Q&A with...Professor Matthew Revie
As part of our series of Q&As with Strathclyde Business School staff Professor Matthew Revie, Head of Department of Management Science, is in today's spotlight.
What’s your role at SBS?
I joined Strathclyde as an MSc student in 2002 then became a PhD student in 2003 and, other than a couple of months secondment in 2008, I’ve never left! I joined the department as staff in 2007, working on research and knowledge exchange projects, and then gradually, over the years, took on more and more roles. In 2018, I became Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange in SBS and then in 2019 I took over our Executive Education team before becoming Head of the Department of Management Science in 2022. Being Head of Department obviously takes up a lot of time but, alongside this, I continue to work on externally funded knowledge exchange projects with partners like Scottish Power, BAE Systems, and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS). These projects give me the chance to see first-hand how research can and is shaping real-world decision-making, from improving how critical infrastructure is managed to helping businesses plan for complex risks.
What does your typical day look like?
I try to divide my day, or at least my week, into three parts - though that’s easier said than done! I start by ring-fencing time for my projects and PhD students so I can give them the focus they deserve. I also make a point of engaging with colleagues across the department, especially those leading programmes or major projects, trying my best to ensure everything is running smoothly. And then, as Head of Department, the rest of my day is often reactive - responding to whatever opportunities or challenges arise.
Tell us about your research.
My research focuses on bridging the gap between theory and practice in decision support and risk analysis, particularly around the design and management of engineering systems. What excites me most is seeing my work having tangible impact. Much of my work feeds directly into improving how organisations make decisions about critical infrastructure, risk, and planning - helping companies invest more wisely, prepare for uncertainties, and deliver better outcomes. Seeing ideas move from an academic idea into change within an organisation or a real-world policy is very satisfying.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The people that I work with closely. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is helping colleagues build the careers they want. Whether it’s mentoring early-career academics, creating opportunities for staff to get involved in projects, or supporting people through promotion and development, I see it as a core part of my role. It’s not always straightforward and most staff probably never see it but seeing people develop is hugely satisfying and is nice to think that some of my actions may have played even a small part in that journey. Beyond that, I love seeing our work making a real difference to business and industry.
What’s your favourite thing about Strathclyde?
Following on from the previous question, for me it is also the people and the culture of collaboration. Over the years, I’ve had so many colleagues - both within Management Science and beyond - who have taken the time to offer advice, guidance, or just a different perspective. I’m especially grateful to people like David Nash, who took time to chat to me early in my career, but there have been many others. That authentic generosity of time is something that makes Strathclyde stand out compared to other institutions.
What’s your favourite part of teaching?
Most of my teaching has been with post-experience students, either through our executive education programmes or on the MBA. These are people who immediately connect research to their day-to-day roles - they’ll tell you what’s likely to work and where the real-world challenges lie. That back-and-forth not only makes teaching engaging, but it also helps shape the direction of my research and knowledge exchange work.
Where’s your favourite spot to eat, drink, or relax in Glasgow?
The Ottoman Coffee Shop in Finnieston is a favourite. The coffee’s excellent, the food’s great, and it’s a nice change of pace when I can get there. With two young daughters, finding time for a coffee or a meal is a bit of a challenge! In terms of relaxing, I’m fortunate to live near the West Highland Way, and enjoy walking the first few miles of it a couple of times per week.
Favourite place in Scotland?
So many parts of Scotland are amazing but I’m very much a Glaswegian at heart. Glasgow is a great city to live in. It is the perfect size – big enough to have everything someone needs, but small enough that you don’t feel lost. We also are fortunate that we can spend a morning in the city with everything it offers and, within 30 minutes, be at Loch Lomond or walking around the Campsies. You really do get the best of both worlds.
Quick fire – favourite book, music, TV show?
For books, I’d pick Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series—it’s classic sci-fi that’s stuck with me since I first read it when I was younger.
My music taste is unfortunately stuck in pre-2002 mode, so favourite artists are Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen; I’m gutted I didn’t get tickets for the Dylan concert in November!
For TV, I’m a big fan of British comedy shows like Taskmaster and Would I Lie to You.
Published: 7 August 2025
