Pouria Akbari's academic journey began with a strong foundation in Industrial Engineering from Bu-Ali Sina University, where he earned his B.Sc with an impressive GPA of 17.03/20. He further honed his skills in Information Technology Management by pursuing an M.Sc from the University of Tehran, where he achieved a notable GPA of 18.47/20. These early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for his subsequent professional endeavors and research focus in the realm of Information Systems.
Professional Endeavors
Pouria Akbari's professional journey reflects a blend of rigorous academic training and hands-on experience. He commenced his career as a Data Analyst at MCI-Iran, where he delved into customer churn prediction and digital channels customer segmentation using Python-based methodologies. His role later evolved into a Business Analyst position, where he was instrumental in developing data dashboards and visualization tools using Power BI for top-tier management. Furthermore, his collaboration with multinational vendors such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Huawei enriched his expertise in CRM, SQM, and Customer Experience Management projects.
Contributions and Research Focus
Pouria Akbari's research contributions are commendable, with publications in esteemed journals like Expert Systems with Applications (ESWA) and Decision Support Systems (DSS). His research predominantly revolves around responsible AI, project portfolio selection methodologies, and IT service management. He has also presented papers at prestigious conferences like PACIS, showcasing his expertise in Information Systems. As a reviewer for Expert Systems with Applications, he has contributed to maintaining the quality and rigor of academic publications in his field.
Accolades and Recognition
Pouria's academic and professional excellence has been recognized through various accolades and awards. He ranked 61 among 50,000 master exam participants in Iran's national university entrance exam in 2014. Furthermore, he secured the third prize in the ICT open innovation challenge and demonstrated his expertise by becoming an IoT Content provider in the Telegram instant messenger ecosystem.
Impact and Influence
Pouria Akbari's work has made a significant impact on the academic and professional communities. His research on responsible AI principles and project portfolio selection methodologies has contributed to advancing the field of Information Systems. His teaching endeavors at the University of Agder have shaped the next generation of IT professionals, emphasizing algorithmic thinking, data science, and responsible AI practices.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As a PhD research fellow at the University of Agder, Pouria Akbari continues to explore responsible AI's operationalization in organizations, paving the way for ethical and sustainable AI implementations. His extensive work experience, coupled with his academic achievements, positions him to make enduring contributions to the field. Pouria's future endeavors are anticipated to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications, fostering innovation and responsible AI adoption in diverse industries.
Notable Publication