13 April - 21 May 2026
#Visiting scholar
Stephanie Decker, University of Birmingham, UK
I am a business historian working at Birmingham Business School as Professor of Strategy. My work sits at the intersection of history and management studies, and I have published in management journals such as the Academy of Management Review, Human Relations, Journal of Management Studies, Organization, Business History and Business History Review (where I won the Henrietta Larson Award for the best article twice). I hold several roles at the British Academy of Management (BAM): Vice Dean of Fellows, Doctoral Symposium Convenor and business editor for Business Research Unpacked, the practitioner-focused blog by the BAM.
While at the University of Padua, my research project examines the potential Methodological applications of currently available Generative AI tools for business historical research as a key skill set for industrial heritage (MeGA). The accelerating development of generative AI technologies presents both opportunities and challenges for academics and students. This project will explore how generative AI applications can enhance both historical research on business and industrial heritage and whether it can facilitate students’ learning. The project builds on Professor Decker's experience with digital methodologies and business history, and Dr. Bertilorenzi's expertise in business history and industrial heritage. As an Erasmus Mundus project, the project will specifically address whether AI-tools can assist bilingual learners in acquiring a deeper understanding of historical and heritage research beyond English and French publications (specifically the Italian tradition).
