Dr Susan Akinwalere

My principal interest for studying a business course arose from the belief that it provides the opportunity to contribute to business, social and economic change. The demand for management professionals in almost every sector of human activity indicates the important role business management plays in our day to day activities. As a result of this, I have been driven by a basic question in particular: how does business management change the landscape of the economy? Trained as a theoretical business researcher, I approach this question guided by formal rigorous methodologies to broaden my knowledge in the field of business and management.

My PhD explored the broad area of business and management. In this research work, I examined ‘the empirical analysis of the determinants of Nigeria’s inward foreign direct investment (FDI) flows; using cointegration analysis’, which I began in 2014 at Oxford Brookes University, and completed in September 2017 (under three years). The chosen case study centred around Nigeria and was tailored towards the Public Sector, making recommendations that served as a blue print for Nigerian policy makers. My recent research publication and my PhD research work have offered a blueprint for policy makers in Nigeria to begin to look at ways to improve Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria. The research data used were quantitative data, sourced from international and highly reputable organisations such as the IMF, OECD, World Bank etc.

Below are the key features of my research:

• Development of a model to assess the key factors determining inward foreign direct investment flows in Nigeria.
• Extensive review of past literature, both theoretical and empirical, on the key determinant factors affecting Nigeria’s inward FDI.
• Choosing the most suitable econometric technique to undertake the empirical analysis using a state-of-the-art cointegration technique (the ARDL bounds testing approach to cointegration).
• Contribution to knowledge in identifying the main findings, and drawing out key policy implications.

As an experienced lecturer, inspirational tutor and a meticulous examiner and supervisor, I have a knack for recognising and encouraging individual growth, which is an approach that guides me in my academic career.