Find Academic Supervisors

Markus Dertwinkel-KaltView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Economics
• Digital Economics
• Industrial Organization
• +4 more

Professor Markus Dertwinkel-Kalt holds the Chair of Economics with a focus on Behavioral and Digital Economics at the University of Münster, School of Business and Economics. Previously, he was a Full Professor at the University of Konstanz and an Assistant Professor at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. His research spans behavioral economics, industrial organization, energy policy, and climate finance, with a methodological focus on theory and experimental methods. Education: PhD (2015) in Economics from Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, advised by Hans-Theo Normann; M.Sc. Mathematics (2011), B.Sc. Mathematics (2009) from the same university. Additional studies include a B.A. in Philosophy (2013) and minor in Physics. Research focuses on behavioral aspects of energy policy, digital markets, consumer decision-making under salience effects, and climate finance mechanisms. Notable projects include analyzing energy price caps' moral hazard effects, loot box demand drivers, and designing climate transition labels for financial products. He leads DFG-funded projects on corporate attention allocation and financial product design exploiting limited attention. Awards include the 2024 SBE Research Prize and recognition in the 2023 WiWo Ranking of top young German economists. He serves as Director of Sustainability and Ethics Committee Chair at the University of Münster, and holds affiliations with the Max Planck Institute and CESifo. Teaching spans behavioral economics, digital economics, and climate policy at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Supervises PhD students through the MEP Doctoral Seminar and collaborates on interdisciplinary research teams involving institutions like Ruhr University Bochum and the DLR.

Menoka BalView profile

Teaching Professor

• Project Management
• Sustainability
• Construction Management
• +5 more

Menoka Bal is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Operations and Service Management at Aston Business School, part of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University. Previously, she held roles including Assistant Professor, Lecturer in Engineering Management at Coventry University, and a PhD researcher at Liverpool John Moores University. Her academic qualifications include a BSc in Mechanical Engineering, an MSc in Engineering Management, and a PhD in Project Management. Her research focuses on sustainable development through integrative project management approaches, particularly in construction and IT sectors. Key interests include stakeholder engagement, risk mitigation, AI applications in project management, and lean management methodologies. She has published extensively on topics like project success measurement, waste management in construction, and leadership styles in manufacturing. Notable achievements include the Best Paper Award at the 2020 BAM Conference. Bal’s work emphasizes practical solutions for improving project performance through sustainable practices and technology integration. She has collaborated on projects addressing waste management in Lebanon’s construction sector and stakeholder dynamics in urban development. External Roles: External Examiner at the University of Bolton and Blackpool and Flyde College. Professional Certifications: PRINCE2 Practitioner, AgilePM Practitioner, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her publications span journals like Sustainability and conferences such as the British Academy of Management, showcasing a focus on bridging theoretical research with real-world project challenges.

Haemin ParkView profile

Associate Professor

• Technology Entrepreneurship
• Venture Capital
• Corporate Venture Capital
• +4 more

Haemin Park is an Associate Professor at the Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas. His research focuses on how external resource acquisition strategies of technology-based ventures influence their development and performance, with a particular emphasis on corporate venture capital (CVC), knowledge governance, and intellectual property rights. He holds a Ph.D. in Technology Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management from the University of Washington, an MBA from Georgetown University, and a B.A. in Computer Sciences, Economics, and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin. Education: PhD (UW, 2010), MBA (Georgetown, 2000), BA (UW Madison, 1994) Editorial Roles: Area Editor of Journal of Business Venturing ; Editorial Board Member of Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal Research interests include venture capital dynamics, innovation ecosystems, and strategic management of technology firms. His work explores topics like IPO underpricing, corporate venture capital syndicates, and the impact of gender diversity in decision-making groups. Awards: 2017 Journal of Business Venturing Best Reviewer; Finalist for Academy of Management TIM Division Best Dissertation Award. Professional Experience: Prior to academia, he worked as a corporate venture capitalist, business development manager, and management consultant in wireless telecommunications in the U.S. and Asia.

Agostino CortesiView profile

Professor

• Software Engineering
• Static Analysis
• Cybersecurity
• +5 more

Agostino Cortesi is a Full Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice , affiliated with the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics. He serves as Rector's Delegate for Research Quality Assessment and Deputy Coordinator of the Scientific Committee for the Innovation Ecosystem Project. His academic career includes a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Informatics from the University of Padova (1992), a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University, and visiting professor roles at institutions such as the University of Illinois and École Normale Supérieure Paris. Research interests focus on software engineering , static analysis , security applications , and abstract interpretation . He has pioneered techniques for formal verification of software systems and explored cybersecurity in e-Government and robotics. His work spans over 200 publications in top journals and conferences (e.g., ACM TOPLAS, IEEE TSE, POPL, PLDI). Key contributions include advancements in abstract domains for behavioral property verification and security-oriented analysis frameworks. He has held leadership roles including Vice-Rector at Ca' Foscari, Dean of Computer Science programs, and Chair of the Department of Computer Science. Cortesi coordinates EU Horizon 2020 projects (e.g., Families_Share €1.6M) and regional initiatives like CEVID (€360K). He founded Factors , a university spin-off focused on robotic systems verification, which won the 2020 Veneto SmartCup ICT Prize. Education: PhD in Applied Mathematics and Informatics (1992, University of Padova) Editorial Roles: Co-Editor-in-Chief of Springer’s 'Services and Business Process Reengineering', and member of editorial boards for 'Computer Languages' and others Grants: Over €3M in EU and regional funding for projects in cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, and digital innovation Teaching includes courses on Software Correctness , Data Programming , and Computer Networks across Computer Science and Management programs. His research lab actively engages in industrial partnerships with Cisco, Leonardo, and AGID (Italy’s Digital Agency).

Alireza ShokriView profile

Professor

• Digital Supply Chain
• Operational Excellence (OPEX)
• Lean Six Sigma
• +3 more

Alireza Shokri is a Professor of Digital Operations and Supply Chain Excellence and Head of the Operations, Supply Chain and Logistics Management subject group at Northumbria University's Department of Operations, Marketing and Systems. He directs the Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence and serves on the UK National Digital Supply Chain Programme's Academic Advisory Board. Previously, he led the BA (Hons) International Business Management Programme and held practitioner roles in the food sector. He earned his PhD in Lean Six Sigma applications from Teesside University (2011), following degrees in Agriculture Engineering (University of Zanjan) and Food Technology (Teesside University). His research focuses on digital supply chains, operational excellence (OPEX), Lean Six Sigma, and sustainability in manufacturing. Key projects include a £1.3M Digital Catapult-funded initiative on spare parts supply chains and a British Academy-funded study on green Lean Six Sigma. He has led EU-funded projects (GETM3/GEMT4) totaling €2.2M and collaborates with organizations like the NHS and SMEs. Shokri is an editorial board member for the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma and reviews for top journals like the International Journal of Operations and Production Management. He is a Chartered Quality Institute member, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Supervising three PhD students, his work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing 'Research in Practice'.

• Generalization in deep learning
• Sparse estimation
• Portfolio optimization using reinforcement learning
• +6 more

LIU Peng is an Assistant Professor of Quantitative Finance (Practice) at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University. He holds a Ph.D. in Statistics and Data Science (Part-time) from the National University of Singapore (2021), an M.S. in Business Analytics (2015), and a B.Eng. in Electronic Science and Technology (2012). Prior to his academic role, he worked as a Manager at Standard Chartered Bank (2019–2022) and in analytics roles at Marina Bay Sands and IBM. Education: Ph.D. (NUS), M.S. (NUS), B.Eng. (Beijing Technology and Business University) His research focuses on generalization in deep learning, sparse estimation, portfolio optimization via reinforcement learning, financial text mining, risk management, and Bayesian optimization. His work bridges theoretical advancements with practical applications in quantitative finance and data science. Notable contributions include studies on explainable neural networks, Bayesian optimization frameworks for portfolio management, and risk analytics integrating human decision-making. His recent articles emphasize model risk assessment, cost-aware optimization, and financial data analysis. Awards: Best Ph.D. Graduate Research Award (NUS, 2020), Google TensorFlow Developer Certificate (2020–2023) He teaches courses in quantitative finance, machine learning, and risk management, and has secured grants including the Research Capability Building Fund (2023–2025). His research aligns with strategic priorities in digital transformation and financial innovation.

• Sustainable operations and circular supply chains
• Multi/Omni-channel distribution and supply chain network design
• Process optimization in manufacturing and service operations
• +3 more

Dr. Nail Tahirov is an Assistant Professor in Operations & Supply Chain Management at Durham University Business School. He holds a PhD in Production and Supply Chain Management from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. His research focuses on applying management science techniques to optimize operations across industries, particularly in internal logistics, scheduling, and corporate education. Key areas include sustainable operations, multi-channel supply chain design, and process optimization in manufacturing/service sectors. His publications span European Journal of Operational Research , International Journal of Production Economics , and others, addressing topics like last-mile distribution networks, service-level anchoring in demand forecasting, and closed-loop supply chain optimization. His work emphasizes practical applications such as encroaching manufacturer strategies, workforce scheduling in hospitality, and automated warehouse logistics. Tahirov’s research integrates theoretical frameworks with real-world consultancy projects, aiming to resolve operational inefficiencies in both manufacturing and service industries. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. His advising and grant activities are currently unspecified, though his research collaborations involve institutions like TU Darmstadt, University of Zurich, and industry partners. No dedicated lab or team affiliations are noted in the profile.

Gerhard HillmerView profile

Professor

• Engineering Education
• Leadership & Project Management
• Organizational Development
• +4 more

Gerhard Hillmer is a Professor and Program Director of the Industrial Engineering & Management Master's program at the Management Center Innsbruck. He holds a Dr.-Ing. in Chemical Engineering from Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (1993) and an MSc in Management from Management Center Innsbruck (2008). His career spans over 25 years in academia and industry, including leadership roles as Department Head (2009-2023) and Study Coordinator in Process Engineering. Prior to academia, he held strategic roles in ExxonMobil and Esso Italiana focusing on business planning and operations optimization. His research focuses on leadership development in engineering education, interdisciplinary competency models, and organizational change management. He has authored textbooks such as Key Competencies in Leadership and Project Work (2022) and pioneered training concepts for engineering graduates' soft skills and responsible management practices. His work emphasizes integrating non-technical competencies like conflict resolution, project management, and ethical decision-making into engineering curricula. Recent publications address global business strategies in Africa, AI-driven HR practices, and corporate ethics expectations. Hillmer has supervised over 50 theses on topics ranging from cross-cultural leadership to resilient supply chains. His presentations at international conferences highlight trends in engineering education reform and organizational transformation in VUCA environments. Notable contributions include developing the PRiME-based Responsible Management certificate and advancing qualitative research methods for change processes in manufacturing. His work bridges academic research with practical industry challenges, emphasizing sustainable career development for engineers and leadership excellence in multinational contexts.

Harpreet SinghView profile

Associate Professor

• Information Systems
• Venture Capital Decision-Making
• Technology Adoption
• +3 more

Harpreet Singh is an Associate Professor of Management at the Naveen Jindal School of Management, University of Texas at Dallas. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut (2010), where he received multiple accolades including the Hall of Fame award and Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship. His research focuses on information systems, venture capital decision-making, healthcare informatics, and organizational innovation. He has published extensively on topics such as AI agent limitations, crowdfunding platform optimization, and patient portal engagement. Research Interests: Dr. Singh explores the intersection of technology and decision-making processes. His work addresses challenges in venture capital evaluation, healthcare digitalization, and user behavior in online platforms. Recent studies investigate how tacit knowledge integration improves AI systems and how collaboration networks drive innovation. Awards & Affiliations: University of Connecticut School of Business Hall of Fame (2010) Nominated for Best Paper Award at WITS 2009 Member of INFORMS, AIS, and Beta Gamma Sigma Grants & Labs: His research has been supported by grants focusing on IT knowledge impacts and venture financing dynamics. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop frameworks for optimizing digital systems in healthcare and finance.

• Compounding (Plastics, Food, Pharma)
• Process Optimization
• Plastics Processing (Extrusion)
• +4 more

Hans-Ulrich Siegenthaler is an Adjunct Professor at the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture, affiliated with the iRAP Institute for Applied Research in Plastics. He specializes in plastics processing technologies, with a focus on compounding systems, extrusion optimization, and sustainability strategies. His work emphasizes adapting existing machinery for future industrial needs and evaluating extruder systems for diverse compounding tasks. Key roles: Adjunct Professor, Researcher at iRAP Affiliations: BSc HES-SO in Mechanical Engineering program Research interests include circular economy approaches, cradle-to-cradle design, and business model innovation in manufacturing. His recent work addresses long-term adaptability of compounding plants and extruder system selection methodologies. Methodologies: Process optimization, field-tested analyses Applications: Plastics, pharmaceuticals, food industries Conference contributions (2019–2025) highlight practical solutions for extrusion challenges, machinery longevity, and sustainable production systems. No awards are listed, though his active conference participation reflects industry recognition. Labs/Teams: iRAP Institute, collaborating on applied plastics research projects.

• Business Analytics
• Decision Support Systems
• Artificial Intelligence in Business
• +5 more

Vanja Bevanda is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Tourism, University of Primorska in Pula. She holds a PhD from 2002 and has been employed at the institution since 2005, contributing to the Department of Quantitative Methods. Her educational background includes a BSc (1989), MSc (1995), and PhD (2002). Research Interests : Her work focuses on decision analytics, business intelligence, artificial intelligence applications in SMEs, data mining for customer behavior analysis, tourism development strategies, and the integration of technology in education. She explores topics like AI-driven managerial journeys, microchip implant adoption, and post-pandemic technology use trends. Publications : Recent articles highlight her contributions to AI transformation in SMEs, sentiment analysis during the pandemic, and mobile BI adoption in SMEs. Her research spans both theoretical frameworks and practical case studies across Croatia and beyond. Teaching : She teaches courses including Business Decision-Making, IT Project Management, and Database Systems. She emphasizes bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills in information systems education.

Andrew LymerView profile

Professor

• Taxation
• Personal Finance
• Financial Wellbeing
• +7 more

Professor Andrew Lymer holds the Chair in Taxation and Personal Finance at Aston University , where he also serves as Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance and Director of the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing (CPFW) . With visiting appointments at the University of South Africa and Massey University , he chairs the Tax Research Network and has led projects across 15 countries. Research Focus: Intersections of UK/international taxation policy, personal financial capability, poverty alleviation strategies, and health-finance linkages Key Collaborations: Aviva Foundation, Money and Pensions Service, Birmingham City Council, NEST Insight, CREME Recent Projects: EMPOWER (ethnic minority entrepreneurship), Real Accounts (long-term financial diaries), Harmful Gambling interventions Academic Contributions: Co-author of the UK's leading tax textbook Taxation: Policy & Practice and the 2023 Taxation and Social Policy primer. His work has influenced national policy frameworks through the UK Government's 2030 financial wellbeing strategy.

Kristin KnipferView profile

Research Fellow

• Leadership Development
• Organizational Learning
• Team Dynamics
• +5 more

Dr. Kristin Knipfer is a Senior Research Fellow at the TUM School of Management and Executive Director of the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning . Her research focuses on leadership as a catalyst for organizational learning and innovation, examining how leaders influence team dynamics in academic, entrepreneurial, and corporate settings. Leadership development in academia and business Organizational learning mechanisms Knowledge management systems Digital transformation in leadership education Her recent publications explore leader identity construal, narcissistic leadership impacts, and team reflection processes. She has received multiple awards including the TUM Digital Innovations in Management Education Award and the Richard A. Swanson Research Excellence Award nomination. She leads evidence-based leadership programs for academic leaders and has co-developed digital tools like the TUM Leadership Toolbox and EMMA digital leadership coach. Her work bridges theory and practice through collaborations with institutions like the Vienna University of Economics and Business.

Anna ZinnView profile

Research Fellow

• Tourism Management
• Environmental Psychology
• Social Identity Theory
• +3 more

Dr. Anna Zinn is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Business, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, The University of Queensland, specializing in social identity applications for sustainable tourism and hospitality behavior change. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, University of Exeter Masters (Coursework) of Research Psychology, University of Exeter Her research centers on environmental psychology and social identity theory , with pioneering work on reducing buffet waste, promoting towel reuse through anthropomorphism, and optimizing hotel sustainability practices. She employs computational-linguistic methods, experimental designs, and field studies to develop practical interventions that balance environmental goals with guest satisfaction in tourism contexts. Analysis of her 14 publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent trajectory toward interdisciplinary solutions for sustainable tourism, integrating psychology, hospitality management, and environmental science. Key trends include leveraging social identity salience for pro-environmental behavior, refining pre-testing protocols for field interventions, and addressing implementation challenges in real-world hospitality settings. Dr. Zinn actively collaborates with Professor Sara Dolnicar's research group and has served as Principal Advisor for one PhD project ('Using Gamification to Inspire Sustainable Tourist Behaviour') and Associate Advisor for three others. Current funding includes an ARC Discovery Project (2025-2028) on behavior change mechanisms and an Energy Queensland grant (2024-2025) for electricity usage segmentation.

John GroutView profile

Professor

• Quality Management
• Mistake-Proofing
• Lean Manufacturing
• +5 more

John Grout is the David C. Garrett Jr. Professor of Business Administration and Chair of the Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Data Analytics Department at Berry College, within the Campbell School of Business. He previously served as dean of the school and returned to full-time faculty in 2016, continuing his leadership in academic innovation. His research focuses on quality management, particularly mistake-proofing (poka-yoke), lean manufacturing, and the impact of user innovation on supply chains. He has made significant contributions to healthcare process improvement, with publications guiding error reduction in clinical settings. The recent articles reflect a strong trend in applying operational excellence to healthcare systems, integrating concepts from manufacturing into medical process design. His work emphasizes designing systems that prevent errors through structural and procedural safeguards, supported by economic and behavioral models. Scientific Awards: Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing (2004) for 'The Human Side of Mistake-Proofing' John Grout has advised various organizational improvement initiatives and led the development of Berry College’s Creative Technologies program and the HackBerry Lab makerspace. His grants include work supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), resulting in influential publications on healthcare process safety. He has also consulted widely with firms to improve operational reliability. He is actively involved in academic leadership, curriculum development, and cross-disciplinary innovation, particularly in integrating technology and entrepreneurship into undergraduate education.