Dr Alison Ashby

Alison Ashby gained her PhD from the University of Plymouth in 2014, with a doctoral thesis entitled ‘From Principles to Practice: Sustainable Supply Chain Management in SMEs’. It focused on how clothing SMEs in the south west of the UK embed sustainability commitments in their supply chain practices and relationships. Her strong and continued interest in sustainability evolves from 20 years’ direct experience within the UK textile industry and identifying mechanisms for addressing both environmental and social issues within the supply chain.

Prior to joining the University of Exeter, she taught and led a range of modules on the University of Plymouth’s suite of business programmes. She was also Programme Lead for the International Business programme and Associate Dean International (ADI) for Plymouth Business School; both roles required extensive interaction with overseas partners and ensuring a range of study opportunities for both home and international students.

She joined Penryn Business School in 2019 and is a senior lecturer in Sustainable Futures. She is also Director of Global Student Recruitment for the Faculty of Environment, Society and Economy.

Nationality: British

Administrative responsibilities:

• Director of Global Student Recruitment (ESE)
• Programme Director BA International Business & Modern Langauges
• Module convenor BEM1027 The international Business Context
• Module convenor BEP2070 Social Enterprise Management

Interests:

• SMEs and sustainability
• Sustainable supply chains
• Reshoring for sustainability
• Social entrepreneurship and the circular economy
• Textile and clothing industry

My research focuses on how sustainability can be embedded in global supply chains and the decision-making processes and strategies that enable this.

Qualifications:

PHD, MBA, BA (HONS), FHEA