• Arash Pordel

  • Theme:Business and Management
  • Project:Pivoting towards net-zero mobility
  • Supervisor: Daniela Defazio ,Rossella Salandra ,Dimo Dimov
  • The Gorgon's Head - Bath University Logo
Photo of Arash Pordel

Bio

Two years ago, on my 30th birthday, my world was turned upside down by a thought-provoking question posed by a friend: "Will you be satisfied with your life sixty years from now? How much are you willing to sacrifice to live your dreams?" It was a shocking and profound moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Five years prior, after completing my Master's degree in business and with hopes of settling down, I made the difficult decision to put my dream of pursuing a Ph.D. on hold and instead fulfill my mandatory military service in my country. Following that, I got married and worked diligently as an employee to make ends meet. However, I didn't stop there. I took the leap and launched my own business, which flourished and allowed me to find a sense of stability.

Although it seemed like the end of the story, my 30th birthday brought a realization that my journey had just begun. In a single moment, I started to see all the years of challenges and achievements as stepping stones toward a new path. "Do not settle now. Not yet!" I told myself with determination.

For as long as I can remember, I have cherished the dream of studying abroad at a prestigious university. Now, in my 30s and armed with over 10 years of professional experience, I feel more confident than ever to embark on my research journey in business and management.

And the incredible news is that my dreams have become a reality…

I am now a proud Ph.D. student at the University of Bath. What's even more fortunate is that I have the unwavering support of AAPS CDT, an organization that perfectly aligns with my values. Together, we are working towards a future where businesses prioritize environmental friendliness, leaving a positive impact on the world for generations to come.

Thank you for being a part of my story, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share this exciting chapter with you.

FunFacts

  • I asked my wife to marry me three times, and each time I was met with rejection. However, she eventually proposed to me herself!
  • During my master's degree, I wore the same shirt for two years straight. Unfortunately, as soon as we got married, my wife took it upon herself to tear it apart, sparing you from witnessing me wearing it for another four years during my Ph.D.
  • During my bachelor's degree, I managed to oversleep and miss the exams for a particular course not just once or twice, but an astonishing three times! It's no wonder it took me a full five years to complete my bachelor's degree

Pivoting towards net-zero mobility

As the automotive industry moves toward achieving net-zero emissions, companies are exploring a range of sustainability strategies. These might include electrifying vehicles, offsetting carbon emissions, incorporating AI for greener operations, shifting to autonomous vehicles, and creating more sustainable supply chains. While these efforts are important for reducing environmental impact, each may influence public perception in unique ways, which has yet to be fully understood.

This research aims to uncover how the public views these various net-zero strategies by analysing discussions across social media, news, and forums. Using sentiment analysis and topic modelling, the study will identify which types of initiatives resonate most positively with the public. By understanding the sentiment and concerns surrounding each type of initiative, this research hopes to provide insights for automotive companies, helping them shape their sustainability strategies to better align with public expectations and enhance their brand reputation

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