Professor Andrew Thomas

Dean of School of Management

Business

a.j.thomas@swansea.ac.uk

Fluent Welsh Speaker

Office - 333
Third Floor
School of Management
Bay Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1942-7050

ResearchGate

Google Scholar

Scopus

About

Andrew Thomas is a Professor of Engineering Management and Dean / Head of Swansea School of Management. He entered academia having followed an industrial career initially with the Royal Air Force and then later with BE Aerospace where he undertook roles in aerospace, manufacturing, and production engineering. Since then, he has held positions at a number of levels in Higher education including Lecturer/Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow and, management positions as, Associate Dean, Head of School and Director of Faculty.

His main research interests include forensic engineering, maintenance management, engineering management, manufacturing strategy and operations management. He has published over 250 research articles, journal papers and delivered several keynote speeches in these areas.

He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, and a Chartered Engineer. He has supervised and led twenty-five KTP projects as well as several ERDF, EPSRC, EU FP7 and Horizon 2020 projects. He is currently Chair of the Consortium of Manufacturing and Engineering Heads UK (COMEH) and a member of the Engineering Professors Council (EPC UK).

Areas Of Expertise

Project Management,
Forensic engineering,
Maintenance management,
Engineering management,
Manufacturing strategy,
Strategic Operations management
Strategic Leadership

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Andrew teaches a range of subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels including Strategic Operations and Supply Chain Management; Project Management tools and techniques; Strategic Leadership and Supply Chain Management.

Research Award Highlights Collaborations

Publications

Research Highlights

Rahman, R., Reid, C., Kloer, P., Henchie, A., Thomas, A., & Zwiggelaar, R. (2024). A systematic review of literature examining the application of a social model of health and wellbeing. European Journal of Public Health, 34(3), 467-472.
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae008, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66942
Xia, H., Wang, Y., Jasimuddin, S., Zhang, J., & Thomas, A. (2023). A big-data-driven matching model based on deep reinforcement learning for cotton blending. International Journal of Production Research, 61(22), 7573-7591.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2022.2153942, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66945
Francis, M., Thomas, A., & Fisher, R. (2021). Systematic analysis of the methodological structure of the lean literature. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, 13(4), 526-544.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqss-03-2020-0050, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66950
Thomas, A., Morris, W., Haven-Tang, C., Francis, M., & Byard, P. (2021). Smart Systems and Collaborative Innovation Networks for Productivity Improvement in SMEs. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), 3
https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66949
Francis, M., Thomas, A., Fisher, R., & Jones, R. (2019). Author and institution citation analysis of the lean literature. International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Resilience, 3(4), 330
https://doi.org/10.1504/ijscor.2019.099457, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66976

All Research

Journal Articles

Goorberg, D., Stuijts, M., & Thomas, A. (2024). Towards The Development of a Governance System for Central Purchasing Body Collaboration and Performance. Standards, 4(3), 79-101.
https://doi.org/10.3390/standards4030006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66975
Rahman, R., Reid, C., Kloer, P., Henchie, A., Thomas, A., & Zwiggelaar, R. (2024). A systematic review of literature examining the application of a social model of health and wellbeing. European Journal of Public Health, 34(3), 467-472.
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae008, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66942
Hasan, J., Thomas, A., & Tomos, O. (2024). Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in the Oil and Gas Industry: A Case Study. Sustainability, 16(5), 1720
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051720, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66944
Xia, H., Wang, Y., Jasimuddin, S., Zhang, J., & Thomas, A. (2023). A big-data-driven matching model based on deep reinforcement learning for cotton blending. International Journal of Production Research, 61(22), 7573-7591.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2022.2153942, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66945
Abdulai, A., Murphy, L., Thomas, A., & Thomas, B. (2022). Technology Transfer Offices and Their Role with Information Mechanisms for Innovation Performance in Firms: The Case of Ghana. Knowledge, 2(4), 719-734.
https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge2040041, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66943
Mason-Jones, R., Davies, P., & Thomas, A. (2022). Applying the Theory of Constraints to Explore the UK Renewable-Energy Supply Chain. Sustainability, 14(20), 13307
https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013307, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61465
Schmidt, I., Morris, W., Thomas, A., & Manning, L. (2022). Smart Systems: The Role of Advanced Technologies in Improving Business Quality, Performance and Supply Chain Integration. Standards, 2(3), 276-293.
https://doi.org/10.3390/standards2030020, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66947
Haven-Tang, C., Thomas, A., & Fisher, R. (2022). To What Extent Does the Food Tourism ‘Label’ Enhance Local Food Supply Chains? Experiences from Southeast Wales. Tourism and Hospitality, 3(1), 153-160.
https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp3010011, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66948
Francis, M., Thomas, A., & Fisher, R. (2021). Systematic analysis of the methodological structure of the lean literature. International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences, 13(4), 526-544.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqss-03-2020-0050, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66950
Thomas, A., Morris, W., Haven-Tang, C., Francis, M., & Byard, P. (2021). Smart Systems and Collaborative Innovation Networks for Productivity Improvement in SMEs. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), 3
https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010003, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66949
Francis, M., Thomas, A., Fisher, R., & Jones, R. (2019). Author and institution citation analysis of the lean literature. International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Resilience, 3(4), 330
https://doi.org/10.1504/ijscor.2019.099457, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66976
Thomas, A., Haven-Tang, C., Barton, R., Mason-Jones, R., Francis, M., & Byard, P. (2018). Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies: A Sustainability Perspective. Sustainability, 10(12), 4693
https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124693, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66951
Thomas, A., Dorrington, P., Haven-Tang, C., Mason-Jones, R., Francis, M., & Fisher, R. (2018). The application of group consensus theory to aid organisational learning and sustainable innovation in manufacturing SMEs. Cogent Business & Management, 5(1), 1423788
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2018.1423788, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66978
Hill, J., Thomas, A., Mason-Jones, R., & El-Kateb, S. (2018). The implementation of a Lean Six Sigma framework to enhance operational performance in an MRO facility. Production & Manufacturing Research, 6(1), 26-48.
https://doi.org/10.1080/21693277.2017.1417179, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66939
Thomas, A., Dorrington, P., Costa, F., Loudon, G., Francis, M., & Fisher, R. (2017). Organisational learning capability in SMEs: An empirical development of innovation in the supply chain. Cogent Business & Management, 4(1), 1364057
https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2017.1364057, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66952
Thomas, A., Antony, J., Haven-Tang, C., Francis, M., & Fisher, R. (2017). Implementing Lean Six Sigma into curriculum design and delivery – a case study in higher education. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 66(5), 577-597.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm-08-2016-0176, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66981
Thomas, A., Childerhouse, P., Potter, A., McCullen, P., Deakins, E., Bohme, T., Hosoda, T., Yaseen, E., & Towill, D. (2017). Supply chain theory and cultural diversity. Manipal Journal of Science and Technology, 2(1)
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66979
Worsfold, K., Fisher, R., McPhail, R., Francis, M., & Thomas, A. (2016). Satisfaction, value and intention to return in hotels. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 28(11), 2570-2588.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-04-2015-0195, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66982
Fisher, R., Francis, M., Thomas, A., Burgess, K., & Mutter, K. (2016). Conceptions of value as family resemblances. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 19(4), 378-394.
https://doi.org/10.1108/qmr-11-2015-0084, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67104
Thomas, A., Francis, M., Fisher, R., & Byard, P. (2016). Implementing Lean Six Sigma to overcome the production challenges in an aerospace company. Production Planning & Control, 27(7-8), 1-13.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2016.1165300, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66955
Thomas, A., Byard, P., Francis, M., Fisher, R., & White, G. (2016). Profiling the resiliency and sustainability of UK manufacturing companies. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 27(1), 82-99.
https://doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-06-2014-0086, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66983
Darlington, J., Francis, M., Found, P., & Thomas, A. (2016). Targeting lean process improvement projects for maximum financial impact. Production Planning & Control, 27(2), 114-132.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2015.1082665, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66954
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2015.1082665
Thomas, A., Antony, J., Francis, M., & Fisher, R. (2015). A comparative study of Lean implementation in higher and further education institutions in the UK. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 32(9), 982-996.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-09-2014-0134, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66984
Thomas, A., Pham, D., Francis, M., & Fisher, R. (2015). Creating resilient and sustainable manufacturing businesses – a conceptual fitness model. International Journal of Production Research, 53(13), 3934-3946.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2014.975850, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66956
Darlington, J., Francis, M., Found, P., & Thomas, A. (2015). Design and implementation of a Drum-Buffer-Rope pull-system. Production Planning & Control, 26(6), 489-504.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2014.926409, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66957
Thomas, A., Mason-Jones, R., Davies, A., John, E., & Thomas, A. (2015). Reducing turn-round variability through the application of Six Sigma in aerospace MRO facilities. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 26(3), 314-332.
https://doi.org/10.1108/jmtm-05-2013-0052, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66986
Francis, M., Fisher, R., Thomas, A., & Rowlands, H. (2014). The meaning of ‘value’ in purchasing, logistics and operations management. International Journal of Production Research, 52(22), 6576-6589.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2014.903349, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66958
Thomas, A., Davies, A., Ringwald, K., Parfitt, S., & John, E. (2014). An empirical analysis of Lean Six Sigma implementation in SMEs – a migratory perspective. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 31(8), 888-905.
https://doi.org/10.1108/ijqrm-04-2013-0070, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66987
Davies, A., John, E., & Thomas, A. (2014). Corporate strategy development via numerical situation analysis. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 21(4), 619-633.
https://doi.org/10.1108/bij-05-2012-0033, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66999
Davies, A., Thomas, A., & John, E. (2014). Minimising transportation in manufacturing supply chains. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 7(2), 144-153.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19397038.2013.801531, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66998
Davies, A., John, E., & Thomas, A. (2013). A flow direction weighting scheme for facility layout in cellular manufacturing. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 62(2), 185-203.
https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401311295731, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67000
Thomas, A., Francis, M., John, E., & Davies, A. (2012). Identifying the characteristics for achieving sustainable manufacturing companies. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 23(4), 426-440.
https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381211230376, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67002
Thomas, A., Byard, P., & Evans, R. (2012). Identifying the UK's manufacturing challenges as a benchmark for future growth. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 23(2), 142-156.
https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381211202160, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67003
Pham, D. & Thomas, A. (2012). Fit manufacturing: a framework for sustainability. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 23(1), 103-123.
https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381211196311, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67009
Thomas, A. & Barton, R. (2011). Characterizing SME migration towards advanced manufacturing technologies. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part B: Journal of Engineering Manufacture, 226(4), 745-756.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0954405411424977, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67001
John, E., Kuznecov, A., Thomas, A., & Davies, A. (2011). A weighted similarity coefficient technique for manufacturing facility design. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 60(7), 746-757.
https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401111167816, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67011
Pham, D., Williams, O., & Thomas, A. (2011). A framework for fit manufacturing. International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology, 3(3/4), 415
https://doi.org/10.1504/ijcaet.2011.040056, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67010
Davies, A., John, E., & Thomas, A. (2011). Integrating the Last Order Costing model into a lean framework. International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 6(2), 160
https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmr.2011.040009, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67015
Thomas, A. & Barton, R. (2011). Using the Quick Scan Audit Methodology (QSAM) as a precursor towards successful Lean Six Sigma implementation. International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, 2(1), 41-54.
https://doi.org/10.1108/20401461111119440, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67012
Thomas, A., Chard, J., John, E., Davies, A., & Francis, M. (2011). Defining a bearing replacement strategy using Monte Carlo methods. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 28(2), 155-168.
https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711111101737, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66960
Childerhouse, P., Thomas, A., Phillips, G., & Towill, D. (2010). Auditing improvements in a product delivery process (AIPDP). Business Process Management Journal, 16(4), 598-618.
https://doi.org/10.1108/14637151011065937, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67017
Sarmiento, R. & Thomas, A. (2010). Identifying improvement areas when implementing green initiatives using a multitier AHP approach. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 17(3), 452-463.
https://doi.org/10.1108/14635771011049399, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67018

Conference Contributions

Thomas, A., Fisher, R., Francis, M., Mutter, K., & Jones, O. (2016). Conceptions of value as family resemblances: a theoretical model and methodology. In Proceedings of the Qualitative Research Conference 2016. 24-26 May, Penang, Malaysia (pp. 247-256).
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66980

Edited Books

Thomas, A., Murphy, ., Morris, W., Dispenza, V., & Jones, D. (Eds.). (2023). Advances in Manufacturing Technology XXXVI. IOS Press.
https://doi.org/10.3233/atde44, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66995

Supervision

Untitled (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Daniel Rees
Draft working title (not confirmed) - Exploring the views of specialist clinicians in wound management within Wales on the clinical utility of the Wound-Q and the potential facilitators and barriers to its implementation (current)

DBA

Other supervisor: Dr Helen Yu
Working title. Marketing Acuity in a World of Technological Fragmentation - A Study Towards Advancement (current)

DBA

Other supervisor: Prof Denis Dennehy

Professor Andrew Thomas

Email address

Welsh language proficiency

LinkedIn Account