Iman Parsa's Academic Journey: Bridging Theory and Practice at INSEAD

Iman Parsa, joined INSEAD Humanitarian Research Group, as post-doctoral researcher in 2022. He has carved out an academic career centred on humanitarian operations and non-profit management. Reflecting on his choice of INSEAD, Iman explains: “After completing my Ph.D. at Arizona State University in 2022, INSEAD's emphasis on practical applications and collaboration with esteemed Professor Luk Van Wassenhove truly resonated with me, driving my decision to pursue my post-doctoral tenure here."  

Iman's research focuses on two main themes. The first concerns the challenges facing the global healthcare supply chains, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. His goal is to devise long-term solutions, scrutinising systemic issues, and considering future scenarios like the impact of events such as COVID-19 on medical supply chains. 

The second is the coordination and localisation. Iman’s research challenges the common belief that 'more coordination is better,' identifying an optimal level to avoid counter-productivity, especially in time-sensitive disaster relief scenarios. His findings emphasise the efficiency of dividing coordination efforts into sub-groups and connecting them at a higher level to promote localisation within existing broader coordination systems led by major entities like the United Nations (UN).  

Iman's research extends beyond academic journals to address real-world challenges. Supported by entities such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, his projects result in reports and collaborations with organisations actively engaged in humanitarian operations. This dual approach ensures that Iman's research not only contributes to academic discourse but directly influences and improves organisational practices. 

Publication strategy is a key aspect of Iman's academic pursuits. He says: “I recognise the importance of accessibility in my publication strategy. While aiming for top-tier journals, I also prioritise publishing in a broad range of outlets, including Open Access publications which tend to reach practitioners more than other journals. This approach bridges the gap between academic rigor and real-world applicability, reaching both scholarly and professional audiences. 

Iman's experience at INSEAD has been transformative. INSEAD provided a real-world immersion, allowing him to interact with managers and practitioners actively involved in humanitarian operations. Building relationships with UN organisations, non-UN entities, and start-ups enriched his understanding of the challenges inherent in long-term partnerships for all stakeholders 

Grateful for the supportive research environment at INSEAD, Iman highlights the generous contributions of alumni, which have been instrumental in facilitating impactful, practice-based research. As he prepares to join the Stockholm School of Economics as an assistant professor in August 2024, Iman Parsa's academic journey illustrates the seamless integration of theory and practice, leaving an indelible mark on humanitarian operations and non-profit research.