OpenLearn Profile

Bjorn Claes

Bjorn Claes

OU Business School

Professional biography
Dr Björn Claes is Senior Lecturer in Operations Management at The Open University Business School. Research In Björn's research he is particularly interested in the human role and behaviour in Management. Hisfirst research stream relates to the implementation of improvement strategies in the area of Operations and Supply Chain Management such as the alignment of enterprise systems and inventory management capabilities, or integrated product-service solutions. Hissecond and more recent research stream relates to investigating legitimacy perceptions, in the context of controversial business practices such as fracking, or the production of foie gras, or in the context of social issues such as gender, immigration and ethnicity. Particularly in this area hehasbeen involved in a series of public engagement event at The Open University about how to stay on the right side of public opinion, as shown in the links below: -Business Legitimacy: Staying on the “right” side of public opinion… and how to avoid controversy -Staying on the “right” side of public opinion – and how to avoid controversy (2016 #1) -The OU in Wales and Introbiz present seminar on business legitimacy Teaching His teaching is predominantly in the area of Operations and Supply Chain Management. He haswritten and chaired several modules in this area as well as a MOOC on the digital supply chain. He isalso involved in more general management courses. For example, he hasproduced and chaired core MBA modules and modules on management in intercultural contexts. Björn isparticularly interested in the use of experiential learning tools such as simulations and have been involved in the development of two specific simulations in the Operations Supply Chain area. In these areas too, he hasbeen involved in public engagement events.