NUSC Research – Networks and Urban Systems Centre (NUSC)

Meet the Member: Steven Brown on Open Strategy, Multi-Sector Leadership, and Research with Real-World Impact

On 11 December 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Leadership, Meet the member, Open Strategy

Following a ten-year career in the British Army, Steven Brown’s business career took centre stage. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience in industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics and global logistics, Steven brings a broad range of experience to his research. He completed an MBA in 2007, an experience which first got him thinking about the possibility of pursuing research further. Now, as a PhD student at the University of Greenwich, Steven is diving deep into the evolving field of Open Strategy—bringing both curiosity and humility to the process.

Sneak Peek: Understanding the Psychology Behind Product Returns

On 18 November 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Artificial Intelligence, Brand Loyalty, Machine Learning, Product Returns, Research Spotlight, Systems Dynamics

You’ve just received a parcel. It’s the jacket you ordered last week. The colour’s slightly off, the fit isn’t quite right, and the material feels cheaper than expected. You hesitate. Should you return it? You scroll through reviews, wondering if others felt the same. You sigh, toss it in the back of your wardrobe, and move on.

This everyday moment—silent dissatisfaction—is at the heart of Dr Duong’s current research. His work dives deep into the psychology of online product returns, revealing that not all returns are created equal, and not all dissatisfaction is voiced.This everyday moment—silent dissatisfaction—is at the heart of Dr Duong’s current research. His work dives deep into the psychology of online product returns, revealing that not all returns are created equal, and not all dissatisfaction is voiced.

The Architecture of Innovation: Lessons from a Football Academy

On 29 October 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Innovation, Research Spotlight, SMEs, Social Network Analysis

In the heart of Belgium, a football academy – KRC Genk – buzzes with quiet intensity. Coaches huddle over data sheets, young players lace up boots with dreams of stardom, and behind the scenes, a task force assembles — not just to talk tactics, but to ensure that the academy stays at the forefront of developing talent. This task force is composed of individuals selected from within the academy- taking a bottom-up approach that leverages their expertise. By including external knowledge, this task force can also challenge the status quo and promote innovative thinking.

Green rewards? Great! But no thank you.

On 1 October 2025 By Natasha Lawlor-Morrison In Environmental, Marketing, Research Spotlight

When a shampoo retailer requires you to return 10 empty shampoo bottles to receive a new bottle of shampoo, does that represent a limitation on your consumption freedom?

Ever wondered why some customers choose plastic over planet—even when eco-friendly rewards are on the table? It turns out, the answer lies in how we react to restrictions.