Annual research symposium: organisational consultancy

D10D doctoral students came together to present their research and ideas, with support from faculty and alumni.

On Thursday 20 June 2024, we held the annual research symposium for our professional doctorate in Advanced practice and research: consultation and the organisation (D10D).

Co-chaired by D10D course lead, Dr Nick Waggett, and associate lecturer, Professor Mark Stein, the symposium allowed doctoral students from across all year groups to present and discuss their ideas and research, with support from programme faculty and alumni.

Five doctoral students presented their research and thinking, with presentations covering a diverse range of topics, disciplines and cultural backgrounds, including:

• Carmen Mardale: “A systems-psychodynamic exploration into how the previous communist regime continues to influence contemporary commercial organisations”
• Peter Shepherd: “The influence of the unconscious on partner dynamics in a downturn”
• Sini Parampota: “Career as Transitional Object: Exploring anthropocentric experiences of reproductive trauma in organizations” 
• Ruth Pombi: “A systems and psychodynamic exploration into the experiences of black women in senior leadership roles in the UK”
• Erika Speičytė Ruschhoff: “Opening Pandora’s Box: from the trans-generational transmissions of collective trauma to the experience of citizenship in Lithuania. A methodological journey”

Each presentation was followed by a lively group discussion on the main themes presented. The day also included open reflection spaces, where we explored how psycho-social research in consultancy can benefit organisations and have a positive impact on contemporary society. 

Reflecting on the day, Dr Nick Waggett said: “I was impressed by the depth of engagement all students had with their research subject. Each was an area they were fully committed to researching in depth and, as a result, their emerging findings were significant and had important applications in organisational practice.”

Professor Mark Stein added: “It was a very moving day with five excellent presentations and lots of good discussion. Many thanks to all who took part and especially to those who presented.”

Advanced practice lead, Dr Louisa Brunner, commented: “A very moving and generous symposium. I really admired the thoroughness and the deep intellectual and emotional engagement of all the presenters in their research topic. A lot of food for thought and learning. Thank you!”

If you’re feeling inspired by the research outlined in this area, you can explore our catalogue of completed D10D theses – showcasing some of the latest ideas and developments in the field of organisational consultancy and its application.