Cindy Millman
Associate Professor in Business / Deputy Head of Department of Strategy, Management and Marketing
- Email:
- cindy.millman@bcu.ac.uk
- Phone:
- +44 (0)121 202 4621
Cindy joined the Business School in 2004 after completing her MSc in Management and Marketing (with distinction). Cindy is currently an Associate Professor and Business Subject Group Leader. She provides academic leadership and management of the subject group within the Business School.
She has worked on several large projects funded by the European Union (EU) in the entrepreneurship, innovation and technology transfer fields, with specific focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Cindy’s research investigations focus mainly upon aspects relating to international entrepreneurship, innovation and entrepreneurship education.
Over a career spanning 10 years within industry and a further 16 years within academia, her educational and working life has centred around bridging the cultural and business links between the EU and China. Prior to joining the Birmingham City Business School, Cindy worked as an international account manager and merchandiser conducting international business. This experience has influenced her current research interests, and she has published a number of refereed research papers in various international journals, as well as numerous conference contributions and book chapters.
Areas of Expertise
- International entrepreneurship with emphasis on social capital, marketing and strategy
- Innovation with emphasis on research and development (R&D), process, innovation strategy, network, channels and management
- Entrepreneurship education with emphasis on internet entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intentions by doing country comparative studies
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
Qualifications
- PhD
Memberships
- Member of Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE)
- Member of International Council for Small Business (ICSB)
- Member of the International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM)
- Member of European Academy of Management (EURAM)
- Member of the Institute of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (ITLHE)
- Teaching Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Teaching
- Business Pathways BA (Hons)
- Business BA (Hons)
- International Business BA (Hons) (Top up)
- Business Administration BA (Hons) (Top up)
Research
- International entrepreneurship
- SMEs’ internationalisation process
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship education
- Gender entrepreneurship
- E-Business and digital marketing
Postgraduate Supervision
- Jacqueline Jenkins, 'Creative discipline education shaping entrepreneurial outcomes within the creative industries; a gender perspective'
- Min Chen, 'The Impact of International Educational Collaborative Programmes on Curriculum Internationalisation at Chinese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): A Study of Three Main Types of UK-China Educational Collaborations in the 21st Century'
-
Jin Mai, ‘Strategic Agility of Chinese SME Exporters post Foreign Market Entry and Export Performance’.
-
Kathryn Olga Laura Kimbley, ‘Are Social Enterprise Start-Ups created Differently? Evaluating Nascent Social Entrepreneurial Journeys (advertised). Types of Social Enterprise Start-Ups and Differences in Entrepreneurial Processes Leading to Social Enterprise Start-Up in the UK’
-
Seetal Parmar, ‘An Empirical Study on the Challenges Faced by British Indian Women in The Middle Management Roles within SME’s in the Private Training Sector’
Publications
Peer refereed research papers
Millman, C. and Li, Z. (2017) “Establishing a viable institutional environment for entrepreneurship in China: A case study of Zhejiang province”, Strategic Change, Vol. 26, pp. 237-242.
Scott, J.M., Harrison, R.T., Hussain, J. and Millman, C. (2014) ‘The role of guanxi networks in the performance of women-led firms in China’, International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 68-82.
Martin, L.M.; Warren-Smith, I.; Schofield, C. and Millman, C. (2013) Exploring SME advice and training needs for entrepreneurial rural firms, the International Journal of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Vol. 14, No.2, pp. 95-102.
Li, Z., Millman, C. and Chi, R. (2013) ‘Innovation source and performance: a firm-level analysis of high-tech sector in China’, Global Business and Economics Review, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 327–349.
Millman, C. and Li, Z. and Chi, R. (2012) Technology imports, product exports and firms' R&D investment: An empirical analysis of firms in the Chinese high technology sector. Prometheus (United Kingdom), 30 (2). pp. 179-198. ISSN 08109028
Martin, L.M., Schofield, C., Millman, C. and Reddy-Sursani, S. (2011). White and male? Constructing student perceptions of entrepreneurs as ‘other’, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 179-187.
Li, Z.W. and Millman, C. (2011). Government support, international trade and firm’s R&D investment: Evidence from Chinese high-tech industries, Journal of Science and Technology Policy in China (JSTPC), Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 146-158.
Millman, C. (2011). E-Commerce adoption by micro firms: A qualitative investigation in the UK tourism sector, International Journal of Online Marketing, Vol. 1, No.2, pp. 1-24.
Millman, C. and El-Gohary, H. (2011). New digital media marketing and micro business: A UK perspective, International Journal of Online Marketing, Vol. 1, No.1, pp. 41-62.
Li, Z.W., Chi, R.Y. and Millman, C. (2010). Technology imports and product exports on firms’ R&D investment: an empirical study of Chinese high-tech industry, Studies in Science of Science, Vol. 28, No.10, pp. 1495 – 1501.
Millman, C., Li, Z.W., Matlay, H and Wong, W.C. (2010), Entrepreneurship education and students' internet entrepreneurship intentions, Evidence from Chinese HEIs, Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 17, No4, pp. 569-590.
Hussain, J., Scott, J.M., Harrison, R. and Millman, C. (2010). "Enter the dragoness": firm growth, finance, guanxi, and gender in China. Gender in Management: An International Journal, Vol. 25, No.2, pp. 137-156.
Millman, C., Wong, W.C., Li, Z.W. and Matlay, H. (2009). Educating students for e-entrepreneurship in the UK, the USA and China.Industry & Higher Education, Vol. 23, No.3, pp. 243 - 255.
Millman, C., Matlay, H. and Liu, F. (2008). Entrepreneurship education in China: a case study approach", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 15, No. 4, pp. 802-815.
Hussain, J., Millman, C., Scott, J., Hannon, P., and Matlay, H. (2007). Ethnic minority graduate entrepreneurs in the UK. Industry & Higher Education, Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 455-464.
Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2007). Exploring small copreneurial food companies; female leadership perspectives. Women in Management Review, Vol. 22, No.3, pp. 232-239.
Wright, L.T., Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2007). Research issues in building brand equity and global brands in the PC market. Journal of Marketing Management, Vol. 23, No. 1/2, pp. 137-155.
Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2006). Small rural hospitality firms: how have bed and breakfast establishments embraced the internet? Journal of Rural Enterprise and Management, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 7–22.
Hannon, P., Scott, J., Sursani, S., and Millman, C. (2006). The state of education provision for enterprise and entrepreneurship: a mapping study of England’s HEIs. International Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, Vol. 4, pp. 41-72.
Mckeown, J., Millman, C., Reddy, S., Smith, K. and Martin, L.M. (2006). UK graduate entrepreneurship education in higher education. Education and Training, Vol. 48, No. 8/9, pp. 597–613.
Hussain, J., Millman, C. and Matlay, H. (2006). SMEs financing in the UK and in China: a comparative perspective. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 584–599.
Textbook chapters in academic and research publications
Scott, J.M., Hussain, J., Harrison, R. and Millman, C. (2010). International Research Handbook on Successful Women Entrepreneurs – China. In S. Fielden and M. Davidson (Eds.), International Research Handbook on Successful Women Entrepreneurs (ch. X). Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Millman, C., Reddy, S. and Martin, L.M. (2008). Policy measures taken in different countries: the UK. In A. Lundström, M. Almerud and L. Stevenson (Eds.), Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policies (ch. 2, pp. 96-101). Sweden: Innovation Policy Research for Economic Growth (IPREG) Working group on Future Research. ISBN 91-89301-24-2.
Conference presentations
Osei-Nimo, S., Aboagye-Nimo, E. and Millman, C. 2020. Alcohol in the Workplace: A Soft Systems Approach. British Academy of Management Annual Conference, Virtual, UK.
Hawela, M., Millman, C. and Dsane-Laryea, E. 2019. Applying the Flipped Classroom Approach to the Under and Post Graduate Foundation Degrees, BAM Management, Knowledge and Education Conference, York, UK.
Jenkins, J.; Carey, C. and Millman, C. 2018. Creative Discipline Education in Architecture and Photography Shaping Entrepreneurial Outcomes. 41th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, (ISBE), Annual Conference, Birmingham, UK.
Gkikas, A. and Millman, C. 2018. Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Spatial and Temporal Dimensions, 41th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, (ISBE), Annual Conference, Birmingham, UK.
Millman, C. (2012). Entrepreneurial Learning: Capabilities and Knowledge Transfer in SMEs' Internationalisation, 35th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, (ISBE), Annual Conference, Dublin, NI, 6-8 November 2012.
Harrison, R.T., Scott, J.M., Hussain, J. and Millman, C. (2012). The role of Guanxi Networks in the performance of women-led firms in China, The Joint Australian Centre Entrepreneurship Research Exchange and Diana International Entrepreneurship Conference. Fremantle, Western Australia. 31st January – 3rd February 2012.
Millman, C. (2011). Social Capital, Knowledge Transfer and Innovation: A Dynamic Perspective on Small Firms' Internationalisation, 34th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, (ISBE), Annual Conference, Sheffield, UK 9-10 November 2011.
Millman, C. and El-Gohary, H. (2010) Innovative marketing, Use of new digital media in micro firms, 33rd Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, (ISBE), Annual Conference, London, UK 3-4 November 2010.
Millman, C., Chi, R.Y. and Li, Z.W. (2010). The influence of gender, situational and self-efficacy factors in forming entrepreneurial intentions: evidence from Chinese entrepreneurs. International Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ICSB) Conference.Ohio, USA. 24-27 June 2010.
Millman, C., Li, Z.W. and Chi, R.Y. (2010). Innovation, exports and technology-imports - evidence from Chinese high-tech firms. XXI International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM) Conference. Bilbao, Spain. 6– 9 June 2010.
Millman, C. and Li, Z.W. (2010). Firm-level resources and R&D investments - evidence from small Chinese high-tech firms. International Networks of Business and Management Journal (INBAM) Conference. Valencia, Spain. 1–4 June 2010.
Millman, C., Li, Z.W. and Chi, R.Y. (2010). Technology imports, product exports and firms’ R&D investments: an empirical analysis of Chinese high-tech firms. 10th Europe Academy of Management (EURAM) Conference. Rome, Italy. 19-22 May 2010.
Scott, J., Harrison, R., Hussain, J. and Millman, C. (2009). “Enter the dragoness": firm growth, finance, guanxi, and gender in China. XXIII Research in Entrepreneurship and Small Business (RENT) Conference. Budapest, Hungary. 19-20 November 2009.
Millman, C. (2009). E-commerce adoption by micro firms in the tourism sector: a qualitative investigation. 32nd Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Annual Conference. Liverpool, UK. 3-6 November 2009.
Li, Z.W., Millman, C. and Chi, R.Y. (2009). Government support & internationalisation on Chinese high-tech firms' R&D investment. 32nd Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Annual Conference. Liverpool, UK. 3-6 November 2009.
Wong, W.C., Millman, C., Li, Z.W. and Matlay, H. (2009). Internet entrepreneurship - issues and barriers for UK and US students: a comparative study. Western Decision Sciences Institute (WDSI) Conference. Hawaii, USA. 7-11 April 2009.
Millman, C., Matlay, H., Li, Z.W. and Wong, W.C. (2008). Educating Students for e-entrepreneurship in UK, USA and China. 31st Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Belfast, Northern Ireland. 5-7 November 2008.
Scott, J.H., Millman, C., Hussain, J. and Harrison, R. (2008). Enter the dragoness: financing growth in women-led firms in China. Diana International Research Symposium. Belfast, Northern Ireland. 1-3 November 2008.
Li, Z.W., Wong, W.C. and Millman, C. (2008). A comparative study of e-entrepreneurship education in the USA and China. West Lake International Conference on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (WLICSMB). Hangzhou, China. 23-26 October 2008.
Millman, C., Fan, H.M., Kumar, N. and Martin, L.M. (2007). Exploring graduate education to support innovation: EU Asia comparisons.30th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Glasgow, UK. 7-9 November 2007.
Hussain, J., Millman, C., Scott, J. and Hannon, P. (2007). BME graduate entrepreneurs: motivation, characteristics and access to finance. 30th Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Glasgow, UK. 7-9 November 2007.
Martin, L.M., Sursani, S.R., Millman, C. and Taylor, J. (2007). Exploring cluster development and innovation in rural areas. 30th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Glasgow, UK. 7-9 November 2007.
Martin, L.M., Janjuha-Jivraj, S. and Millman, C. (2007). The psychological contract and entrepreneurial small firms. 30th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Glasgow, UK. 7-9 November 2007.
Millman, C. and Matlay, H. (2007). E-planning and e-marketing in small firms: evidence from the UK tourism industry. 30th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Glasgow, UK. 7-9 November 2007.
Millman, C. and Matlay, H. (2007). Innovation in e-planning and e-marketing in small UK tourism firms. 8th West Lake International Conference on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (WLICSMB). Hangzhou, China. 20-23 October 2007.
Martin, L.M., Janjuha-Jivraj, S., Millman, C., Sursani, S.R. and Pendery, M. (2007). The good, the bad and the unregarded; typifying family business employees and the psychological contract. British Academy of Management Conference. Warwick University, Warwick, United Kingdom. 11-13 September 2007.
Martin, L.M., Millman, C. and Sursani, S.R. (2007). Forming entrepreneurial identity - entrepreneurial intention and the effects of mass media. British Academy of Management Conference. Warwick University, Warwick, United Kingdom. 11-13 September 2007.
Hussain, J., Millman, C. and Scott, J. (2007). Does Islamic bank compete or complement commercial bank in the UK? International Conference on Islamic Capital Markets. Jakarta, Indonesia. 27-29 August 2007.
Millman, C., Matlay, H. and Liu, F. (2007). Entrepreneurship education in China: a case of ‘know about your business’ programme.International Council of Small Business Conference. Turku, Finland. 13-15 June 2007.
Millman, C., Hossain, J. and Martin, L.M. (2007). An exploratory study of international joint ventures and international entrepreneurship: an interdisciplinary perspective on Sino-foreign joint ventures. International Council of Small Business Conference. Turku, Finland. 13-15 June 2007.
Hussain, J., Millman, C., Scott, J.S. and Hannon, P. (2007). The entrepreneurial finance gap: a case study of ethnic minority graduates in the West Midlands, UK. Small Business Finance and Banking Services in Emerging and Developing Countries Conference. University of Glamorgan, Glamorgan, UK. 17-18 April 2007.
Martin, L.M. and Millman, C. (2007). Marketing or technology? Finding entrepreneurial online marketers, results from a three country study. 12th Annual Symposium of the AM SIG in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Marketing. Birmingham, UK. 9-12 January 2007.
Hussain, J., Millman, C., Scott, J. and Hannon, P. (2006). The entrepreneurial finance gap: a case study of ethnic minority graduates in the West Midlands, UK. RENT XX Conference. Brussels, Belgium. 4-5 November 2006.
Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2006). Female entrepreneurship; insights from UK and Chinese SET case studies. 29th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Cardiff, UK. 31 October - 2 November 2006.
Hannon, P., Reddy, S., Scott, J. and Millman, C.(2006). Entrepreneurship education in England, a mapping exercise. 29th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Cardiff, UK. 31 October - 2 November 2006.
Martin, L.M. and Millman, C. (2006). Bizbrother - who wins in the enterprise house? 29th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Cardiff, UK. 31 October - 2 November 2006.
Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2006). E-business in small firms: innovation, internet adoption and use in the UK and China. West Lake International Conference on Small and Medium Business (WLICSMB). Hangzhou, China. 14-17 October 2006.
Hussain, J., Millman, C. and Matlay, H. (2006). Financing in SMEs: an UK and China perspective. International Conference on Financing of SMEs in Developed Countries. University of Warwick, Warwick, UK. 4-5 April 2006.
Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2005). Small rural hospitality firms: how have B&B embraced the internet? 28th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Blackpool, UK. 31 October – 2 November 2005.
Shi, J.X., Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2005). A comparison of policies for SME innovation. 28th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) Conference. Blackpool, UK. 31 October – 2 November 2005.
Working papers
Hussain, J., Millman, C., Scott, J.S. and Hannon, P. (2006). Black and minority ethnic graduate entrepreneurs: motivations, characteristics and access to finance. Aston Working Paper (RP0708).
Scott, J., Millman, C., Reddy, S. and Hannon, P. (2006). Mapping provision of enterprise education and support for entrepreneurship in England’s higher education institutions. Aston Working paper (RP0633). ISBN 1854496298.
Mckeown, J., Millman, C, Reddy, S. and Martin L.M. (2006). UK graduate entrepreneurship education in England, Wales and Scotland. National Council for Graduate Education Working Paper, available at [http://www.ncge.org.uk].
Millman, C. and Martin, L.M. (2005). E tourism in a rural market town. Enterprise and Innovation Working Paper, No. 1. UCE.
Book reviews
Millman, C. (2006). China's rational entrepreneurs: the development of the new private business sector, by Krug, B. (Ed.). Reviewed in:Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 288-290.
Research reports
Millman, C., Martin, L.M. and Sursani, S.R. (2007). IPREG report – UK Country Report.
Hannon, P., Reddy, S., Millman, C. and Scott, J. (2006). National report on entrepreneurship education in England. A report for the Regional Development Agencies in England, National Council for Graduate Education, July 2006.
Work With Industry
Cindy has worked as an international account manager and merchandiser conducting international business in China. During the 10 years’ period, Cindy has managed the international supply chain for clients, such as H&M, Zara, etc.