Dr Imran Ali is a globally ranked researcher, academic leader, and innovative educator, recognized as a thought leader in business management, specifically in information systems, logistics, operations, and supply chain management. His research continues to shape digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and business innovation, significantly impacting academia and industry. As the Discipline Leader and Senior Lecturer in Management & Innovation at Central Queensland University's (CQUniversity) Melbourne Campus, he plays a key role in leading and mentoring faculty, shaping academic programs, and driving research and teaching innovation. With over 18 years of combined academic and industry experience, he brings strategic leadership, research excellence, and strong industry engagement to his role.

Dr Ali earned his PhD in Business Management (specializing in Logistics and Supply Chain Management) from the University of South Australia’s Business School in 2017 through a fully funded scholarship. His expertise spans digital transformation, AI, blockchain, IoT, risk management, resilience, sustainability, and climate change, with a strong focus on the agri-food supply chains. His current research explores the optimal level of human-AI collaboration for enhanced productivity. His research aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (1, 2, 8, 9, & 13). In recognition of his research contributions, he has been ranked among the top 2% of the most cited researchers in business and management globally, according to the Stanford University rankings in 2023. Additionally, ScholarGPS ranks him 361st among 35,230 supply chain scholars worldwide, placing him in the top 1.03% for productivity, top 1.94% for impact, and top 1.01% overall. His research has gained widespread media attention, with coverage on ABC TV, 9News, 10News, ABC Radio, the Conversation, the Guardian, and the Sydney Morning Herald, reflecting its practical relevance in global discussions on food security, logistics, and supply chain management challenges.

Dr Ali has a growing publication record, with 63 articles published in top-tier (A*/A, ABS 3/4, Q1) journals since 2018, including the International Journal of Information Management, Transportation Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, International Journal of Production Economics, Production Planning & Control, Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Business Research, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, and others.

He also holds editorial positions in several prestigious (Q1 & Q2) journals, serving as Regional Editor for the Asia Pacific Business Review, Guest Editor for Transportation Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review (ABDC A*), and Asia Pacific Business Review (ABDC B), and as an editorial board member for Production Planning & Control (ABDC A), Journal of Business Research (ABDC A), and the International Journal of Logistics Management (ABDC A).

He works closely with the Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chains at CQUniversity, engaging with industry leaders, government bodies, and strategic partners to drive innovation in digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and operational efficiency. His strong industry engagement is reflected in the successful acquisition of over $408,615 (2021-2024) in competitive research grants (categories 2 & 3) from federal government agencies and industry partners, including DAFF ($245,814), CRCNA ($30,000), and various industry collaborations ($120,000). His global partnerships span Indonesia, China, Europe, the UK, and the USA, where he collaborates with leading universities, corporate leaders, and technology firms to advance research, foster innovation, and influence policy development. 

Dr Ali has played a critical role in developing, coordinating, and teaching a range of courses. His teaching approach combines blended learning with real-world industry applications, ensuring students graduate with job-ready skills. Beyond teaching, he has collaborated with colleagues to develop new degree programs, graduate certificates, and specialized units that address emerging industry needs and technological advancements. His efforts have contributed to the creation of future-focused curricula that bridge the gap between academia and industry. Additionally, as a dedicated PhD supervisor, he has successfully guided three Research Higher Degree students to completion, with four additional students currently progressing under his mentorship.

His commitment to research excellence, industry collaboration, and innovative teaching has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper (2023), the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Research (2024), the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Early-Career Researcher (2022), the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Early-Career Researcher (2021 & 2022), the Best Proceedings Paper at the Academy of Management Conference (2019, USA), and the Educator of the Year Award (2019). As a globally ranked researcher, discipline leader, and highly respected academic, Dr Ali continues to shape the future of digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and business innovation. Through his research leadership, industry collaboration, and curriculum development, he is bridging academia and industry to create real-world impact on a global scale.