Dr Imran Ishrat
Senior Lecturer
Supply Chain Management &
Operations Management
Ara Institute of Canterbury, New Zealand
My research examines how supply chains can transform to create sustainable, resilient, transparent and equitable outcomes, with particular interest in luxury and natural-fibre supply chains in the Global South.
My work brings together supply chain management, operations management, sustainability, technological transformation and responsible governance.
Research Interests
Transformative Supply Chains
Transformation of supply chains beyond conventional efficiency towards sustainable, resilient and equitable systems.
Sustainability & Regeneration
Economic, environmental, social, cultural and technological dimensions of sustainable supply chains.
Cashmere & Luxury Natural Fibres
Transformation of luxury natural-fibre value chains, with particular focus on cashmere in the Global South.
AI, Traceability & Transparency
Emerging technologies, provenance, traceability and data-driven supply-chain transformation.
Transformative Cashmere Supply Chains
Challenges and opportunities in the Global South
My flagship research programme investigates how cashmere supply chains can become more sustainable, transparent, resilient and equitable while protecting cultural heritage and strengthening artisan communities.
The programme considers sustainability, technology, traceability, fair trade, governance, skills, livelihoods and market access as interconnected dimensions of supply-chain transformation.
Research Programme
Sustainability & Regeneration
Sustainable production, circularity, environmental responsibility and long-term resilience.
Traceability & Transparency
AI and emerging technologies for provenance, visibility and supply-chain transparency.
Fair Trade & Governance
Ethical sourcing, artisan livelihoods, value distribution and responsible governance.
Academic Profile
Massey University
Academic and professional experience
Academic book author
Research collaborations and invited presentations
Selected Publications
My publications span supply chain management, operations management, quality, sustainability and related areas of applied research.
Awards & Recognition
- Incumbent Fellow, Logistics Institute of New Zealand (LINZ), New Zealand.
- Affiliate, South Asia Research Institute (SARI), Australian National University.
- Dean’s List of Exceptional Doctoral Thesis Award, Massey University.
- Excellent Presentation Award, 8th ICITM Conference, University of Cambridge.
- Engineering Science Scholarship.
- New Zealand Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Scholarship.
International Engagement
My academic engagement includes international research networks, invited research presentations, industry engagement and collaborative work in sustainable supply chains and natural-fibre industries.
Research Collaboration
I welcome opportunities for international research collaboration, visiting academic engagement, invited seminars, postgraduate research and interdisciplinary projects.