About Me

Coming from a family business background, Dr. Feranita has over 20 years of experience working with business families, educating next generations of family business leaders, and coaching startup teams. She is an internationally-recognized academic, researcher, and practitioner in the fields of entrepreneurship and family business.

Dr. Feranita brings a wealth of experience, agility, and cultural intelligence to any team, having lived and worked in eight different countries. Adept at navigating complex and ambiguous environments, she leverages her fluency in English, Mandarin, and Indonesian to facilitate smooth communication and collaboration in diverse contexts. Dr. Feranita adopts an innovative, structured, and analytical approach to solving today’s business problems, drawing from her extensive academic research and practical experience. She holds a PhD in Management with a focus on family business and entrepreneurship, complemented by an MBA and a Master of Research.

As a Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University and the Director of the International Family Enterprise Centre, Dr. Feranita has designed and delivered comprehensive workshops and training programs that address the unique challenges faced by family businesses. Her academic journey includes significant roles in teaching, research, and practical application, making her well-equipped to advance entrepreneurial education and develop innovative educational programs. Passionate about fostering entrepreneurial spirit and guiding startup ventures, Dr. Feranita is dedicated to contributing to the excellence and global recognition of the educational environments she serves.

Education

2014 – 2018

Doctor of Philosophy in Management (Ph.D.)
Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
Centre for Family Business, Department of Entrepreneurship, Strategy & Innovation


Dissertation Title: Collaborative innovation in family firms: Collaborating within and beyond
Conducted extensive research on collaborative practices in international family firms and SMEs, utilizing game theory to analyse and emphasize innovation and strategic partnerships.

2013 – 2014

Master of Research in Management Sciences (MRes.)
ESADE Business School, Barcelona, Spain

Dissertation Title: The design and use of management control systems in family business
Explored effective management practices and their impact on fostering innovation in family-owned businesses, highlighting how strategic decision-making influences competitive advantage.

2011 – 2013

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

Dissertation Title: The balancing of management control systems in a family-owned SME: Business turn-around as lens
Analyzed and developed turnaround strategies for family-owned SMEs, focusing on the strategic use of management controls.

2007 – 2010

Bachelor of Economics and Business (S.E.)
BINUS University International, Jakarta, Indonesia

Dissertation Title: The effects of country of origin and perceived risk on initial trust: An experimental evaluation of the perception of Indonesian consumers on service industry across high risk and low risk services
Investigated consumer behaviour and trust factors in high and low-risk service.

Work Experience

May 2023 – Present

Director, International Family Enterprise Centre,
Taylor’s University, Subang, Malaysia

• Leadership in Strategic Direction: Spearheaded the strategic planning and operational execution, aligning the centre’s objectives with broader academic and community goals.
• Advocacy, Education, and Research Management: Oversaw and enhanced activities across advocacy, education, and research domains, contributing to the centre’s reputation as a leader in family business education.
• Training and Workshop Design: Designed and delivered professional development workshops aimed at adult learners, focusing on entrepreneurial skills, business management, and innovation, demonstrating my capability to educate and engage at all levels of academia.
• Partnership Development: Initiated and cultivated strategic partnerships with industry and academic entities, expanding the centre’s influence and collaborative opportunities.
• Knowledge Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement: Led efforts in disseminating research findings and practical insights through various channels, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders including academic peers, industry leaders, and policy-makers.

Jul 2019 – Present

Senior Lecturer,
Taylors Business School, Subang, Malaysia                                      

• Academic Leadership and Curriculum Development: Served as module lead, designing and tutoring undergraduate courses in entrepreneurship and family business, reflecting a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
• Advanced Academic Supervision: Supervised a diverse group of PhD and MBA candidates, guiding their research in entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation. Mentored students through their final year projects and internships, preparing them for successful careers in various industries.
• Entrepreneurial Coaching: Coached and supported startup teams, guiding them from initial ideation and business plan development to pitch preparation. Provided expert advice on strategic planning and execution, fostering a practical understanding of the entire startup process and enhancing their readiness for investment opportunities.
• Administrative Expertise: Managed multiple administrative responsibilities, ensuring the smooth operation of academic programs and contributing to the strategic goals of the business school.

Jul 2018 – Jun 2019

Lecturer,
BINUS Business School, Jakarta, Indonesia

• Postgraduate Teaching and Mentorship: Collaboratively taught and provided mentorship to postgraduate students in business and management.
• Research Project Leadership: Managed and led research projects focused on innovation in family business, contributing to the field through new insights and methodologies. This role involved coordinating with academic colleagues and industry professionals to foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Sept 2017 – Apr 2018

Thesis Supervisor,
Loughborough University London, London, UK

• Postgraduate Mentorship: Provided comprehensive guidance and mentorship to postgraduate students on their thesis projects, achieving a 100% on-time completion rate. Demonstrated a strong ability to support and motivate students through critical academic milestones.
• Research Focus Areas: Specialized in supervising theses that explored key areas such as entrepreneurship, family business, emerging economies, innovation, and internationalization, contributing to cutting-edge research and knowledge in these fields.

Oct 2014 – Jul 2017

Teaching Assistant,
Lancaster UniversityLancaster, UK

• Educational Coordination and Instruction: Coordinated and delivered lectures on family business and entrepreneurship to both postgraduate and undergraduate students, utilizing the case method to foster critical thinking and practical application of theoretical concepts.

Sept 2010 – Oct 2011

Executive Officer,
Nanyang Technopreneurship CenterSingapore

• Program Management: Managed the Master of Technopreneurship & Innovation Program, overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations, including marketing and recruitment strategies to enhance program visibility and attract high-caliber international candidates.
• Strategic Initiatives: Engaged in strategic planning activities, aligning program objectives with broader industry trends and market needs to prepare students for entrepreneurial success.

“Per aspera ad astra

Through suffering to the stars…

Virgil