Paul is a University Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Programme Manager of the Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre (IMRC), Director of the Emerging Industries Programme (EIP) and Programme Manager for the new IfM Building on the West Cambridge site. He also lectures in Project Management.
His research has focused on technology-based firms, with a more recent emphasis on the psychological aspects of management and enterprise. Management cognition and problem-solving in complex environments was the subject of his PhD thesis, completed in 2004.
His interest in human factors developed from nearly 20 years industrial experience in aerospace, railways and construction. Paul trained at British Aerospace, including an apprenticeship as an aircraft fitter, before working in production planning, management and projects. He later broadened his horizons with a move to railways and construction, joining the Jubilee Line Extension project. Periods with London Underground and Railtrack followed, with management of projects and programmes ranging in value from a few tens of thousands to over £250m, and deliverables from management systems to major station refurbishment via research and highways. He came to Cambridge to study for an MBA, but became so interested in the emergence and evolution of the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’ that he decided to stay somewhat longer.
