Dr. Francesca Speed

Dr Francesca Speed is an Assistant Professor of Business at Euro University of Bahrain. She is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). Dr. Speed has diverse teaching experience across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with expertise in a wide range of subjects, including key business and management modules, as well as research modules on epistemology and ontology. Her teaching emphasises fostering critical understanding, student engagement, and the development of both academic and practical skills. She also provides pastoral support and enjoys guiding students as an academic advisor.

Dr. Speed values inclusivity and strives to create a classroom where diverse perspectives are respected. She is committed to student success, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a globalised world. To celebrate success beyond academic grades, in her current role she established end-of-semester student awards. Her teaching approach emphasises active learning, using case studies, real-world examples, and a flipped classroom model to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Dr. Speed has significant experience delivering courses in both in-person and hybrid formats. Drawing on her experience with diverse student populations, she integrates empathy and cultural sensitivity into her pedagogy. She connects her research with her teaching to expose students to contemporary ideas and real-world challenges, fostering curiosity and encouraging lifelong learning.

Current Roles and Responsibilities

• Director of Research (2024 – )
• Academic Board Member (2024 – )
• Teaching and Learning Committee Member (2023 –)
• Digital Month Lead (2024 -)
• Module Lead (2023 – )

Education

• PhD Business Management, Newcastle University (UK, 2022)
• MSc International Business Management, Newcastle University (UK, 2016)
• BA French Studies, University of London Institute in Paris (France, 2013)

Dr. Francesca Speed is a qualitative researcher with interdisciplinary expertise and interests. Her work contributes to work and employment literatures, migration and asylum studies and debates within the sociology of work. She explores how social, cultural, and economic factors shape individuals’ experiences in both the workplace and broader society. A central theme in her research is the experiences of migrants, particularly in relation to global talent, integration and inclusion. Dr. Speed is particularly interested in the concept of meaningful work, examining how migrants and refugees navigate their working lives and the individual processes contributing to a sense of purpose and belonging. Her research is grounded in a commitment to real-world impact.

Keywords: Meaningful Work; Sociology of Work; Migrant Careers; Global Talent; Intersectionality; Positionality; Integration and Belonging; Cross Cultural Methodologies; Cross Cultural Management; HRM; EDI; Experience of Higher Education; Qualitative Research.

Research Funding and Awards

• Newcastle University Doctoral College Enhancement Funding: Career development bursary (2022).
• Anglo-Omani Society Scholarship to study Arabic at Sultan Qaboos College in Oman (2019).
• NINE DTP Arabic difficult language training award (2018).
• NINE DTP PhD scholarship (3.5-year award, 2017)

Research Presentations

• 2024: “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence,” Industry Webinar with National Bank of Bahrain.
• 2022: “Situating the Working Lives of Migrants and Refugees: The Case of Syrians in North East England,” Research Seminar, Newcastle University Business School.
• 2020: “Supporting Sanctuary Students and Staff,” National Annual University of Sanctuary (online) Conference.
• 2019: “Understanding Refugees’ Working Lives,” Newcastle University’s Social Justice Forum.
• 2019: “Middle Eastern and North African Doctoral Students in the UK: Evolving Academic Identities,” British Sociological Association International Annual Conference.