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Staff profile image of Uma Ema

Dr Uma Padmini Ema

Senior Lecturer

York Business School

London Campus

Postgraduate Research Supervisor

Contact details

My research

For a full collection of my research to date, please visit my RaY profile.

View my full RaY profile

I am a Senior Lecturer at York St John University and an External Examiner at Buckinghamshire New University. I am passionate about empowering students with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast‑changing business environment.

I teach a range of modules across postgraduate programmes, including Marketing and Data Analytics, Business Development and Value Creation, Understanding Global Health Strategy and Policy, Principles of Project Management, and the Applied Research Project.

My academic background has strongly shaped my teaching. I hold a Doctorate in Strategy and Policy from the University of the West of Scotland, an MBA in Business Analysis from London South Bank University, and an MSc in Finance from Queen Mary University of London. This combination of research training and professional insight enables me to connect theory with practice and support students in developing relevant, future‑focused skills.

I bring a broad and practical understanding of the evolving business landscape with 18 years of experience across management, research, and teaching. My main teaching expertise lies in business strategy, but I teach a wide range of master’s‑level programmes at YSJ, including the MBA, MSc Global Health, MSc Project Management, MRes Management Studies and MSc Digital Marketing.

I have worked with several respected institutions, including the University of Greenwich, Buckinghamshire New University, and the University of Bolton. Alongside my academic roles, my engagement with industry partners and my past industry experiences have enabled me to integrate real‑world insights and best practices into the learning experience.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in: Student‑centred learning, Experiential learning, Diversity and inclusivity, Active learning and Continuous improvement. A key focus in my approach is supporting students in developing strong AI‑enhanced employability skills, helping them gain the confidence and capabilities needed for a rapidly changing professional environment.

My research primarily focuses on strategy, with particular interest in strategy and policy development for Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs) and the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI). I also explore related areas including leadership strategy, marketing strategy, and pedagogical research on teaching, learning, and the development of AI employability skills.

I adopt a mixed‑methods approach in my research, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative techniques. This allows me to examine complex issues from multiple perspectives, combining statistical analysis with rich, in‑depth insights to build a well‑rounded understanding of the topics I study.

I have contributed to a number of academic conferences, journal publications, and book chapters, and continue to develop research that supports both industry practice and higher‑education innovation.

Recent publications

In my role, I engage in a wide range of professional activities that support both student learning and the wider academic community. My work includes teaching, curriculum development, and strengthening industry integration within business and health programmes. I also contribute to academic leadership as the YSJL Women’s Network Lead, where I support university‑wide strategy and policy discussions, staff development, and promotional mentoring. In addition, I provide student support through coaching, academic tutoring, and serving as a member of the Academic Misconduct Panels.

I am committed to delivering engaging and inclusive teaching, designing well‑structured module content, and providing constructive assessment and feedback that help students develop confidence, critical thinking, and strong professional skills. Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I am actively involved in research with national and international researchers in the field, ongoing professional development, administrative duties, and community engagement.

To enhance my professional practice and stay connected with current developments in higher education and management, I maintain active memberships with the Business Academy of Management, the UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT), and Advance HE.

Overall, my aim is to prepare students for their future careers while contributing meaningfully to my academic community and supporting the continuous enhancement of higher‑education practice.