring Workplace Flourishing among Self-Initiated Expatriates in Malaysia” (PhD thesis) – Author: Hak Liong Chan (Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia) – Supervisors: Dr Jenny Rodrigues, Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer
2026 (expected) “Strategic Partnerships and the Sustainable Development Goals” (PhD thesis) – Author: Chih Cheng (Lecturer in International Business, Nottingham Trent University, UK) – Supervisors: Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Prof Timothy Devinney
2025 “Tackling inequality through access to remedy: applying the business and human rights governance approach to international labour standards in Brazil” (PhD thesis) – Author: Tamara Brezighello Hojaij (Fundação Getulio Vargas, FGV, São Paulo Law School, Brazil) – Supervisors: Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Prof Matt Alford
2024 “Essays on Foreign Subsidiary Divestmen by Multinational Enterprises and the Role of Internal Corporate Embeddedness” (PhD thesis) – Author: Carlos Cordova Chea (Lecturer in International Business, University of East Anglia, UK) – Supervisors: Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Prof Timothy Devinney
2023 “A Behavioural Model of Outsourcing Decision Evaluations for Human Rights Issues in Global Supply Chains” (PhD thesis) – Author: Dr Mohamed Genawi (Lecturer in International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK) – Supervisors: Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Prof Timothy Devinney
2022 “International Business and Human Rights: Understanding the Conditions Multinational Enterprises Institutionalise Human Rights Due Diligence” (PhD thesis) – Author: Dr Brian D. Vera (Lecturer in International Business, University of Liverpool, UK) – Supervisors: Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Prof Ken McPhail
2022 “Predicting and improving organisation performance: A heuristic model” (DBA thesis) – Author: Dr Ramakrishna Krovvidi (DU, UAE) – Supervisors, Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Dr Asmund Rygh
2020 “Managing the Duality of Foreignness in a Complex and Heterogenous Environment: MNE Subsidiaries in Cameroon” (PhD thesis) – Author: Dr Young Hoon An (Lecturer in International Business, University of Groningen, The Netherlands) – Supervisors: Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer, Dr Asmund Rygh
2017 “Human Capital Resources, Human Resource Management Policies, and Employee Perceptions: An Investigation of Young Professionals in the Banking Sector of Pakistan” (PhD thesis) – Author: Dr Syed Imran Saqib (Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Employment Studies, University of Manchester, UK) – Supervisors: Dr Matt Allen, Dr Stefan Zagelmeyer
My teaching experience spans a wide range of academic contexts—from delivering lectures to large undergraduate cohorts of up to 400 students, to facilitating small-group seminars with MBA participants, contributing to executive education, and supervising research dissertations and theses. This breadth has reinforced my commitment to adapting pedagogical approaches to diverse learner groups while ensuring that teaching remains engaging and relevant.
At the core of my teaching philosophy is a commitment to intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, analytical rigor, and academic excellence. I value interactive learning and the co-creation of knowledge. I strive to create a learning environment that encourages students to question assumptions, engage in constructive dialogue, and explore the complexities of international business and human resource management with depth and nuance.
My approach is student-centred, inclusive, and reflective. I draw on a range of pedagogical methods to create dynamic and meaningful learning experiences. I believe students co-produce knowledge through active engagement, critical reflection, and contextual application.
The overarching objectives of my teaching are to:
To achieve these aims, I design learning environments that emphasize interaction, relevance, and real-world application. I use simulations, role-plays, case studies, experiential exercises, and live business projects to help students bridge theory and practice. These approaches transform students from passive recipients of information into engaged, reflective learners capable of applying theoretical insights to complex real-world situations.
For adult learners, I tailor content to their professional contexts and support self-directed learning and autonomy. Across all formats, I model and promote reflective practice, encouraging students to evaluate their learning and enhance their critical thinking.
By combining scaffolded learning, technology-enhanced instruction, and collaborative approaches, I aim to cultivate intellectual curiosity, resilience, and professional readiness—contributing to the development of ethical, innovative, and globally competent graduates.
Alliance Manchester Business School, UK
CIFFOP, University of Paris II, Pantheon-Assas, France
University of Twente, The Netherlands
Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, Finland
CNAM, Paris, France
International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef-Bonn, Germany
Manchester School of Management, UMIST, UK
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
University of Stellenbosch, Graduate School of Business, South Africa
Leadership Roles at the University of Manchester
Leadership Roles at Other Universities
Roles as External Examiner
Other Engagement
Motivation and Motto
“Felix, qui potest rerum cognoscere causas” (Virgil) - “Fortunate is s/he, who is able to know the causes of things”.
In my role, I am afforded a multitude of privileges: the freedom to observe, to explore, to ponder, to question, to engage in discourse, to challenge norms, and to continually learn in the pursuit of understanding, knowledge, and truth. In the academic field of international business, it is not feasible to accomplish this within the confines of an ivory tower. It necessitates being in the field, engaging in dialogue with individuals, and exchanging thoughts with those who share similar interests. I extend an invitation for you to accompany me on this journey.
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE), Chartered Association of Business Schools
Award Date: 6 Jun 2025
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Award Date: 10 Sept 2024
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE)
Award Date: 15 Dec 2022
Dr. rer. pol. (equivantent ro PhD) in Economics, Friedrich-Alexander Universitat Erlangen Nurnberg
Award Date: 1 Apr 2002
Diplom-Volkswirt (equivalent to MSc in Economics) , Universitat zu Koln
Award Date: 1 Jul 1997
Master in Science, Industrial Relations & Personnel Management, London School of Economics & Political Science (University of London)
Award Date: 1 Nov 1995
Visiting Professor, Turun Yliopisto (Univ of Turku)
1 Jan 2012 → 31 Jan 2012
Guest Professor IHRM, Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas
1 Sept 2011 → …
Visiting Academic, University of Twente
1 Aug 2011 → 31 Jul 2012
Visiting Professor, Turun Yliopisto (Univ of Turku)
1 Jan 2011 → 31 Jan 2011
Professor of Human Resource Management, International University Bad Honnef-Bonn
1 Jan 2009 → 31 Jul 2014
Professor of Human Resource Management, Cologne Business School
1 Nov 2007 → 31 Dec 2008
Professor of Economics and Organizational Beghaviour, International University Bad Honnef-Bonn
1 Sept 2004 → 31 Oct 2007
Lecturer in Human Resource Management, UMIST
1 Oct 2002 → 30 Aug 2004
Research Associate, University of Cambridge
1 Sept 2001 → 30 Aug 2002
Marie-Curie Fellow, University of Cambridge
1 Sept 2001 → 31 Dec 2001
Researcher, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies
1 Jul 1999 → 31 Mar 2000
Researcher, German Institute for Economic Research
1 Mar 1997 → 31 May 1999
Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding › Chapter
Zagelmeyer, S. (Recipient), 2014
Prize: National/international honour
Zagelmeyer, S. (Chair)
Activity: Participating in or organising event(s) › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc › Teaching and Research
Zagelmeyer, S. (Chair)
Activity: Participating in or organising event(s) › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc › Research
Zagelmeyer, S. (Chair)
Activity: Participating in or organising event(s) › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc › Teaching
Zagelmeyer, S. (Assistant editor)
Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Editorial work › Research
Zagelmeyer, S. (Chair)
Activity: Participating in or organising event(s) › Organising a conference, workshop, exhibition, performance, inquiry, course etc › Teaching
1/03/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Blogs and social media