Development Programme for Directors of Research 2024

The Development Programme for Directors of Research (DPDoR) helps those who are preparing for the role of Director of Research to build leadership capacity; to better understand the complexities of the role; and the nuances of delivering a research strategy and mission in these highly uncertain times.

Facilitated by Professor Natasha Mauthner, Director of Research at Newcastle University Business School, DPDoR is a multi-dimensional development programme designed to nurture professional and leadership development. Each module tackles a range of critical issues led by expert guest speakers and discussions are under the Chatham House Rule giving participants the opportunity for candid and frank discussion.

DPDoR has successfully run for over 15 years as part of a joint initiative between the Chartered Association of Business Schools and the British Academy of Management. During this time, the programme has prepared around 250 senior academics to lead their institutions’ research and navigate the internal and external demands of the day.

In 2023-24, the DPDoR programme will adopt an interactive and participatory format. Participants will be given opportunities to feed in questions to help shape the programme and its focus. Before each of the four sessions, participants will be asked to undertake preparatory work relevant to each session, reflecting on their own situation and context. Sessions will include group work to facilitate peer-to-peer learning. Participants will be encouraged to share relevant experiences and resources. Experienced research leaders from diverse backgrounds and different types of business school will be invited to each session to facilitate group discussions and share insights. The programme will focus on strategic capabilities as well as practical skills and competencies. Participants will be encouraged and supported to create a cohesive cohort for networking and staying in touch between the sessions and after completion of the programme.

This is year's DPDoR is fully booked. To express your interest in joining the 2024-25 cohort please email enquiries@charteredabs.org

By the end of the programme you will have deepened your understanding about the role of Director of Research and about the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are important in the role. You will have had the opportunity to:

• Build and enhance the skills and competencies required to be an effective Director of Research

• Understand how the current external research, funding and policy environment affects your strategy for business and management research

• Gain confidence in managing internal pressures, relationships, faculty performance and HR

• Explore approaches to managing the REF process from strategy, implementation and the presentation of results