Meet Dr Mandeep Saini, Lecturer in Supply Chains, Procurement, and Project Management here at Salford Business School. A Salford alumnus, Mandeep has explored complex systems and sustainable operations both as a student and academic.
Previously an advisor to eCommerce businesses, he now focuses on making education more flexible and inclusive for diverse learners. He helps students apply theory to real-life examples in project and supply chain management.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
My journey into academia began with curiosity about how complex systems work and how they can be simplified and made more ethical. I studied as an international student at the University of Salford, studying MSc, MBA, and then a PhD in Construction Management. I became fascinated by knowledge flows, process integration, and how theory can inform practice. Academia became the platform for me to teach, research, and build tools that help businesses and students alike.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
Salford is where it all began for me; it’s both home and a fertile ground for innovation. The University’s commitment to experiential learning, inclusivity, and industry relevance aligns perfectly with my goals. Here, I can bridge theory and practice, design curricula that matter, and support learners from diverse backgrounds.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
Every year, I teach over 1,200 students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I design modules and programmes in project and supply chain management that reflect the shifting demands of industry. Through blended approaches, digital tools, and pedagogic innovation, I work to make learning more flexible and inclusive, especially for mature and professional learners. Seeing graduates apply what I taught or hearing from professionals who used my textbooks or frameworks, that’s incredibly satisfying.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to date?
Several career highlights stand out for me. I’ve published the books: Simplified Research Methodology, which has been downloaded thousands of times and is now featured on university reading lists, and The Hidden Network of Everything, explores the unseen systems that influence our lives, resonating with both students and professionals. Both books have made a global impact which I’m immensely proud of.
Also, my research is internationally cited and has contributed to Salford’s internal teaching excellence initiatives, particularly in curriculum innovation. In the last two years, I’ve received multiple teaching awards, including the student-led teaching award and the international champion award, which reflect both the quality of my teaching and my commitment to inclusive education. Beyond traditional publications, I regularly share insights through YouTube, blogs, and professional workshops, ensuring that my work reaches diverse audiences and continues to have a practical, real-world impact
What’s your current research focused on?
My primary focus now is on innovative, inclusive teaching for mature learners and industry professionals. I’m developing and refining the universal blended learning framework to make education more flexible, active, and relevant to diverse audiences. In parallel, I continue to work on digital transformation in supply chains and sustainable operations.
My recent publications include:
- ‘The Quality Code: Hidden Algorithm for Building a High-Quality Life’ (23 October 2025) aims to connect quality management with everyday life, whether for academics, students, or industry professionals.
- Journal articles on ‘Universal Blended Learning’ and ‘Inclusive Pedagogic Strategies.’
Do you have any published papers we can read?
Yes, my work appears in journals such as ‘Quality Assurance in Education, Heliyon, and Construction Innovation.’ The topics span digital transformation, student feedback mechanisms, lean agile systems, and pedagogic innovation. In addition, I contribute to practitioner reports and engage with industry partners.
And finally, the all-important question – where in Salford or Manchester is the best place to grab a coffee?
My favourite spot in Salford is Salford Museum & Art Gallery; not just for the coffee, but for the experience. From there, you get a beautiful view of Peel Park and the River Irwell. Inside, the museum hosts a remarkable astronomical (or orrery) clock, a mechanical display that tracks the motions of planets and celestial bodies. It’s a lovely blend of history, science, and local culture, perfect for a contemplative coffee break.