Research interests

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Project Management: Exploring the transformative role of AI in enhancing decision-making and efficiency within project management.
• Agile Project Management (APM): Investigating the adaptive strategies of Agile methodologies to enhance project delivery by promoting flexibility, adaptability, and rapid response to change.
• Innovation, Technology, & Sustainability in Complex Projects (ITS Complex): Delving into the interplay between innovation, technology, and sustainability, and how their convergence advances the management of complex projects.

Current research

Dr Nicholas Dacre is currently co-leading a research project in collaboration with the University of Warwick, and the University of Winchester focused on:

• Promoting Neurodiversity: Unveiling Barriers and Enablers in the Project Management Profession

The research aims to address the critical issue of underrepresentation of neurodiverse individuals in project management roles. Recognising the essential role efficient and effective leadership plays in achieving project objectives, this study investigates how the infusion of neurodiverse perspectives can introduce diverse and innovative ideas crucial for successful project outcomes. The research represents a close collaboration with:

• Nicholas Dacre (University of Southampton)
• Lydia Adigun (University of Warwick)
• David Pontin (University of Warwick)
• Caroline Tite (University of Winchester)

As part of the research process, the project seeks to answer the following pivotal questions:

1. What factors contribute to the underrepresentation of neurodiverse individuals in project management roles?
2. How can enablers within the profession be identified and leveraged to improve neurodiverse representation in project management?
3. What strategies can organisations implement to create a more diverse and inclusive project management team that welcomes neurodiverse perspectives?

This study aligns with the APM's theme of understanding and addressing diversity and underrepresentation within the project profession. Exploring challenges and identifying enablers, this study aims to facilitate neurodiverse perspectives, ensuring an open and inclusive profession.

Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and more, representing a diverse way of processing information and perceiving the world. Despite the recognition of neurodiversity as part of normal human variation, its integration into the workplace, especially in project management, remains a challenge due to unclear guidance for practitioners and employers. The project management profession, with its diversity of skills and experiences, stands to benefit from the embedded inclusion of neurodiverse individuals. Yet, barriers such as bias, stereotyping, systemic discrimination, and a lack of support for unique strengths and challenges continue to limit representation. This research not only aims to shine a light on these issues but also explore potential benefits and strategies for fostering a more inclusive environment.

The methodology of this study involves a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, establishing a valid theoretical foundation. Subsequently, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with neurodiverse project management professionals provide personal insights and experiences, enriching the understanding and development of research insights and actionable recommendations.

Through an integrated research approach, this study endeavours to enhance understanding of neurodiverse representation in project management and contribute insights to improve inclusivity and effectiveness in project management practices.

Dr Nicholas Dacre is the MSc Project Management Programme Convenor at the University of Southampton Business School.

• Dr Dacre MSc Project Management Programme Welcome Video

As the MSc PM convenor, Dr Dacre's role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at fostering an enriching, research-informed educational environment. Central to Dr Dacre's responsibilities is the leadership and inspiration of a team of academics, whose collective efforts are instrumental in delivering a comprehensive and engaging project management curriculum to a diverse and vibrant cohort of postgraduate students. This cohort is distinguished by its rich mix of international and local experiences, presenting a unique opportunity to cultivate a dynamic learning atmosphere that is both inclusive and globally oriented.

• Central to the programme's success is the close collaboration with industry professionals and project management organisations

The programme's success is significantly enhanced by its close collaboration with the Advanced Project Management Research Centre (APROM), industry professionals, and project management organisations. This partnership enriches the curriculum with real-world insights and prepares our students for the practical challenges they will face in their future professional careers. As such Dr Nicholas Dacre works with project management bodies such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Association for Project Management (APM), and particularly the Wessex Branch of the APM, to integrate industry standards, methodologies, and professional practices into the MSc PM programme, ensuring that students acquire critical knowledge and contemporary skills. The coordination of research and teaching activities is fundamental to this process, creating a dynamic relationship where thought-leading academic research enhances teaching practices.

Graduate Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Project Management Programme may want to pursue careers in numerous sectors, reflecting the universal relevance and application of project management.

• Finance and Banking: Leading projects that shape the future of finance, from fintech innovations to international banking operations.
• Information Technology: Managing projects at the forefront of software development, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
• Construction and Engineering: Overseeing complex projects in infrastructure development, urban planning, and sustainability initiatives.
• Retail and E-Commerce: Streamlining operations and managing projects in the world of retail, including online platforms.
• Manufacturing: Enhancing efficiency and innovation in production processes through strategic project management.
• Public Sector: Driving significant projects that implement government policies and public services.
• Healthcare: Leading projects that improve healthcare delivery, from hospital infrastructure to public health initiatives.
• Education: Managing projects that shape the future of education through technological integration and curriculum development.
• Arts and Culture: Overseeing projects that contribute to the cultural sector, including festivals, exhibitions, and community programmes.

Student & Professional Testimonials

Sarvesh Chamankar
Throughout the Masters in Project Management course, Dr Nicholas Dacre helped me sharpen my critical thinking and develop skills that I need to successfully lead difficult initiatives in my organisation. He put in extra effort to provide real-world examples, practise questions and solutions to help clarify the concept. Even when I approached him after finishing my course, he advised me and answered my questions. Finally, carefully observing his communication and interaction skills during lectures, showed me how a simple but precise approach, allows listeners to pay more attention as well as pick up more information. The entire project management department offered me a number of unique opportunities, from seminars with APM and PMI to work shadowing experience in the University of Southampton's Strategy Delivery and Transformation Division. It was an enlightening experience.

Holly Mepham
Dr Nicholas Dacre’s Project Management Module at the University of Southampton has been incredibly insightful. Its research-led teaching delivered by a passionate teaching team and its offer of opportunities that partner with multiple professional organisations has created an invaluable module for anyone interested in developing their ability to lead complex projects.

Rob Zhan Liu
Throughout my six years of work experience in the construction industry across various countries, I faced the challenge of managing complex projects amidst diverse cultural and regulatory environments...Reflecting on my journey, graduating from the MSc in Project Management programme marks a transformative experience. The programme's comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this dynamic field. Emphasising practical application and real-world scenarios, the programme has prepared me to tackle complex projects with confidence and precision. I am grateful for the invaluable insights gained and highly recommend the MSc PM programme to anyone seeking to advance their career in project management.

Ben Johnston (UoS Head of Projects and Operations)
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with some of our hugely enthusiastic and knowledgeable MSc Project Management students. It has been an absolute pleasure to show them how the theories and methods they learn in the classroom are put into practice. Additionally, being able to steer them and troubleshoot their concerns about job applications, interviews and career management, really feels like I’m making a difference.

Enrol for a Masters MSc in Project Management

• Are you thinking about enhancing your career opportunities with an MSc in Project Management
• Find out more here: MSc Project Management Course Details

Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)

Prior to his appointment at the University of Southampton, Dr Nicholas Dacre was an Assistant Professor of Project and Innovation Management within the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex Business School.

• Established in 1966 by Christopher Freeman, SPRU has been recognised as a pioneering interdisciplinary research centre in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy and Management.

During his time at SPRU, Dr Dacre led the Project and Innovation research as the Director of Research for Strategic Innovation and Project Management. Alongside an interdisciplinary community of scholars, he successfully generated over £2.5M in research income from various funding councils, supported by collaborations with colleagues such as Professors Joe Tidd, Johan Schot, Andrew Davies, Ben Martin, Paul Nightingale, Benjamin Sovacool, Tim Foxon, Michael Hopkins, Constantin Blome, Gordon Mackerron, Josh Siepel, and Joanna Chataway.

University of Warwick Business School (WBS)

Before his tenure at SPRU, Dr Nicholas Dacre was part of the University of Warwick Business School, where he contributed to both research and teaching activities, including their world-recognised MBA programme. Dr Dacre also completed his PhD at the University of Warwick Business School.

• Dr Nicholas Dacre's doctoral research centred on enterprise management, specifically examining the effects of implementing data-driven, game-influenced strategies and techniques within enterprises.
• This research aimed to enhance project management outcomes, foster team collaboration, and boost overall organisational performance.

His time at Warwick was marked by a collaborative spirit, allowing him to develop and share his research portfolio with colleagues, including Professors Andre Spicer, Tim Baines, Davide Nicolini, Nigel Slack, Naomi Brookes, Mark Skilton, Natalia Levina, Paul Carlile, Nick Llewellyn, Nicholas Berente, Jacky Swan, Maha Shaikh, Nikiforos Panourgias, and Ilan Oshri. Furthermore, his contributions significantly contributed to the academic community's understanding of how modern digital strategies can be effectively applied in organisational settings to drive change and improve performance metrics.

Professional Achievements

• Dr Dacre's professional achievements include being named a Fellow of the Chartered Association for Project Management (FAPM), in recognition of his substantial contributions to the project management profession through both project delivery and research.

This fellowship acknowledged his national and international impact on project management evolving research and professional landscape, along with his commitment to ethics, equality, diversity, and inclusivity, in accordance with APM's Code of Professional Conduct.

Dr Dacre also retains PRINCE2 certification, underpinning a comprehensive understanding of essential project processes and his capability to manage project inputs and outputs effectively.

Nicholas also holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) by Advance Higher Education, in recognition of his sustained commitment to research-led teaching, learning, and enhancing the student experience.