Soroush Saadat

I am a fully funded PhD researcher in Management–Marketing and a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in the Department of Marketing and Strategy at the University of Leicester School of Business (ULSB), holding a competitive full scholarship awarded in recognition of academic excellence in research and teaching. My research examines how UK SMEs strategically respond to survival-threatening decline and achieve turnaround. Situated at the intersection of turnaround, strategy, and digital transformation, my work integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches to generate robust theoretical and practical insights for scholars, SME leaders, and policymakers. Through this research, I have developed advanced expertise in research design, statistical and configurational methods, SME financial analysis, executive-level engagement with firm leaders, dataset construction, survey development, and theory-driven empirical modelling. Since joining ULSB in 2023, I have delivered seminars and guest lectures across a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules. At undergraduate level, I teach Strategy (MN2108), Consultancy Challenge (MN2105), Principles of Marketing (MK1002), Responsible Marketing (MK3171), and Business in the Digital Economy (MN3115). At postgraduate level, I contribute to Principles and Practices of International Business (MN7050), Global Strategy, International Marketing and Operations Management (MN7053), and Marketing Strategy and Innovation (MK7013). My teaching philosophy centres on creating intellectually stimulating, inclusive, and highly engaging learning environments. I integrate real-world cases and applied strategic thinking to communicate complex concepts with clarity and practical relevance. In recognition of my contribution to teaching and learning in higher education, I was awarded Associate Fellowship (AFHEA) of the Higher Education Academy in 2025.