Dr. Dafydd Cotterell, a distinguished member of Swansea Universities School of Management, has recently completed his PhD, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey.
Dr. Cotterell's academic path is characterised by exceptional achievements and dedication to his field. Beginning his journey in 2017 with the BSc (Hons) Business Management programme at the School of Management, Dr. Cotterell attained a first-class award, demonstrating his commitment to excellence from the outset.
What sets Dr. Cotterell's journey apart is his seamless transition from undergraduate to doctoral studies, bypassing the traditional route of obtaining a master’s degree. Embarking on his PhD in October 2020, he dedicated himself to rigorous research, culminating in the submission of his thesis in October 2023.
Throughout his doctoral studies, Dr. Cotterell's work garnered recognition, including the prestigious Best Paper in Track Award at ISBE in 2021 and the Swansea University James Callaghan Postgraduate Research Prize for the academic year 2022-2023, underscoring the outstanding quality of his research.
His thesis, which focused on the impact of Covid-19 on retail SMEs, provided valuable insights into firm behaviour during times of crisis, distinguishing between those that failed, survived, and thrived. Dr. Cotterell's expertise in Operations Management, particularly Crisis Management, has led him to launch a Disaster and Crisis Management module based on his doctoral research.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Cotterell expressed his gratitude for the enriching experience of pursuing a PhD, stating, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a PhD student at the School of Management. The PhD process has proved a valuable experience where I have been able to acquire the foundational skills needed for an academic career. I now look forward to advancing my research agenda, making valuable contributions to the field of Crisis Management."
As Dr. Cotterell embarks on the next phase of his career as a Lecturer, his commitment to advancing knowledge in Crisis Management is poised to leave a lasting impact on academia and beyond.