Dr Eric Lou

My profile

Biography

Eric joined Manchester Metropolitan University in March 2018 as a Reader in Project Management, and currently serves as the Head of International for the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is a passionate academic and researcher with enthusiasm towards internationalisation of his work and service. Dr Lou’s research is internationally recognised though his success in Newton Fund, British Council and Royal Academy of Engineering grants and journal publications with partners globally. Eric is currently a Visiting Professor with Universiti Malaya (Faculty of Built Environment).

Dr Lou spent a decade in construction, higher education, information technology and environmental industries; and completed over £60 million in building refurbishment and new build projects before joining academia. Eric previously worked at the University of Manchester as the Director of Internationalisation and Lecturer in Project Management at the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE). He was the Joint Programme Director for (MSc) Project Management Asia Pacific and Deputy Programme Director for (MSc) Nuclear Technology Management. He also acts as an External Examiner at the Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership with the University of Cumbria, UK; and previously at the School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, UK.

Dr Lou’s research interest encompasses the trichotomy of people-process-technology in the areas of project management, sustainability and environmental planning, BIM and IT management within the built environment industry. His current research takes him into the remit of 3D scanning, spectral imaging and heritage management. Eric obtained his degree in Computer Science (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia), and MSc in IT Management in Construction with Distinction (University of Salford). Following his stint in industry, he completed his part-time PhD in E-Readiness in Construction at the University of Salford.

Dr Lou’s work has earned admiration among peers in the industry - Winner of Business Innovation and Highly Commended SME of the Year in the UK North West Regional Construction Awards (NWRCA); National Finalist for Innovation in the Constructing Excellence National Awards; and Finalist in 6 categories in the NWRCA. Individually, Eric was the Business Leader of Tomorrow nominee in the UK national TSB-KTP Awards and the NWRCA Young Achiever of the Year finalist.

Dr Lou was recently awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering: Engineering Skills Where They are Most Needed (ESMN) Mission grant in Additive E-Platform for Digital Skills Development in Construction. This followed his successes with British Council Vietnam Higher Education Partnership with the National University of Civil Engineering Vietnam investigating Disruptive Innovation and Technology; British Council Newton Fund Researcher Links research grant with the National University of Malaysia investigating Heritage Refurbishment Assessment Schemes (HeRAS); and the British Council Newton Fund Institutional Links research grant with University of Malaya researching Sustainability-Led design by Building Information Modelling (SuLeD-BIM).

He is currently serving his community as a School Governor at Westhoughton High School.

Academic and professional qualifications

Ph.D. E-Readiness in Construction: Readiness of UK Construction Organisations to Adopt Information Technology
University of Salford, UK
2007 - 2013 (part time)

MSc. Information Technology Management in Construction
Award - Distinction / 1st Class
Thesis title: Implementation of Collaborative Environments (Extranets) - Factors Influencing People and Process in E-Tendering Practices in the UK Construction industry
University of Salford, UK
2003 - 2004

BSc.(Hons) Computer Science (Computer Graphics)
Thesis title: Solar System Movement Simulation
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) - Technology University of Malaysia
1999 - 2003

Advanced Diploma & Diploma Quantity Surveying
Stamford College Malaysia - University of Northumbria in Newcastle, UK
1997 - 1999

Languages

  • English (Native)
  • Bahasa Malaysia (Native)
  • Cantonese (Conversational)
  • Mandarin (Conversational)
  • Indonesian (Conversational)

Expert reviewer

Selected:

  • Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Building and Environment
  • Ecological Indicators
  • Frontiers of Architectural Research
  • Architectural Engineering and Design Management
  • Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
  • Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
  • Journal of Facilities Management
  • Journal of Organizational Change Management
  • Journal of Construction in Developing Countries
  • Journal of Construction Management
  • Journal of Surveying, Construction and Property
  • Journal of Design & Built Environment
  • Academy of Sciences Malaysia Journal

Community, charity and NGO links

  • School Governor, Westhoughton High School, UK. (2023-present)
  • School Governor, St. James CoE Primary School, Daisy Hill, Westhoughton, UK. (2016-2020)

Prizes and awards

  • BuroHappold Manchester Prize, Best Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Project 2017/2018, School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, UK. (with Ms Ekaterina Moiseeva)
  • Best MSc Engineering Project Management Dissertation (2016/2017), School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering, University of Manchester, UK. (with Mr Yousef Salman)
  • Research Excellence Award, 4th International Building Control Conference 2016, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (with Dr. Kinjiro Amano)
  • RISM Excellence Award, Best Article Award (Quantity Surveying), The Malaysian Surveyor 2016, Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM), Malaysia. (with Dr. Nurshuhada Zainon)
  • Young Achiever of the Year (Finalist), North West Regional Construction Awards 2012, Manchester, UK.
  • Business Leader of Tomorrow (Nominee), UK National KTP Awards 2012, Technology Strategy Board (TSB), London, UK.
  • Researcher of the Year 2009, The Research Institute for the Built and Human Environment (BuHu), University of Salford, UK.
  • Best Group Presentation & Best Overall Contribution (Runners’ Up), European Built and Human Environment MasterClasses (E-BuHu-MC) 2009, Czech Technical University (CVUT) Management Training Centre, Telƒç, Czech Republic.

Other distinctions
with Create Construction Ltd.

  • Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) of the Year Award (Highly Commended), North West Regional Construction Awards 2013, Manchester, UK.
  • Leadership & People Development Award (Finalist), North West Regional Construction Awards 2013, Manchester, UK.
  • Business Innovation Award (Finalist), North West Regional Construction Awards 2013, Manchester, UK.
  • Health & Safety Award (Finalist), North West Regional Construction Awards 2013, Manchester, UK.
  • Business Innovation Award (Winner), North West Regional Construction Awards 2012, Manchester, UK.
  • Innovation (Finalist), National Constructing Excellence Awards 2012, London, UK.

Expert reviewer for external funding bodies

Visiting and honorary positions

  • Visiting Professor, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
  • Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) Adoption in the Malaysian Construction Industry, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) & Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM). Mar 2019
  • Building Information Modelling Facilities Management (BIM-FM),Universiti Malaya & Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) E-Construct. Dec 2018
  • Workshop Mentor, UK-Vietnam Newton Fund Researcher Link Workshop, Can Tho University, Vietnam. August 2018
  • Malaysia Green Highway Index (MyGHI), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) & Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM). July 2018
  • China-Europe Renewable Energy Innovation Center Forum, North China Electric Power University, China. Nov 2017
  • PhD Advisory, British University in Dubai (BUiD), United Arab Emirates. Nov 2015

Editorial Board membership

Membership of professional associations

  • Fellow, Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
  • Incorporated Membership, Charted Institute of Builders (ICIOB).
  • Associate Environmental Auditor, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (AIEMA).

Interests and expertise

Research interests

Sustainability & the Environment: My research looks into sustainability-led design for buildings with specific interest in refurbishment, retrofit and restoration of existing buildings. My expertise is in the areas of embodied energy and carbon of materials.

Information Modelling & Digitisation: My interest lies in the interoperability of data for the built environment. I explore  technological advancements of big data, advanced imaging and building information modelling - all to create computing intelligence.

People – Process – Technology: The trichotomy of people-process-technology never been fully explored. This started the philosophy in rethinking, readiness and resilience in organisations. I consider this the new ‘iron triangle’ for the true success in the management of projects. 

Research Opportunities

Advanced digital image processing for Building Information Modelling (BIM) - This aims to establish an innovative image processing tool to integrate digital information obtained from a variety of digital imaging techniques, for example, point cloud data, high-resolution colour imaging and spectral imaging. Advanced image processing involves management of point cloud data and imaging data, their visualisation and image registration.  

BIM for Existing Buildings and Structures - Modelling in building design, simulation and intelligence in buildings are well-represented in BIM. However, BIM for existing buildings and structures are much unexplored and under researched. In addition, there is little known about how existing buildings and structures could improve sustainable living for the community; and little is done to utilise BIM to explore the possibilities to improve building sustainability.  

True Value of Cultural Heritage - Much is discussed about heritage conservation, preservation, restoration and reconstruction - but what is the actual driving force being these? What are the influence of decisions before any physical alteration to heritage assets?  

Circular Economy, Embodied Energy and Recycling Desirability - I am keen to explore the triumvirate of circular economy, embodied energy and recycling desirability within the environmental sustainability domain. Much research is done independently - this research may introduce new ideas for the built environment industry, and beyond.

Projects

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) for Greening Existing Buildings through Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Co-Investigator
Collaboration with Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
Supported by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Nov 2020 - Oct 2022.

Adoption of Readiness Factors for Construction Company Towards 4th Industrial Revolution
Co-Investigator
Collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia.
Supported by Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Nov 2020 - Oct 2022.

Additive E-Platform for Digital Skills Development in Construction
Co-Investigator
Collaboration with the National University for Civil Engineering Vietnam + Vietnam BIM Academic Forum
Supported by Royal Academy of Engineering (UK) Impact Grants, June 2020 - May 2021.

Enabling SME Innovation Through Disruptive Technology and Rapid Prototyping Co-Investigator
Collaboration with the National University for Civil Engineering Vietnam, Mien Tay Construction University (MTU) + Autodesk UK
Supported by British Council Vietnam Higher Education Partnerships, June 2019 - May 2020.

Heritage Refurbishment Assessment Scheme for Malaysia (HeRAS)
Principal Investigator
Collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) + Akademi Sains Malaysia (ASM)
Supported by British Council Newton-Ungku Omar Workshop Grant, UK, Feb 2017 - Sept 2017.

Internationalisation through Research
Principal Investigator
Supported by HEFCE Newton Fund, University of Manchester, UK, May 2015 - Jun 2016.

Sustainability Led Design through Building Information Modelling for non-domestic buildings (SuLeD-BIM)
Principal Investigator
Collaboration with the Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya (UM) + Malaysian Industry for High Technology (MiGHT)
Supported by British Council Newton-Ungku Omar Institutional Links, UK, Apr 2015 - Jun 2016.

Corporate Responsibility in Construction SME
Knowledge Transfer Partnership Create Construction Ltd – University of Salford, UK
Supported by Technology Strategy Board (TSB), UK, Feb 2011 - Feb 2013.

Teaching

Postgraduate teaching

  • Management of Project Fundamentals
  • Management of Project Professional Practice
  • Project Delivery 1: Project Scheduling Finance and Resource Management
  • Project Delivery 2: Managing Risks, Quality & Risks
  • Individual Research Project (Dissertation)

Courses

Supervision

Ms Farisya Abu Bakar
PhD Management of Projects, Heath & Safety in Construction 4.0, University of Manchester, UK. 2021 - present.

Dr Felipe Mellado
PhD Civil Engineering, Improving Project Performance in the Built Environment Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Integration of Concepts and Technologies, University of Manchester, UK. 2017 - 2021.

Dr Al-Amin Mohamed Sultan
PhD Mechanical Engineering, Green supply chain management in distributed re-manufacturing, University of Manchester, UK. 2014 - 2018.

Dr Kinjiro Amano
Post-Doctorate Research Assistant, Work Package 1: 3D Scanning & Image Processing
Sustainability Led Design through Building Information Modelling for non-domestic buildings (SuLeD-BIM), Newton-Ungku Omar Fund. Completed Jun 2016.

Dr Anas Bataw
Post-Doctorate Research Assistant, Work Package 2: BIM & Sustainability Modelling
Sustainability Led Design through Building Information Modelling for non-domestic buildings (SuLeD-BIM), Newton-Ungku Omar Fund. Completed Jun 2016.

Dr Phui Fung Wong
Post-Doctorate Research Assistant, Work Package 3: New Sustainability Scheme
Sustainability Led Design through Building Information Modelling for non-domestic buildings (SuLeD-BIM), Newton-Ungku Omar Fund. Completed Jun 2016.

Research outputs

Sustainability & the Environment
My research looks into sustainability-led design for buildings with specific interest in refurbishment, retrofit and restoration of existing buildings. My expertise is in the areas of embodied energy and carbon management of materials.

Information Modelling & Digitisation
My interest lies in the interoperability of data for the built environment. I explore technological advancements of big data, advanced imaging and building information modelling (BIM) - all to create computing intelligence for the built environment.

People - Process - Technology
The trichotomy of people-process-technology never been fully explored. This started the philosophy in rethinking, readiness and resilience in organisations. I consider this the new ‘iron triangle’ for project management success.

Career history

October 2022

Visiting Professor Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

October 2021

Head Of International (Faculty of Science & Engineering) Manchester Metropolitan University

January 2021

Department International Lead (Engineering) Manchester Metropolitan University

February 2018

Reader in Project Management Manchester Metropolitan University

March 2014

Lecturer & Director of Internationalisation (MACE) University of Manchester

March 2013

Environmental Manager Create Construction Ltd

Feb 2007

Research Manager University of Salford