Mr. Thomas Bierly
Details
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Department: Management
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Campus: City Campus Australia
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thomas.bierly@rmit.edu.au
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ORCID:
0009-0005-9460-8248
Open to
- Collaborative projects
- Industry Projects
- Media enquiries
- Join a web conference as a panellist or speaker
- Career advice
- Mentoring (short-term)
- Teaching provision
About
Thomas Bierly is an Associate Lecturer and Academic Career Development Fellow in the Department of Business Administration/Management at RMIT University, where he teaches in the MBA, Master of Human Resources, and Bachelor of Business programs. He is also a PhD candidate in Economics at RMIT, researching the impact of machine learning and automation on the Australian economy, particularly in relation to workforce transformation, task reallocation, and evolving skill demands.
With a background in organisational development, people analytics, and technology-driven capability uplift, Thomas has worked with several Fortune Global 500 firms, including Telstra, Accenture, and KPMG. His experience spans workforce transformation, strategic talent development, and the integration of emerging technologies into business operations. He has played a key role in aligning people, processes, and technology during major organisational transitions, including M&A integrations, large-scale digital initiatives, and capability-building programs. His expertise in integrating advanced analytics into human capital management has helped businesses enhance evidence-based decision-making and navigate digital disruption effectively.
His research focuses on the intersection of automation, AI-driven decision-making, and workforce adaptability. In addition to his PhD research on machine learning, automation, and the evolving demands of the digital economy, he is also investigating the role of Agentic AI in business decision-making and mathematics education. Previously, Thomas authored research on micro-credentials and gamification, examining their potential to enhance workforce development and lifelong learning in an era of rapid technological change.
By bridging academic research with industry practice, Thomas brings a strategic and future-focused perspective to management education. His work informs both his teaching and consulting, equipping organisations and business leaders with the tools to navigate digital disruption and build resilient, high-performing teams.
UN sustainable development goals
- 4 Quality Education
- 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Teaching interests
Thomas Bierly is an experienced educator specialising in people analytics, digital transformation, and the future of work. He has designed and developed courses on Foundations of People Analytics, Leading AI and Workforce Transformation, and Professional HR Practices, integrating cutting-edge industry insights with evidence-based teaching strategies. His teaching philosophy is grounded in constructivist and emancipatory approaches, empowering students to critically engage with complex problems, challenge assumptions, and develop real-world solutions.
Thomas actively incorporates gamification, simulations, and VR-based learning environments to create immersive and engaging classroom experiences. By leveraging interactive technologies and experiential learning, he enables students to apply theoretical concepts in dynamic, real-world scenarios, enhancing their ability to make strategic decisions in uncertain and evolving business environments.
At the postgraduate level, Thomas currently teaches Leading AI and Workforce Transformation, Managing Technology and Innovation, Product Innovation and Digital Business Strategy, and Foundations of People Analytics, equipping students with the skills to navigate technological disruption and workforce transformation.
At the undergraduate level, he teaches Managing People for the Future, People Analytics, and Business Decision Making, fostering data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities.
Over his career, Thomas has taught a diverse range of subjects, including Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Employment Relations, Future of Work, Work Health Safety and Wellbeing, Cross-Cultural Management, and Human Resource Development, among others. His teaching approach emphasises active, student-led learning, encouraging learners to explore complex business challenges through collaborative problem-solving, simulations, and applied research.
With a background spanning both academia and industry, Thomas is committed to preparing students for the challenges of an AI-driven, rapidly changing workplace, ensuring they graduate with the analytical, strategic, and leadership capabilities required for success.
Research interests
Thomas Bierly's research focuses on the intersection of automation, artificial intelligence, and workforce transformation, examining how emerging technologies reshape labour markets and organisational strategy. His PhD research explores the economic impacts of machine learning and automation, particularly in relation to technical unemployment, task reallocation, and evolving skill demands. Thomas is also investigating the role of Agentic AI in business decision-making and mathematics education, assessing how AI-driven decision agents can enhance analytical capabilities and problem-solving in professional and learning environments.
Beyond his current doctoral research, Thomas has authored work on micro-credentials and gamification, exploring their role in workforce development and lifelong learning. He is particularly interested in how alternative credentialing models can support skills adaptability in an era of rapid technological change. His broader academic interests span people analytics, digital transformation, and the strategic integration of AI-driven technologies in human capital management, with a focus on preparing organisations and individuals for the future of work.
