Aravindh Sekar | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aravindh Sekar | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Penske Logistics | United States

Dr. Aravindh Sekar holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems (Analytics/Decision Support) from Dakota State University (2024), an M.S. in Information Science & Technology from Missouri University of Science & Technology (2011), and a B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (2006). He is currently Staff Software Architect, Supply Chain Solutions at Penske Logistics (since January 2018), where he leads the architecture and integration of technical solutions across supply-chain platforms, defines enterprise standards, and champions data-driven, API-led design and governance for future-state capabilities. Earlier, he served as Project Leader at Leggett & Platt (June 2010–January 2018), managing logistics and operational systems, implementing Oracle Transportation Management workflows, and customizing agent workflows and business monitors. His research interests span digital transformation, enterprise architecture, emerging technologies (blockchain, AI, IoT) in supply chain management, IT governance and leadership, cybersecurity in digital platforms, and bridging theory with practice in agile supply-chain ecosystems. His recent awards include the Graduate Research Initiative (GRI) award for his exploratory project on “Factors Influencing Blockchain Implementation in Supply Chain Management.” His published work addresses blockchain adoption, project management adaptations for blockchain, and inventory-control complexity through reinforcement learning. Dr. Sekar’s scholarly output includes 4 documents, 1 citation, and an h-index of 1, reflecting his growing academic impact.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Sekar, A., Tech, D., Brooks, P., & Noteboom, C. (2024) “Factors Influencing Blockchain Implementation in Supply Chain Management: An Exploratory Pilot Study”, Issues in Information Systems.

Sekar, Aravindh, Tech, Deb, & Noteboom, Cherie Bakker (2024) “Exploring the Impact of Blockchain Integration on Inventory Accuracy and Supply Chain Efficiency – A Literature Review”, AMCIS 2024 Proceedings.

Sekar, Aravindh, & Tech, Deb (2024) “Exploratory Study on the Impact of Blockchain Adoption on Inventory Accuracy and Supply Chain Efficiency”, AMCIS 2024 Proceedings.

Sekar, Aravindh, & Zeng, David (2022) “Reinforcement Learning Algorithms and Complexity of Inventory Control: A Review”, MWAIS 2022 Proceedings.

Sekar, Aravindh (2023) “Determining the Effectiveness of RL in Tackling Inventory Control Complexities”, International Journal of Management and Applied Science (IJMAS).

Govindu, D., Tippani, R., Porika, M., & Sura, S. P. (2023) “Methodology of Assessing Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Recent Advances in the Practical Approaches”, in Micro and Nanoplastics in Soil: Threats to Plant-Based Food.

Chulhwan Bang | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chulhwan Bang | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Researcher Award

Georgia Southern University | United States

Dr. Chulhwan C. Bang is an Assistant Professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems at Georgia Southern University. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Management, specializing in Management Science and Systems with a minor in Communication, from the University at Buffalo, SUNY. With over a decade of academic and professional experience, Dr. Bang has taught a wide range of courses in business programming, information systems, and data analytics, integrating tools such as Python, SAP, Power BI, and Tableau. His research interests include big data analytics, cryptocurrency forecasting, social media analysis, deep learning, and sports analytics. He has published in top-tier journals such as Information Systems Frontiers and International Journal of Information Management and actively collaborates with students on applied data-driven projects. Prior to academia, he worked in the IT industry as a system architect and software developer, contributing to large-scale ERP and BI projects in Korea and the U.S. Dr. Bang has received multiple honors, including the Outstanding Research Award and finalist recognition for accelerator research grants. His work bridges theory and practice, fostering innovation in analytics education and advancing interdisciplinary research in business intelligence and emerging technologies.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Lee, Y. S., & Bang, C. C. (2022). Framework for the Classification of Imbalanced Structured Data Using Under-sampling and Convolutional Neural Network. Information Systems Frontiers.

Bang, C. C., Lee, J., & Rao, H. R. (2021). The Egyptian protest movement in the twittersphere: An investigation of dual sentiment pathways of communication. International Journal of Information Management.

Bang, C. C. (2020). Predicting Loyalty of Korean Mobile Applications: A Dual-Factor Approach. International Journal of Information and Communication Technology for Digital Convergence (IJICTDC).

Yu, J., Bang, C. C., & Oh, D.-Y. (2020). The Effect of Noncognitive Factors on Information Disclosure on Social Network Websites: Role of Habit and Affect. Southern Business & Economic Journal.

Kwon, K. H., Bang, C. C., Egnoto, M., & Rao, H. R. (2016). Social media rumors as improvised public opinion: semantic network analyses of Twitter discourses during Korean saber rattling 2013. Asian Journal of Communication.

Basmah Alzamil | Social Impact | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Basmah Alzamil | Social Impact | Best Researcher Award

Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Basmah Alzamil is an Assistant Professor at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, specializing in organizational behavior, strategic management, and entrepreneurship. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from King Saud University in 2023 with distinction, following an MBA from Saginaw Valley State University and a BBA from King Saud University, graduating with second honors. Her academic career includes extensive teaching experience in research methods, strategic management, performance management, administrative leadership, entrepreneurship, project management, and crisis management. She has also supervised cooperative training programs, organized practical training initiatives, and contributed to curriculum development. Dr. Alzamil’s research focuses on digital leadership, creative deviance, organizational socialization, workplace behavior, and the effects of digital transformation on employee performance and innovation. Her recent publications explore topics such as the mediating role of paradox mindset, the impact of digital leadership on toxic workplaces, and the influence of social support on workplace deviance. She has presented her work at international conferences and participated in professional development courses in research creativity, communication, and leadership. Dr. Alzamil’s scholarship bridges theory and practice, emphasizing evidence-based strategies for organizational development, innovation, and sustainable workplace practices, contributing to both academic research and practical applications in management.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Alzamil, B. S. (2025). “Employees’ Creative Deviance in Response to Digitalization and Knowledge: The Mediating Role of Employees’ Paradox Mindset.” Journal of Innovation & Knowledge.

Alzamil, B., & Alyafi, R. S. (2024). “Perceived Social Support and Workplace Deviant Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in Employees in Saudi Arabia.” Journal Article.

Alzamil, B. S., & Alyafi, R. S. (2022). “Organizational Socialization Applicability, Measurements, and Theories: A Systematic Review and Guideline for Future Research.” International Journal of Business Management and Economic Review.

Ignacio Aguaded | Educational Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ignacio Aguaded | Educational Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

University of Huelva | Spain

Dr. Ignacio Aguaded is a Full Professor at the University of Huelva (Spain) and a leading scholar in Educommunication, Media Literacy, and Educational Technology. He holds a PhD in Psychopedagogy (University of Huelva), a degree in Pedagogy (UNED), a degree in Hispanic Philology (University of Seville), and a Diploma in Teaching (University of Seville). With more than four decades of academic experience, he began as a primary school teacher and progressed through positions in the University of Seville, the Ministry of Education of Andalusia, and the University of Huelva, where he has served since 1993. He is the founding president of Grupo Comunicar and Chief Editor of the high-impact journal Comunicar (indexed JCR-Q1, Scopus Q1), recognized among the top worldwide in cultural studies. His research productivity is remarkable, with over 178 scientific papers, 47 books, and 139 book chapters, accumulating more than 1807 citations and an h-index 23. He has coordinated numerous national, European, and Latin American research projects, supervised 48 PhD theses, and led the Euro-American Alfamed Research Network. Recipient of prestigious awards, including the UNESCO World Prize (2022), Ibero-American Communication Award (2022), and Best Researcher Award (2015), Dr. Aguaded continues to shape global research and practice in media education and literacy.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

“Decoding the Enigma of a Digital Platform Transfer: Research-Based Design and Complex Thinking”

“DIG-HE Digital Transformation Model in Higher Education: An Implementation Model”

“Spanish universities in the Shanghai ranking in education (2022–2024)”

“Explorando la intersección entre tecnologías IA y alfabetización mediática en personas de edad avanzada”

“Media competence in the early, primary and secondary education curriculum: presence and progression in Latin America”

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

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.

xiaolan yu | Big Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. xiaolan yu | Big Data Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. xiaolan yu | Big Data Analytics | Anhui Normal University | China

Prof. Xiaolan Yu is a leading scholar in civil and commercial law, specializing in intellectual property law, data law, and civil law theory. She is a professor and doctoral supervisor at Anhui Normal University and serves as the Secretary of the Civil Law Party Branch. With visiting experience at Oxford, Wisconsin, and Hong Kong, she contributes widely to legal academia and policymaking. She holds editorial and review positions in national and international platforms and actively participates in academic societies and legal advisory roles. Her research has significantly shaped China’s data rights and digital governance discourse.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education 

Prof. Xiaolan Yu earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Commercial Law from Fudan University (2014), after completing her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees at Anhui University of Finance and Economics (2004–2007, 2000–2004). She later undertook a postdoctoral fellowship in Intellectual Property Law at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2018–2022). Her academic trajectory includes prestigious visiting scholar appointments at the University of Oxford (2023–2024), the University of Wisconsin (2017–2018), and the University of Hong Kong (2016), supported by national and university scholarships. Her education deeply informs her authoritative research on data law, civil law theory, and intellectual property law.

Professional Experience

Since 2007, Prof. Yu has held teaching roles at Zhaotong Teachers’ College, Sanya College of Hainan University, and since 2014, at Anhui Normal University. She currently serves as a professor and doctoral supervisor, Party Branch Secretary, and Director of the Data Law Research Centre. She has also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Beyond academia, she acts as an arbitrator, legal consultant, and policy advisor across multiple provincial and municipal institutions. She is widely involved in legal education reform, talent cultivation, and empirical legal research projects funded at national, ministerial, and provincial levels.

Awards and Recognition 

Prof. Yu has received over 15 prestigious awards, including the 2025 “Responsible Review Expert” by the National Social Science Fund and the “Top Talented Young Scholar” of Anhui Province. Her essays have won prizes at the “Yangtze River Forum”, the China Law Society Youth Forum, and the “Central Rise Rule of Law Forum”. She was awarded first prizes for excellent doctoral studies at Fudan University and multiple teaching competition accolades. Her mentorship has led student teams to win in national competitions such as the “Challenge Cup” and “Internet+” innovation programs, underscoring her dual impact in research and pedagogy.

Research Skills and Focus 

Prof. Yu’s research integrates civil law, data law, and intellectual property through empirical and interdisciplinary approaches. Her pioneering “Dualism of Data Rights and Interests” has influenced data governance theory in China. She excels in legal analysis, policy advisory, and project leadership, having directed National Social Science Fund projects and provincial think tanks. Her work addresses data property rights, algorithm regulation, personal information protection, and big data governance. Proficient in both doctrinal and comparative methods, she contributes to SSCI and CSSCI journals and has presented at key international and domestic legal forums, establishing herself as a top data law scholar.

Publications

Unraveling the balance between personal data protection and public interest: a theoretical framework and its empirical application in personal data processing
  • Authors: Yu Jiang, Xiaolan Yu, Youjia Qin

  • Journal: Journal of Chinese Governance

  • Year: 2025

Current status and governance of data assets monetization in the global maritime industry: A comparative study of the United States, Europe, and China
  • Authors: Zeng Yuan, Xiaolan Yu, Yu Jiang, Jianwei Sun, Zhihong Liu, Boyang Li

  • Journal: Ocean & Coastal Management

  • Year: 2024

Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Data Asset Monetization in Maritime Enterprises
  • Authors: Yu Jiang, Xiaolan Yu

  • Journal: Fudan Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Year: 2024

Legal Coordination of Conflicts of Interests among Stakeholders in the Processing of Personal Data
  • Authors: Xiaolan Yu

  • Journal: Fudan Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Year: 2022

Allocating Personal Data Rights: Toward Resolving Conflicts of Interest over Personal Data
  • Authors: Xiaolan Yu

  • Journal: Fudan Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Year: 2021

 

Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Em normandie campus Paris | France

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef began her academic journey at Université Paris Dauphine – PSL, where she completed her Master’s degree in Economics and International Finance in 2003. She went on to earn a PhD in Economics in 2007, focusing her doctoral research on the dynamics of public debt in developing countries, integrating institutional, economic, and financial perspectives—an area that would later define her academic career.

Professional Endeavors

Her professional experience spans both academia and government service. She worked as a Public Services Advisor at the Ministry of Finance in Tunisia, before transitioning to academia, holding positions such as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor at institutions like Université de Carthage, ESLSCA Paris Business School, and EM Normandie. At ESLSCA, she served as Director of the Finance Department and Program Director for the Finance & Data Performance MBA. In 2023, she joined EM Normandie as an Associate Professor of Finance.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ajili Ben Youssef’s research focuses on Finance Digitization, Sustainable Finance, and Public Debt. Her work includes studies on blockchain, big data, cyber risk, and resilience in financial systems. She has published in both national and international peer-reviewed journals and contributed to books on financial innovation, economic governance, and sustainability. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to explore how technological transformation affects finance.

Impact and Influence

Through her contributions, she has influenced discourse on sovereign debt sustainability, digital financial ecosystems, and ESG finance. Her research has guided frameworks in MENA countries, and she has delivered talks at major international events. She serves as a reviewer for prominent journals and is regularly invited to academic, policy, and industry forums as a keynote speaker and panelist.

Academic Citations

Her scholarly work includes over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Financial Innovation, British Accounting Review, Journal of Sustainable Development, and Journal of Post Keynesian Economics. Her work is widely cited in discussions on financial regulation, emerging markets, capital controls, and digital transformation in accounting and finance.

Technical and Research Skills

Dr. Ajili Ben Youssef is proficient in empirical research, economic modeling, and data analysis. Her technical strengths include applying advanced tools for assessing systemic risk, sovereign debt impact, and technology adoption in financial systems. She also integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze institutional behavior and policy effects.

Teaching Experience

With over a decade of experience, she has taught courses including Treasury Management, Financial Markets, International Finance, Macroeconomics, and Accounting at both graduate and undergraduate levels. She has taught at EM Normandie, ESLSCA Business School, and Université de Carthage, and has supervised more than 100 Master’s and DBA theses in the past five years.

Leadership and Editorial Roles

She has held multiple academic leadership roles including Head of Finance Department, MBA Program Director, and Course Leader. She serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Accounting, Finance and Risk Management and has been a reviewer for journals like Journal of Cleaner Production and Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment. She actively contributes to scientific committees, workshops, and colloquia.

Professional Recognition and Awards

Her excellence in teaching and curriculum innovation has earned her several awards, including the Reconnect Tunisian Finance Women Award (2023) and three Eduniversal MBA Prizes: Innovation (2021), Launch (2022), and Tremplin (2023). These awards underscore her contributions to advancing finance education and academic leadership.

Outreach and Thought Leadership

Dr. Ajili Ben Youssef engages widely in public discourse through articles in journals such as L’Économiste Maghrébin, where she writes on topics including technological disruption, financial resilience, and COVID-19 impacts. She has delivered keynotes, moderated roundtables, and presented at international forums across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Mentorship and Supervision

She consistently supervises an average of 15 to 20 theses per year, covering topics such as financial innovation, risk management, and ESG investing. Her mentorship combines academic precision with professional relevance, nurturing future scholars and finance practitioners.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef continues to shape the future of sustainable finance, digital innovation, and economic governance. Her upcoming research will focus on integrating artificial intelligence, fintech, and regulatory frameworks to address emerging global financial challenges. Through her teaching, leadership, and research, she remains a prominent figure in transforming financial education and policy research.

Publications

 Finance in the Digital Age: The Challenges and Opportunities

Authors: Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef, Nadia Mansour
Source: Book Chapter in Technology: Toward Business Sustainability
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-54009-7_5

 Uncovering Asymmetrical Contagion Effects: US Monetary Policy and Emerging Markets

Authors: Chokri Zehri, Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef, Latifa Saleh Iben Ammar
Journal: The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1080/09638199.2024.2310700

The Factoring 2.0 in the Era of the Fintech Revolution Context

Authors: Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef, Nadia Mansour
Source: Book Chapter in Digital Technology and Changing Roles in Managerial and Financial Accounting: Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Application
Year: 2024
DOI: 10.1108/s1479-351220240000036004

Corporate Resilience in the Face of COVID-19: A Proposal Measurement Index

Authors: Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef, Imen Ben Slimene, Samir B. Maliki, Mourad Kertous, Afef Khalil, Nassiri Abdelhak, Mohammed El Amine Abdelli
Journal: Management International
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.59876/a-jq8d-0ztz

A Critical Analysis of Capital Controls: Implications for Crisis Prevention and Economic Performance

Authors: Chokri Zehri, Latifa Saleh Iben Ammar, Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef
Journal: International Review of Applied Economics
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1080/02692171.2023.2291556

The Temporal Dimensions of Policy Responses to Capital Surges

Authors: Chokri Zehri, Latifa Saleh Iben Ammar, Wissem Ajili Ben Youssef, Fatma Zehri
Journal: Journal of Post Keynesian Economics
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1080/01603477.2023.2275573

Meriem Elbouhali | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Meriem Elbouhali | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

ESLSCA Paris Business School, CERFIM | France

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Meriem El Bouhali is a distinguished scholar in the field of digital marketing and business-to-business (B2B) research. Her academic journey reflects a consistent trajectory of excellence and depth in management sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Management Sciences (Digital Marketing) from Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas, earned in December 2020. Her doctoral thesis, titled “Convertir les visiteurs du site web en clients : comment la qualité du site web de fournisseur influence la confiance et l’intention de sélection dans un contexte de sourcing ?”, was awarded with “Mention très honorable avec les félicitations à l’unanimité”, a prestigious distinction reflecting both the academic quality and practical relevance of her research. Her thesis received the University Thesis Prize of Paris 2, emphasizing its contribution to the field.

Her academic foundations are equally solid. Dr. El Bouhali completed a Master 2 in Management Sciences (Organizational Management) at Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas in 2013 and a Master 1 in Economics and Management at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2012. She also completed the EDEN Doctoral Seminar on Advances in B2B Marketing at the Turku School of Economics in Finland in 2019, further reinforcing her international research exposure.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. El Bouhali currently serves as an Associate Professor and Program Director at ESLSCA Business School Paris, where she leads the MBA in Digital Marketing and Innovation. Her responsibilities span from academic course design and delivery to program coordination and student mentorship. She is involved in the strategic development of curricula, pedagogical innovation, partnership building, and international academic initiatives.

Her professional academic experience includes roles as an adjunct faculty member at the Faculté Libre de Droit, d’Économie et de Gestion (2016–2021), a contractual professor at Université de Picardie Jules Verne (2018–2019), and an ATER (Attachée Temporaire d’Enseignement et de Recherche) at Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas (2014–2016). Across these positions, she has taught a wide range of subjects, including digital marketing, B2B marketing, service marketing, international negotiation, customer loyalty, and research methodology.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. El Bouhali’s research is rooted in the digital transformation of B2B marketing, with a specific interest in how website quality, digital trust, and online partner selection influence business relationships. Her published work includes studies on blockchain adoption in auditing, internal branding and social media performance, and sustainable business models in the financial services sector.

Her doctoral and postdoctoral work investigates the intersection between digital interface quality and supplier selection, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Her approach blends theory with practical application, providing insight into how organizations can improve digital presence to build trust and enhance buyer engagement.

Impact and Influence

Through her research and teaching, Dr. El Bouhali has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. Her work on digital trust in sourcing contexts and social media capabilities has been cited and discussed in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals. She has participated in high-level conferences such as the EMAC Annual Conference, the Association Française du Marketing, and the International Marketing Trends Conference. Her research is shaping modern marketing discourse, particularly in the context of sustainability, customer relationship management, and technological innovation.

Academic Citations and Publications

Dr. El Bouhali’s peer-reviewed articles and academic collaborations reflect her influence in the field. Key publications include:

  • “Blockchain Technology Adoption Intention among the Big Four Audit Firms” (The British Accounting Review, 2025)

  • “Les capacités dans le domaine des médias sociaux, déterminants de la performance salariée” (Gestion2000, 2024)

  • “Vers un business model durable: une étude de cas d’un groupe de services financiers” (Droit et Patrimoine, 2023)

  • “Choix du fournisseur à l’ère du digital” (Cahiers de recherche FACO, 2019)

She also has multiple articles under review or submitted to reputable journals, including Technovation, Studies in Higher Education, and Research in International Business and Finance.

Technical Skills

Dr. El Bouhali is proficient in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, using tools such as SPSS, SMART PLS, and QDA Miner. She is also adept with the Microsoft Office 365 Suite and delivers distance education via platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Discord. Her teaching approach incorporates active learning, including flipped classrooms and problem-based learning strategies.

Teaching Experience

Her teaching expertise covers both undergraduate and graduate levels, including Bachelor’s, MBA, and Master’s programs. She has taught a broad spectrum of courses in marketing, including digital marketing, customer loyalty, strategic marketing, and CSR. Her teaching style emphasizes critical thinking, real-world application, and interactive methodologies.

She has also played an active role in supervising master’s theses, coordinating program accreditations (RNCP), and organizing student workshops, conferences, and international study tours. She is involved in faculty development and supports student engagement initiatives.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. El Bouhali’s academic legacy is defined by her commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice, especially in the fast-evolving domains of digital marketing and sustainable innovation. Looking ahead, she plans to continue researching how digital transformation impacts buyer–supplier dynamics, with a focus on AI integration, B2B trust models, and sustainable customer engagement.

Her role in shaping future marketing professionals is not limited to teaching—she actively designs programs that are industry-relevant, research-driven, and pedagogically progressive. As a member of the CERFIM and LARGEPA research labs, she is well-positioned to influence future debates on responsible marketing and technological change.

Publications

Blockchain technology adoption intention among the Big Four audit firms, 2025

 

Najla Bouebdallah | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Najla Bouebdallah | Blockchain | Best Researcher Award

Excelia Business School | France

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Najla Bouebdallah’s academic journey is marked by exceptional excellence and dedication to the field of management sciences and accounting. Born and educated in Tunisia, she began her scholarly path with a Baccalauréat in Mathematics (2007), graduating with Mention Très Bien. She pursued a Bachelor’s in Management Sciences with a specialization in Accounting at ISG Tunisia, where she again ranked at the top of her class in 2010. Her passion for academia led her to complete a Master’s in Accounting and Financial Methods in 2013 at FSEG Tunisia, where she graduated with the highest distinction and was recognized as the major of her promotion.

Driven by a growing interest in understanding the strategic value of knowledge within organizations, Dr. Bouebdallah earned her Ph.D. in Management Sciences in 2019 from the GRANEM research laboratory (IAE Angers) and IHEC Carthage. Her doctoral thesis, “The Impact of Intellectual Capital on Business Performance: Case of the BRICS Countries,” was supervised by prominent scholars including Prof. Lionel Escaffre and Prof. Salma Damak Ayedi, reflecting her early focus on intangible assets and performance analytics in emerging economies.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Bouebdallah’s professional career spans across academia, research, and international collaboration. She is currently a Research Engineer at Excelia Business School Paris and a Lecturer at EM Normandie, where she brings a blend of academic theory and applied finance into the classroom. Her earlier teaching roles include appointments at Université Paris 10 Nanterre, IAE Gustave Eiffel Créteil, Université Lille 1, and several prestigious business schools such as ESLSCA, ISG, and EDC Paris.

Over the years, she has developed and taught a broad portfolio of courses ranging from financial accounting, IFRS, audit, and consolidation, to management control, taxation, and research methodology at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including MBA programs. Her pedagogy is complemented by a strong commitment to mentorship and research supervision, supporting students in thesis writing, applied research, and professional project development.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bouebdallah’s research is at the intersection of accounting, sustainability, and digital transformation. She has authored and co-authored numerous papers on topics such as intellectual capital, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) adoption, blockchain technology in auditing, and generative AI in finance and education.

Her upcoming publication in the Asian Review of Accounting (2025) titled “Factors Determining Big Four Auditors’ Intentions to Use Blockchain Technology: A Mixed Approach” demonstrates her pioneering work in exploring how emerging technologies reshape the auditing landscape. Additionally, she has contributed to the British Accounting Review, Financial Innovations, and is preparing chapters for an academic book titled “Innovating Finance for a Sustainable Future” (World Scientific).

Current research projects include:

  • Adoption of Generative AI in Banking and Education

  • Supply Chain Resilience – A Bibliometric Analysis

  • AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data in Trading Systems

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bouebdallah’s academic and research excellence has been consistently recognized. She has:

  • Graduated as Top of her Class in both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

  • Served as an Elected Member of the GRANEM Research Council (2016–2019).

  • Participated in the Scientific Committee of the 41st AFC (Association Francophone de Comptabilité) Congress in Angers.

  • Received multiple international seminar invitations in Brussels, Madrid, Dubai, and online for executive Micro-MBA modules on cost analysis, performance leadership, and financial strategy.

Her role as a peer reviewer for journals such as Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, African Development Review, and Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment further highlights her academic credibility and engagement with global research networks.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Bouebdallah is widely respected for her interdisciplinary insight, combining accounting fundamentals with emerging technological tools. Her work has influenced both academic communities and professional circles, especially in understanding how technologies like blockchain and AI affect corporate governance, audit practices, and sustainability reporting. She actively contributes to international conferences and collaborative research networks, particularly within the Francophone academic world and the Middle East–North Africa (MENA) region.

Her teachings and research are grounded in real-world relevance, equipping students and professionals to meet the challenges of digital transformation and sustainable finance.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Bouebdallah aims to further explore the interface between ethical governance, digital innovation, and financial accountability. She envisions developing cross-disciplinary curricula, producing high-impact research, and influencing policy and practice in how financial systems adapt to sustainability challenges and technological disruptions. With her ongoing work on AI in education, blockchain-enabled auditing, and ESG data integration, she is poised to shape the next generation of responsible, tech-savvy financial leaders.

Through her dedication to academic rigor, innovative research, and global collaboration, Dr. Najla Bouebdallah continues to build a legacy that bridges tradition with innovation in the fields of accounting, auditing, and responsible finance. 🌟

Publications

Blockchain technology adoption intention among the Big Four audit firms, 2025

 

Zlatko Kopecki – Innovation in Data Analysis – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Zlatko Kopecki - Innovation in Data Analysis - Best Researcher Award 

University of South Australia - Australia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Zlatko Kopecki's academic journey began with his role as a Technical Officer in Histopathology at Clinpath Laboratories from 2003 to 2005, followed by a position as a Medical Scientist in Histopathology at Adelaide Pathology Partners from 2005 to 2011. During this period, he honed his skills in laboratory medicine, culminating in earning the Terumo Prize for Excellence in Laboratory Medicine with Honours from the University of South Australia (UniSA) in 2007. His dedication to his field was further recognized with a Dean’s Commendation for the quality of his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Adelaide in 2011.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kopecki's professional career is marked by several notable appointments. From 2010 to 2012, he served as a Research Officer at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where he began to establish his research credentials. His trajectory continued with a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellowship at UniSA from 2012 to 2015, during which he also held an honorary research fellowship at Queen Mary University of London. He progressed to the role of Senior Research Fellow at UniSA's Future Industries Institute (FII) from 2015 to 2021. His international engagements included visiting research fellowships at the University of Freiburg (2010), University of Lübeck (2017), and the University of Bath (2020).

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kopecki's research has consistently focused on innovative approaches to wound management and therapy for rare skin diseases, particularly Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). He has pioneered the development of biofilm-disrupting technologies and stimuli-responsive wound dressings, as well as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). His work also includes the development of antiseptic wound cleansers, medicated hydrogels, and antimicrobial materials for treating infections. His research employs various animal models to answer critical questions about wound infection and skin diseases, contributing significantly to product development and commercialization pathways.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Kopecki's contributions to research and patient advocacy have been recognized with numerous awards. Notable among these are the Young Investigator of the Year Award from the Australasian Wound & Tissue Repair Society (AWTRS) in 2016 and the Tall Poppy Award for outstanding scientific achievements in South Australia in 2017. His innovative research has also earned him prestigious grants, including multiple NHMRC Ideas Grants and the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (2024-2026).

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kopecki's influence extends beyond his research to impactful patient advocacy. Since 2009, he has been actively involved with DEBRA (an international patient support organization for those affected by EB), where he has held various leadership positions. His efforts have led to significant initiatives, such as the National EB Dressing Scheme in Australia and the In Home Nurse Program, which have greatly improved patient care. His work with DEBRA International during the Ukrainian conflict highlights his commitment to global patient advocacy, providing essential support to EB patients affected by the war.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kopecki's legacy is marked by his dedication to improving the lives of those with rare skin diseases through both research and advocacy. His innovative approaches in developing new therapies and his active role in patient support programs have set new standards in the field. Looking forward, Dr. Kopecki aims to continue his pioneering research, focusing on translating his findings into clinical practice to benefit patients worldwide. His ongoing collaborations with industry partners and his involvement in global patient advocacy programs ensure that his work will continue to have a significant impact on the field of wound management and rare skin diseases.

Citations

A total of 1592 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.