PŪTAHI RANGAHAU/AUT RESEARCH CENTRE

Welcoming Associate Researchers

CISRC is thrilled to welcome Thafnitha Faisal as our new Associate Researcher

Thafnitha Faisal is a senior digital transformation and delivery leader with a specialisation in agile and hybrid project management, end-to-end transformation delivery, and programme governance in complex technology environments.

She recently graduated with a Master of Information Technology Project Management (First Class Honours) from Auckland University of Technology, where her award-winning research explored the application of data analytics in portfolio management decision-making. Alongside this, she brings over 16 years of professional services experience leading complex, end-to-end transformation engagements for high-profile clients in India and UK across financial services, aviation, motorsports and FMCG sectors. Her work has included multiple client engagements at Accenture, Infosys, Infinite Computer Solution and Nokia.

Photo of the new associate

Her focused skillset includes:

  • End-to-end digital transformation delivery, from discovery and strategic scoping through solution design, delivery, change management, and benefits realisation
  • Coordinating multinational and cross-functional delivery teams and facilitating stakeholder workshops across complex, multi-client engagements
  • Programme governance, including defining KPIs, governance structures, and executive reporting frameworks aligned to client decision-making needs
  • Applying AI and data analytics to strengthen portfolio-level decision-making

Thafnitha's research interest lies in applying data-driven analytics to strengthen portfolio-level decision-making, exploring how data and intelligent tooling can improve prioritisation, risk visibility, and governance across complex programmes. Her research on this topic was awarded the Best Research Paper Award at the IT Project Management Research Symposium 2025. She is SAFe Certified in AI-Empowered Product Management, Leading SAFe and a certified Scrum Master, reflecting her ongoing commitment to bridging academic research with practical delivery expertise.

Open to: Research collaboration and industry conversation in digital transformation, Agile Project Management, programme governance, AI-driven decision-making, and IT project delivery.