About

I am a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MSc Strategic Engineering Management. Before joining the University of Derby in 2013, I worked at the University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland, Warwick Business School and the Open University of Sri Lanka. During my career, I have received achievement awards for outstanding performance in teaching and doctoral supervision. I hold a PhD in Computer Simulation of Manufacturing Systems from Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and a BSc (Hons) in Physics and Industrial Management from the University of Kelaniya (Sri Lanka). I am also a fellow member of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a member of the Institution of Engineering Technology (MIET).

My current research focuses on sustainable manufacturing operations and supply chain management, system modelling and simulation, circular economy, Industry 4.0, and sustainable digital innovations, contributing novel measures and tools for sustainable development and low-carbon innovation. This work has resulted in numerous publications in reputable journals and conferences, with a demonstrated impact through citations and collaborations with industry partners. In various professional capacities, I actively contribute to advancing the field, serving as a guest editor, journal reviewer, keynote speaker, external examiner, and committee member for national and international conferences.

Research interests

• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Systems Modelling and Simulation of Manufacturing Systems
• Sustainable Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chains
• Sustainable Manufacturing and Consumption Models toward Low Carbon Economy 
• Holistic and integrated approaches for sustainability and performance enhancements
• Simulation approaches for Sustainable Performance Measurement
• Transition to Circular Economy for sustainable development 
• Transition into circular management of retrofit waste/Circular Economy in the built environment
• Industry 4.0 and Sustainability

Note: PhD applications in the above areas or related areas are welcome.

Recent publications

• Onyeme C  and Liyanage K (2024), Integration of Industry 4.0 to the CBM Practices of the O&G Upstream Sector in Nigeria, Accepted for publication in International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 41 No. 6, pp. 1657-1692. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-11-2022-323
• Onyeme C and Liyanage K (2022), A Systematic Review of Industry 4.0 Maturity Models: Applicability in the O&G Upstream Industry, World Journal of Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-12-2021-0689
• Syed Muhammad Ali Haider Rizvi, Ali Bastas & Kapila Liyanage (2022), Sustainability assessment of electricity generation technologies: a transition pathway for Pakistan, International Journal of Sustainable Energy, DOI: 10.1080/14786451.2022.2039141
• Takhar, S.S. and Liyanage, K., (2021). 'Transforming product labels using digital technologies to enable enhanced traceability and management of hazardous chemicals’. International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Resilience, 5(1), pp. 27-59
• Mijoh A. Gbededo and Liyanage K. (2020), Descriptive Framework for Simulation-aided Sustainability Decision-making: A Delphi Study, Sustainable Production and Consumption-Elsevier, Vol. 22, pp.45-57
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K (2020), The impact of Industry 4.0 on sustainability and the circular economy reporting requirements, International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 13(2-3), pp. 107–139
• Bastas, A. and Liyanage, K. (2019), Setting a framework for organisational sustainable development, Sustainable Production and Consumption-Elsevier, Vol. 20, pp.207-229
• Bastas, A. and Liyanage, K. (2019), “Integrated quality and supply chain management business diagnostics for organizational sustainability improvement”, Sustainable Production and Consumption-Elsevier, Vol. 17, pp. 11-30
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2019), The Impact of Industry 4.0 on Sustainability and the Circular Economy Reporting Requirements, Accepted for publication in the International Journal of Intelligent Enterprise
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2019), Blockchain application in supply chain chemical substance reporting a Delphi study, Accepted for publication in the International Journal of Internet Technology and Secured Transactions
• Bastas, A. and Liyanage, K. (2018), “Sustainable Supply Chain Quality Management: A Systematic Review”, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol 181, PP. 726-744
• Mijoh A. Gbededo and Liyanage K and Garza-Reyes, J.A. (2018), "Towards a life cycle sustainability analysis: A systematic review of approaches to sustainable manufacturing", Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 184, pp. 1002-1015
• Bastas, A. and Liyanage, K. (2018), ISO 9001 and Supply Chain Integration Principles-Based Sustainable Development: A Delphi Study, Sustainability 2018-Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development, doi:10.3390/su10124569
• Mijoh A. Gbededo and Liyanage K. (2018), Identification and Alignment of the Social Aspects of Sustainable Manufacturing with the Theory of Motivation, Sustainability 2018, 10, 852; doi:10.3390/su10030852
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2018), Framework for a Chemical Substance Reporting System, Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 459-477
• Mijoh Ayodele GBEDEDO, Liyanage K and Oraifige I (2016), Simulation aided Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework for Manufacturing Design and Management, International Journal of Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronic and Manufacturing Engineering, Vol 10, No 7
• Liyanage K. and Hanthiringe G (2008), Simulation-based approach to evaluate modular manufacturing system in the apparel industry, Journal of Manufacturing Engineering, Vol. 3(2)
• Liyanage KNHP and Jatunarachchi TSS (2005), Cleaner Production in Sri Lanka: Role of Higher Educational Institutions, Journal of Scientific & Technical Studies, Vol. 9(1)
• Senanayake SAMAN, Liyanege KNHP and Dadigamuwa PR (2005), Factors Affecting on Student Unsuccessfulness in Engineering Programmes in Distance Education, International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Volume 2(6), ISSN 1550-6908
• Liyanage KNHP and Fernando KODD (2004), The Impact of Information Technology as a Knowledge Management Initiative on Corporate Performance, A Journal of Scientific & Technical Studies, Vol 7(2)
• Perera T. and Liyanage K. (2001), IDEF Methodology for rapid data collection, Integrated Manufacturing System, Volume 12 (3), Publisher: Emerald
• Perera T. and Liyanage K. (2000), Methodology for Rapid data Identification and Collection of input data in the Simulation Manufacturing Systems, Simulation Practice and Theory, International Journal of the Federation of European Simulation Societies

Membership of professional bodies

• Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Qualifications

Undergraduate qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Physics and Industrial Management, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Research qualifications

• PhD in Computer Simulation of Manufacturing Systems, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Recent conferences

• Mijoh Gbededo and Kapila Liyanage (2024). Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing through Digital Twin-based Simulation: Assessing and Optimizing Processes for Social, Environmental, and Economic Impacts. 21st International Conference on Manufacturing Research, August 28-30, 2024, Glasgow
• Sam Kemp, Mahmoud Shafik, and Kapila Liyanage (2024). Optimization of Rolls-Royce Gas Turbine Components Machining using Artificial Intelligence. 21st International Conference on Manufacturing Research, August 28-30, 2024, Glasgow
• Joshua Denning and Kapila Liyanage (2024). Unlocking the SME Advantage: Prioritising Optimisation Before Automation for Small-Scale Manufacturers. 7th European IEOM Conference, July 16-18, 2024, Germany
• Liyanage K and Onyeme C (2024), Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Oil and Gas Through Condition-Based Maintenance 4.0 (CBM 4.0), 14th Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, February 12-14, 2024. Dubai, UAE
• Liyanage K and Onyeme C (2023), An Industry 4.0 maturity and readiness for Condition-based maintenance in O&G companies: a Delphi study-based approach for development and validation, 6th European Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, July 18-20, 2023, Lisbon, Portugal
• Denning J and Liyanage K (2022), Systematic Literature Review of Industry 4.0 Implementation Frameworks Focussing on Applicability in Manufacturing SMEs, 19 International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR), 6-8 September 2022, University of Derby, UK
• Waring C and Liyanage K (2022), A Systematic Literature Review of the Concept of Circular Economic Readiness and a Proposed Circular Economy Readiness Scale, 19 International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR), 6-8 September 2022, University of Derby, UK
• Waring C and  Liyanage K (2022), A Framework to Develop and Evaluate Circular Economy, Readiness within the Rail Sector, 12th Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, March 7-10, 2022, Istanbul, Turkey
• Onyeme C and Liyanage K (2021), A critical review of smart manufacturing & Industry 4.0 maturity models: Applicability in the oil and gas upstream industry, 18 International Conference on Manufacturing Research, 7-10 September 2021, University of Derby, UK
• Bastas, A. and Liyanage, K. (2021), Assessing the Enablers and Barriers to Quality and Supply Chain Management Based Approach to Sustainable Operations in the Manufacturing Context, 18 International Conference on Manufacturing Research, 7-10 September 2021, University of Derby, UK
• Waring C and Liyanage K (2021), A Framework to Develop and Evaluate Circular Economy Readiness within the Rail Sector, 11 Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, March 7-11, 2021, Singapore
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2019), Understanding the implications of chemical regulations, circular economy and corporate social responsibility for product stewardship, 17 International Conference on Manufacturing Research, September 10-12, 2019, Queen’s University, Belfast
• Liyanage K and Gbededo M A (2019), Simulation-based impact analysis for sustainable manufacturing, 6th International EurOMA Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains Forum, 18-19 March, Gothenburg, Sweden
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2018) 'The impact of Industry 4.0 on supply chains and sustainability. 8th International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM), 9-12h September, Cranfield University, UK
• Takhar, S., and Liyanage, K. (2018) ‘Blockchain application in supply chain chemical substance reporting’, Proceedings of the 22nd Cambridge International Manufacturing Symposium (CIMS), 27 – 28 September, University of Cambridge, UK
• Mijoh Ayodele GBEDEDO, Liyanage K and Sabuj Mallik (2018) “Holistic Simulation-Based Impact Analysis Framework for Sustainable Manufacturing, 20th International Conference on Sustainable Intelligent Manufacturing, June 25-26, 2018, Paris
• Liyanage K (2018), Keynote Speech “Holistic and integrated approach to sustainable manufacturing” International Conference on Green Development, Infrastructure, Technology (GREDIT2018), Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, 22-25 March 2018
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2018) 'Competitive product pricing extended producer responsibility and the circular economy.' 3rd Academic International Conference on Business, Economics and Management, 21-24th January 2018, University of Oxford, UK
• Liyanage K (2017), Keynote Speech "Sustainability Considerations in Manufacturing and Operations Management" at the International Conference on Environmental Sciences & Educational Studies, October 18-20, 2017, Girne/Kyrenia, North Cyprus
• Mijoh Ayodele GBEDEDO, Liyanage K (2017), Sustainable manufacturing assessment: approach and the trend towards life cycle sustainability analysis, 15th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, September 5-7, 2017, University of Greenwich, UK
• Ali Bastas and Kapila Liyanage (2017), Improving Supply Chains through Quality Management and Sustainability Integration, International Conference on Environmental Sciences & Educational Studies (ICES 2017), Girne/Kyrenia, North Cyprus
• Sukhraj Takhar and Liyanage K (2017), A Chemical Substance Reporting System for Manufacturing Companies, 15th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, September 5-7, 2017, University of Greenwich, UK
• Takhar, S. and Liyanage, K. (2017) 'Top-down or bottom-up? – Supply chain engagement for material compliance reporting', Proceedings of the International Symposium on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Bristol, UK, July 24-25
• Mijoh Ayodele GBEDEDO, Liyanage K and Oraifige I (2016), Simulation aided Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework for Manufacturing Design and Management, 18th International Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing, Zurich, Switzerland
• Liyanage K (2015), Simulation-based Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Sustainable Manufacturing, International Conference on Remanufacturing, Amsterdam
• Liyanage K and Mijoh Ayodele GBEDEDO (2014), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) adoption strategy for strategic supply chain, 12th International Conference on Manufacturing Research, UK
• Chicksand D, Watson G, Walker H, Radnor Z, Johnson R and Liyanage K (2010), Theoretical perspectives in purchasing and supply chain management: an analysis of the literature, 19th IPSERA Conference, Finland
• Sena Peiris V R, Liyanage KNHP and Jatunarachchi TSS (2006) Profitability through Cleaner Production, 3rd  International Conference on Business Management- Corporate Social Responsibility: Profits & Beyond, University of Sri Jayawardenapura, Sri Lanka
• Liyanage KNHP and Fernando KODD (2005), The impact of information technology as a knowledge management initiative on organisational performance: An empirical study, International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management, Vol.13(SP2): Proceeding of the International Conference on Computer and Industrial Management, Thailand
• Liyanage KNHP (2005), Methodologies for data collection and model documentation in computer simulation, International Journal of the Computer, the Internet and Management, Vol.13(SP2): Proceeding of the International Conference on Computer and Industrial Management, Thailand
• Piyasena S M., Perera TDS, Liyanage KNHP (2004), Task-Oriented Approach to Documentation in Computer Simulation, 2nd International Conference on Manufacturing Research, Incorporating the 20th UK National Conference on Manufacturing Research, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Experience in industry

• Senior Business Performance Analyst, Supply Chain Dept, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions (2008-2009)
• ERP Consultant, Kingslake Engineering (1999-2000)

Furthermore, I have been involved in a number of projects. Here are some examples: 

• Smith of Derby - Optimisation of the Smith of Derby’s annual clock maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) services (2022)
• The Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) Environmental Benefits Study Project (Return of passenger services to the Leicester-Burton-on-Trent Ivanhoe Railway Line) – Conducted an environmental benefit study [PhD Placement/funded by ERDF and CRIL, Amount: £12,000) (2021)
• Gibson Technology, Derby-Manufacturing system performance improvement (2014)
• Delivered three training workshops on “Supplier Relationship Management” to Bentley Motors, Crewe (2014/2015)
• Delivered Organisational Business Operations module for the Signalling Solutions/Alstom (2014 to 2016)
• Sheffield Assay office- Redesigned factory layout and created more efficient operating practice (2008)
• Balfour Beatty, Sheffield - Identification of sourcing opportunities through spend analysis and development of a supplier performance measurement system for SRM (2008/2009)
• Toroid International, Sri Lanka, ERP implementation (1999)
• Phoenix Industries Limited, Sri Lanka, ERP implementation (1999/2000)

International experience

• Guest Speaker- Centre for Sustainable Environment and Energy Systems, Middle East Technical University, Cyprus
• Keynote Speaker, Holistic and integrated approach to sustainable manufacturing” International Conference on Green Development, International Conference on Green Development, Infrastructure, Technology (GREDIT2018), Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, 22-25 March 2018
• Keynote Speaker, Sustainability Considerations in Manufacturing and Operations Management" at the International Conference on Environmental Sciences & Educational Studies, October 18-20, 2017, Girne/Kyrenia, North Cyprus
• Visiting Academic- Faculty of Engineering Technology, The Open University of Sri Lanka
• Visiting Academic - MBA Programmes, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Conference technical committees

• 2nd International Conference on Cleaner Production and Circular Economy, Prague, Czech Republic, Sept 2024
• 19th  International Conference in Manufacturing Research, University of Derby, Sept 2022
• 18th  International Conference in Manufacturing Research, University of Derby, Sept 2020
• International Conference on Frontiers of Industrial Technology, Prague, Czech Republic, June 2020
• 9th International Conference on Industrial Technology and Management, University of Oxford, Feb 2020
• International Conference on Economics, Society and Management, Shanghai, China, June 2020
• 8th International Conference on Industrial Technology and Management, University of Cambridge, March 2019
• International Conference in Business Management and Finance, Dubai, Nov 2019
• 7th International Conference on Industrial Technology and Management, University of Oxford, March 2018

Teaching responsibilities

Postgraduate

• Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Manufacturing Systems Optimisation and Simulation
• CPD and Strategic Management
• Innovative Solutions

Undergraduate

• Advanced Operations Management
• Corporate Responsibility and Professional Development
• System Modelling & Simulation and Project Management
• Ethics, Environment and Innovation
• Management of the Business Environment

Programme Development

Designed and developed the following two programmes:

• MSc Strategic Engineering Management (University of Derby)
• BEng (Hons) Engineering Management (University of Derby)

Additional interests and activities

Research projects and successful external research funding

• Oct-Dec  2023 – Warwick University/EPSRC – Circular Economy Network+ in Transportation Systems – “Circular Economy Transitions: Transitioning Rail to the Circular Economy: Continuation Funding”, Amount  (£12,000) -  (Role, Co-Investigator)
• Oct 2022 – Jan 2023-– Warwick University/EPSRC - Circular Economy Network+ in Transportation Systems – “Circular Economy Transitions: Transitioning Rail to the Circular Economy”, total amount applied (£10,000) -  (Role, Co-Investigator)
• October 2020 CRIL Environmental Benefits Study Project (12 Oct 2020-9 April 2021), Funder -ERDF and CIRL, Amount £12,000, (Role, Principal Investigator)

Postgraduate Research Supervision 

PhD Completions

• Chinedu Onyeme (2024), Development of a condition-based maintenance framework for oil and gas plants that is based on industry 4.0 (Director of Studies)
• Sukhraj Takhar (2020) The effect of chemical regulations on aerospace and defence industries (Director of Studies)
• Ali Bastas (2019), Setting a framework for organisational sustainable development: Integrating quality management, supply chain management and sustainability  (Director of Studies) 
• Mijoh Gbededo ( 2018), Simulation-based impact analysis for sustainable manufacturing design and management (Director of Studies) 

PhD Ongoing

• Carl Waring, A proposed framework for enabling a Circular Economy Readiness Evaluation Model to assess an organisation’s readiness for Circular Economy deployment using Systems Theory and Asset Management (Director of Studies)
• Joshua Denning, Proposing an agile and sustainable industry 4.0 implementation framework for manufacturing SME’s (Director of Studies)
• Mehmet Riza El-Huseyni,   Development of a sustainable 'lean, green, and industry 4.0' framework for MEP systems construction    (Director of Studies)
• Elias Ebai, Quality 4.0: Enhancing manufacturing processes through data-driven decision making (Director of Studies)
• Ahmad Tariq, Developing a supply chain readiness model to facilitate low-carbon hydrogen transition/distribution in the UK (Director of Studies)                              

External Examiner Duties

• External examiner for the MSc Engineering Project Management Programme, Lancaster University (2022- Present)
• PhD Examiner, 4 PhDs,  Sheffield Hallam University  (2017-2024)
• PhD Examiner, Brunel University London (2024)
• PhD Examiner, Birmingham City University (2020)

Active Reviewer of the following journals

• Journal of Cleaner Production 
• Sustainability MDPI Journal
• IET Collaborative Intelligent Manufacturing
• International Journal of Sustainable Engineering