Talk with the professors - Nikos Pachos-Fokialis
Nikos Pachos-Fokialis
Nikos Pahos is an Assistant Professor in the fields of Innovation and People Management at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, TU Delft.
According to you, why should engineers choose to pursue MOT?
MOT is a programme that strengthens the link between engineering and management. Nowadays, there is an increasing demand for engineers who develop both technical competences and non-technical skills, such as strategic thinking, management, and communication skills. MOT educates engineering students as managers who are equipped with both practical and theoretical knowledge of management techniques and who will be able to apply them in a wide range of contexts.
What should students expect from the MOT programme?
MOT offers courses from different disciplines such as Business Strategy, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Finance. The curriculum of the MOT programme is organized around the themes of technology and organization, engineering economics, technology and commercialization and research and reflection. MOT students have the opportunity to work with peers and develop critical thinking through their participation in group and individual assignments. In the second year, they also have the chance to perform their research under the valuable guidance of supervisors, as part of their thesis project. It is definitely a great learning experience!
What do you think makes MOT different from other programmes in management?
What makes MOT different from other management programmes is its specific focus on technology and innovation. MOT approaches and understands technology as a corporate resource that maximizes productivity, profitability and competitiveness. Students learn about the latest technological developments, how to integrate new technologies into existing business processes, and how to develop and manage innovation projects.
What is your research area and how does this relate to the MOT programme?
My research is in the area of innovation and people management. While research on innovation management primarily focuses on the macro level of analysis, and research on people management on the micro and meso levels, my aim is to bring those two research streams together and integrate them into the human side of innovation management. My expertise strongly relates to the MOT programme, as it connects with multiple courses that address the people management and innovation management components.
How has your experience been at the faculty of TPM?
I have been working at TPM for almost 3 years and I enjoy every moment! TPM is an inclusive and international environment where I have the opportunity to interact with talented and motivated students. At the same time, I am happy to collaborate with colleagues in various teaching and research activities.
