Description
Transitioning from academic life into industry is complex, challenging and feels like going into a new world.
In this session. Dr Joe Watton will share his journey from doctoral research to professional project control practice, and how he went from rigorous research focused on benchmarking to reduce budget uncertainty and actual cost in nuclear decommissioning to Assistant Project Controller, and his ups and downs along the way.
The presentation will reflect on the practical challenges of applying academic research in real‑world project environments and how research‑driven approaches to cost reduction and benchmarking can be operationalised within consultancy and delivery settings
Provider Information
Who Should Attend?
The event speaks to Sections A1 and A2, as detailed in the BAM Framework
Speakers
Dr Joseph Watton
Dr Joseph Watton is an Assistant Project Controller at Tetra Tech with experience in delivering an array of infrastructure projects and holding a range of project management responsibilities.
Regarding his academic qualifications, Joe obtained his PhD in cost reduction and benchmarking in complex infrastructure decommissioning projects and an MSc (Eng) Engineering Project Management from the University of Leeds, as well as a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering from Nottingham Trent University.
Joe has presented his research at numerous conferences, including EURAM and British Academy of Management (BAM), as well as teaching on the Engineering Project Management MSc programme and the Introduction to Project Management module Bachelor’s programmes, both at University of Leeds.
Facilitator
Dr Rodrigo Juarez
Dr Rodrigo Juarez is a Lecturer in Project Management and Programme leader of the MSc in Engineering Project Management at the Leeds Centre for Projects, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds. He holds a PhD in Project Management and a master's in construction management & engineering from Leeds, an MBA from EUDE Business School, and a Civil Engineering degree from ITESM, Mexico.
Rodrigo’s research explores infrastructure megaprojects, with a particular focus on the impacts and implications of project termination during the delivery stage. His work aims to advance understanding of effective project closure practices and their role in improving the efficiency and resilience of major and megaprojects, especially in developing countries. He is particularly interested in Latin America, where infrastructure delivery is often challenged by political, financial, and institutional volatility.
Rodrigo has published in the International Journal of Project Management and presented at global forums including EURAM, IRNOP, EGOS, BAM, and the World Bank. He is the Vice Chair of the FIDIC Integrity Committee, Co-Track Chair/Doctoral Programmes of the British Academy of Management Project Experiences SIG, member of the Megaprojects Research Interdisciplinary Team Scientific Committee, and Sustainability Ambassador of the Major Projects Association.Benefits of attending
- Networking opportunities;
- Career paths;
- Meet emerging and established researchers;
- Engage with the BAM Prex SIG
Contact
Please contact the BAM Office at [email protected] with any queries.
Event Fee
BAM Member: Free
Non-Member: £60
If you are booking multiple paid events as a Non-Member, it may be cheaper for you to purchase a BAM Membership as nearly all BAM Events are free or at a discounted rate for Members.
For more information, please visit BAM Membership
Registration closes on 30th June 2026 at 23:59 BST
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Payment for the event must be received before the start date of the event concerned. Access will not be permitted to the event if full payment has not been received.
Cancellations
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Cancellations received within 14 days of booking your place on the event will receive a full refund.
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Cancellations received after the 14-day cancellation period and later than 14 days before the start date of the event will not be eligible for a refund.
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Although we endeavour to run all events as advertised, BAM reserves the right to cancel any event if, for example, there are not enough people to justify running the event or if other significant unforeseen circumstances arise.
To cancel a booking a cancellation request must be submitted via your BAM Account, to do this:
- Go to your BAM Account
- Click 'My Events'
- Under 'Upcoming Events' will be the booking, please click Cancel Booking
- Follow the steps and complete the request
