Research Topic
Critical Analysis of Sustainability and Sustainable Development as Arenas of Struggle
Research Summary
This interdisciplinary research aims to analyse, using critical discourse approaches and strategy methods, the historical emergence and developments of Sustainability and Sustainable Development, as ideas, as concepts, and as institutionalized non-physical 'objects'. The use of critical linguistic approaches would help broaden our understanding of how power relations and discourse, in the past and the present, shaped three levels: First, our current (modern) understanding(s) of these concepts. Second, how we built frameworks, and institutionalized them, to operationalize Sustainability and Sustainable Development in various sectors. Third, how these understandings influence our approaches to challenges facing our global societies in the present and the future.
Supervisor(s)
- Dr Winston Kwon – Lead Supervisor. Expertise in Strategy, Sustainability, and Critical Socio-Linguistics.
- Dr Fiona Borthwick – Co-supervisor. Expertise in SDGs, Sustainability, and Food Security.
Research Area
Background
Ali is an interdisciplinary and multi-lingual Sustainability professional and researcher. He uniquely combines quantitative data analysis skills with qualitative linguistic skills and socio-cultural understanding that he embodies in his work, research, teaching, and writing. With a strong academic and professional background, his experiences encompassed Sustainability, business, and consulting in both public and private sectors. His current PhD research aims to explore the conceptual and institutional developments of Sustainability and Sustainable Development, and their operationalization through influential linguistic, institutional, and societal processes.
Education and Qualifications
| Institute | Degree/Qualification | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh University, Scotland, UK | PhD Management, Sustainable Development | 2022–Current |
| Strathclyde University, Scotland, UK | MSc Business Analysis and Consulting | 2019–2021 |
| ESAM Business School, France | M1 Management, Entrepreneurship | 2015–2017 |
| Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia | BSc Engineering | 2009–2013 |
Professional & Voluntary Experience
Alongside his PhD at Edinburgh University, Ali is currently employed by Strathclyde University where he leads their institutional efforts at mapping and mainstreaming the embeddedness of Sustainability and Sustainable Development into everything the University does. He also mentors students as part of his work, and he frequently leads events, training sessions, and workshops related to Sustainability for staff, PGRs and students alike. His previous work experiences include KTN Innovate UK, the leading UK innovation agency, as well as Accenture, a global consulting firm, the French Red Cross, and Saudi Aramco, known as the most valuable company in the world, where his focus was on Reliability. His voluntary work is mainly focused on classroom teaching and youth work at local community organizations such as CityWise and EIA as well as work with student associations. Outside of work, Ali is married and has a daughter. He likes non-fiction reading, being active, and has a keen eye for design, especially Islamic art.