Westminster Business School Blog Meet The Academics: Senior Lecturer, Phil Sainter

Meet The Academics: Senior Lecturer, Phil Sainter

September 10, 2013
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Could you please describe yourself in a few sentences?

I think I would describe myself as a person who is interested in the students experience and wants to ensure that everyone is treated equally during their studies.

What is your area of academic interest and which modules are you involved in?

I am very interested in project management, and how organisations are now using project management to gain competitive advantage. I am also very interested in how organisations can use technology to become more effective in what they do and how technology can alter how an organisation operates in a certain marketplace.

I lecture on a number of project management modules at undergraduate & postgraduate level, plus I lead a level 4 module looking at the use of technology in the entertainment industry.

What was your first job? What did you learn from it?

I guess my first real job was being a self-employed glass engraver, which I started following being given a glass engraving kits one Christmas and a school project, where I engraved a few local scenes. A local shop keeper saw this work and they commissioned me to produce a range of engraved goods for their shop. I did this for a number of years, while I was in secondary school and then college. I learnt much from this experience, the importance of book keeping, the importance of time-keeping and never to waste anything. I also developed the true understanding about the value of money and being responsible for ones work and behaviour.

What did you do in your career before coming to Westminster Business School ?
Before coming to Westminster Business School, I was a lecturer at another University in Southwest England where I was also a course leader for a hybrid technology and Business Degree programme. Prior to that I was a full time researcher on a number of European research projects in the area of applied Artificial Intelligence.

What do you think is special about Westminster Business School?
I think Westminster Business School is special since it blends academic excellence with practical experience, so students benefit from not just academic knowledge but from people who have actually done it for real.

What do you think of the social learning platform?

I think the space is an excellent place for both social and work-related reasons. It is also a good place to see people that you want to talk to, since everyone has to pass through it to get to any of the buildings.

If you were asked to give one piece of advice to students then what would it be?

I think it would be: “remember learning starts in the classroom, it shouldn’t finish there.” You need to spend time doing independent study and reading within the business area in order to do very well in a business degree. Everyone in the Business School is learning everyday by just reading the business press and journals.

How do you relax out of work?

I like to do a number of things when relaxing, ranging from spending time with friends to going to the theatre. I have even been known to go to the odd gig.
What are your interests/leisure activities?

I love music and play a number of musical instruments. I am interested in culture, so you might see me roaming around the add museum or venue soaking in the culture.

Philip Sainter

Senior Lecturer in Information Strategy/Course leader BA Business Management