LSST Trainee Lecturer to Present Pioneering Research on Sustainable Talent Management at University of Oxford
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 19 June 2025
Marjan Anastasieski – a Trainee Business Lecturer and Academic Support Tutor at LSST Elephant and Castle – will present his research at the 14th International Conference on the Restructuring of the Global Economy (ROGE) 2025 at the University of Oxford on 11–12 August 2025.
The conference, renowned for bringing together eminent academics and global thought leaders, is centred on promoting sustainability and remains a cornerstone of interdisciplinary academic discourse.
Marjan’s research paper, “From Talent Identification to Retention: Embedding Talent Management for Sustainable Development in Football”, investigates the nuanced transition from the early recognition of athletic potential to the strategic retention of high-performing individuals within elite footballing contexts.
Drawing from his journey – having played for QPR (Queens Park Rangers) U21 during his studies – Marjan brings a rare dual perspective. “As a former professional football player,” he explains, “my firsthand experience in elite sports environments offers unique insights into the often invisible challenges of talent progression.”
This real-world insight, combined with postgraduate study and a dedicated move into academic research, has enabled Marjan to develop a clear and practical approach to improving how talent is supported in sport. Central to his research is the idea of Talent Management Units (TMUs) – specialised support teams that bring together coaches, psychologists, medical staff and career advisors. These teams work closely with young athletes to guide their development on and off the pitch, helping them stay mentally and physically healthy, improve performance and plan for long-term success in football or beyond.
Through a comparative analysis of English and continental European football academies, the research critiques inefficiencies in current systems and argues that Talent Management Units (TMUs) offer a strategic response to bridging the gaps between raw talent and structured career pathways in both sporting and business contexts.
The work ultimately draws compelling parallels between the dynamics of elite sport and corporate talent systems, arguing for human-centred, sustainable talent ecosystems applicable far beyond the football field.
Reflecting on the academic significance of this milestone, Marjan commented:
“This research offers a contemporary redefinition of talent management – one that is grounded in sustainability, interdisciplinarity, and strategic foresight. Presenting at the University of Oxford provides a rarefied platform through which to engage wider scholarly and professional communities with its implications.”
Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, Deputy CEO of LSST, remarked:
“This achievement reflects the calibre and ambition of LSST’s academic community. The emphasis on sustainable talent ecosystems speaks directly to the values we champion as an institution — innovation, impact and intellectual integrity.”
Eniana Gobuzi, Associate Dean at LSST Elephant and Castle, added:
“We are immensely proud of this ongoing research excellence. It showcases not only our commitment to academic rigour but also our capacity to contribute meaningfully to real-world challenges by bridging theory with transformative practice.”
She concluded:
“It is truly amazing to see our staff with such passion and dedication towards research and making a meaningful impact. The future looks bright with such enthusiastic minds leading the way!”
The paper will be delivered in a hybrid format with an in-person presentation at Oxford University on 11 August and a virtual engagement on 12 August 2025. The paper will be published on ResearchGate soon after.
Visit the Conference site via: https://cberuk.com/conference_details&id=7068
For additional information, please direct questions to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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