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Alliance Manchester Business School

School Executive e-bulletin introduction from Michelle Carter

30 Apr 2026

This week, Michelle Carter, Head of MSM Division, introduces the e-bulletin

Michelle Carter

It’s been nice to see a bit of proper spring sunshine this week—and that sense of energy is certainly reflected across the Management Sciences & Marketing Division, with several really positive engagements with industry and our students.

Here are a few highlights, along with what’s coming up over the next few weeks.

Kyndryl guest lecture: AI in industry

On Thursday 23 April, Sarah Schofield (Senior Manager, Data & AI) and her team from Kyndryl Consult delivered a half-day session to our MSc Digital Transformation cohort and BSc ITMB students. Kyndryl, which was spun out of IBM in 2021, is now one of the world’s largest IT infrastructure services providers.

The session explored the evolution of AI from big data through to agentic systems, followed by team-based work on digital transformation scenarios. Students benefited from hands-on support from Kyndryl consultants, bringing an applied perspective to current industry practice.

AI and Data Science Outreach Event

We also hosted a highly successful Data Science, Machine Learning & AI Industry Showcase, co-hosted by Richard Allmendinger and industry partners, with more than 220 attendees and participation from organisations including Barclays, Fuzzy Labs, Protector Insurance, Zally, UiPath, and HMRC.

Highlights included:

  • Fuzzy Labs announcing a new nine-month paid fellowship with a pathway to permanent roles
  • Applications of knowledge graphs for fraud detection within government
  • Time series forecasting to support accommodation planning in the Home Office
  • Use of AI to streamline consultation analysis and support consumer protection
  • Industry applications of AI in inventory management, pricing, and insurance risk modelling
  • Emerging work in behavioural AI

The event provided a valuable platform for students to engage with a wide range of real-world applications and career pathways in data science and AI.

Recognition: Academic Community Builder Award

Congratulations to Pietro Frigenti, who has been awarded the University of Manchester Students’ Union Academic Award for Academic Community Builder of the Year.

This is a well-deserved recognition of Pietro’s work in building a strong and inclusive academic community, and the impact he has on our students.

Course update

The course formerly titled MSc Business Analytics, Operational Research and Risk Analysis has been reviewed and relaunched as MSc Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, effective from the 2026/27 academic year. This reflects both its evolution and closer alignment with developments in the field. We’re excited about these developments and the course’s increased emphasis on AI for business.

Business engagement activities

The Centre for AI and Decision Sciences will be hosting two AI for Business events in May and June, aimed at showcasing our research and strengthening connections with external partners. Further details will follow shortly.

Upcoming: ITMB and Digital Transformation Showcase (AMBS Hive)

On Wednesday 6 May (from 10:00), BSc ITMB and MSc Digital Transformation students will present their business technology solutions to industry partners, including Lloyds Banking Group, Procter & Gamble, and Datel.

The showcase offers an opportunity to see the breadth of student work and to engage with students during a dedicated networking session. All colleagues are very welcome to attend.

Upcoming: GreenPT guest lecture (AMBS 2.008)

On Thursday 7 May (13:00), Robert Keus will speak on the development of GreenPT, a Dutch startup focused on building a more sustainable AI platform.

The session will explore how GreenPT identified opportunities at the intersection of AI and sustainability, including decisions around self-hosting open-source models, model compression, and the use of European renewable energy infrastructure. While aimed at MSc Digital Transformation and BSc ITMB students, colleagues are welcome to attend.

Upcoming: Methods Fair 2026 (AMBS)

On Wednesday 27 May, Emma Banister, in her role as Director of Methods@Manchester, will host the 2026 Methods Fair at AMBS.

This year’s theme, Methods for Change: Connecting People, Places, and Purpose, will bring together researchers from across the arts, humanities, and social sciences for a full day of exchange and collaboration. The programme includes keynote contributions from Professor Sarah-Marie Hall and Sally Bonnie FRSA, alongside lightning talks, poster presentations, and hands-on workshops.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these activities. It really does make a difference. With more events coming up, I hope you’re able to join where you can and enjoy the rest of the spring weather in the meantime.

Michelle