Colin Andrews

Industry life cycles, Systems approaches to complex problems, entrepreneurship and innovation in industrial SMEs

B.SC (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

Masters of Business Administration

Systems Thinking

Innovation and Engineering Management

Supply Chain operations

Lean and Six Sigma

I joined the university in 2011 following a 25-year career in industry, the vast majority of which was in business improvement consultancy. This consultancy practice was built upon my early career in automotive design and manufacture and how I brought together the teaching from my business degree with my frontline experience. I have applied these skills across a number of industries (automotive, electronics, oil & gas, services and public sector) both locally and internationally. 

I am passionate believer in the ability of organisations to make a positive difference in the world by unlocking the potential of the people within and around them and my consulting experience shows this can happen at all scales of business. I greatly enjoy teaching engaged and questioning audiences who want to test the presented ideas in the light of their own experience.

My doctoral research looks into the ways in which emerging industries can engaged with to maximise the long-term value to an economy.

I am currently a knowledge exchange fellow working to bridge the gap between academia and industry. I am delighted to join the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship where I am directly involved in the development and delivery of industry led programmes to increase the capability of these enterprises.

Has expertise in

• Systems Thinking
• Lean Practice and Implementation
• Six Sigma methodologies
• Manufacturing Systems