Qirui is a doctoral researcher at Loughborough University. He completed his undergraduate studies in Information Management and Information Systems in China, where he was awarded the distinction of Excellent Undergraduate Dissertation in recognition of his outstanding research performance. Building upon this foundation, he undertook a master's degree in Digital Information Management and Systems Innovation at Leeds University Business School, where he graduated with Distinction.
In October 2023, Qirui commenced his doctoral studies as a full-time member of the Information Management Group at Loughborough Business School. His PhD research is jointly funded by Loughborough University and Willis Towers Watson (WTW), reflecting the applied significance and collaborative nature of his work. He is also affiliated with the TECHNGI project, a mini-CDT that brings together doctoral researchers from various schools across the university to advance interdisciplinary inquiry.
Qirui has demonstrated strong engagement with the academic community through active participation in prominent scholarly conferences, including the UK Academy for Information Systems (UKAIS), the British Academy of Management (BAM), and the European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS). His contributions have resulted in peer-reviewed outputs, with two research papers published in the ECIS 2025 TREO Proceedings and the ECIS 2025 Conference Proceedings.
Qirui’s doctoral research centres on the critical relationship between digital infrastructure and social networks within multinational corporations (MNCs). His work investigates how these complex and globally distributed organisations can strategically leverage knowledge management (KM) practices to mobilise and integrate their knowledge resources, enabling them to adapt to and thrive amid continuous technological change. By exploring the interplay between digital technologies and the social dimensions of knowledge flow, his research addresses how MNCs can enhance collaboration, mitigate knowledge loss, and strengthen organisational resilience in increasingly dynamic environments.
This research is positioned at the intersection of KM and digital transformation. Theoretically, it contributes to the advancement of frameworks that conceptualise the interaction between knowledge assets, organisational memory, and digital technologies. Practically, it provides insights for MNCs seeking to design and implement strategies that optimise knowledge sharing, foster innovation, and maintain competitiveness in the face of global complexity and uncertainty.
Through this research, Qirui aims to make a meaningful contribution to the development of KM scholarship while offering actionable implications for practitioners navigating digital transformation in MNCs.
Qirui has accumulated valuable teaching experience through his role as a Laboratory Assistant for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) module, a position he has held for two consecutive years. In this capacity, he has supported students in developing practical skills in ERP systems, assisted with the facilitation of laboratory sessions, and provided guidance on applying theoretical concepts to real-world business scenarios. His responsibilities have also included offering technical support, clarifying course materials, and ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with digital tools relevant to enterprise management.
In addition to his laboratory work, Qirui has contributed to the academic assessment process by assisting in the marking of multiple modules. These responsibilities have enabled him to engage closely with different teaching teams, fostering a collaborative approach to assessment and feedback. Through these experiences, he has developed strong skills in supporting student learning and coordinating with academic colleagues.
Alongside his research and publications, Qirui has played a significant role in supporting the doctoral research community. He served as a member of the Organising Committee for the Loughborough Business School Doctoral Conference (LBDC) in 2024, and held the position of Chair of the Organising Committee for LBDC 2025. These roles reflect his commitment to fostering scholarly dialogue and supporting early-career researchers within Loughborough Business School.