As the new academic year begins, we are delighted to welcome members of the Centre for Scholarship and Innovation in Management Education (SIME) back to Lancaster University Management School.

70 Members, 24 talks,18 events, 13 SIME journal articles, 7 Conferences, 2 Books, ….. ONE SIME!

Over the past year, SIME has gone from strength to strength. Members have reported stronger collegial networks, fresh perspectives on teaching and research, and tangible impacts on student engagement. Many have taken their insights beyond the School, presenting at conferences and shaping new approaches within their departments. SIME has become known as one of the most active and visible centres within LUMS – a true hub for creativity, reflection, and collaboration.

Feedback from members reveals seven interrelated dimensions of value and influence.

“It has been brilliant to share the experience with like-minded colleagues. This has been hugely uplifting and provides an ideal forum to continue to develop teaching methodologies and pedagogy, as well as benchmarking and sharing best practice with colleagues nationally and internationally.”

Collegiality and Community

SIME has established itself as a trusted space for colleagues to connect, share ideas, and support one another. Members consistently highlight the sense of collegiality and belonging that SIME fosters, with many describing how it has enabled friendships and collaborations across disciplinary boundaries.

“Engaging with SIME has given me the opportunity to learn from others’ teaching practices and feel part of a supportive community. It’s been a valuable space to share ideas, ask questions, and reflect together. The people involved have been genuinely kind and thoughtful.”

Personal and Professional Growth

Engagement in SIME contributes directly to members’ development as educators and researchers. Feedback emphasises increased confidence, reflective practice, and professional growth, with several participants noting that their involvement has reshaped how they see their academic role.

“SIME has influenced my teaching and pedagogy. Opportunities to network with colleagues during workshops, talks and online sessions have proved invaluable in introducing innovations into teaching practice.”

Positive Impact on Students

The effect of SIME on student learning is clear. Respondents describe how new approaches, such as reflective prompts and inclusive pedagogy, have improved engagement and outcomes. Students are reported to be more active, happier, and better supported as a result of practices inspired by SIME.

“My teaching is now more attuned with Gen Z!”

Application and External Recognition

Beyond internal teaching practice, SIME has become a springboard for external visibility. Members report presenting at conferences, publishing work, and integrating insights into departmental strategies. The centre has therefore helped extend Lancaster’s reputation in management education beyond the University.

Support and Inspiration

The culture of support within SIME is highly valued. Members credit both the collective community and inspirational leadership with enabling them to take their work further. Specific recognition of leadership roles demonstrates how encouragement, mentoring, and peer exchange underpin SIME’s success.

Strategic and Career Influence

Participation in SIME is increasingly shaping academic careers and departmental directions. Respondents describe how engagement has led to leadership roles, programme development, and new responsibilities. This shows that SIME’s influence now extends into strategic decision-making and long-term professional pathways.

Recognition and Encouragement

The centre is widely recognised as a standout feature within the School. Members describe SIME as “the most active and visible centre within LUMS,” highlighting its unique role in driving innovation and collegiality. Encouragement for its continued growth and momentum is expressed enthusiastically.

“I have noticed an improvements in my teaching and student satisfaction. I am also a lot happier in myself as an academic, SIME has played a big role in me shifting from academic to SoTL research.”

Welcome back, and let’s keep on SIMEing!