System Improvement Research Cluster (SIRC)

The System Improvement Research Cluster (SIRC) is a multidisciplinary and applied research cluster, forming one of three strategic research clusters within the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement (CSCI). The primary aim of SIRC is to bring together research-focused academics with an interest in systems improvement, both from a research and teaching perspective. At its core, system improvement is concerned with enhancing the performance of processes and operations – recognising that even well-managed systems have the potential to be better.

In an increasingly competitive and technologically advanced global environment, the importance of research into system improvement has never been greater. SIRC is committed to embedding creativity within process improvement methodologies and frameworks. This involves fostering business structures and cultures that encourage innovation and change, as well as harnessing technological advancements to drive significant improvements in business performance.

SIRC supports the broader mission of the CSCI by addressing the systemic changes necessary to transition towards a Circular Economy, enable Sustainable Operations, and respond effectively to the opportunities and challenges posed by Industry 4.0. 

Expertise within the Cluster includes: Expert and Intelligent Systems, Modelling and Simulation, Computational Techniques, Process Mapping and Systems Thinking, Cloud Computing, Lean and Agile Methodologies, Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0 Technologies.

Our aims

The aims of the System Improvement Research Cluster (SIRC), as part of the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement (CSCI), are as follows:

  1. Advance Systems Improvement Research: To conduct high-quality, applied research that focuses on improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of organisational systems across various sectors.

  2. Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration: To bring together academic staff and industry practitioners from diverse disciplines to tackle complex system-related challenges through collaborative research and innovation.

  3. Enable Innovation and Creativity: To embed creativity within process improvement frameworks, fostering organisational cultures that are adaptable, innovative, and open to change.

  4. Support Digital and Technological Integration: To explore and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and modelling and simulation to drive performance improvements aligned with Industry 4.0.

  5. Contribute to Sustainable and Circular Economy Goals: To support research that enables organisations to transition to more sustainable practices and circular business models, reducing waste and environmental impact.

  6. Enhance Teaching and Learning: To inform curriculum development and student learning through research-led teaching, ensuring students are exposed to cutting-edge practices and methodologies in systems improvement.

  7. Foster Research Impact and Knowledge Exchange: To translate academic research into practical solutions for industry and public sector partners, contributing to societal and economic improvements at regional, national, and international levels. 

Research Cluster Lead

The Systems Improvement Research Cluster (SIRC) is led by Dr Pouria Liravi, Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Derby. He heads the cluster within the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement, guiding its multidisciplinary research activities focused on enhancing the performance of systems and processes

Pouria Liravi looking at camera in suit and tie
Dr Pouria Liravi

Pouria is a Senior Lecturer at Derby Business School. He is a Chartered Member of Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transpor...

Research Cluster Team

Our research

The Systems Improvement Research Cluster (SIRC) is a vibrant and interdisciplinary research hub within the University of Derby’s Centre for Supply Chain Improvement (CSCI). The cluster is dedicated to advancing innovation in systems performance, digital transformation, and sustainability across diverse sectors. SIRC fosters collaborative research by bringing together academics, industry professionals, and public sector stakeholders to tackle real-world challenges through practical, evidence-based solutions.

SIRC is engaged in a number of externally funded projects supported by leading organisations such as the British Academy and is actively pursuing new funding opportunities through Horizon Europe and national professional institutes. Its research covers a wide range of themes, including logistics innovation, supply chain resilience, digital connectivity, circular economy models, and global research equity. Cluster members contribute regularly to high-quality academic publications and collaborate closely with organisations to co-develop impactful research with measurable outcomes.

In addition to its research activities, SIRC plays a leading role in knowledge exchange and public engagement. The cluster organises major events such as Logistics Week 2025 at the University of Derby, an annual flagship event that brings together researchers, students, and industry experts to explore the latest developments in logistics, operations, and supply chain management.

Through its interdisciplinary focus, commitment to external funding, strong publication record, and ongoing industry partnerships, SIRC continues to position itself at the forefront of applied systems improvement research.

Join us

The Systems Improvement Research Cluster (SIRC) at the University of Derby’s Centre for Supply Chain Improvement (CSCI) welcomes engagement from individuals and organisations interested in systems thinking, innovation, and applied research.

We are keen to connect with:

We also offer guidance and partnership opportunities through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) and Management KTPs (mKTPs), supporting organisations to embed innovation and access academic expertise.

If you are interested in any of our research themes or related areas, or would like to discuss potential collaborations, please contact Dr Pouria Liravi at p.liravi@derby.ac.uk.

Collaboration opportunities

SIRC offers a range of collaboration opportunities with academic institutions, industry partners, and public sector organisations. These include: 

Through these collaborations, SIRC seeks to co-create impactful, real-world solutions that enhance systems across manufacturing, services, logistics, healthcare, and public sector operations. 

For more information about our research themes or related areas, or to explore potential collaborations, please contact Dr Pouria Liravi at p.liravi@derby.ac.uk.

Publications

  • He, Q., Meadows, M., Angwin, D., Gomes, E. & Child, J. (2023) Problematizing Strategic Alliance Research: Challenges, Issues and Paradoxes in the New Era, International Journal of Management Reviews (CABS 3*), 1–5.
  • Li, M., Wang, L., Liu, Z. and He, Q. (2023) Regional logistics, carbon emission index and green financial performance enhancement configuration: a comparative study based on 30 Chinese provinces. Frontiers of Energy Research. 11, 1-15.
  • Xiong, A., Xia, S., He, Q., Ameen, N., Yan, J., & Jones, P. (2023). When Will Employees Accept Remote Working? The impact of Gender and Internet Skills. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 8(3), 100402. (Impact factor: 11.219)
  • Yang, Z., Hu, W., Shao, J., Shou, Y. and He, Q. (2023), "How does digitalization alter the paradox of supply base concentration? The effects of digitalization intensity and breadth", International Journal of Operations & Production Management (CABS 4*), 43(11), 1690-1722.
  • Ramanathan, U., He, Q., Subramanian, N., Gunasekaran, A., & Sarpong, D. (2023). Collaborative closed-loop supply chain framework for sustainable manufacturing: Evidence from the Indian packaging industry. Technological Forecasting & Social Change (CABS 3), Volume 191, 122489.
  • Zhao, L., He, Q., Guo, L., & Sarpong, D. (2023). Organizational digital literacy and enterprise digital transformation: Evidence from Chinese listed companies. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management (CABS 3), In print.
  • Hua, C., Zhao, L., He, Q., & Chen, Z. (2023). When and How Workplace Ostracism Leads to Interpersonal Deviance: The Moderating Effects of Self-control and Negative Affect. Journal of Business Research, 156, 113554. (CABS 3).
  • Prasad, K.V., Vasugi, V., Antony, J., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Venkatesan, R. (2023), “Lean Readiness of Organizations – A Systematic Scientometric Review”, Accepted for publication in Total Quality Management and Business Excellence – in press.
  • Maldonado-Guzman, G., Pinzón-Castro, S.Y., Garza-Reyes, J.A. (2023), “Does the Integration of Lean Production and Industry 4.0 in Green Supply Chains Generate a Better Operational Performance?”, Accepted for publication in the Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management – in press.
  • Kaswan, M.S., Rathi, R., Antony, J., Cross, J., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Singh, M., Preet Singh, I., Sony, M. (2023), “Integrated Green Lean Six Sigma-Industry 4.0 approach to combat COVID-19: from literature review to framework development”, Accepted for publication in the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma – in press.
  • Fontoura, L., de Mattos Nascimento D.L., Vieira Neto, J., Garcia-Buendia, N., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Tortorella, G.L., Alves Lima, G.B., Gusmão Caiado, R.G., Meriño, M.J. (2023), “Real-time Energy Flow Mapping: a VSM-based proposal for energy efficiency”, Accepted for publication in the Journal of Cleaner Production – in press.
  • De Mattos Nascimento, D.L., de Oliveira Días, D., Moyano-Fuentes, J., Maqueira, J.M., Garza-Reyes, J.A. (2023), “Interrelationships between Circular Economy and Industry 4.0: A Research Agenda for Sustainable Supply Chains”, Accepted publication in Business Strategy and the Environment – in press.
  • Yadav, S., Samadhiya, A., Kumar, A., Majumdar, A., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Luthra, S. (2023), “Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Net Zero Emissions: Innovation-Driven Strategies for Transitioning from Incremental to Radical Lean, Green and Digital Technologies”, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Vol. 197, 107094.
  • Yadav, V., Kumar, V., Gahlot, P., Mittal, A., Kaswan, M.S., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Rathi, R., Antony, J., Kumar, A., Owad, A. (2023), “Exploration and Mitigation of Green Lean Six Sigma Barriers: A Higher Education Institutions perspective”, Accepted for publication in the TOM Journal – in press.
  • Echefaj, K., Charkaoui, A., Cherrafi, A., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Khan, S.A.R., Chaouni Benabdella, A. (2023), “Sustainable and Resilient Supplier Selection in the Context of Circular Economy: An Ontology-Based Model”, Accepted for publication in Management of Environmental Quality – In press.
  • Sezer, M.D., Ozbiltekin-Pala, M., Kazancoglu, Y., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Kumar, A., Kumar, V. (2023), “A Systematic Review of Lean Implementation Frameworks and Roadmaps: Lessons Learnt and the Way Forward”, Accepted for publication in Operations Management Research – in press.
  • Liravi, P. (2022) How can procurement support sustainability in organisations? Ajman 6th International Environmental conference- UAE
  • Alhosani, K., Liravi, P. (2021) Sustainable-Business Waste Management, A case the Emirate of Ajman – UAE. World Renewable Energy Congress
  • P. Liravi, L. Fassam, Y. Polychronakis (2020) An empirical study on the building blocks of resilience in British food supply chains in case of Brexit.  4th Global food security conference, Montpellier, France
  • E. Wagner, N. Vincenti, P. Liravi, et al. (2018) Where the shoe pinches – tackling current market challenges for recycling plastics from WEEE. Conference Going Green – CARE INNOVATION 2018, Vienna
  • Liravi, P., Fassam, L. Bridgman, J. (2018) An Empirical Study on Shared Mobility Services: A Societal Solution Towards Transportation Challenges in Northamptonshire. 2018 Polis Conference- Manchester, UK
  • Fassam, L., Liravi, P., Bridgman, J. (2018) Mobility as a Societal Service: Data Driven Transportation planning towards improved Social Wellbeing. Forecasting for Social Good- 24th IIF Workshop – Cardiff, UK