Meet the Team - Dr Gary Holt

Gary D. Holt BSc(Hons), PhD, FCIOB

Professor of Innovation in Machinery Management
Centre for Business, Innovation and Enterprise
Birmingham City University

Short Biography
Gary’s early career furnished him management experience in the construction industry, for the lattermost part, within the speculative property development and investment sector. He joined higher education provision in 1990 and since that time, has held various university teaching and research management positions. His primary academic focus is machinery management and innovation, especially, relating to construction activity. Specific areas he has studied in this field include: excavator contractor selection, organisational relationships and empowerment – though he holds an interest in research and its methodology per-se. Products of his academic endeavour have been reported through publication of approximately 160 refereed academic journal and conference papers; six textbooks; numerous industry-facing technical and ‘best-practice’ guides; and electronic media (embracing on-line databases, interactive self-study learning resources and educational DVDs). His research and consultancy has been funded by institutional grants, industrial collaboration, government bodies and commercial organisations.

Research expertise
Primary – management and innovation pertaining to: self-propelled plant; hand-held (or guided) mechanical equipment; and other forms of productivity enhancing machinery. 
Supplementary – construction management; workplace health and safety; research methods.

Other activities
Gary serves on many international conferences’ advisory, editorial and reviewing panels and he is a member of the organising and technical advisory committee for the Plant and Equipment Management in Innovation Conference series. He is an Editorial Advisory Board Member to The Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction (Emerald) and active peer referee to approximately 20 international construction management and business sector academic journals. He has refereed / reviewed for the European Framework research series; the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; and the Health and Safety Executive. He is an external (PhD) examiner to Loughborough University and UMIST and former external (MSc programme) examiner to the University of Bolton. He has provided consultant services to several English universities, public sector authorities, and blue-chip companies.