Melissa Hester

Lecturer in Management

Picture of staff member

MBA Graduate - University of Florida (#63 QS Global MBA Rankings 2026)

 

MIM Graduate - Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State (#1 QS International Trade Masters Rankings 2026)

 

Doctorate of Business Administration Student at Franklin University (IACBE Accreditation)

 

Business Manager and International Marketer with 25 years’ experience

 

Worked in a variety of areas: Education Programmes, Digital Marketing, Business Development, Market Research, and Department Management; bringing insightful best practices to build and manage engaging programmes, presentations, business plans, effective marketing strategies, and actionable analytics. My roles were centered on: Management, Operations Management, Marketing, Market Analytics & Research, and Website Content & Design.

 

Worked with SMEs and MNCs in a variety of industries: Education, Arts, Fashion, Beauty, FMCG, Communications, Retail, Property, Hospitality, Transportation, Finance, Local Authority, Non-Profits, and Healthcare.

 

My specialisms during my masters' studies were: Management, International Marketing, Import/Export, Operations Management and Negotiations.

 

My doctoral work is focused on the impact of education policy, specifically assessments, on businesses' labour engagement, productivity, and managerial skills of entry level employees.

 

I enjoy working with the wider community, engaging with young people to assist in improving their opportunities and helping them to achieve their potential.

Research Interests

I am interested in the effects of education policy on business managerial skills and productivity. 

Professional Associations

Association Function
Chartered Management Institute Member
University of Florida Alumni Association Alumni Member
Thunderbird School of Global Management Alumni Association Alumni Member
American Management Association Member
American Marketing Association Professional Member

Education

Institution Qualification Subject From/To
The University of Florida Master of Business Administration Business Management, Finance, and E-Commerce 1995 -1996
The University of Florida Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Urban Planning, Politics & Ecology, and Political Leadership

1989      -1992

Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University Master of International Management Management, International Marketing, and Spanish Language 1997      -1998

Other Professional Activities

Title From/To
Series 7 License 1993 - 1995

Teaching Interests

My main academic focus in teaching is centered around Management and Marketing. With Management Studies, students are given life-long skills that reach beyond industry into personal endeavours. 

-Leadership
-Effective Communication
-Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
-Strategic Planning

"A competent manager had about twice as much impact on the team's performance as a competent worker" - Ben Weidmann of the Harvard Kennedy School

Programs/ Modules Coordinated

Title Subject
Creative Change and Innovation BUS7B45