A Q&A with Sprott PhD student Narmin Tartila Banu

Narmin Tartila Banu is a third year PhD in Management student at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business. She received an MBA from the National University of Singapore (exchange at the Paul Merage School of Business at University of California, Irvine), and a BBA from the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka.

Prior to embarking on an academic career, Narmin spent five years in the corporate world, spanning fast-moving consumer goods, telco and IT industries. She worked as a PR and Communications Executive at Banglalink Telecom, Brand Manager at Reckitt Benckiser and Planning Consultant at SAP. She taught Brand Management and Strategic Marketing for five years at the North South University as a Senior Lecturer.

What attracted you to Sprott’s PhD in Management program?

Firstly, the faculty members at Sprott are unbelievably supportive and go out of their way to nurture students and help them achieve their goals. I am confident that had I taken admission to any other PhD program, I would not feel as supported as I do now. My supervisor, Dr. Lindsay McShane, is perhaps the most patient supervisor out there as she takes her time to explain concepts no matter how basic they are. Dr. Leighann Neilson matched me with a co-author with similar interests, pushed me to work on research that is outside my own interest area, and had me present at an excellent conference. For someone like me, who walked into academia from industry, the learning curve is steep, and this supportive environment made a world of difference.

What was one of your favourite courses?

I must mention two! One was Professor Linda Schweitzer’s Quantitative Research Methods, and the other was Professor Leighann Neilson’s Directed Reading on Marketing and Sustainability. While the first course was important to build the foundation in quantitative methods for those who are pursuing this line of research, the second one played a key role in letting us immerse in papers that are of interest to us. For me particularly, with my interest in sustainability, the Directed Reading course allowed me to explore the field in more detail and provided me with an opportunity to prepare for participation in a good conference. 

What is your current research interest?

Marketing and sustainability. Specifically, I am curious to explore how consumers can be motivated to make more responsible choices.

What impact are you hoping your research will have in this area?

At present, the world is perhaps going through the most profound change in terms of its reaction to climate change. And being able to contribute from my field at this juncture has the potential to make meaningful impacts both in academia and in management. My research can not only address certain gaps in the literature on hypocrisy and sustainable consumer behaviour but also open up the possibility for further discourse along these veins. My research can also contribute to managerial decision making especially on the importance of “walking the walk” particularly for companies subscribing to a sustainable business model. 

Any advice to new/incoming PhD students?

Build up a network of co-authors from as early on as you can. Learn about and respect research methods different from your own. Watch out for phenomena of interest and integrate that into your research. And enjoy the journey!

What’s your favourite way to relax/recharge when taking a break from your studies?

I’m an avid biker. Occasionally I indulge in cooking!