Professor David Collins

Visiting Professor in Management

Justice, Security and Sustainability

In an academic career spanning more than thirty years I have held academic positions at Napier University and the Universities of Sunderland, East Anglia, Essex, Hull and Suffolk where I was the Founding Dean of Suffolk Business School.

Internationally recognised for the quality of my research and for the energy which I bring to my seminar presentations, I'm the founder and managing director of Gain Insight Ltd., a consultancy organisation specialising in educational management and in organisational change, particularly that rooted in storytelling.

Professional memberships and activities

I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, I am also the founder and managing director of Gain Insight Ltd., a consultancy organisation located in the east of England which offers services across the UK and Europe.

Academic qualifications

  • MA (Hons) Political Economy and Sociology, University of Glasgow
  • MSc Industrial Relations, University of Strathclyde
  • PhD Management Studies, University of Essex

Expertise

I am particularly interested in the nature, processes and limitations of managerial work. This interest has led me to focus upon management consultants, organisational change, management gurus, management fashions and organisational storytelling. At present I am finalising a new book on organisational culture that will alter, quite fundamentally, the manner in which this subject is taught to students.

Research interests

I have a number of key research interests including but not limited to: financial regulation; organisational change; professional projects; organisational change; management gurus; organisational storytelling.

At present I am finalising a new book on ‘culture’ and will soon embark upon a number of inquiries centred around ‘the excellence project’.

Enterprise and commercial interests

I am founder and managing director of Gain Insight Ltd., a consulting organisation. This company has clients across the UK and Europe.

Publications

(2021a) ‘The Organisational Storytelling Workbook: How to harness this powerful management and communication tool’, Taylor and Francis Routledge, Abingdon Oxon and New York.

(2021b) ‘Management Gurus: A Research Overview’, Taylor and Francis, Abingdon and Oxon and New York.

(2018) ‘Stories for Management Success: The Power of Talk in Organisations’.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021