Dr Ricky Mak

Ricky Mak serves as the Director of Studies in the Department of Analytics, Operations, and Systems (DOAS) at Kent Business School, where he is also a Senior Lecturer. In this pivotal role, he oversees the academic quality and student experience for several flagship programs, including the BSc Business Analytics and Management, MSc Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, MSc Strategic Project Management, MSc Business Analytics, and the MSc Top-Up Business Analytics programs. 

Dr Mak is responsible for ensuring that program curricula align with the university’s strategic goals and reflect the latest industry trends. He provides academic leadership by working closely with module conveners and teaching teams to maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and assessment, while also supporting students in their academic and professional development. 

He received his Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Statistics with Management Science from the University of Plymouth and MPhil in Civil and Structural Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. During his study at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, he received the “Highways into the Next Century 1996 International Conference Scholarship” in 2007. Moreover, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy Degree from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2015.

Best Paper Awards for Malaysia Feb 2017 Conference: “Examining Systematic Risk with Principal Component Analysis: An Empirical Analysis in Hong Kong Stock Market”.

Highways into the Next Century 1996 International Conference Scholarship in 2007.

Ricky's research primarily focuses on the innovative application of numerical modelling, reinforcement learning, and machine learning to address complex real-world problems. His work leverages advanced computational techniques to simulate, analyse, and optimize intricate systems, providing valuable insights that drive decision-making across various domains. 

Through reinforcement learning, he explores how intelligent systems can adapt and improve their performance in dynamic environments by learning from interactions and feedback. 

In addition, his research in machine learning delves into developing predictive models, uncovering patterns in large datasets, and enabling data-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and strategic planning. 

By integrating these cutting-edge methodologies, Ricky contributes to the advancement of analytical tools and their practical applications in industries such as logistics, supply chain management, and business analytics.

Ricky brings over 15 years of teaching experience across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, demonstrating a deep commitment to academic excellence and student development. At Kent Business School, he delivers a range of courses, including Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics, Data Intelligence in Practice, and Business Statistics with Python. His teaching is characterized by a strong focus on practical application, empowering students with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex analytical challenges in real-world scenarios.

In addition to his teaching role, Ricky has developed a mobile app and an online e-learning platform to enhance the student learning experience. These innovative tools aim to provide students with interactive and engaging resources, enabling them to access learning materials and support in a flexible, user-friendly environment. Ricky's work in this area has garnered recognition and has been published in international journal articles, showcasing the impact of his contributions to the field of educational technology. Through these efforts, he continues to advance the integration of modern tools in education, helping students to excel in the rapidly evolving field of business analytics.