Research and expertise
Vivien’s research brings a behavioural and sociotechnical lens to the study of complex organisational systems, particularly in high-pressure, high-performance environments such as construction and built environment sectors. Her work investigates how end users engage with technological tools, processes, and organisational practices, and how communication can be improved across knowledge and disciplinary boundaries. She also explores strategies for managing conflicting stakeholder interests to support more inclusive and effective engagement.
Vivien’s research approach has been applied to investigate issues around health, safety and wellbeing (HSW), equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and sustainability and the Net Carbon agenda. Recent investigations include an examination of the implications of hybrid working on EDI in construction mains contractor organisations, and the complexities around managing the boundaries between site work, office work, and home life. With colleagues in SSEHS, Vivien explored the efficacy of using cognitive therapy in high-stress, high-performing workplace settings. Vivien’s research on the effects of social distancing during COVID and how these change processes impact on productivity provided reflections and recommendations for action to the industry. She is an academic lead in the Digital4Osh research group, an international research collaboration focused on improving occupational safety and health (OSH) through digital innovation.
As we move to implement sustainability goals such as Net Zero, it is ever more important to involve and engage with end users including with members of the public. Effective public engagement relies on the ability to communicate across political divides and translate complex technical information to disseminate to laypersons. Vivien welcomes PhD research proposals that tackle sustainability goals related to the built environment and our societal responses towards an ecological case for business.
Current and recently completed PhD students
- Shashank Tiwari – LU SABCE funded studentship, Public engagement for green technology projects in the United Kingdom. Registered January 2025
- David Dawkins - CTA funded FT PhD Studentship. Community Transport potential for the UK. Registered July 2024
- Hannah Leigh - WATER WISER FT PhD Studentship, Exploring the multifaceted nature of water violence. Registered October 2022
- Richard Dewhurst – WATER WISER FT PhD Studentship. The barriers to success of international development construction projects. Completed June 2025
- Paul Young – Self-funded FT PhD Studentship. Examining the mental wellbeing effects of a novel mindfulness and rational emotive behaviour coaching intervention (M-REBC) for corporate employees. Completed December 2024
Recent publications
- Tender, M., Couto, J., Fuller, P., Demian, P., Chow, V., Vaughan, A., Silva, F., Santos, R. (2024). Using virtual reality for occupational safety and health in a UK tunnelling megaproject. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Management, Procurement and Law. 177 (4): 232–239. https://doi.org/10.1680/jmapl.23.00109
- Young, P., Elgee, A., Chow, V., Haslam, C. O., & Barker, J. B. (2024). A systematic review of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based interventions for white-collar worker mental well-being in business environments. Mental Health Science, e84. https://doi.org/10.1002/mhs2.84
- Schweber, L. & Chow, V. (2023). Theory and the contribution of qualitative research to construction management research In: A research agenda for construction management / edited by Roine Leiringer, Andy Dainty. Edward Elgar Publishing. p.67-92
- Young, P., Chow, V., Haslam, C., & Barker, J. (2023) A qualitative study exploring white-collar employee/manager experiences of mental health and wellbeing initiatives in corporate environments. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002969
- Young, P., Chow, V., Haslam, C, Wood, A. and Barker, J. (2022). Can Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and Mindfulness be Integrated Effectively within High Performance Settings? Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-022-00475-x
- Jones, W., Gibb A.G.F. and Chow, V (2021), "Adapting to COVID-19 on construction sites: what are the lessons for long-term improvements in safety and worker effectiveness?", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 20(1), p.66-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-11-2020-0473
- Chow, V., & Leiringer, R. (2020). Public engagement events and the management of external stakeholders: Artefacts as boundary objects or tools of discipline and control?. Project Management Journal. 52(1), 61-74 https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972820940475
- Chow, V., & Leiringer, R. (2020). The Practice of Public Engagement on Projects: From Managing External Stakeholders to Facilitating Active Contributors. Project Management Journal. 51(1), 24-37 https://doi.org/10.1177/8756972819878346
Teaching
Vivien’s teaching approach is informed by her professional experience in architecture, urban planning, project management, and property development sectors. She brings with her a broad range of professional skills as well as a personal and ingrained understanding of cross-disciplinary learning. Her research interests around sustainability, organisational risk, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative work are also a strong motivator for her teaching, and she is interested in applying new and innovative teaching methods that encourage multidisciplinary teamwork and problem-based learning.
Vivien teaches management and business modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She currently leads the following modules:
- CVA127 Professional Practice
- CVC125 Integrative Project
- CVC042 & CVC032 Research Dissertation
- CVP504 Foundations of Project Management
In addition to the above, Vivien leads the sustainability thread for the school’s flagship cross-school multidisciplinary project (partnered with Kier) and supervises final dissertations at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Enterprise
Vivien’s enterprise work involves the assessment and critical analysis of work processes, user experiences, organisational capabilities, and workplace policies to address organisational and sector challenges.
Past enterprise projects have involved large UK Contractors such as MACE and Balfour Beatty, on issues relating to health, safety and wellbeing on construction projects.
Currently, Vivien works closely with Professor Chris Gorse in developing and implementing sustainable strategies within the built environment, and with Professor Marcus Enoch on stakeholder solutions for complex transport systems. If you are an industry representative exploring industry-academia partnerships in the above areas, please contact Vivien directly via email to discuss.
Profile
Vivien joined Loughborough University in 2017 as Lecturer in Construction and Project Management, after completing her PhD at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Trained as an architect, her professional work spans across a range of built environment settings including architecture, urban planning, project management, and property development. She has worked professionally and in academia in Australia, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
Vivien served as treasurer to the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM) (2020-2024) and is currently vice-chair (2024 - present).
Vivien was external examiner at Anglia Ruskin University from 2018 – 2022 and is currently external examiner at Birmingham City University (2025 – present).
Vivien is a co-Investigator for the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities and Energy (C-DICE) programme and chair of their EDI Committee.