Ata Babaei
Ata Babaei
Lecturer in Project and Operation Management
My profile
Biography
Ata is an accomplished infrastructure megaproject researcher with a strong focus on integrating front-end development and social value into large-scale projects. With both an MSc and PhD from the University of Leeds, Ata has a deep understanding of practice theory, interviews and thematic analysis.
In addition to research, Ata is a seasoned project manager and civil engineer with extensive practical experience leading various projects. Ata is passionate aims to inspire organisations and practitioners to prioritise social sustainability in their work by emphasising the significance of considering community impacts on infrastructure initiatives.
Interests and expertise
Ata is passionate about infrastructure megaprojects, with a focus on front-end planning and social value. As an enthusiast of practice theory, I examine how social practices shape project outcomes. My extensive experience conducting interviews with project experts has enhanced my expertise in qualitative research methodologies, enabling me to effectively navigate all stages of a research process.
Projects
Ata is currently focused on applying design thinking to plan for social value at the front end of infrastructure megaprojects, aiming to enhance community development and engagement in planning process.
Teaching
I teach Level 6 and 7 students a dynamic curriculum in project management, covering key areas such as foundational project principles, executing projects under uncertainty, research methods, and risk management. Additionally, I explore social value and social enterprise, alongside design thinking for innovative problem-solving. This comprehensive approach equips students with the critical skills to excel in the complexities of modern project management.
Courses
Supervision
Ata supervised different types of MSc dissertations in project management related subjects.
Research outputs
Babaei, A., Locatelli, G. and Sainati, T. (2023), “Local community engagement as a practice: an investigation of local community engagement issues and their impact on transport megaprojects’ social value”, International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 448-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-10-2022-0224
Ata Babaei, Giorgio Locatelli, Tristano Sainati, What is wrong with the front-end of infrastructure megaprojects and how to fix it: A systematic literature review, Project Leadership and Society, V 2, 2021, 100032,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plas.2021.100032.