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Prof Imran Muhammad CRP, MSc, MSc, PhD

Professor

Doctoral Mentor Supervisor
School of People, Environment and Planning

Dr Imran Muhammad is a professionally trained urban planner and has over 15 years' experience of comprising research, teaching and professional practice in the field of urban transport planning. Imran is a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), UK.

Imran has worked at the University of Melbourne, Monash University and RMIT University in Australia and King Saud University in Saudi Arabia in research and teaching/tutoring capacities; and at the Victorian Road Authority (VicRoads) and British Columbia International Inc. in professional capacities.

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Professional

Contact details

  • Location: 2.08, Social Science Tower
    Campus: Turitea

Qualifications

  • BSc City & Regional Planning - University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (1997)
  • MSc City & Regional Planning - University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore (2001)
  • MSc Urban Planning - University of Hong Kong (2002)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Melbourne (2006)

Certifications and Registrations

  • Licence, Mentor Supervisor, Massey University

Research Expertise

Research Interests

Imran's research interests broadly focus on understanding the sustainable transport linkages with governance, climate change, poverty, gender, economic growth and urban design in contemporary cities.

Imran's current research explores how institutions can promote sustainable transport in cities in developing and developed countries. His research argues for a greater recognition of the role of politics and the influence of discourse on transport decision-making and reveals the limitations of technical methodologies. Imran's research is instrumental in the application of sustainability to transportation by challenging the conventional wisdom of building more roads and in the design of public transport.

Imran has received research grants from the Royal Society of NZ Marsden Fund (2013-2016) and, the NZ Transport Agency (2008) and has acted as a consultant for the World Bank (2010).

Imran is the sole author of a book, Institutional barriers to sustainable urban transport in Pakistan published by Oxford University Press. His book has received attention because of the sharp growth in motorisation in developing countries and the concerns this raises about global sustainability. Imran's research outputs have been used in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to challenge the widening of the Lahore Canal Road.

Imran is the 2013 recipient of the College Research Award – Early Career. Imran is also a recipient of 2014 IPENZ Transportation Group Conference People's Choice Award on his presentation about the political-institutional challenges of public transport in Auckland. 

Thematics

21st Century Citizenship, Resource Development and Management

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Built Environment And Design (120000): Land Use and Environmental Planning (120504): Transport Planning (120506): Urban and Regional Planning (120500): Urban Design (120508)

Keywords

• Urban planning and development

• Transport planning and policies

• Sustainable transport (walking, cycling and public/shared transport)

• Public transport network planning

• Transport and land use integration / Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

• Transport and climate change adaptation and mitigation

• Transport and socio-economic exclusions & development

• Mega transport projects

• Urban design

Research Projects

Completed Projects

Project Title: Institutional change, path dependence and public transport planning in Auckland

Utilising cutting edge approaches of social science to the socio-political institutions of public transport, this project proposes an institutional approach to investigate the planning and design of public transport in Auckland. The concepts of 'path dependence' and 'path development' will be used to analyse public transport policies in Auckland and to explore the potential for transformative change in public transport development made possible as a result of the creation of the Auckland Council. A theoretical framework developed from three types of path dependence and development, namely political, social and discursive, will focus attention on the political-institutional relationships between central and local governments, the socio-institutional interactions between the Auckland Council and local communities and the discursive-institutional connections between beliefs and policy problems and their generated solutions.
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Date Range: 2013 - 2016

Funding Body: Marsden Fund - Fast Start

Project Team:

Project Title: Measuring the Resilience of Transport Infrastructure

This project develops a Resilience Indicator Framework (RIF) for measuring transport resilience in the Manawatu-Whanganui region. Manawatu Gorge closure has been used as a case study to identify economic, social and environmental consequences. The research identifies the need for tools to assist decision-makers in determining priorities for transport infrastructure investment in order to mitigate the expected effects of climate change and natural hazards.
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Date Range: 2013 - 2013

Funding Body: Massey University

Project Team:

Project Title: Institutional and discursive barriers to public transport in New Zealand

This project investigates the institutional and discursive barriers that are hindering the development and implementation of sustainable urban transport policies in New Zealand. The research explores an historical overview of urban transport planning in Auckland dating from mid 1950s until recently. Analysis found the road-based discourses have been promoted in policy and planning documents which shaped transport problems and their solutions. The economic, mobility, safety and consumer based discourses helped to justify road-based urban transport projects in Auckland. These arguments have been used, reused and reapplied in policy and planning documents to stabilise road-based solutions. The research concludes that the discourse in urban transport policies is creating barriers to public transport and needs to be challenged for institutional change in New Zealand.
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Date Range: 2009 - 2011

Funding Body: Massey University

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Sasu, A., Javed, A., & Imran, M. (2024). Optimal location to land banking practices in urban-rural informal land market continuum of Ghana. Cities. 154
[Journal article]Authored by: Javed, A., Muhammad, I.
Shammut, M., & Imran, M. (2024). Governance of automated mobilities transition in Aotearoa New Zealand. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. 133
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Whale, J., & Imran, M. (2024). New Zealand public transport agencies' responses to COVID-19: Understanding public transport services, infrastructure and communication measures. New Zealand Geographer. 80(2), 133-148
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Sasu, A., Javed, A., Imran, M., & Squires, G. (2024). Land banking, land price and Ghana's informal land markets: A relational complexity approach. Land Use Policy. 141
[Journal article]Authored by: Javed, A., Muhammad, I.
Muhammad, I. (2023). The making and unmaking of east–west link. Urban Policy and Research. 41(4), 473-475 Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08111146.2023.2288312
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Mathur, D., Gregory, R., & Imran, M. (2022). Transitioning towards a circular economy solar energy system in Northern Australia: insights from a multi-level perspective. Australian Planner. 58(3-4), 115-122
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Shammut, M., Imran, M., & Hasan, SF. (2023). Automated mobilities and society: Why do social meanings matter?. Cities. 132
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Shammut, M., Imran, M., & Hasan, F. (2022). Conceptualising the adoption of safer autonomous mobilities. Transportation Planning and Technology. 45(5), 403-426
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Mehmood, A., & Imran, M. (2021). Digital social innovation and civic participation: toward responsible and inclusive transport planning. European Planning Studies. 29(10), 1870-1885
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Scott, M., & Imran, M. (2020). Copenhagenize: The definitive guide to global bicycle urbanism. Urban Policy and Research. 38(1), 83-85 Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cupr20/38/1
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Wang, X., Imran, M., Tsui, KWH., & Sturup, S. (2019). The Use of Value Capture for Transport Projects in China: Opportunities and Challenges. Asian Transport Studies. 5(5), 784-810 Retrieved from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/eastsats/5/5/5_784/_article
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Muhammad, I. (2018). The politics of public transport in Auckland: Findings from a research project. Planning Quarterly, Journal of NZ Planning Institute. 209(June), 24-29
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Wijaya, S., Imran, M., & McNeill, J. (2019). Socio-political tensions in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) development in low-income Asian cities. Development in Practice. 29(1), 40-52
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Cheema, AR., Mehmood, A., & Imran, M. (2016). Learning from the past: Analysis of disaster management structures, policies and institutions in Pakistan. Disaster Prevention and Management. 25(4), 449-463
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Cheyne, ., & Imran, M. (2016). Shared transport: Reducing energy demand and enhancing transport options for residents of small towns. Energy Research and Social Science. 18, 139-150
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Pearce, J. (2015). Auckland's first spatial plan: Ambitious aspirations or furthering the status quo?. Cities. 45, 18-28
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Matthews, L. (2015). Short-term public transport solutions in Auckland, New Zealand. Case Studies on Transport Policy. 3(1), 55-65
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Pearce, J. (2015). Discursive Barriers to Sustainable Transport in New Zealand Cities. Urban Policy and Research. 33(4), 392-415
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Low, N. (2005). Sustainable urban transport in Pakistan: threats and opportunities. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal. 16(5), 505-529
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Stone, J. (2014). Public transport network planning in Auckland, New Zealand. World Transport Policy & Practice. 20(2), 108-113
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M. (2014). Making public transport work: Lessons from Curitiba, Brazil. Planning Quarterly. 192(March 2014), 20-25 Retrieved from http://tangiblemedia.co.nz/
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Cheema, AR., Scheyvens, R., Glavovic, B., & Imran, M. (2014). Unnoticed but important: Revealing the hidden contribution of community-based religious institution of the mosque in disasters. Natural Hazards. 71(3), 2207-2229
[Journal article]Authored by: Glavovic, B., Muhammad, I., Scheyvens, R.
Stone, J., Mees, P., & Imran, M. (2012). Benchmarking the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Public Transport in New Zealand Cities. Urban Policy and Research. 30(2), 207-224
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Matthews, L. (2011). Discursive path dependence: Keeping the supremacy of road-based urban transport planning in Auckland. Road and Transport Research. 20(1), 41-57
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M. (2010). Sustainable urban transport in Pakistan: An institutional analysis. International Planning Studies. 15(2), 119-141
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M. (2009). Public transport in Pakistan: A critical overview. Journal of Public Transportation. 12(2), 53-84
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Cheyne, C., & Imran, M. (2009). Attitude and behaviour to public transport in non-metropolitan cities of New Zealand. Planning Quarterly. (173), 14-16
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Low, N. (2007). Institutional, technical and discursive path dependence in transport planning in Pakistan. International Development Planning Review. 29(3), 319-352
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Low, N. (2005). Sustainable Urban Transport in Pakistan: Threats and Opportunities. Management of Environmental Quality. 16(5), 505-529
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Low, N. (2003). Time to Change the Old Paradigm, Promoting Sustainable Urban Transport in Lahore, Pakistan. World Transport Policy & Practice. 9(2), 32-39
[Journal article]Authored by: Muhammad, I.

Book

Imran, M., & Whale, J. (2024). New Zealand's response to public transport during the COVID-19: A focus on Auckland. In International Perspectives on Public Transport Responses to COVID-19. (pp. 153 - 161).
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Wijaya, SE., & Muhammad, I.(2019). Moving the Masses: Bus-Rapid Transit (BRT) Policies in Low Income Asian Cities. : Springer
[Authored Book]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., Ali, M., & Janjua, MS. (2021). Urban development challenges under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In International Perspectives on the Belt and Road Initiative: A Bottom-Up Approach. (pp. 81 - 99).
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Ahmed, W. (2021). Pakistan's railway: A painful history?. In The Railways in Colonial South Asia: Economy, Ecology and Culture. (pp. 115 - 140).
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M. (2020). Institutional path dependence. In Handbook of Sustainable Transport. (pp. 398 - 407).
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Wijaya, SE., & Imran, M.(2019). Moving the Masses: Bus-Rapid transit (BRT) policies in low income Asian cities: Case studies from Indonesia.
[Authored Book]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Ahmed, W., Muhammad, I., & Scheyvens, R. (2018). Women’s everyday travel experiences in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. In J. Garrard, & E. Mikhailova (Eds.) Twin Cities Urban Communities, Borders and Relationships over Time. (pp. 119 - 131). London, United Kingdom: Routledge
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I., Scheyvens, R.
Muhammad, I. (2017). Transportation Planning. In C. Miller, & L. Beattie (Eds.) Planning Practice in New Zealand. (pp. 215 - 228). Wellington, New Zealand: LexisNexis
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Muhammad, I., & Pearce, J. (2016). Institutions, path dependency and public transport. In D. Hopkins, & J. Higham (Eds.) Low Carbon Mobility Transitions. (pp. 104 - 118). : Goodfellow Publishers Ltd
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Muhammad, I. (2014). Metro planning and governance in Auckland. In B. Gleeson, & B. Beau (Eds.) The Public City. (pp. 195 - 209). Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne University Press
[Chapter]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M.(2010). Institutional barriers to sustainable urban transport in Pakistan. Karachi: Oxford University Press
[Authored Book]Authored by: Muhammad, I.

Report

Cheyne, CM., Muhammad, I., Ahmed, W., & Potroz, C. (2017). Barriers to Active Transport in Palmerston North: Experiences and Perspectives of Secondary School Students.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Spoonley, P., Muhammad, I., Jackson, N., Peace, R., & Cain, T. (2016). Transport demand implications of changing population age and ethnic diversity in Auckland: A thought piece. A Joint Modelling Application Centre (JMAC) Report - NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council.
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Cheyne, CM., Muhammad, I., Scott, M., & Tien, C.(2015). Barriers to active transport in Palmerston North. Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey University
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., Cheyne, C., & Harold, H.(2014). Measuring Transport Resilience: A Manawatu-Wanganui Region Case Study. : Resource and Environmental Planning, Massey University
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Mees, P., Stone, J., Imran, M., & Nielson, G.(2010). Public transport network planning: A guide to best practice in New Zealand cities. : New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Cheyne, C., & Imran, M.(2010). Attitudes and behavior in relation to public transport in New Zealand's non-metropolitan regions, New Zealand. : New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Ali, M., Uddin, W., & Imran, M.(2010). Urban transportation policy for Karachi and other Pakistani cities. : The National Academies, USA
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Low, N.(2006). Mega projects in transport and development: Background in Australian case studies - City link motorway expansion, Melbourne. Melbourne: GAMUT, The University of Melbourne, Australia
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., Low, N., & Glover, L.(2006). Mega projects in transport and devlopment: Background in Australian case studies - Perth urban railway. Melbourne: GAMUT, The University of Melbourne, Australia
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., & Low, N.(2006). Mega projects in transport and development: Background in Australian case studies - Sydney harbour tunnel. Melbourne: GAMUT, the University of Melbourne, Australia
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Currie, G., Imran, M., & Senbergs, Z.(2006). Metlink market futures research and development project: Phase 1 - identification of potential market change factors - report 1 literature review. : Institute of Transport Studies, Monash University, Australia
[Technical Report]Authored by: Muhammad, I.

Conference

Ahmad, F., Muhammad, I., Ehalaiye, D., & Laswad, F.(2023, December). Is bigger better? Post merger transport performance evaluation of Auckland Council. .
[Conference]Authored by: Ahmad, F., Ehalaiye, O., Laswad, F., Muhammad, I.
Imran, M., Stone, J., & Mees, P. (2010). Network planning for more effective public transport in NZ cities.. Proceedings of the International Planning Conference (on line). : International Planning Conference
[Conference Paper in Published Proceedings]Authored by: Muhammad, I.

Other

Muhammad, I. (2023). Urban Planning & Development in Pakistan.
[Working Paper]Authored by: Muhammad, I.
Muhammad, I. (2023). MAKING TRANSPORT INCLUSIVE: Immigrant Communities Everyday Experience of Public Transport in Auckland.
[Working Paper]Authored by: Muhammad, I.

Consultancy and Languages

Consultancy

  • May 2010 - Oct 2010 - World Bank
    Quick urban transport assessment in Punjab, Pakistan
  • Aug 2008 - March 2010 - New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
    Public transport network planning: a guide to best practice in NZ cities (NZTA research report 396)
  • Jul 2008 - Nov 2010 - New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA)
    Attitudes and behaviour in relation to public transport in New Zealand's non-metropolitan regions (NZTA research report 419)

Languages

  • Urdu
    Last used: 2014
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Excellent
  • Punjabi
    Last used: 2014
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Needs work
  • Hindi
    Last used: 2014
    Spoken ability: Excellent
    Written ability: Needs work

Teaching and Supervision

Teaching Statement

My teaching philosophy rests on finding innovative solutions to wicked problems in our cities through critical thinking, creativity and active learning with inspired students. I believe in research-led experiential teaching which engages with real-world projects/scenarios in collaboration with industry. My teaching philosophy, passion and dedication have developed from my experience as a student in world-class universities and 15 years of teaching amazing, bright and motivated students at Massey University. I received the College Special Commendation of Teaching Excellence in 2012. 

Graduate Supervision Statement

I am a passionate, student-centred supervisor who inspires and influences the intellectual journey of the next generation of researchers. I have received the 2020 College of Humanities and Social Sciences Supervisory Award.

I have adopted an interdisciplinary approach to doctoral research supervision in the areas of social sustainability (Women and transport planning, social justice in making cities safe, disaster risk governance), economic sustainability (road investment and economic growth), environmental sustainability (impact of climate change on transport, resilient transport), institutional sustainability (innovative funding for public transport, decision-making for mega infrastructure projects) and technological sustainability (autonomous vehicles and their uptake). These projects engage with literature in the areas of social sciences (e.g., urban planning, transport planning, development studies, anthropology, women studies, public policy, political science, environmental studies, defence and security studies), humanities (history, religious and media studies), business studies (economics and management sciences) and engineering (civil engineering and telecommunication engineering). My PhD students come from various disciplinary backgrounds (e.g., planning, anthropology, civil engineering, development studies, development economics) and have adopted different methodological approaches. Similarly, the supervisory panels for my doctoral students projects were formed from the social science, science and business schools at Massey University and beyond. This approach allowed me to work with interdisciplinary teams of academics and learn from others with different supervisory styles.

I consider student supervision as an opportunity to develop the next generation of researchers and professionals. In my 15 years at Massey, I have developed my supervisory skills in a complex environment that focuses on both changing the knowledge of the research area and on student-centred development. Therefore, I have developed a dual strategy contributing in the short-medium term (inspiring and influencing students’ research projects) and the medium-long term (student development, publications, networking and career opportunities). This supervisory vision and practice has helped me to develop relationships with my students beyond their Massey tenure. This vision encourages me to take a student-centred approach by providing opportunities for their growth, which is ultimately good for students, my own research and for the university. 


Prof Imran Muhammad is available for Masters and Doctorial supervision.

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 1 5
Co-supervisor 1 3

Current Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • Mati Ullah Tareen Tareen - Doctor of Philosophy
    Rethinking the Problem of Human Security and Militarization in Pakistan: A Case study of Balochistan

Co-supervisor of:

  • Alexander Sasu - Doctor of Philosophy
    Essays on Land Banking Praxis in Ghana

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2024 - Moayad Shammut - Doctor of Philosophy
    The Future of Automated Mobilities Transition in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • 2022 - Xinning Wang - Doctor of Philosophy
    Public Value Creation: Exploring Partnerships in Value Capture Projects in China
  • 2018 - Waheed Ahmed - Doctor of Philosophy
    Transport and Women's Social Exclusion in Urban Areas in Pakistan
  • 2017 - Suryani Wijaya - Doctor of Philosophy
    Multi-level tensions in transport policy and planning: bus-rapid transit (BRT) in Indonesia
  • 2017 - Muhammad Chohan - Doctor of Philosophy
    Roads Investment and Economic Growth: Similarity or Divergence between Developed and Developing Countries

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2024 - Shashini Ranabahu Mudiyanselage - Doctor of Philosophy
    Community vulnerability and resilience to mobility-related disruptions caused by floods: A systems-based approach
  • 2024 - Syed Ali - Doctor of Philosophy
    Power dynamics in environmental decision-making for large-scale infrastructure projects The Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme, New Zealand
  • 2012 - Abdur Cheema - Doctor of Philosophy
    Exploring the role of the mosque in dealing with disasters: a case study of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan

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