Meet Dr Yun Chen, a Senior Lecturer of Business IT, as well as Head of Digital Business and Information Systems here at the University of Salford’s Business School. Yun also leads the University’s Disruptive Technologies Research Cluster and is an expert on all things digital transformation and innovation, as well as digital technologies in business operations.
We recently caught up with Yun to discuss her career path into academia, her biggest career highlights to-date, the things she loves about Salford and of course, the best place to get a coffee near campus. This is what she had to say…
How did you get into academia as a career path?
I was drawn to academia through a deep passion for teaching and research. I am keen on knowledge exchange, research-informed teaching practice and sharing my knowledge with wider audiences.
After completing my PhD in information systems, I realised that academia was the perfect environment for me to continue exploring my research fields. It also provides me with a good opportunity to mentor the next generation and shape young minds through education.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
The University of Salford appealed to me because of its strong emphasis on practical, real-world applications of research. Salford’s focus on industry partnerships and community engagement is in alignment with my belief that academic work should have tangible impacts beyond research. Additionally, the supportive environment, collaborative colleagues and the University’s commitment to innovation made it an ideal place for my career development.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an academic at Salford is the collaborative atmosphere, where interdisciplinary work is actively encouraged. I also appreciate the innovative teaching practices embraced by my Digital Business and Information Systems subject group and supported by the University.
Additionally, our students are incredibly diverse and highly motivated, making teaching especially fulfilling. I am continually inspired by external recognition from my peers, as well as the opportunity to support my colleagues and students, all while advancing inclusive and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
Teaching and leadership informed by research are the cornerstones of my career. As the programme leader for BSc Business IT here at the University, I was proud to achieve 100% overall programme satisfaction in the NSS (National Student Survey) 2020. This success reflects my dedication and leadership in effectively coordinating both academic and professional support staff. I strongly believe in the importance of industry collaboration to enhance teaching practices and improve students’ employability. I serve as the University’s representative on the CyberFirst Northwest Advisory Group and was a nominee for the TalkTalk Northwest Women in Tech Award in 2022. My commitment to innovation in education was recognised with the UKAIS (UK Academy for Information Systems) Teaching Innovation Award in 2023.
Regarding research, I have also been published in books, journals and presented my work at international conferences, which has been a fantastic way to engage with the global academic community. As the co-lead of the Disruptive Technologies Research Cluster and PGR Admissions Tutor at Salford Business School, I am dedicated to supporting our postgraduate research community. I host regular cluster meetings to foster collaboration and supervise PhD students, helping them achieve success in their careers. In 2023, I was honoured to receive the University’s Best PhD Supervisor Award, a recognition of the joy I find in guiding the next generation of scholars.
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research focuses on digital transformation in Higher Education (HE) and industrial sectors, with an emphasis on supporting sustainability. In my educational research, I concentrate on two key areas: integrating emerging technologies in teaching to foster lifelong learning for business students and enhancing student success through data-driven approaches in HE.
I recently completed a Pump Priming research project titled, “digital transformation in HEIs in the post-pandemic era: investigation of students’ study behaviour and assignment performance.” This project adopts data analysis and machine learning to explore the impact of digital tools on academic performance and student engagement. The findings were published as a chapter in the book by the International Federation of National Teaching Fellows and presented at the UKAIS Conference 2024.
Additionally, I have been leading several research-informed teaching innovation projects that investigate AI-enhanced teaching, learning and assessment methods. These projects also facilitated two postgraduate ICP (industry collaboration project) internships and the undergraduate widening participation summer project, here at the University during the 2023-24 academic year.
In collaboration with industrial partners, I am working with SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and local authorities to implement digital transformation strategies that support the circular economy. For example, I contributed to the ERDF project supporting Greater Manchester SMEs by providing assistance with cyber innovation and growth. This involved helping businesses assess their current levels of innovation, cybersecurity, and the adoption of cyber technologies. Additionally, I supported the development of strategic plans, action steps, and provided technical guidance to enhance their capabilities.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I have several published papers that you might find interesting, which are available on my Worktribe profile. Some key ones which have been instrumental in shaping my research focus include:
- Generative AI assisted life-long learning in HE: a case study of coding learning for business students at Salford Business School
- Culture and context impact on mobile tech application in organisational learning: case study of UK HEI and Chinese state-owned enterprise
- How to maintain the sustainable development of a business platform: a case study of the Pinduoduo social eCommerce platform in China
And finally, the all-important question: where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
There are some fantastic places to check out in Salford and Manchester. I highly recommend The Old Fire Station, located right across from our Peel Park campus. It’s a charming spot with delicious food, great coffee and a cosy atmosphere. They offer a wide variety of pastries and local brews, making it an ideal place for reading or catching up with colleagues!