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Ciarán Mac an Bhaird is an Associate Professor of Business and Management at Dublin City University (DCU), within the Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge department. He holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin, a B.Comm and LL.B from NUI Galway, and an M.Sc. in Finance from DCU. His academic role includes teaching and supervising PhD students focusing on enterprise policy, high-growth firm financing, and entrepreneurship education. Research interests span resourcing small firms, capital structure, alternative finance, and public policy for SMEs. He authored Resourcing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (Springer-Verlag, 2010), launched by the Irish Minister for Enterprise. His work has been published in journals like Small Business Economics and Venture Capital . He chairs the Entrepreneurial Finance track at the Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference and serves as an associate editor for Research in International Business and Finance . Current PhD advisees include Simon Bridge, Nouf Alnasser, Batoul Batoulbanjar, and Sean O Reilly. Professional activities include contributions to policy reports for Enterprise Ireland and the Irish League of Credit Unions, and participation in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme.

• Resourcing Small Firms
• Enterprise Policy
• Entrepreneurial Finance
• +7 more

Javad Nooshabadi is an Assistant Professor at Maynooth University's School of Business, specializing in International Business. He holds academic memberships in the Academy of International Business, Academy of Management, and European International Business Academy. His research focuses on firm internationalization, CEO characteristics, and socio-psychological factors influencing international firms' performance. He teaches modules in International Business, Managing Multinational Corporations, and Cross-Cultural Management. Research Interests: Firm internationalization strategies International entrepreneurship dynamics CEO personality traits and leadership impact Socio-psychological influences on global business Honors & Awards: Best Reviewer Award (Academy of Management, 2023) Professional Experience: Current: Lecturer/Assistant Professor at Maynooth University School of Business (since April 2025) 2022–2025: Assistant Lecturer in International Business 2019–2022: Teaching Assistant Labs/Teams: No specific lab or team affiliation noted, but collaborates widely with global institutions like the Academy of Management and Academy of International Business.

• International Business
• International Entrepreneurship
• CEO Characteristics
• +3 more

Prof. Felicity Kelliher is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Business, SETU and Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Shanghai University. She specializes in action research and longitudinal interpretive methods, focusing on management capability development in SMEs, particularly in rural contexts. As Co-chair of the RIKON research group, she has secured over €10M in research funding since 2007, leading projects like the G-RISE initiative exploring gendered rural innovation systems. Her academic roles include visiting professorships at institutions such as the University of Missouri and Grand École (France), and she has developed pioneering programs like the DBA and Change Management MBS at SETU. Education: PhD, Queen's University Belfast (2006) Executive MBA (Hons), Smurfit Graduate Business School (1999) Prince 2 Project Management Accreditation (1999) Bachelor of Business Accounting (2.1 Hons), 1993 Research Interests: Prof. Kelliher’s work centers on SME innovation, rural economic development, leadership dynamics, and the intersection of entrepreneurship with sustainable development goals. Her research often involves collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners globally. Awards: British Academy of Management Companion Award (2019) IFSAM Outstanding Service Award (2022) Prix de la Délégation générale du Québec à Londres (2021-2022) Advising & Grants: She has guided over 60+ MBA/MSB action research projects and led projects such as the €10M RIKON portfolio. Current grants include the G-RISE study (2024-2028) and Comhar Comaraigh rural regeneration initiative. Labs/Teams: Co-founder and Chair of RIKON, a leading group in innovation systems research with over 1,600 industry partnerships.

• Management Capability Development
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Rural Business Innovation
• +5 more

Helena Lenihan is a Full Professor of Economics at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. Her research focuses on the Economics of Innovation , R&D subsidies and tax incentives , Innovation Policy , and Industrial Policy . She has led a major SFI-funded research project (2008–2024) evaluating science policy impacts on firm performance and mentored a team of researchers, PhD students, and assistants. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals and spans areas like Green/Eco Innovation , Policy Evaluation , and Innovation and Human Capital . She has published in top journals such as Research Policy , Small Business Economics , and Industry and Innovation . Scientific Awards and Recognition: National Excellence in Teaching Award (NAIRTL) UL Excellence in Teaching Award (twice) Helena actively engages with policymakers, advising agencies like Enterprise Ireland and the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. She chairs UL’s Research Impact Committee and is a Research Associate at the UK’s Enterprise Research Centre.

• Economics of Innovation
• R&D subsidies and tax incentives
• Innovation Policy
• +6 more

Juliet MacMahon is an Associate Professor in Industrial Relations at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick . She serves on multiple external committees, including the Employment Law Association of Ireland and the CIPD Mid West Committee . PhD, University of Limerick: An Examination of the Role of the Owner Manager in Employment Relations in Small Irish Enterprises Bachelor of Social Science (1994) M.B.S. (2002) Her research focuses on precarious work and zero hours contracts , workplace bullying , and climate in sectors ranging from health services to defense . She also explores HRM practices in the voluntary sector and small firms , with recent work on digitization's impact on employment . Her recent publications include studies on non-standard employment regulation in Ireland (2024), part-time worker marginalization in Northern Europe (2024), and wage theft among migrants (2022). These works span labor law , organizational psychology , and collective action frameworks. Scientific recognition includes: Honorary Fellowship at the National Anti Bullying Research and Resource Centre (DCU) Awarded grants from: HORIZON (6-country consortium on social dialogue) Shannon Group (2021 workplace climate study) Financial Services Union (technology impact research) Skillsnet Ireland (digitization skills needs) She contributes to policy through CIPD's annual HR Practices in Ireland survey and previously examined zero hours contracts for the Irish Government (2015) and workplace bullying in nursing (2010, 3,000-sample study).

• Precarious Work
• Zero Hours Contracts
• Employment Law
• +7 more

Mauricio Perez Alaniz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics , Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. His work focuses on the economics of innovation, science policy evaluation, and environmental sustainability, with a particular emphasis on policy instruments driving research and innovation for the transition to a circular economy. Education: PhD in Economics, University of Limerick (2022), funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Research Interests span innovation policy, R&D funding mechanisms, sustainable development, and the interplay between public financial support and firm-level innovation outcomes. His work contributes to understanding how policies can catalyze radical innovation and resource efficiency. Scientific Awards: KBS Department of Economics Scholarship (2017). Collaborations include partnerships with Prof. Helena Lenihan, Dr. James Doran, and Dr. Christian Rammer, with publications in journals like Ecological Economics , Industry and Innovation , and Journal of Cleaner Production . His work aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those addressing environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.

• Economics of Innovation
• Science Policy Evaluation
• Environmental Sustainability
• +3 more

Dr. Ingrid Hunt serves as Associate Professor at the University of Limerick's School of Engineering with over 20 years of expertise in supply chain management, eBusiness, and industry-focused educational design. She maintains active collaborations with global industry leaders including Intel, Dell, and Infineon, and her nationally recognized supply chain apprenticeship programs have established her as a thought leader in talent pipeline development. Education PhD, College of Engineering & Informatics, University of Galway (2003) Masters, Manufacturing Management, University of Ulster (1995) Bachelor, Quality Assurance, Atlantic Technological University Sligo (1994) Higher Diploma, Electronics, Atlantic Technological University (1992) Certificate, Electronics, Atlantic Technological University Sligo (1990) Her research centers on Supply Chain Management , eBusiness innovation , and educational program development for SMEs and industry professionals. She specializes in curriculum design that bridges academic theory with real-world applications, particularly through her work on national supply chain apprenticeships and flexible learning frameworks. Her contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals in education and industry innovation, emphasizing practical outcomes for career advancement and organizational growth. Publication trends reveal consistent focus on supply chain optimization since 2001, with recent work (2022-2025) concentrating on post-pandemic online learning experiences, human factors in industrial maintenance, and next-generation apprenticeship models. Earlier research (2004-2013) established foundational work in SME development, virtual enterprises, and agri-food supply chains, demonstrating her evolving expertise from technical implementation to strategic educational frameworks. Dr. Hunt currently accepts PhD students and has secured Irish and EU funding for multiple projects, including national supply chain management apprenticeship programs. Her industry partnerships with major technology firms drive curriculum development that directly addresses workforce needs, creating tangible career pathways for graduates. As External Examiner for Technological University of the Shannon, she extends her influence across Ireland's higher education landscape while maintaining active research through 2025 publications.

• Supply Chain Management
• eBusiness
• Innovation
• +3 more

Thomas Cooney serves as Professor of Entrepreneurship at Technological University Dublin and Director of the Institute for Minority Entrepreneurship. He holds adjunct appointments at the University of Turku (Finland) and Universidad Panamericana (Mexico), alongside former leadership roles as President of the International Council for Small Business (2012-13) and European Council for Small Business (2009-11). His international influence extends through advisory positions with governments, the European Commission, and OECD. Professor Cooney's research centers on entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups, with specialization in minority, immigrant, and rural entrepreneurship. His work investigates how cultural factors, transnational networks, and enclave dynamics shape entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly examining immigrant communities in Western contexts and rural women in Africa. Recent studies address pandemic impacts on diaspora entrepreneurs and skill development initiatives in Uganda. Analysis of his 2019-2023 publications reveals consistent focus on marginalized entrepreneurs across diverse geographical settings. Methodologically, his work blends qualitative approaches with action research, often examining policy implications for inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems. Key thematic threads include transnational opportunity formation, cultural adaptation challenges, and community-based support systems. His distinguished recognition includes: EntreComp Champion (European Commission) Fellow of the European Council for Small Business Wilford L. White Fellow (Global Award) Honorary Life Member of SEAANZ Professor Cooney actively bridges academia and practice through policy advisory work with international organizations and directorships in four enterprises. His community engagement extends to developing frameworks for university-community partnerships that expand entrepreneurial opportunities to excluded populations. He leads the Institute for Minority Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin, driving research initiatives focused on systemic barriers and support mechanisms for minority entrepreneurs within Ireland's economic landscape.

• Entrepreneurship
• Minority Entrepreneurship
• Immigrant Entrepreneurship
• +2 more

Professor Denis Harrington is the Head of Graduate Business at South East Technological University (Ireland), leading the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and postgraduate programs. He holds visiting professorships at Shanghai University (China), NEOMA Business School (France), and St Petersburg State University (Russia). His expertise spans leadership, strategic management, innovation, and cross-cultural executive education. He has served as an EU Technical Expert and evaluator for the INNOSUP Workplace Innovation Programme. Education: PhD in Management (London South Bank University, 1997) MBA (University of Hull, 1993) Bachelor of Commerce (University College Cork, 1991) Research Focus: His work addresses strategic management in uncertain environments, leadership development, innovation in tourism and healthcare, and executive education. He emphasizes practical, industry-relevant research aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Awards: Chinese Government High End Foreign Expert Award (2018) Emerald Literati Prize (2013) Advising & Grants: Oversees the CEO and Executive in Residence program at SETU, integrating senior business insights into academic programs. He has led EU-funded projects and collaborates with institutions globally, including Boston University and Shanghai University. Labs/Teams: Associated with the Centre for Newfoundland and Labrador Studies and RIKON Group, focusing on innovation and knowledge management in SMEs and tourism sectors.

• Strategic Management
• Leadership Development
• Innovation Management
• +4 more

Dr. Ciara Nolan serves as a Lecturer in Management specializing in Human Resource Management at Technological University Dublin's School of Management, People and Organisations. She coordinates the CIPD-accredited part-time BSc Human Resource Management program and manages the "Ahead of the Curve" podcast series. Previously, she held academic positions at Dublin City University and Ulster University Business Schools, where she directed award-winning MSc programs. Education: B.Sc. in Management Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management M.Phil D.Phil. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) Research Focus: Dr. Nolan's work centers on Human Resource Management and Development within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, with specialized expertise in professional service firms and tourism/hospitality sectors. Her research examines HRD resource accessibility, management development predictors, and multidimensional HR practices through case studies and systematic reviews. She co-edited the 2024 Palgrave volume "Reframing HRM in SMEs" and has published in top journals including International Journal of Management Reviews and Tourism Management . Publication Trends: Recent works (2020-2024) reveal three key trajectories: 1) Deepening analysis of HRM/HRD dynamics in SME subsectors, 2) Expansion into sustainability literacy and authentic assessment pedagogy, and 3) Methodological diversification combining contingency theory with ecological perspectives in management development research. Scientific Recognition: Alan Moon Prize for Best Overall Paper at International HRD Conference (2023) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) Supervision and Funding: Dr. Nolan supervises BSc/MSc dissertations and secured €150,000 from the European Commission's Structural Reform Support Service for her 2019 SME management development standards research, producing the influential report "Leading the Way: Investing in Management Development for SME Productivity and Growth". Initiatives: She leads the "Ahead of the Curve" podcast featuring industry experts and co-facilitated TU Dublin's COVID-19 Economic Response Forum panel on SME management competencies during the pandemic.

• Human Resource Management
• Human Resource Development
• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
• +2 more

Dr. Farhad Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of International Business and Programme Director for the MSc International Business at Maynooth University's School of Business. He holds a PhD in International Business from Trinity College Dublin. His research focuses on the intersection of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and International Business, particularly examining institutional and entrepreneurial factors influencing firms' early internationalization from emerging markets. Before joining Maynooth University, he served as an Assistant Professor at Brunel University London and Monash University, and held postdoctoral fellowships at Dublin City University and Swansea University. Dr. Ahmed is actively engaged in global research, presenting at conferences across multiple countries. His work has been recognized with awards including the Best Paper Award in International Business (2022), Emerald Literati Award (2020), and Fellowship of the Commercial Education Society of Australia (FCES). His research explores themes such as family business succession intentions, gender inequality impacts, social innovation in emerging markets, and entrepreneurial orientation. He has published in top-tier journals like International Business Review, Management International Review, and Journal of Business Research. Beyond academia, he serves as a guest editor, journal reviewer, invited speaker, and PhD examiner at institutions worldwide. Education: PhD in International Business, Trinity College Dublin Previous Roles: Assistant Professorships at Brunel University London and Monash University; Postdoctoral Fellowships at DCU and Swansea University Key Contributions: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles, guest editing for ABS-ranked journals, and international conference engagements Dr. Ahmed’s work bridges theoretical insights with practical implications for international business strategies, entrepreneurship in emerging markets, and institutional frameworks supporting global firm growth.

• Strategy
• Entrepreneurship
• International Business
• +3 more

Dr. John Spillane is an Associate Professor in Construction Management at the School of Engineering, University of Limerick, with over a decade of experience in both academia and the construction industry. A Chartered Construction Manager with expertise in Building Information Modelling, Sustainability, Dispute Resolution, and Confined Site Construction, Dr. Spillane holds an Executive MBA from UCD's Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, a PhD and MSc in Construction Project Management from Queen's University Belfast, and a BSc (Hons) in Construction Management. His research focuses on: Strategic planning in construction firms Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms Apprenticeship completion factors Work-life balance in construction Industry-academia collaboration in curriculum development Dr. Spillane's recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on improving industry practices through empirical studies and systematic reviews. His work consistently explores leadership dynamics, regulatory compliance, workforce development, and sustainability integration within the Irish construction sector. The research combines theoretical frameworks with practical case studies to address contemporary challenges in construction management. As an educator, Dr. Spillane actively contributes to curriculum development and mentors students in construction management programs. He maintains strong industry connections, applying research insights to real-world challenges in the construction sector.

• Construction Management
• Building Information Modelling
• Sustainability
• +2 more