Home \ Faculty Details \ Dr N Khilji
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  • Phone:

    0547123303

  • Email:

    nkhilji@pmu.edu.sa

  • Office No:

    S082

  • Dr N Khilji

  • Job Title :

    Higher Education Professional

  • College :

    College of Business Administration


  • Department :

    Business Administration


 

Beyond academia, I have played a pivotal role in educational policy and development. In 2018, I was appointed Caretaker Provincial Minister for Education, Science, and IT in the Interim Cabinet, Government of Baluchistan, Pakistan, where I developed strategic roadmaps for systemic improvement. I also founded the PEARL Institute of Management and IT in Quetta, Pakistan, promoting technical and vocational education.

My contributions extend to governance and scholarship evaluation, including serving on the Board of Governors at St Ann’s School (Ealing Council) and as a Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) panelist for postgraduate and PhD programs. As an active researcher, I publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and am authoring a book titled Domain Applications of Project Management Knowledge. I co-authored a chapter on “TVET and Knowledge-Based Economy” for the IntechOpen book Technical and Vocational Education and Training. I have supervised numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral research projects, fostering academic excellence and innovation.

PhD

(Information Management)

Innovative communication, effective coordination, and KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT in the UK local authority planning departments for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

School of Computing and Engineering

University of      West London

2015

Cert-ELP

Professional Development Course for Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) from Said Business School, Oxford University – Continuous Professional Development

Oxford University

2022

Cert-PDC

Professional Development Course for External Examiners

Higher Education Advance – Continuous Professional Development Advance-HE Course

Advance HE (HEA) - UK

2020

Pg-Cert

LEADING teaching and learning in higher education (LTL-HE)

Centre for Learning Excellence (CLE)

Higher Education Academy Senior Fellowship (ref. PR136625)

University of Bedfordshire

2017

Pg-Cert

Postgraduate certificate in ACADEMIC PRACTICE

Institute for Teaching, Innovation and Learning (INSTIL)

Higher Education Academy Fellowship (ref. PR109908)

University of      West London

2014

Pg-Cert

Postgraduate certificate in RESEARCH METHODS

Graduate Research School

Thames Valley University, UK

2009

MSc

(Merit)

Postgraduate degree in MATHEMATICS

Department of Mathematics

University of Baluchistan 

2001

MBA

(Distinction)

Master of Business Administration - MIS & HRM

Cardiff Business School

University of Wales, Cardiff

1999

Pg-Dip

(Distinction)

Postgraduate diploma in COMPUTER SCIENCE and IT

Department of Computer Sciences

University of Baluchistan 

1996

BSc

(Merit)

Undergraduate degree in PHYSICS and MATHEMATICS

Science College, Department of Applied Sciences

University of Baluchistan

 

 

1994

 

Khilji, N., Baghali, S. and Nicolic, K. (2025) Enhanced Performance Gains through Technological Innovations in Business Process Management: A Systematic Literature Review. International Conference on Business and Technology, Cardiff University, UK. Springer

Baghali, S., Khilji, N. Nikolic, K. (2025) Soft Skills to Enhance Team Performance: A Systematic Review of Diverse Teamwork. European Conference on Management Leadership and Governance.21(1), pp:409-418. Available at: https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/ecmlg/article/view/4089

Pordoy, J., Farman, H., Dicheva, N., Nasralla, M., Khilji, N. and Rehman, I. (2024) Multi-Frame Transfer Learning Framework for Facial Emotion Recognition in e-Learning Contexts. IEEE Access. Available at: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10713310

Khilji, N., Nicolic, K. and Rehman, I. (2024) The influence of knowledge management on digital transformation: an overview for managing change and innovation. Advances in Information and Communication, Springer Link, FICC-2024, pp.368-388. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-53960-2_24

Issa-Salwe, A.M., Khilji, N.K. and Roberts, S.A. (2024) Transitions in Information Systems education: confronting technological and societal change in the face of global realities and disparities. In: Teaching Information Systems. Edited by Mark I. Hwang. EE Elgar, pp.264-298. Available at: https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/book/9781802205794/book-part-9781802205794-20.xml

Anwar, A., Rehman, I., Nasralla, M., Khattak, S. and Khilji, N. (2023) Sentiment analysis and student emotions: improving satisfaction in online learning platforms. IEEE International Smart Cities Conference (ISC2), pp.1-7. Available at: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10293422

Anwar, A., Rehman, I., Nasralla, M., Khattak, S. and Khilji, N. (2023) Emotions matter: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the detection and classification of students’ emotions in STEM during online learning. Education Sciences, 13(9), pp.914-924. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/13/9/914

Khilji, N., Roberts, A. and Baker-Middleton, G. (2023) Domain Applications of Project Management Knowledge (DAPMK): beneficial knowledge transfer and soft skill development for life-long enhancement. In: Proceedings of the 24th European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM-2023), ISCTE – Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal. Available at: https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/eckm/article/view/1546

Khilji, N. (2022) The use of Virtual Learning Environment for students’ effective engagement in the Higher Education Institutions through knowledge management and blended learning. In: Proceedings of the 23rd European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM-2022), University of Naples Federico II, Italy, pp.601-610. Available at: https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.23.1.452

Khilji, N. and Roberts, A. (2022) Soft Skills Acquisition for the Knowledge Economy: A Research Strategy for Policy Evolution in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Intermediate and Emergent Economies. Eurasian Studies in Business and Economics, vol.21(1), pp.379-398. Available at: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-94036-2_21

Khilji, N., Duan, Y. and Tehrani, J. (2021) Knowledge Sharing for Enhanced Performance in the HEIs. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 21(4), pp.80-93. Available at: https://doi.org/10.33423/jhetp.v21i4.4210

Khilji, N. and Roberts, A. (2020) Soft skills in knowledge economy: a research strategy for policy development in technical and vocational education and training in intermediate and emergent economies. 34th Eurasia Business and Economics Society Conference, University of Piraeus, Athens. Available at: https://uobrep.openrepository.com/handle/10547/624877

Khilji, N., Duan, Y. and Tehrani, J. (2020) A conceptual framework of knowledge sharing for enhanced performance in the HEIs. In: Proceedings of the 21st European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM-2020), Coventry University, UK, pp.414-425. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348521713_A_conceptual_framework_of_knowledge_sharing_for_enhanced_performance_in_the_HEIs

Richardson, D., Khilji, N. and Ogston, R. (2020) Towards an Integrated Framework for the Development of Sustainable Provision of Project Management courses within Higher Education. British Academy Management (BAM) Conference. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348522346_Towards_an_Integrated_Framework_for_the_Development_of_Sustainable_Provision_of_Project_Management_Courses_within_Higher_Education

Duan, Y., Ramanathan, R., Khilji, N. and Cao, G. (2018) Understanding the current research on the use and impact of big data analytics: a systematic literature review. In: Big Data Analytics, Data Mining and Computational Intelligence (BigDaCI 2018) – MCCSIS 2018 Proceedings, Madrid, Spain, 18-20 July. Available at: http://www.iadisportal.org/digital-library/understanding-current-research-on-the-use-and-impact-of-big-data-analytics-a-systematic-literature-review

Khilji, N., Duan, Y., Lewis, R. and Bukoye, T. (2017) Incorporating knowledge management tools in the UK local government towards improved planning support services. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Intellectual Capital, Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning, Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, pp.122-133. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328662828_Incorporating_Knowledge_Management_Tools_in_the_UK_Local_Government_towards_Improved_Planning_Support_Services

Khilji, N. and Roberts, A. (2015) An exploratory study of knowledge management for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness: the transformation of the planning system in the UK local government. Journal of Information & Knowledge Management, 14(1), pp.315-332. Available at: https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0219649215500112

Khilji, N. and Roberts, A. (2014) The role of ICT strategy and knowledge management in the reform of the UK local government planning system. Journal of Technologies in Knowledge Sharing, 10(1), pp.17-30. Available at: https://cgscholar.com/bookstore/works/the-role-of-ict-strategy-and-knowledge-management-in-the-reform-of-the-uk-local-government-planning-system?category_id=cgrn

Rehman, S. and Khilji, N. (2014) Fast pace of change in ICTs: information & communication technologies and knowledge workers’ training issues. Asian Journal of Business and Management, 2(5), pp.454-460. Available at: https://www.ajouronline.com/index.php/AJBM/article/view/1546

Khilji, N. and Roberts, A. (2013) An exploratory study of knowledge management in the UK local government planning system for improved efficiency and effectiveness. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Intellectual Capital, Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning, George Washington University, Washington DC, 1(2), pp.551-560. Available at: https://issuu.com/acpil/docs/icickm2013-proceedings-issuu2

Khilji, N. and Roberts, S. (2013) The role of innovative communication channels, effective coordination strategy and knowledge management in the UK local government planning system. Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 12(4), pp.315-332. Available at: https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0219649213500330

Khilji, N. and Roberts, S. (2013) Auditing the impact of knowledge management on human and technological resources in the UK local government for planning processes. VISTAS, 2(2), pp.72-90. Available at: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/476

Association of Project Management (APM)

Feb 2020

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Oct 2016

Higher Education Advance (HE-Advance)

Sep 2015

International Council on Knowledge Management (ICKM)

Sep 2013

The Operation Research Society (OR)

June 2012

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

Mar 2010

Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA)

Aug 2009

Association of Project Safety (APS) - CDM-Coordinator

July 2008

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) - Licentiate

May 2007

Association of Overseas Scholarship Training (AOST)

Oct 2002

 

My future research will focus on advancing business innovation and digital transformation through the strategic integration of knowledge management, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) within contemporary organisations. I aim to explore how data‑driven and AI‑enabled systems can enhance decision‑making, organisational learning, and innovation capability across both private and public sector contexts.

A key strand of my future work will investigate the evolving role of project management, operations management, and strategic portfolio management in digitally enabled organisations. This includes examining how agile, hybrid, and data‑intensive project and operations models can support organisational resilience, sustainability, and value creation in complex and uncertain environments.

Another central focus will be leadership and team dynamics in the digital era, particularly how leaders can effectively manage change, foster collaboration, and build high‑performing teams in technology‑mediated and cross‑cultural settings. I intend to examine the interaction between human, technological, and organisational capabilities, with specific attention to change and innovation leadership in AI‑driven organisations.

My future research will also address sustainability and ethical dimensions of digital transformation, exploring how organisations can balance technological advancement with responsible leadership, inclusive innovation, and long‑term societal impact. Through interdisciplinary and applied research, I seek to contribute to theory, policy, and practice, supporting organisations, educators, and policymakers in navigating digital transformation and building sustainable, knowledge‑driven economies.

 

August 2025 - Date:

Associate Professor in Business Innovation and Digital Transformation

Course lead for MBA, EMBA and PhD Program.

College of Business Administration, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, KSA

 

  • Lead and coordinate the academic portfolio for EMBA, MBA (Project & Operations Management), and PhD in Business Studies.
  • Design, develop, and deliver senior-level modules in Project Management, Strategic Management, Supply Chain, MIS, Knowledge Management, Sustainability, Business Innovation, Digital Technologies, AI, Big Data Analytics, Strategic Portfolio Management, Team Dynamics and Leadership.
  • Develop course materials (syllabi, assessments, handouts), deliver lectures, facilitate seminars, and provide timely feedback and academic advising.
  • Champion student‑centred, skills‑based, and interactive pedagogy; mentor faculty and research students.
  • Conduct independent and collaborative research; publish in peer‑reviewed outlets; pursue external funding.
  • Serve on faculty and university committees; contribute to accreditation, quality enhancement, and strategic initiatives.
  • Undertake departmental administrative responsibilities and engage in community outreach leveraging domain expertise.

September 2023 – July 2025:

Associate Professor in Applied Project Management, Academic Portfolio Leader for Academic Partnership (UK and TNE), and Chair of Information System and KM Research Group

School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK

 

  • Led the School’s Academic Partnership portfolio across UK (London, Birmingham, Luton, Cardiff) and overseas partners (Singapore, Hong Kong, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE).
  • Maintained oversight of academic standards, quality of learning experience, and compliance with UWL regulations and contracts across partner institutions.
  • Conducted annual quality and environment reviews; coordinated student engagement activities and site visits; escalated actions via Head of School and Global Partnerships Office.
  • Supported partner staff development, delivered training, and advised on curriculum delivery, QA processes, and teaching-out arrangements.
  • Monitored admissions procedures, programme publicity, marketing, and information integrity.
  • Fostered collaborative networks with internal/external peers; advised on income generation, student recruitment, and portfolio promotion.
  • Chair, ISKM Research Group: Directed multidisciplinary research in ICT, digitisation, automation, knowledge management, operations leadership, and sustainable project strategies.
    • Built academia industry bridges, prioritised practice‑based research and evidence‑based practice.
    • Led small internal research teams, developed funding proposals, and coordinated publications and dissemination.

November 2021 – August 2023:

Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for MSc-DTSS

School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, UK

 

  • Directed the MSc (Apprenticeship) DTSS programme; led modules in Strategic Portfolio Management, Team Dynamics & Leadership, MIS Projects, Consultancy and Innovation Technology, Knowledge Management, Managing Innovation and Change.
  • Owned design and delivery of units; led teaching teams; ensured quality assurance and programme enhancement.
  • Contributed to postgraduate and doctoral provision (UK and TNE), aligning with School strategy and business plan.
  • Participated in QA structures, policy development, and student experience initiatives; represented UWL on external committees and working groups.
  • Coordinated support functions for teaching and personal scholarship; supervised MSc/PhD research.
  • Provided temporary cover as Campus Coordinator, managing teaching planners, operations, and liaison across academic/admin teams.

January 2020 – October 2021:

Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in Project and Operations Management

Department of Strategy and Management, Business School, University of Bedfordshire, UK

 

  • Led curriculum design, delivery, QA, and development for UG/PG programmes in the Department of Strategy & Management (UK and overseas).
  • Built collaborative partnerships; coordinated academic and administrative processes; supervised MSc/PhD students.
  • Contributed to School management (curriculum planning, research leadership, scholarship); represented the University on external bodies.
  • Coordinated teaching resources and supported student recruitment, registration, induction, and course delivery.
  • Provided interim Campus Coordination to ensure operational continuity and effective stakeholder communication.

October 2018 to December 2019:

University Campus Coordinator (Study Hubs)

Department of Strategy and Management, Business School, University of Bedfordshire, UK

 

  • Led hub operations and academic coordination across multiple study centres.
  • Managed teaching plans, resource allocation, and daily academic administration.
  • Facilitated student services (transfers, finance, general issues); supported recruitment, registration, induction, and course delivery.

June 2018 to August 2018:

Caretaker Minister for Education, Science, and Information Technology

Department of Education, Science and Technology, Government of Baluchistan, Pakistan

 

  • Oversaw Secondary & Higher Education, Science & Technology portfolios during the interim government.
  • Assessed education systems and proposed strategic roadmaps for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Advanced National IT Policy objectives; coordinated computerisation, automation, and process re‑engineering for e‑Government.
  • Achieved the establishment of an Education Management Information System (EMIS) under caretaker remit.

July 2017 to September 2018:

Senior Lecturer Project Management & Course Leader (MSc PM)

Department of Strategy and Management, Business School, University of Bedfordshire, UK

 

  • Led MSc Project Management; ensured high‑quality learner experience evidenced by outcomes and surveys.
  • Designed curricula and led teaching teams; supervised research; drove income generation and promotion initiatives.
  • Built internal/external collaborations; pursued funded research and publication outputs.

January 2016 to June 2017:

Lecturer in Project Management

Department of Strategy and Management, Business School, University of Bedfordshire, UK

 

  • Delivered innovative teaching across UG/PG modules; developed curricula, assessments, and learning materials.
  • Led data‑driven analysis of learner outcomes; conducted teaching observations and coaching for trainee teachers.
  • Managed student cohorts; engaged in commercial liaison and business development activities.

 

August 2010 to December 2015:

Senior Training Facilitator - Project Management

Cranfield Management Development Centre, Cranfield University, UK

(Corporate Training - AAXAL Executive project management professionals’ programme)

 

  • Delivered executive and middle‑management programmes (incl. APMP and PRINCE2) combining workshops, case studies, and hands‑on exercises.
  • Trained participants in planning, estimation, tracking (PPR), communication management, and P3M practices.
  • Developed applied content tailored to real‑world executive challenges; fostered common project management language across teams.

 

January 2009 to July 2010:

Project Manager (Partner World Programme)

World Partner - Biz Integration and Cloud Computing - IBM, London, UK

 

  • Managed client engagements for cloud‑based business services; advised on web‑based solutions aligned to strategic objectives.
  • Coordinated resources; established communication plans across project teams and stakeholders; supported delivery governance.

June 1999 to December 2008:

Programme Director

PEARL Institute of Management and Information Technology, Quetta – Pakistan

 

  • Founded and led a multi‑disciplinary institute delivering higher, professional, vocational, and technical education.
  • Directed policy, governance, resource planning, and strategic growth across academic departments.
  • Aligned training modules with institutional academic plans; promoted inter‑ and multi‑disciplinary teaching, research, and development.
  • Provided ongoing strategic consultation to ensure coordination among administration, faculty, students, and parents for quality delivery.

 

I have taught and designed courses across doctoral, postgraduate, undergraduate, and executive education levels, including PhD, MBA, EMBA, MSc, BBA, BSc, as well as professional and executive development programs. My teaching spans a wide range of business and management disciplines, with a strong focus on the strategic and practical application of digital technologies in organizational contexts.

At doctoral and postgraduate levels, I have delivered advanced courses in project and operations management, management information systems, knowledge management, digital technology and innovation, international business management, sustainability management, and strategic portfolio management. These courses emphasize critical thinking, applied research, and the integration of theory with practice in complex and global business environments.

At undergraduate level, I have taught core and specialist modules covering project management, operations management, marketing, project finance, ICT, team dynamics, and business strategy, supporting students in developing strong analytical, managerial, and employability skills.

In addition, I have designed and delivered professional, executive, and industry‑focused courses in areas such as change and innovation leadership, digital transformation, knowledge‑driven organizations, strategic and program management, leadership and team dynamics, and technology‑enabled business transformation. These executive programs are tailored to senior managers and professionals, combining applied frameworks, real‑world case studies, and experiential learning to support organizational change and performance improvement.

My research focuses on business innovation and digital transformation, with particular emphasis on how knowledge management, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) can be strategically leveraged to enhance organizational performance and decision‑making. I examine the integration of digital technologies within project management, operations, and strategic management to support innovation, efficiency, and sustainable competitive advantage. A central theme of my work is leadership and team dynamics, exploring how human, technological, and organizational capabilities interact to enable effective change management, collaboration, and value creation in sustainable, complex, and digitally enabled environments.

Recent academic and research Projects Demonstrated

  • Domain Applications of Project Management Knowledge (DAPMK): Developed as a seed-funded initiative to enhance soft skills and knowledge transfer, in collaboration with professional bodies and industry partners.
  • Soft Skills Acquisition for the Knowledge Economy: Designed strategies for policy evolution in technical and vocational education, supporting workforce readiness.
  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Engagement: Implemented blended learning solutions to improve student engagement and performance, leveraging e-learning technologies.
  • Intelli-Student Platform: Co-led development of an AI-driven learning platform to augment online teaching and learning pedagogies, funded through an international partnership.

Additionally, I have organized five-day intensive seminars for academic partners, focusing on AI, Big Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Machine Learning demonstrating expertise in program facilitation and knowledge dissemination.

Professional Associations

  • Association of Project Management (APM) — Member
    Feb 2020 – Present

  • Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) — Member
    Oct 2016 – Present

  • Advance HE (formerly Higher Education Academy – HEA) — Fellow / Member
    Sep 2015 – Present

  • International Council on Knowledge Management (ICKM) — Member
    Sep 2013 – Present

  • The Operational Research Society (ORS) — Member
    June 2012 – Present

  • Chartered Management Institute (CMI) — Member
    Mar 2010 – Present

  • Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) — Member
    Aug 2009 – Present

  • Association for Project Safety (APS) — CDM‑Coordinator
    July 2008 – Present

  • Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) — Licentiate Member
    May 2007 – Present

  • Association of Overseas Scholarship Training (AOST) — Member
    Oct 2002 – Present