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Double success for University of Sussex Business School MSc students at National APM Awards
By: Serena Mitchell
Last updated: Friday, 18 July 2025
Alima Soltanmuratova
Chijioke Emenike
We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of two students from our MSc Project Management programme who were recognised at the prestigious Association for Project Management (APM) Postgraduate Dissertation of the Year Awards 2025.
Alima Soltanmuratova, Winner
Integrating Design Thinking with Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Strategies for Enhancing Project Outcomes
Alima’s dissertation was praised by judges as “original, conceptually ambitious, and professionally relevant”, showcasing intellectual maturity, ethical awareness, and a thoughtful methodological approach. Her research explores how combining Design Thinking’s creative, human-centred approach with AI’s analytical power can enhance project outcomes. Using causal loop diagrams, grounded theory, thematic analysis and a case study, she proposed a systemic hypothesis to support innovation, decision-making, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Alima said:
“It’s an incredible honour to receive this recognition from APM. My research was inspired by a desire to explore how creativity and technology can work together in the service of better decision-making and more human-centred project outcomes. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my tutors at Sussex.”
Her dissertation supervisor, Dr Gary Bell, commented:
“Congratulations to Alima on this well-deserved recognition. Her work is a powerful example of what can happen when rigorous academic research meets innovative, future-facing thinking. I’m proud to have supported her on this journey.”
Chijioke Emenike, Finalist
Exploring the Impact of Facilitation and Leadership in Design Thinking Within a Project Management Context
Chijioke’s dissertation explored the critical human dimensions of successful innovation in project environments. With growing interest in design thinking within project management, his research examined how facilitation and leadership—not just the design process itself—play essential roles in enabling collaborative success. Through an inductive methodology, causal loop diagrams, and thematic (a priori) analysis, he developed initial systemic hypotheses and considered how these dynamics can benefit complex infrastructure projects using human-centred approaches.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Alima and Chijioke for receiving national recognition for their exceptional work. Their achievements reflect the innovation, rigour, and professional relevance we aim to instil in all our students.
Find out more about our MSc Project Management programme.