Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Birmingham City University | United Kingdom

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani is a Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor in Business Management at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom, with extensive academic and professional experience spanning the UK, UAE, and beyond. With more than nine years of teaching, research, and leadership roles in higher education, he has established himself as a scholar-practitioner dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, leadership, strategy, and innovation studies. His contributions extend across academic leadership, programme development, international collaborations, and impactful research in sustainable business practices, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

Education

Dr. Gilani holds a Ph.D. in Rural Entrepreneurship and Technology from Glasgow Caledonian University, where his doctoral research focused on the drivers and barriers of broadband adoption among food and drink micro-businesses in remote-rural Scotland. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) at the University of Glasgow, enhancing his expertise in educational innovation and leadership. His academic journey also includes an MSc in Corporate Strategy and Finance from Edinburgh Napier University, where he graduated with distinction and earned a best dissertation award, and a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from Heriot Watt University. Additionally, he has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Research (PGCR), a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE), and holds a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, reflecting his strong foundation in pedagogy and research methodologies.

Experience

Over his career, Dr. Gilani has held prominent teaching and leadership positions at leading institutions including Birmingham City University, Canadian University Dubai, De Montfort University Dubai, Westford University College, Aston Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Glasgow Caledonian University, and the University of Glasgow. He has successfully led undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes, including serving as Programme Leader for the BA Business Management course, DBA supervisor, and PhD coordinator. His leadership experience also extends beyond academia, where he has managed international partnerships, directed faculty teams, and mentored junior academics toward achieving professional fellowships and research success. His professional roles have also included founding and managing enterprises, which provides him with a practical perspective that enriches his teaching and research in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Research Interests

Dr. Gilani’s research lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, rural development, and digital transformation. He is particularly interested in the role of technology adoption—especially broadband and machine learning—in supporting rural businesses and micro-enterprises. His studies explore sustainable leadership, the impact of digitalisation on small business ecosystems, gender in management, and strategic innovation in both developed and developing economies. He has authored more than 60 publications, including 19 Scopus-indexed papers, book chapters, and case studies. His work has been published in high-ranking journals such as Sustainability, Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Discover Sustainability, and Industry and Higher Education. In addition, his editorial and peer-review contributions to leading journals further strengthen his standing as an engaged scholar in business and management studies.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Gilani’s scholarly contributions have earned him recognition at international conferences, where he has received best paper awards, delivered keynote addresses, and contributed to global discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. He has been formally recognised as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), a Chartered Manager of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), and a Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE). These achievements highlight his commitment to academic excellence, leadership in education, and impactful research. His innovative work has also led to collaborations with industry partners, fostering university-industry linkages and providing students opportunities to transform their ideas into practice.

Publications

Kenji, I., Gilani, S.A., Tantry, A., Khan, F., Mulla, T., Askri, S., Handhi, S., & Armosh, F. (2025). An investigation into the effects of Dundee’s cultural and economic revitalization on independent food enterprises. In [Book Title] (pp. xx–xx).

Gilani, S.A.M., Gernal, L., Sergio, R., Tantry, A., Duncan, P., & Smith, A. (2025). Exploring broadband adoption amongst rural businesses: A review of the literature. (pp. xx–xx).

Gilani, S.A.M., Hashim, M.A.M., Copacio, A., Sergio, R., Tlemsani, I., & Tantry, A. (2025). The impact of COVID-19 on the diffusion of machine learning amongst rural farms: A study of Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. Sustainable Futures, 7, 101291.

Gilani, S.A.M., Tantry, A., Kenji, I., Li, X., & Gilani, A. (2025). A journey into BJJ 24/7’s success in the United Kingdom. In [Book Title] (pp. xx–xx). IGI Global.

Gilani, S.A.M., Tantry, A., Tiemo, H.T., Gilani, A., & Dos Santos, L.J.M. (2025). Grappling with societal norms in Pakistan. In [Book Title] (pp. xx–xx). IGI Global.

Joshi, A., Askri, S., Tantry, A., Gilani, S.A.M., Armosh, F., Peel, R., Tiemo, T.H., & Iqbal, N. (2025). Advancing the digital economy. In [Book Title] (pp. xx–xx). IGI Global.

Conclusion

Dr. Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani embodies the qualities of a dynamic academic leader, researcher, and educator with a global outlook. His career reflects a unique blend of scholarly depth, pedagogical excellence, and practical business experience, which together contribute to shaping the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. His work continues to bridge academia and industry, while his contributions to research and teaching reinforce his role as a key voice in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business management.

Prof. Maksym Lazirko | Accounting Information Systems | Best Academic Researcher Award

Rutgers University | United States

Prof. Maksym Orest Lazirko is an emerging scholar and academic professional specializing in Management Information Systems, Accounting Information Systems, and advanced technologies impacting modern business practices. With a multidisciplinary foundation spanning management, accounting, geological sciences, and quantum computing, he has developed a unique expertise that bridges technical innovation and business strategy. His academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to research, teaching, and technological transformation in accounting and audit domains. Prof. Lazirko actively engages in developing frameworks for blockchain applications, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, quantum computing integration in accounting systems, and data-driven audit methodologies. His work emphasizes innovative approaches to automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies that redefine corporate reporting and decision-making.

Professional Profiles

Education

Prof. Lazirko completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Systems and a minor in Geological Science. Building upon his academic foundation, he pursued advanced research as a Doctoral Candidate in Management with a concentration in Accounting Information Systems at Rutgers University, where he has made significant contributions under the mentorship of Dr. Miklos Vasarhelyi. His educational background reflects a blend of business management, technological innovation, and applied sciences, equipping him with the expertise to address interdisciplinary challenges in the digital and corporate ecosystem.

Experience

Prof. Lazirko has amassed extensive teaching, research, and industry-related experience across multiple roles, including instructor, research assistant, teaching assistant, and guest lecturer at Rutgers University. His teaching portfolio spans courses such as Audit Analytics, Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, Data Warehousing & Data Mining, Management Information Systems, and Advanced Design & Development of Information Systems. His instructional expertise integrates theory with cutting-edge technological tools, providing students with practical and forward-thinking insights into accounting and information systems. Beyond academia, he has held roles in child development and robotics education, aquatics, and geology-focused positions, where he honed his leadership, process improvement, and technical skills. His volunteering work as a leader and advisor at a nonprofit organization reflects his dedication to community service, operational support, and technological guidance.

Research Interests

Prof. Lazirko’s research interests focus on the convergence of emerging technologies and accounting systems. His primary areas include quantum computing applications in accounting, blockchain-based proof of reserves frameworks, ESG-focused corporate reporting methodologies, automation in audit processes, metaverse and augmented/virtual reality applications in information systems, and artificial intelligence integration for financial transparency. He has contributed to developing methodologies for monitoring and reporting Natech disasters for business continuity, advanced risk assessment in cryptocurrency markets, and innovative designs for academic advisory chatbots. His interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge gaps between technological potential and practical business needs in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Awards and Contributions

Prof. Lazirko has been recognized for his active participation in professional conferences, workshops, and peer review activities in the field of accounting and information systems. He has served as a moderator, discussant, and organizer at significant academic meetings, including AAA Mid-Year Meetings, Transformative Technology Workshops, and WCARS conferences. His contributions as a volunteer referee for leading journals such as The British Accounting Review, Accounting Horizons, and the Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting reflect his standing as a critical contributor to scholarly discourse and research development. Furthermore, his involvement in the creation of innovative educational platforms such as quantum computing courses for business students and virtual reality classrooms highlights his forward-thinking contributions to academic innovation.

Publications

Lazirko, M., Appelbaum, D., & Vasarhelyi, M. (2025). “Proof of Reserves: A Double-Helix Framework” in The British Accounting Review.

Lazirko, M. (2025). “The Quantum Dynamics of Cost Accounting: Investigating WIP via the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation” in Journal of Decision Science and Optimization.

Lazirko, M., & Gates, A. (2025). “Unveiling Nature’s Fury: Natech Disasters for Business – A Continuous Monitoring & Reporting Framework” in Journal of Risk Research.

Conclusion

Prof. Maksym Orest Lazirko embodies the intersection of technology, research, and education, actively shaping the future of accounting and information systems. His work reflects a continuous pursuit of integrating next-generation technologies—quantum computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and immersive systems—into the financial and corporate sectors. Through his teaching, research, and community engagement, he promotes the advancement of sustainable, transparent, and innovative business practices. His ongoing efforts in developing cutting-edge frameworks and educational initiatives position him as a valuable thought leader in the fields of accounting innovation, digital transformation, and academic mentorship.

Sayed Abdul Majid Gilani | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award