Staff at Open Polytechnic | Distance Study Specialists

Amro Stone

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am an Academic Staff Member in Economics and Management.

Education

I have a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) with specialisation in International Business. I have also recently completed another Master's degree in International Relations (MIR), which had a focus on Politics and Human Rights. My Bachelor’s degree is in Economics and Management, and I have a Diploma in Accounting. Learning at Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Auckland, and Auckland Institute of Studies, in addition to my education overseas allows me to relate to students’ challenges and potentially exciting opportunities.

Work experience

I have over 10 years of experience in the education sector, which included two years of developing and lecturing business-related subjects. My other roles focused on supporting New Zealand’s international education sector and stakeholder’s management with government departments and education agents. I managed the international relations for a Crown Entity (Wintec) and worked as an International Market Manager for a government department (Education New Zealand). These roles had a specific focus on certain countries in South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Research interests

I am interested in conducting multi-disciplinary research. It should investigate institutional processes and develop an instrument to provide better support for New Zealand’s vulnerable communities.

My former research focused on analysing strategic approaches and efficiency, social and economic impacts of globalisation, seclusion and restraint practices in New Zealand’s detention centres (with the support of Amnesty International New Zealand), and analysing New Zealand’s diversification strategy and foreign policies.

Andrew (Andy) Kenah

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am a Lecturer in Economics and in Financial Services.

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

Experience

I have a Master of Business Studies (Banking), a post graduate Diploma in Business Administration (Finance), a Bachelor of Business Studies (Economics), a Diploma of Business Studies (Finance) and am a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

I have taught a variety of banking, finance and economic courses including Fundamentals of Banking, Advanced Banking, Investment and Insurance, and Principles of Economics. I have also written several banking and finance courses – including recently one of the foundation courses for the new National Certificate in Financial Services for financial advisers.

Previously I worked for the Bank of New Zealand in sales and training and as a Tutor in Finance at Massey University.

I completed my Masters of Business Studies in banking extramurally from Massey University so I know what it’s like to be a distance student. I'm currently studying towards a National Certificate in Adult Education and Training.

Research

My main research interest is Macroeconomics, with a focus on fiscal and monetary policies.

You can also view my research here.

Cam Marshall

Academic Staff Member - Introduction to Small Business

Role at Open Polytechnic

Talofa lava to you all.

I have the privilege of supporting the theory learning for all ākonga (learners) enrolled in the NZ Certificate Introduction to Small Business (Level 3).

This programme supports ākonga by teaching them the skills and knowledge to explore and assess business opportunities. It also helps them to understand key requirements in establishing a small business in Aotearoa.

Relevant experience

My passion is for the success of all my learners.

My experience in running my own Small Business and mentoring small business owners and working in tertiary industry spanning 20 years, has enabled me to see a continuing increase in the success of learners in this course and in particular a tailored approach to teaching Māori and Pasifika ākonga.

Carin Wright

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

Education and work experience

I have a bachelor’s degree in business (Human Resource Management) and have been working in education for 8 years.

Cheralyn Sorrell

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

Education

Bachelor of Arts with Honours - Business Studies
Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching
Undertaking Master of Applied Management

I am continually building on my 10 years of industry experience in the business environment prior to changing careers to the education sector (both Secondary and Tertiary education). I am an experienced designer, deliverer, and assessor of a range of business-related learning materials with internal and external moderation expertise in both assessment decisions and assessment design. I have expertise in APL and RPL and I am a member of ANZAM and Manawatu Chamber of Commerce.

Research interests

I am currently researching the impact/constraints of employment law on the ability of Manages/Owners to make effective business decisions.

Dr Neeru Choudhary

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics and joined Open Polytechnic in April, 2019.

Education and work experience

I completed my Ph.D. in 2014 from Bharati Vidyapeeth University, India and M.B.A. with specialisation in Human Resource Management in 2004 from G.G.S.Indraprastha University, India.
I am a member of the Human Resources New Zealand (HRNZ).
I joined academia in 2005 and have worked with some reputed tertiary education institutes, polytechnics and universities in India and New Zealand. I have taught Management, Leadership, Organisational Behaviour, Human Resources Management, Strategic Management, Operations Management, Strategic Human Resources Management at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Research interests

My research interests span a range of areas including employees’ behaviour, leadership, higher education and online education.

Publications

Currently working on

Jain, S. & Choudhary, N. (2020). A qualitative study exploring perceptions and experiences of knowledge workers on work from home (WFH) following Covid-19: Implications for future work. Open Polytechnic Research Growth Fund grant.

Journal Publications

Nichols, M., Choudhary, N. & Standring, D. (2020). Exploring transformative learning in vocational online and distance education. Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning 24(2), 43-55.
Choudhary, Neeru. (2013). Management Education: Exploring the gap between delivery & requirement. MAIMS Journal of Management, Vol. 8(2).
Choudhary, Neeru. (2012). Management education and industry: An X-Ray of potentials for increased partnership. BVIMR journal “Management Edge. EBSCO Database, Jan-June 2012.
Choudhary, Neeru. (2010). Gender influences on leadership style. Contemporary Issues in Human Resource Management, Spartacus India, Delhi.
Choudhary, Neeru. (2009). Employee retention in ITES sector. Delhi Business Review, An International Journal of Society for Human Transformation and Research. Vol. 10, No. 1.

Conference and Seminar Presentations

Nichols, M., and Choudhary, N. (2021). Elements of transformation in vocational online and distance education. FLANZ Conference, Wellington, New Zealand.
Choudhary, N. (2011). Gender Influences on Leadership Style. National Conference on HRM. Delhi, India.
Choudhary, N. (2010). Male versus Female Leadership. Fourth International Conference on Challenges Arising from Global Recession: Strategies for Management. BVIMR, New Delhi, India.
Choudhary, N. (2008). Employee Retention in ITES sector. Ninth International Conference on Management of Transformation. GGS Indraprastha University, Delhi, India.
Choudhary, N. (2006). Knowledge Management: A tool for Excellence in Management Education. Third AIMS International Conference on Management. Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad), India.

Book Section

Jain, S. & Choudhary, N. (2021). Perception, in Pattnaik, S. Self-Management: For Individual and Organizational Success (pp. 69-88), Patridge Publishing India.

Dr Sheree O'Neill

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Biography

Sheree’s passion for teaching and learning is demonstrated by her many years of dedication to the tertiary education sector in teaching, programme leader and learning advisor roles. Sheree’s breadth of experience is illustrated in the variety of programmes she has taught on, from Certificate through to Postgraduate, both in the Faculty of Business and Faculty of Culture and Society at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Sheree has also supervised and examined dissertations and theses and supervised learners in their final semester of undergraduate degree study, namely Co-operative Education/Internship Placements. Sheree worked as a learning advisor in The Learning Development Centre at AUT, where she developed and delivered lectures, workshops and orientation sessions. She consulted with learners on writing and other academic literacies in one-to-one consultations and group workshops. Her role at Unitec, enabled her to develop a support programme for lecturers to deliver integrated literacy and numeracy skills across Unitec programmes. Sheree’s academic career has extended to teaching in Niue, Tonga, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Sheree views her role as a teacher as equally important to her role as a scholar and researcher. She is passionate and dedicated to delivering an optimal learning experience for her Open Polytechnic learners.

Education

PhD
MCom
BBus
AdvDipMgt (NZIM)
ATCL (pianoforte)
ARAD

Awards

2015 Excellence in Teaching Award, AUT
2012 Vice Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award, AUT
2011 Excellence in Teaching Award, AUT
2002 Distinguished Teaching Award, AUT

Research Interests

Consumer Experiences
Services Marketing
Tourism Marketing
Tourism Management

Publications

Papers in refereed journals

Roberts, M., Andreassen, H., O'Donnell, D., O'Neill, S., & Neill, L. (2018). Tourism education in New Zealand secondary schools: The teachers' perspective. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Education, 30(1), 52-64.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10963758.2017.1413380

O'Neill, S.A., & Pearson, M.V. (2016). Tipping as a customer focused way of measuring service satisfaction: A New Zealand perspective. Journal of Travel and Tourism Research, Special Issue (2), 8-27.

Invited chapters in books

O'Neill, S.A. (2022). Workplace culture. In E.M. Ineson, M. Smith & V. Nita (Eds.), International case studies for hospitality, tourism and event management students and trainees (pp. 3-4). Iasi, Romania: Tehnopress

O'Neill, S.A. (2020). Oversized or undersized? In E.M. Ineson, M. Smith & V. Nita (Eds.), International case studies for hospitality, tourism and event management students and trainees (pp.16-17). Iasi, Romania: Tehnopress

O'Neill, S.A. (2019). Tourism company mergers: The pros and cons. In E.M. Ineson, M. Smith & V. Nita (Eds.), International case studies for hospitality, tourism and event management students and trainees (pp.9-10). Iasi, Romania: Tehnopress.

O'Neill, S.A. (2016). Customer service standards and strategies. In E.M. Ineson, M. Smith & V. Nita (Eds.), International case studies for hospitality, tourism and event management students and trainees (pp.30-31). Iasi, Romania: Tehnopress.

O'Neill, S.A. (2015). The importance of exceptional customer service in tourism. In E.M. Ineson, M. Smith & V. Nita (Eds.), International case studies for hospitality, tourism and event management students and trainees (pp.15-16). Iasi, Romania: Tehnopress.

Refereed conference papers

Andreassen, H., Roberts, M., O'Donnell, D., & O'Neill, S. (2016). Tourism education in New Zealand secondary schools: A teachers’ perspective. The Changing Landscape of Tourism and Hospitality: The Impact of Emerging Markets and Emerging Destinations Conference. Scerri, M., & Hui, L.K. (eds.) (pp. 867-873). Sydney, Australia: Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and CAUTHE. ISBN: 9780987050793.

Conference presentations

O'Neill, S.A., & Pearson, M.V. (2015). 10-13 June. Tipping in top Auckland restaurants: Does it help? Paper presented at the Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Conference (APacCHRIE), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

O'Neill, S.A. (2013). Invited panel member at the Faculty of Culture and Society Teaching and Learning Festival (Best Practice Teaching), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.

Dr Shilpa Jain

Senior Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

I am a Senior Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

Relevant education/work experience

I hold a Ph.D in Business Management (OB/HRM); a Master’s in HRM as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Mumbai University, India. I was awarded New Zealand Certificate in Adult and tertiary Teaching, 2022 from Open Polytechnic. I also have a Diploma in French language (1 year) awarded by Ministry of National education, French Republic.

I have substantial teaching experience having taught at Murdoch University, Dubai campus, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, India, BIMTECH, India. I have taught courses in the areas of Management, Organisational Behaviour and HRM to both Master’s and undergraduate students. I was also a tutor at School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington. I also have substantial peer-reviewed research publications to my credit.

Research interests/publications

My research interests are in the areas of Workplace Stress and Job Burnout, Work Teams, Strategic Human Resource Management, Business Sustainability.

Awards received

Outstanding Paper, 2024 Emerald Literati Awards for co-authored article 'Can organization team culture benchmark effective teams – performance management concerns, insights and HR implications', in the journal Benchmarking: An International Journal.

Publications produced

Jain, S. and Choudhary, N. (2024), Implications for Future Work - Knowledge Workers' Work from Home (WFH) Experiences Following COVID-19, New Zealand Journal of Human Resource Management, Vol. 24 (1), pp. 3-21. https://www.hrnz.org.nz/nzjhrm/articles/2024

Choudhary, N. and Jain, S. (2024), "A systematic literature review to explore the antecedents of employee engagement among remote workers", Journal of Work-Applied Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-11-2023-0136

Shah, H., Jain, S. and Jain, V. (2023), "Can organization team culture benchmark effective teams – performance management concerns, insights and HR implications", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 766-787. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-11-2020-0581

Jain, S. (2021). A study of work stress and coping among primary school teachers in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Teachers’ Work, Volume 18(1), 18-35. https://doi.org/10.24135/teacherswork.v18i1.313

Sakhuja, S., Jain, V., & Jain, S. (2019). Comparing third-party logistics network and fourth-party logistics network using social network analysis approach. International Journal of Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence, Vol. 5 No. 2, 205-222. doi:10.1504/IJBFMI.2019.10023033

Shah, H. & Jain, S. (2017), Tussle to Trust: Developing an Appreciative Climate for a Hydro Power Organization, International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, Vo. 4, No. 4, pp. 345-360.

Jain, S.S. & Singh, A.K. (2016), Editorial Special issue: Sustainability and Human Resources, International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, Vol. 3, No. 3/4.

Surana, S. and Singh, A.K. (2013), ‘The Impact of Role Stressors and Work Overload on Job Burnout’, International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 64-83.

Surana, S. and Singh, A.K. (2012), ‘The Effect of Job Burnout on Job Outcomes among Call Center Customer Service Representatives in India’, International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise, Vol. 1, No. 3/4, pp. 270 – 289.

Surana, S., Singh, A.K. and Saxena, S. (2011), ‘The management of job burnout among call center customer service representatives in India: The role of social support’, International Journal of Management Development, Vol.1, No.1, pp. 79-97.

Surana, S. and Singh, A. K. (2009), The effect of emotional labour on job burnout among call-centre Customer Service Representatives in India, International Journal of Work Organization and Emotion, Vol. 3, No.1 pp. 18 - 39.

Surana, S. and Singh, A. K. (2009), Development and validation of job burnout scale in the Indian context, International Journal of Society Systems Science, Vol. 1, No.4 pp. 351 - 374.

Srivastava, D. K. and Surana, S. (2006), ‘The Role of Religion in International Business: The Case of LIC’s Entry into Islamic Insurance’, The Management Case Study Journal, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 67-79.

Parikh D. and Surana S. (2005), ‘HR Issues in Telecommuting: A Conceptual Approach’, Indian Journal of Industrial Relations, Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 94-116.

Surana, S. (2005), ‘Inside the Soul of the Organization’, Indian Management, Vol. 44, No. 8.

Books

Jain, S. and Singh, A. K. (2010), ‘Job Burnout: A study among customer service professionals in the call centre industry in India’, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Saarbrucken, Germany (ISBN no. 978-3-8433-5000-6).

Research Growth Fund Projects

1.Jain, S. & Choudhary, N. (2020). A qualitative study exploring perceptions and experiences of knowledge workers on work from home (WFH) following covid-19- Implications for future work, Open Polytechnic Research Growth Fund project.

2.Jain, S. (May, 2019). Implications for Teacher wellness- A study of work stress and coping among primary school teachers in Wellington region. Open Polytechnic Research growth fund project.

Dr. Muhammad Arslan

I am an Academic Staff Member in Accounting, Management, and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am an Academic Staff Member in Accounting, Management, and Economics

Education and work experience

I hold a PhD degree from Lincoln University, New Zealand, with a focus on accounting and finance. I am a full member of CPA Australia and have the designation of Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). I am the recipient of the Dean's Award for my PhD thesis from Lincoln University, New Zealand, and have received two Emerald Literati Awards for "Highly Commended Paper" in 2019 and 2020.I have also completed the New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching. I have been working in higher education for more than ten years in a variety of roles, primarily in teaching and research. I am a certified peer reviewer and mentor from Publons Academy and Web of Science (WOS) Clarivate. Recognising my academic, analytical, and research skills, I volunteer as an editorial board member, session chair, moderator, and reviewer for journals, workshops, and conferences.

Research interests

I am an active researcher and have published more than 17 Scopus-indexed papers (including three papers in Q1, five papers in Q2, and five papers in Q3), and three book chapters (two of which are Scopus-indexed). I have presented my research at several prestigious international conferences, including the Academy of Management (AOM), the International Conference of the Journal of International Accounting Research (IJAR), the Annual New Zealand Finance Colloquium (NZFC), and the ICGS Conference, among others. My interdisciplinary research areas include, but are not limited to, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, CEO (Chief Executive Officer) compensation, organisational behaviour, and social and economic issues. I am an efficient, well-organised, and responsible scholar who knows how to make things happen. I have already supervised several master's and PhD students. I am open to research collaborations, funding opportunities, and research supervision.

Publications

My recent publications are available at the following links:

Gerson Tuazon

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

I see myself as a passionate management educator and adherent of the meaning-centred and mindfulness-based approach to higher education. My teaching philosophy centres on the three values of Kaupapa, Kaitiakitanga, and Whanaungatanga.

Education

I received my MBA from University of Liverpool Management School in the UK and my PhD in University of Auckland Business School.
I also received my certificate of Project Management from University of Toronto and my Associate Fellow accreditation from HEA UK.

Work experience

Prior to my roles in academia, I have worked as a former project manager and business analyst in the Canadian financial sector for more than 10 years. I also taught in the Philippines at the undergraduate and master level courses in business and management. In New Zealand, I worked as a research analyst for the Dame Mira Szászy Research Centre prior to being a full-time lecturer in Open Polytechnic.

Research interests

A significant portion of my doctoral work has involved researching and teaching on the nexus between sustainability leadership, business ethics, and management in the healthcare sector. In my doctoral work, I have investigated the role of socio-emotional competencies on digital transformation experience in the New Zealand healthcare sector. The outcome of my research is expected to help organizations adapt to the “new normal” and disruptive economic landscape by bridging the conceptual gaps between socio-emotional, technical, and technological capabilities.

Indu Peiris

Senior Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

I am a Senior Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

Experience

I started my career in international marketing and product development where I spent close to a decade travelling around the world. I completed my MBA during that time and worked as a visiting lecturer in two Sri Lankan universities. In 2009 I moved to New Zealand to pursue my Ph.D. in international business with Waikato University. I joined Open Polytechnic in 2013 and completed my PhD in 2014.

Education

PhD in International Entrepreneurship, Waikato University, New Zealand (2014),
Master of Business Administration (2007),
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
B.Com (Hons) (2000), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing (1999),
The Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.

Journal Publications

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2013). Conceptualizing opportunity identification in international entrepreneurship research. South Asian Journal of Management, 20(3), 7-38.

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2012). International entrepreneurship: A critical analysis of studies in the past two decades and future directions for research. Journal of International Entrepreneurship, (10), 279-324.

Book Section

Peiris, I. K. (2013). International entrepreneurship, in Scott-Kennel, J. & Akoorie, E. M. International business strategy: A New Zealand perspective (pp.157-159). Mi Publishing.

Conference and Seminar Presentations

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2014). “Factors affecting Born-Global growth and survival: The key role of value innovation capability”. ANZIBA conference, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2013). “Individual determinants of international performance of traditional born global firms”. ANZAM Conference, the University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2013). “International Entrepreneurship: The nexus of opportunity - value innovation.” ACERE Conference, Australian Centre for Entrepreneurship, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2013). “Entrepreneurial insight in the pursuit of identifying opportunities”. 17^th WMS Student Research Conference, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2012). “The Internationalization process of entrepreneurial firms: Opportunity – value innovation nexus.” 2^nd Cross-Institutional IB Seminar, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2011). “Two decades of international entrepreneurship research: What are we missing?” 15^th WMS Student Research Conference, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K., Akoorie, M. E. M., & Sinha, P. (2009). “Creating sustainable competitive advantage in international business: Strategic entrepreneurship perspective.” 13^th WMS Student Research Conference, Waikato University, New Zealand. (Presenter).

Peiris, I. K. (2008). June, (2008). “Relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and internationalization of firms in Sri Lanka”. International Conference on Business Management, Sri Jayawardanepura University, Sri Lanka. (Presenter).

Ingrid Wahrlich

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics

Work experience and education

I come from a varied background that includes 25 years of teaching adult personal development programmes and Business courses, from empowering women in business to returning students.

I have a Bachelor of Applied Management.

Joel Philip Thekkekara

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Engineering – CS (2013), University of Mumbai
Master of Engineering – IT (2016), University of Mumbai
PhD – ML using Deep Learning (Pursuing), Auckland University of Technology

Work experience:

Joel Philip embarked on his professional journey within a healthcare MNC headquartered in the USA, where he was managing and analysing medical practitioner’s data. His tenure within this organization continued until he made a transition towards research and academia. He has published in journals and conferences and has authored an international book. With extensive experience in academic and corporate environments, he seamlessly integrates theoretical insights with practical application. From supporting NZ startups to collaborating with MNCs, his expertise and curiosity drive meaningful connections and transformative change. His research interests are primarily in Data Science & Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation amongst others.

Research Interests:

Joel Philip’s research interest research interests are primarily in Data Analytics, Data Science, Deep Learning, Entrepreneurship & Innovation amongst others.

Publications:

Thekkekara, J. P., Yongchareon, S., & Liesaputra, V. (2024). An attention-based CNN-BiLSTM model for depression detection on social media text. Expert Systems with Applications, 249, 123834.

Philip, J., et al. (2019). Implementing signature recognition system as SaaS on Microsoft Azure Cloud. In Data Management, Analytics and Innovation: Proceedings of ICDMAI 2018, Volume 1 (pp. 479-488). Springer Singapore.

Philip, J, et al . (2019). Recommender System for Shopping: A Design for Smart Malls. In Data Management, Analytics and Innovation: Proceedings of ICDMAI 2018, Volume 2 (pp. 311-318). Springer Singapore.

Philip, J., et al (2019). Machine learning for personality analysis based on big five model. In Data Management, Analytics and Innovation: Proceedings of ICDMAI 2018, Volume 2 (pp. 345-355). Springer Singapore.

Philip, T. J., et al (2019). An assistive bot for healthcare using deep learning: Conversation-as-a-service. In Progress in Advanced Computing and Intelligent Engineering: Proceedings of ICACIE 2017, Volume 1 (pp. 109-118). Springer Singapore.

Philip, J., Nayak, S., Patel, S., & Devashrayee, Y. (2018, January). Mobile mechanic-an innovative step towards digital automobile service. In 2018 International Conference on Smart City and Emerging Technology (ICSCET) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

Philip, J., & Bharadi, V. A. (2016). Signature verification SaaS implementation on Microsoft Azure Cloud. Procedia Computer Science, 79, 410-418.

Philip, J., & Bharadi, V. A. (2016). Online Signature Verification in Banking Application: Biometrics SaaS Implementation. In Proceedings on International Conference on Communication Computing and Virtualization (Vol. 306, pp. 28-33).

Books Authored:

Signature Recognition System as SaaS on Microsoft Azure for Tablets: An Innovative Approach (2017)

Author: JP Thekkekara, V Bharadi
LAP Lambert Academic Publishing; ISBN: 9786202003162

Laura Virkkala

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics. I specialise in Marketing.

Qualifications

Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Marketing: Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki Finland

Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration, Marketing: Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki Finland

Work experience relevant to role at Open Polytechnic

I have a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration degree majoring in marketing. In addition to this I have been working several years with marketing and gained extensive experiences from international IT, media and telecommunications corporations. My speciality is in digital marketing and consumer behaviour.

Maree Ching

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Role at Open Polytechnic

I am an academic staff member facilitating the Level 3 NZ Certificate in Business (Administration & Technology) and the Level 4 NZ Certificate in Management (First Line Management) qualifications.

Education

I have a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and a Diploma for Graduates from Otago University.

I also hold qualifications in adult tertiary teaching and adult literacy and numeracy.

Melanie Baynes

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Mt Harris te maunga

Ko Waitaki te awa

Ko Pakeha te iwi

Nō Aoteoroa au

Kei Otautahi au e noha ana

Ko Melanie Baynes taku ingoa

Nā reira, tēnā koutou katoa

Role at Open Polytechnic

I facilitate Team Leadership and Administration and Technology.

Experience

I have a strong background working in many New Zealand organisations including local government, the private sector and as a consultant. I am experienced in staff training and mentoring and I look forward to working with you as we engage in this learning journey.

Education

I have a Masters Degree in Resource Management.

Nathan Chicken

Academic Staff Member - Management, Marketing, and HR

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Port Hills toku maunga

Ko Avon toku awa I tupu ake ahau i Aoteoroa

Kei Ōtautahi ahau noho ana

Ko Nathan ahau Tēnā koutou katoa

Role at Open Polytechnic

My passion is about helping people and supporting them to not only grow but to help them to help others grow.

I believe in sharing knowledge but also believe that learning is always occurring, and it is important that I also continue learning. I am a firm believer that culture, people and community are the foundations for building a strong and effective business and for being effective within the workplace.

My interests are within the education, health and wellbeing sector.

Education

Master’s in applied management
Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Graduate Certificate in e-Learning.

Research Interests

I have supervised many research students while they are in there final year of there degree when they are undertaking a research project or internship.

Puvana Natanasabapathy

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics

Education

Bachelor of Science (BSc), University of Canterbury, Christchurch
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Massey University, Palmerston North
Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching (PGCertTT), Massey University, Palmerston North
PRINCE2 Registered Practitioner, Australia
Finance for Non-Financial Managers (FFNFM), Australia.

Experience

I have been researching and teaching courses at Open Polytechnic since 2002. I am a member of the Project Management Institute New Zealand (PMINZ).

Prior to joining the Open Polytechnic, I spent over 12 years in the industry working for IBM New Zealand Ltd where I gained experience in project management, customer service and support, account management, software engineering, marketing, software development and research and providing technical support to
New Zealand customers.

Research interests

Sustainability, self-knowledge, human resources, transformation, philosophy, personal development, teaching, academic practices, business, management, governance, open & distance learning, educational service, meta-cognition, moderation, awareness, support services, engagement, new initiatives. You can view my research here.

Renu Joshi

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

Experience

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s Degree in General Law.

I have worked as a Marketing Executive for Otis Elevators India Ltd, a Marketing Research Contractor for CM Research in Wellington, and a Voluntary Teacher/Assistant at Cardinal McKeefry School and at the School of the Nations in Macau.

Research interests

My current research interests include teaching across multi-generations, services marketing and cause-related marketing. You can view my research here.

Publications

National conference: academic papers published in proceedings

Bhatt, R., Joshi, R., & Hebblethwaite, D. Entrepreneurial Approach as a Change Agent to the Process of Marketing Planning. Published in the proceedings of, New Zealand Applied Business Conference, 2007.

Bhatt, R., & Joshi, R. Teaching an Entrepreneurial Approach to Marketing Planning for Business Success, as Applied to NZDip.Bus. course 248 –Marketing Planning and Control. Published in the proceedings of, New Zealand Applied Business Conference, 2006.

Joshi, R., & Ramadass M. Ethical Internet Marketing – Key Criteria for Business Sustainability. Paper presented at and published in the proceedings of, New Zealand Applied Business Conference, 2005.

Suda, R., & Kamath, A. Refereed paper - Three ‘Big E’s’ of the Learning and Earning Partnership: Education, Emotional Intelligence and Employability. Paper presented at and published in the proceedings of, New Zealand Applied Business Conference 2001

Suda, R. & Kamath, A. Reflections and Directions ‘Opening the Doors to hi-profile facilitation’ Paper presented at, and published in the proceedings of, New Zealand Applied Business Conference, 2001.

Nichols, M., & Suda, R. Marketing for e-commerce: Exploring the e-marketing mix. Paper published in the proceedings of New Zealand Applied Business Conference, 2001.

Hornblow, D., & Suda, R. “Snap or the Sound of Silence? - How well do the attributes of NZ Dip Bus graduates match current and future work needs?” Paper presented at, and published in the proceedings of, NZ Dip Bus.Conference, 2000.

Hornblow, D., Suda, R., & Davies, K. Bi-Modal Distributions – ‘A New Phenomenon in NZDB Assessments’. By – Dave Hornblow, Renu Suda and Kevin Davies. Paper presented at, and published in the proceedings of, NZ Dip Bus. Conference 2000.

Suda, R., & Bull, Darrin. ‘Helping Small Entrepreneurs through students’- Paper presented at, and published in the proceedings of, New Zealand Marketing Educators Conference, 2000.

Newspaper, magazine and web publications

Nichols, M., & Suda, R. Peeling the e-Banana, in NZ Marketing Magazine, Issue November 2001.

Suda, R., & Kamath, A. The spirit that moves us, in the Supplement ‘Campus' of the newspaper ‘Statesman’ India, October 2001.

Suda, R., & Kamath, A. EI and Employability, www.sulekha.com Published on 27th Nov. 2001.

Suda, R., & Kamath, A. The spirit that moves us, www.thestatesman.net. Published on 18 Oct. 2001.

Steve Devlin

Academic Staff Member - Management and Economics

I am an Academic Staff Member in Management and Economics.

I first joined the Open Polytechnic in June 2010 after a career in the financial services industry spanning some 30 years.

During my time at the Open Polytechnic I have developed and taught a range of financial services, banking and business courses.

In 1998 I completed New Zealand Diploma in Business through the Open Polytechnic so I have first-hand experience of what it's like to be a distance-learning student!

Tania Cumming

Academic Staff Member - Project Management

I am an Academic Staff Member in Project Management

Education

NZ Certificate in Project Management (L4)
Bachelor of Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Graduate Diploma (Psychology)
Master of Public Health

Work experience

Project Administrator for Think Education Group
Project Manager for NorthTec
Academic Auditor for NorthTec
Risk Manager for NorthTec

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Amro Stone

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Andrew (Andy) Kenah

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Cam Marshall

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Carin Wright

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Cheralyn Sorrell

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Dr Neeru Choudhary

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Dr Sheree O'Neill

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Dr Shilpa Jain

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Dr. Muhammad Arslan

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Gerson Tuazon

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Indu Peiris

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Ingrid Wahrlich

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Joel Philip Thekkekara

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Laura Virkkala

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Maree Ching

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Melanie Baynes

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Nathan Chicken

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Puvana Natanasabapathy

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