海角社区

鈥�Dr Di Li (MSc in e-海角社区 Management, 2013; PhD Research, 2017), is an Associate Professor and Programme Lead for the MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations (ITSO) at WMG.

What makes 海角社区 so special to you?

The motto, 鈥淢ind moves matter鈥� really speaks to me, especially with WMG鈥檚 vision to shape the future with industry informed education and impactful research. I love how inclusive and supportive the environment is at 海角社区. I truly believe we鈥檙e one of the top universities in the UK for student support. There are so many resources available, and I found plenty during my studies that helped me along the way.

We also invest a lot of time in our students, genuinely caring about their voices and opinions. We strive to make real changes based on their feedback. To me, that commitment is what makes 海角社区 truly special.

What has drawn you to pursue a career with 海角社区 after your studies and kept you here for so long?

I鈥檝e been at 海角社区 for many years and I鈥檝e had so many personal milestones on this campus. I completed both my MSc and PhD here, and it was also here that my path to research enlightenment began and I鈥檓 now working at the University.

Completing my master鈥檚 helped me gain a strong understanding of the University and department. Therefore, moving directly into my PhD felt natural, especially with WMG鈥檚 broad range of subjects that allowed me to dive into my interests. I鈥檓 particularly drawn to WMG鈥檚 research philosophy, with its emphasis on practical, empirical research that makes a real impact in industry - advancing both knowledge and practice.

Do you remember your first day?

I remember when I first arrived, I wasn't sure what to expect. Coming from my undergraduate studies in China, I found 海角社区 was modern with fantastic facilities, but I had anticipated something more traditional.

Despite that initial surprise, I quickly grew to appreciate 海角社区鈥檚 unique beauty. The campus is full of life, with beautiful greenery and a supportive environment that helps you escape the pressures of daily life.

How has the MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations programme evolved in the time you鈥檝e been here?

This programme was built up from a solid foundation thanks to the previous course leaders who came before me. Through great teamwork, our numbers have grown from about 50 to around 200 students, and now we鈥檝e made it into the 16th globally in the QS rankings for International Trade. This is a huge achievement for us! I鈥檓 proud of what everyone on the course team has accomplished.

We鈥檝e been able to achieve this through making some significant changes to align the programme with industry demands and to emphasise its interdisciplinary nature. We鈥檝e integrated international trade, strategy, and operations management because the job market now wants talent that covers multiple fields.

Can you highlight some unique aspects of the MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations programme at 海角社区?

This course is really one of a kind in the UK. There aren鈥檛 many programmes that focus specifically on international trade, most are centred around international business.

It is heavily focused on the application of theory into practice and how the skills developed throughout the programme are used to best advantage in a professional environment. Students benefit from industry inspired teaching and immersive learning through case studies, business simulations, games, negotiations and more.

Also, the teaching team bring a wealth of research and industry experience to the classroom, with many tutors actively participating in world-leading research and/or engaging with business on an international scale.

What鈥檚 also exciting is the interdisciplinary nature of our course, which is another unique selling point. Plus, we鈥檙e the first programme to be accredited by the

What are some of the most significant changes you鈥檝e observed in supply chain and operations management?

First and foremost is digitalisation. Everything is becoming more digital, which is transforming how we operate in supply chains.

Secondly, there鈥檚 a much greater focus on sustainable practices. Sustainability goes beyond being environmentally friendly; it also includes economic and social aspects.

Lastly, we鈥檙e seeing the emergence of a supply chain ecosystem. In my view, we鈥檝e evolved from thinking about a simple supply chain to recognising it as a network, and now we鈥檙e at a point where we can truly see it as an ecosystem. This emphasises resilience and collaboration to adapt to the dynamic business environment.

What does diversity mean to you, especially in the context of international trade and operations?

When it comes to people and culture, diversity is crucial in global trade. You鈥檙e constantly engaging with different countries and cultures, so respect is vital. In this context of diversity, I believe it's crucial to empower everyone, particularly women, to pursue careers in this field. From my experience as a member on the Membership Committee for the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, I've started to see a growing number of women represented, including many who are senior leaders and advisors.

How do you engage with alumni and what opportunities do you see for them to connect with current students?

Engagement with alumni is key for us. Each year during the induction of the programme, we invite alumni from previous years to meet with new students. They share their experiences and insights on how the programme has positively impacted their career development. This connection is incredibly valuable for current students as they begin their own journeys at WMG.

Find out more about the ITSO programme here: MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations