Faculty Research Interest

Michael is the Dean of the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online, and Distance Learning at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), where he oversees the design and delivery of academic programmes, research initiatives, and the development of online and virtual learning methodologies. He has held several leadership roles in higher education, including Head of the Department of Lifelong Learning and Head of the School of Business and Humanities. Beyond academia, he has served as Global Training Manager for a financial software start-up and Consultancy Services Manager for a banking software company. He has also been a visiting lecturer at Manchester Business School, a Senior Lecturer at Dublin Business School in Ireland and Malaysia, and an Assistant Lecturer/Researcher at NUI Galway. With extensive international experience, he has worked in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Colombia, Mexico, Jamaica, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, China, and the United States. He holds an MA in Economics from NUI Galway and an EdD in Education from the University of Sheffield, where his doctoral research focused on foresight and strategy in the Irish higher education system. His doctoral work, Future Scenarios for Institutes of Technology in the Irish Higher Education System: A Strategic Foresight Study, examined the future landscape of Irish higher education. His research interests include economic efficiency in higher education, strategic management, professional development, leadership, system structures, lifelong learning, and adult learner engagement. His expertise spans academic strategy and policy, teaching and learning development, online programme design and assessment, programme development and accreditation, academic and service quality enhancement, external quality assessment, higher education management at the executive level, and lifelong learning, access, and engagement.

Declan is the Head of Department at the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest. Declan graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Business Degree and from the University of Limerick with an MSc in Human Resource Management. Declan is currently a PhD candidate in Lancaster University on the HEREE PhD programme, the PhD in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement. As part of the team in the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at TUS Midlands Campus, continuing to work closely with industry to ensure that we deliver relevant learning opportunities meeting both learner and industry skill demands is our passion. Declan has published in the areas of industry academia collaboration, evaluations on Communities of Practice and the implementation of multi modality in supporting teaching and learning environments. Declan has been involved in the establishment of TUS Learning Gates nationwide where adult learners can build connectivity with TUS regionally as they pursue their academic journey.

Kevin is a lecturer in the Department of Lifelong Learning, at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

With over 25 years industrial experience and extensive teaching experience at third level, he delivers modules in Quality Regulations, Data Analysis, Statistical Process Control, Problem Solving Tools, Lean Six Sigma Calibration and Validation on our Quality and Lean Management programs. He is also a Master research supervisor in the faculty.

Kevin holds an MSc in Lean Sigma Systems from the University of Limerick, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning, Teaching and Assessment from TUS. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Research interests include Adult Education, Applied Practice, Universal Design for Learning, Online Teaching, and Data Analytics for Quality and Process Improvement.

 Kevin’s teaching philosophy is rooted in active learning, fostering a democratic and inclusive learning environment where students are valued, respected, and encouraged to contribute to the collective knowledge within the classroom

Beyond his academic commitments, Kevin sits on a number of academic sub-committees and also represents the faculty at Academic Council.

Jim is a senior lecturer in the Department of Lifelong Learning, at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

With extensive teaching experience at third level, he delivers modules in Business, Strategic Leadership and Management Consultancy on our MBA programme. He is also a Master research supervisor, coordinating the Dissertation module across all programmes.

 Jim holds an MSc in Product Development and Innovation, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Pedagogic and Academic Practice. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Portsmouth.

Research interests include: Adult education, Applied Practice, Student Identity and Online Teaching Methodologies for Student Success.  He has published and presented research both nationally and internationally.

 Jim is currently engaged in the development of a European Degree in Business for Professional English in collaboration with the University of Burgos, Spain, and has played a pivotal role in developing and delivering courses through the TUS Learning Gates initiative, enabling adult learners to achieve their academic aspirations within their communities. Beyond his academic commitments, Jim delivers professional development training for industry partners and represents the faculty at Academic Council.

Shona is an Assistant Lecturer in Business and Management with the Department of Lifelong Learning here in TUS.

She teaches a range of business management topics across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Examples include Sustainable Corporate Citizenship on the MBA, Applied Case Study Capstone on the Postgraduate Diploma in financial management and at undergraduate level she teaches on Strategic Management, Strategic Marketing Management and Applied Practice modules.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from NUIG, a Higher Diploma in Business from AIT and a Masters in International Management from NUIG. She is currently pursuing a PhD with Imperial College London in the field of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (sustainable business management).

Prior to taking up a role with TUS in 2023, Shona worked in various finance roles including as an Investment Associate with J&E Davy (formally Davy Stockbrokers). From her time working in finance she has gained a QFA designation with the Institute of Bankers.

Shona is currently undertaking research in the field of sustainable business as part of her PhD with Imperial College London. Her research focuses on examining what relationship exists between sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems and SME’s within Ireland and how can SEE development be accelerated to support the adoption and scaling of sustainable business models and practices by Irish SMEs.

She is also an advisor on Impact4Mar, an Interreg European funded research project investigating how maritime SME’s across Europe can be supported to meet EU sustainable business regulations and as a result contribute to thriving coastal communities into the future.

Outside of this, Shona supervises postgraduate research projects within the faculty and supports faculty research around online and distance learning pedagogies.

Paul is an assistant lecturer in the Department of Lifelong Learning at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

Paul has extensive teaching and lecturing experience at further education and third levels, he delivers modules in Financial Management, Financial Accounting and Corporate Governance and Risk Management on our MBA programme. He is also a Masters research supervisor for students on a range of Postgraduate courses.

Paul holds qualifications at Undergraduate level in Banking and Finance and at Postgraduate level in Computing and Information Systems. Paul qualified as an Accountant with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Paul is currently Studying for an MA in Academic Practice at (TUS)

Research interests include Regional Economic Development, Financial Performance Management and evolution of Online Teaching Methodologies Paul has been engaged in the development Courses at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level in the Department of Lifelong Learning, at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).  Paul is a member of the TUS Academic Affairs and Quality Committee.