Prof. Dr. Frank Ulbrich is a Lecturer and Programme Director for the BSc Business Administration at the Lucerne School of Business (HSLU). He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. His academic career spans roles at universities in Sweden, the UK, Canada, and Switzerland, alongside IT & Management consulting experience. Research focuses on management education, project management, information management, and organizational change. He has published extensively in areas like shared services, digital transformation, and curriculum development. Notable awards include multiple Emerald Literati Awards and a Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy. Education: PhD in Business Administration (Stockholm School of Economics) Affiliations: Institute of Business and Regional Economics at HSLU Teaching Subjects: Academic Methods, Higher Education Management, Project Management, Digital Transformation Recent presentations include discussions on bridging academia-industry gaps, curriculum integration of SDGs, and data-driven learning strategies. His work emphasizes aligning education with labor market needs and advancing evidence-based teaching practices.
Dr. Juan Manuel Berbel Pineda is a full Professor at the Department of Business Organization and Marketing at Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain. His academic work focuses on tourism economics, sustainable tourism practices, and international business strategies, particularly within the hotel industry and textile sector. Key research areas: Tourism Economics, Sustainable Tourism, International Business Strategy Affiliated with IMEGS (Innovation and Marketing for a Sustainable Global Environment) research group Doctoral Programs: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Family Business His research explores tourism competitiveness and internationalization patterns through empirical studies on hotel chains in Latin America, fair trade impacts in emerging economies, and post-COVID-19 rural tourism development. Analysis of 15 recent publications reveals strong emphasis on structural equation modeling, cross-cultural comparisons, and market segmentation strategies. Current academic activity includes international collaborations with institutions like Massey University, Varna University of Management, and University of Mauritius. His 2020 work on Ecuadorian chia seed exports demonstrates methodology for EU market selection using 7-dimensional indicators, while his sustainable tourism studies provide frameworks for pandemic-era tourism revival through non-overcrowding strategies.
Dr Alvin Tan is a Lecturer in the School of Advertising, Marketing & PR at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). His research focuses on SME internationalisation, export readiness, and managerial decision-making in cross-border contexts. He holds a PhD in International Business from the University of Queensland (2012) and has over a decade of academic experience, including roles in teaching units like AMB110 Internationalisation. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (International Business), University of Queensland (2012) Bachelor of Business (Honours), Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Commerce (International Business), University of Tasmania Research Interests: Small-medium enterprise internationalisation drivers, export decision rigidity, managerial commitment in export strategies, and inward internationalisation dynamics. His work emphasizes the pre-internationalisation phase and has contributed to frameworks like the export readiness index. Awards: QUT Vice Chancellor's Performance Award for Teaching Excellence (2008) Accredited Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) Teaching and Supervision: Specializes in global business strategy, international marketing, and supervises postgraduate students on SME internationalisation topics.
Professor Dr. Michael Woywode is a full professor and holds the Chair of SME Research and Entrepreneurship at the University of Mannheim , within the Business School . His research and teaching are embedded in the Institute for SME Research and Entrepreneurship (ifm Mannheim) , a central research institute of the university, and the Mannheim Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI) , which offers entrepreneurship courses university-wide. Research Interests: Family Firms: Succession planning, leadership transitions, and post-succession innovation. Entrepreneurship: Founder behavior, startup ecosystems, and entrepreneurial decision-making. Digitalization in SMEs: Competitiveness, digital transformation, and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. Self-Employment & Labor Markets: New forms of self-employment and their societal implications. Teaching: Prof. Woywode teaches across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels, offering courses such as Strategic and International Management , Introduction to Entrepreneurship , and Managing the Family Business . Research Output: His recent publications span high-impact journals including Organization Science , Family Business Review , and Journal of Small Business Management , with a clear focus on entrepreneurship, family business, and institutional theory. Team & Collaboration: He leads a multidisciplinary team including postdocs, PhD candidates, and research associates, working closely with the MCEI and ifm Mannheim to foster entrepreneurship research and education.
Christian FISCH is an Associate Professor in Business Economics and Entrepreneurship at the University of Luxembourg's Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT). His research focuses on the intersection of entrepreneurship with digital technologies, venture finance, and socio-cultural influences. Key areas include blockchain-based financing mechanisms (e.g., ICOs), the psychological and digital identity aspects of entrepreneurs, and the impact of environmental/climate factors on entrepreneurial activity. He has published extensively in top journals, addressing topics such as B Corp certification signaling effects, venture capital decision-making, and the paradox of technology adoption among SMEs. His work spans both theoretical contributions (e.g., extending Schumpeterian frameworks) and applied analyses (e.g., post-pandemic entrepreneurial resilience). FISCH collaborates with global institutions, leveraging mixed-methods approaches including digital trace analysis from platforms like Twitter to study investor behavior and entrepreneurial traits. He has no listed awards but maintains active research agendas in decentralized finance, climate entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural entrepreneurial motivations. Professional activities include editorial roles in entrepreneurship journals and advising on innovation policy. His research often addresses emerging trends such as NFTs in creative industries, DAO governance structures, and the role of trademarks/patents in regional innovation ecosystems.
Gerald Reiner serves as Head of the Institute for Production Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), within the Department of Information Systems and Operations Management. He holds a Magister Degree, doctorate, and Habilitation in Business Administration from WU. His academic career includes positions as full professor in Production Management and Logistics at the University of Neuchatel (Switzerland, 2007-2014) and Universitaet Klagenfurt (Austria, 2014-2018), where he also served as head of the department of Operations, Energy, and Environmental Management. Dr. Reiner has held visiting professorships at Aston Business School (UK), HEC Lausanne (Switzerland), University of Bergamo, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan (Italy). His research spans several critical areas including Industry 4.0 implementation, integrated capacity and inventory management, humanitarian logistics operations, circular supply chains, and operations management for base of the pyramid contexts. His work particularly focuses on practical applications addressing food waste reduction, sustainable manufacturing, and blockchain technology in supply chains. His publication portfolio demonstrates a clear evolution toward digital transformation in operations, with recent focus on hydrogen production systems, AI integration in manufacturing, and blockchain applications for food supply chain transparency. The research shows increasing emphasis on sustainability integration within traditional operations management frameworks, particularly addressing European manufacturing challenges and food system inefficiencies. Publication Excellence Award 2021 (2023) Researcher of the month (January 2023) Highly Commended paper in the 2017 Emerald Literati Network Awards for Excellence ISIR Service Award (2014) Emerald Outstanding Paper Award (2013) Dr. Reiner coordinates multiple significant international research projects including EU-project 'Keeping Jobs in EU', EU/Ecsel-project 'Power Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing 4.0', 'Integrated Development 4.0', and 'Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing leading to Sustainability and Industry 5.0'. His current projects focus on FOODIS (cross-border ecosystem for innovation in food supply chains), Circular Design implementation, and blockchain applications for banana supply chains. He actively supervises research teams working on food waste reduction, sustainable packaging systems, and AI applications in operations management.
Dr. Silvia Baiocco serves as Assistant Professor at University of Rome Tor Vergata, teaching entrepreneurship, tourism management, and marketing courses across Bachelor and Master programs including 'Creation of Enterprises and Entrepreneurship' (Master), 'Fundamentals of Service Management' (Bachelor), and 'Tourism and Cultural Management for Sustainability' (Bachelor). Her institutional affiliation centers on Business Economics (sector ECON-07/A) with research rooted in co-evolutionary theory. Her research critically examines sustainable business model innovation through three interconnected lenses: (1) tourism-destination co-evolution in historic villages and Alberghi Diffusi, (2) university-industry knowledge exchange for sustainable spin-offs via PNICube Observatory frameworks, and (3) technology integration in smart tourism through AI-driven destination management. She emphasizes context-specific adaptation in both high-income (Italy) and low/middle-income settings (Ghana), with strong focus on social impact and heritage preservation. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals accelerating focus on digital tourism transformation (AI applications, smart city integration) and resilience-building in accommodation firms. Her work consistently applies co-evolutionary frameworks to decode organizational adaptation, particularly in sustainable entrepreneurship contexts. The PNICube Observatory reports highlight her policy-relevant contributions to university research valorization. As educator, Dr. Baiocco actively shapes future business leaders through courses spanning startup creation to sustainable destination management. Her research trajectory indicates deepening engagement with technology-mediated sustainability solutions and cross-sectoral innovation ecosystems, particularly through ongoing PNICube Observatory initiatives.
Professor Marie Griffiths is a distinguished academic and expert in digital transformation at Salford Business School, University of Salford. She holds the position of Professor of Digital Technologies in Organizations and serves as EDI Lead for Research (2023–present). Her academic career includes significant leadership roles such as PGR Director at Salford Business School (2019–2023) and Head of the Digital Business Research Centre. She previously served as President of the UK Academy for Information Systems (UKAIS) after her tenure as Vice President. Dr. Griffiths earned her PhD in Business Information Systems, establishing the foundation for her expertise in digital transformation. Her research spans multiple critical areas including digital transformation, information systems, gender and IT, AI and disruptive technologies, digital society, privacy and surveillance studies, family surveillance, productivity technologies, and digital education. Her work consistently bridges academic theory with practical business applications, focusing on how organizations respond to digital disruptions and how workforces adapt to emerging technologies. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on strategic digital transformation, digital maturity assessment, and the intersection of technology with social impact. The 2025 second edition of her book 'Strategic Digital Transformation – A Results-Driven Approach' represents a significant contribution to the field. Her research increasingly addresses the gender dimensions of digital transformation, as evidenced by her 2024 work on closing the REF Gender Inequality Gap. She also explores the practical applications of digital technologies in specific sectors including government organizations, healthcare (particularly nursing), and financial technology. Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Teacher Awards (multiple) Professor Griffiths has supervised 14 PhD completions and currently oversees doctoral candidates researching fintech, digital transformation, and sustainability. She established the PGR International Women's Network to support female researchers. Her grant leadership includes 11 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with organizations like Manchester Chamber of Commerce, OPAL, and Hydro-X, securing significant funding from Innovate UK. She has also contributed to policy development through work with the British Standards Institute Steering Group for Digital Maturity. As Head of the Digital Business Research Centre, Professor Griffiths leads a team focused on practical digital transformation research with strong industry connections. Her approach emphasizes people-centric transformation, ensuring that people remain at the heart of any change. The centre's work spans multiple sectors including government, healthcare, finance, and small and medium enterprises, with a particular focus on developing practical tools like digital transformation canvases for different organizational contexts.
Venancio Tauringana serves as Professor of Accounting and Sustainability at Southampton Business School, University of Southampton, where he held the Department of Accounting Head position from April 2018 to September 2023. Previously Acting Head of Department (2016) and Acting Director of Research for the Business School (2017), he also directs the Centre for Research in Accounting, Accountability and Governance (CRAAG) and serves as Editor of Advances in Environmental Accounting and Management alongside Associate Editor roles for two leading journals. His academic credentials include a Masters’ Degree (M.Acc) in International Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Accounting from Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland. Professor Tauringana’s research centers on sustainability reporting and corporate governance, examining how organizations—particularly in emerging economies and SMEs—measure and disclose environmental and social performance. His work bridges academic rigor with practical applications, influencing corporate reporting standards and policy frameworks globally. He has published in premier outlets including Review of Accounting Studies (ABS 4*) and British Journal of Management (ABS 4*), establishing himself as a key voice in sustainability accounting. His recent publications (2024-2025) reveal expanding research horizons across sustainability reporting drivers, governance in sustainable manufacturing, African frontier market finance, and healthcare governance impacts. These studies demonstrate methodological diversity—from systematic reviews to multinational case analyses—while maintaining geographic breadth spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK through extensive international collaborations. His scientific recognition includes: Emerald Literati Award for outstanding contribution as a reviewer (2011) Emerald Literati Award for outstanding research paper (2019) Professor Tauringana has examined over 25 PhD students and supervised 15 to completion, currently guiding multiple doctoral candidates in sustainability accounting. His £150,000+ research funding supports impactful projects like the SME Sustainable Growth initiative where students collaborate with UK and Chinese small businesses to produce first-time sustainability reports. He also serves as external examiner for accounting programs at Aston, Kent, and Bedfordshire universities. He actively contributes to the Centre for Research in Accounting, Accountability and Governance (CRAAG), Centre for Accounting Education (CAE), and co-leads CESAR (Centre of Excellence in Sustainability Accounting and Reporting), driving interdisciplinary research that connects academic scholarship with industry sustainability challenges through regular workshops and practitioner engagements.
Thomas Gunther is a Professor of Managerial Accounting and Control at the Department of Economics, Technical University of Dresden. His research focuses on business accounting, controlling of non-profit organisations, value-based management, and the evaluation of intangible resources. University: Technical University of Dresden Department: Department of Economics Academic Rank: Professor Gunther's work explores performance measurement systems, brand valuation, and time-oriented cost accounting, with empirical studies across German companies and the public education sector. He has led research groups on value-oriented leadership in SMEs and intangible assets in accounting. As a consultant, he works with medium-sized businesses and public institutions on implementing controlling systems, including AOK Saxony, Dresden Transport Company, and the Saxon State Ministry of Education. He serves as Managing Editor for the Journal of Management Control (JoMaC) and is a founding member of PRISMA (Centre for Sustainability Assessment and Policy) at TU Dresden.
Professor Peter Verhoef is a renowned academic at the University of Groningen, serving as a Professor of Marketing and Director of the University of Groningen Business School. He earned his PhD from the Erasmus School of Economics. His research focuses on customer management, loyalty, and consumer behavior in contexts such as organic product purchasing and digital transformation. Notably, Verhoef received the 2013 Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Award and the 2009 Harold M. Maynard Award, marking him as a leading figure in marketing research. He also chairs the Advisory Council for the Customer Centre of the Dutch Banking Association (NVB). Education: PhD from Erasmus School of Economics Affiliations: Director of University of Groningen Business School, Chair at NVB Research Interests: Verhoef’s work bridges academic rigor and practical applications. He investigates how digital transformation impacts businesses, explores consumer responses to privacy practices, and analyzes the effects of marketing strategies on customer retention. His findings often challenge conventional wisdom, such as demonstrating that 'light' products do not aid weight loss. Recent studies emphasize omnichannel retailing, privacy calculus, and the business value of SME digitalization. Awards: His accolades include the Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Award for groundbreaking work on CRM efforts and the Harold M. Maynard Award for best paper in the Journal of Marketing. These prizes underscore his global influence in marketing academia. Grants & Teams: While specific grants are not detailed, his leadership roles suggest involvement in large-scale research projects. Collaborative work with institutions like the SOM Research School and contributions to interdisciplinary initiatives (e.g., digital transformation frameworks) highlight his team-oriented approach. Labs/Teams: Active in the University of Groningen Business School’s marketing department, he collaborates with researchers like Dong J.Q., Nguyen D.K., and Eggers F., focusing on data analytics, customer experience, and privacy-related challenges.
Professor Moses Acquaah is a Professor and Department Head of Management at the Bryan School of Business and Economics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). He serves as Director of the PhD Program in Business Administration. His research focuses on strategic management, emerging economies, family businesses, and sustainability in Africa. He holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and multiple advanced degrees from institutions like Simon Fraser University and the University of Cambridge. Education: Ph.D. in Strategic Management and International Management, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee M.B.A. in Accounting & Policy Analysis, Simon Fraser University M.A. in Economics (Monetary and International Economics), Simon Fraser University Graduate Diploma in Development Studies, University of Cambridge B.A. (Honors) in Social Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Ghana Research Interests: Social capital and networking in emerging economies Competitive strategy in sub-Saharan Africa Family business management and entrepreneurship Sustainability and green supply chain practices Leadership in Africa and the diaspora Global strategic alliances and institutional pressures His recent work examines pandemic impacts on African businesses, innovation strategy combinations, and leadership effectiveness. He has published extensively in journals like Journal of Cleaner Production , International Business Review , and Africa Journal of Management . Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on family businesses in sub-Saharan Africa Developed the Leadership Effectiveness in Africa and the Diaspora (LEAD) scale Edited special issues on pandemic management and sustainable development in Africa
Professor Vania Sena is a Chair in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise at the Management School of the University of Sheffield. She is a leading scholar in innovation, entrepreneurship, big data analytics, and institutional economics, with a strong focus on productivity, SMEs, and collaborative innovation systems. Her work spans finance, public policy, and technology management, often employing advanced econometric and network analysis methods. Her research interests include big data and performance , open and collaborative innovation , institutional impacts on innovation , entrepreneurship and SMEs , circular economy , and peer-to-peer lending . She has extensively studied the role of human capital, governance, and intellectual property in firm performance and innovation outcomes. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent trajectory in data-driven innovation research, with increasing emphasis on AI, machine learning, resilience in supply chains (notably hydrogen), and the circular economy. Her publications appear in top journals such as Technological Forecasting and Social Change , British Journal of Management , Journal of Banking & Finance , and Journal of Economic Literature , showcasing interdisciplinary reach and methodological rigor. Her scientific contributions include influential reviews on appropriability mechanisms and innovation, empirical studies on R&D spillovers, and frameworks for evaluating resilience in emerging energy systems. While specific awards are not listed, her publication record indicates significant recognition in the field. She has supervised doctoral researchers, including recent completions on immigrant entrepreneurship and institutional effects on business survival. Her work is supported by extensive collaborations across Europe and beyond. She is actively involved in PhD supervision and research leadership within the Entrepreneurship, Strategy and International Business group. Professor Sena has contributed to major research themes such as the impact of big data on SMEs, stakeholder diversity in innovation, and the role of policy in enabling circular economy business models. She is also engaged in policy-relevant research on financial inclusion, data intelligence in local government, and the effects of labor market restructuring.
Roel C.G.M. Loonen is an Associate Professor at the Unit Building Physics and Services within the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. He holds joint appointments with EAISI High Tech Systems and EIRES Research groups, focusing on building performance simulation and energy systems. His work bridges academic research with practical applications through collaborations with SMEs in the building industry. Loonen received his BSc and MSc (cum laude) in Building Services from Eindhoven University of Technology, followed by a PhD in 2018 with a dissertation on 'Approaches for computational performance optimization of innovative adaptive facade concepts.' His educational background has positioned him as a leading expert in building performance simulation and sustainable building technologies. His research interests center on developing and applying modeling and simulation strategies to support decision-making for designing buildings that combine high indoor quality with minimal environmental impact. Key areas include adaptive facades, building-integrated renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient building envelopes. He specializes in creating and validating new building performance simulation models to advance innovative building technologies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of building performance simulation, with emphasis on residential energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems, and occupant-centered approaches to building design. The work shows increasing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional building simulation methods, particularly for sensitivity analysis and optimization of building performance. REHVA Young Scientist Award (2021) Best PhD supervisor award from Department of the Built Environment, TU/e (2018) First prize - REHVA International student competition (2011) Smart daylight control for optimal building performance (NWO Take-off award, 2018) Best paper award (2021) Loonen actively supervises PhD and Master's students, evidenced by his Best PhD Supervisor Award in 2018. He manages multiple research projects including Sustainable Summer Comfort (2024-2027), Modeling Innovative Use Scenarios for Future Domestic Comfort (2023-2026), and Just Prepare (2022-2026), with funding from sources including the Dutch Research Council (NWO). His professional service includes being a board member of the Dutch-Flemish IBPSA affiliate and co-chair of IBPSA World's website committee, plus reviewing for 35 academic journals. He leads research within the Building Performance group, focusing on creating practical tools and methodologies that bridge the gap between theoretical building performance models and real-world implementation in the construction industry. His work particularly emphasizes the integration of occupant behavior and practices into building performance models, recognizing that human factors are critical to achieving sustainable building performance in practice.
Professor Chee Yew Wong is a leading academic in supply chain management at Leeds University Business School (LUBS), where he holds the position of Professor and serves as Director for Research & Innovation in the Analytics, Technology and Operations department. He previously held a Chair in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Hull University Business School and has served as a visiting professor in Thailand and China. His work bridges academia and industry, with over nine years of professional experience in operations and supply chain roles across multinational corporations and SMEs. His educational background includes a PhD in Supply Chain Management from Aalborg University, Denmark; an MSc in Manufacturing Management from Linköping University, Sweden; a BEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Malaysia; and a PG Certificate in Higher Education from Hull University, UK. Professor Wong's research centers on intelligent, responsible, and sustainable solutions for global supply chains. Key interests include digital supply chains, supply chain analytics, green logistics, human rights in supply chains, resilience, and circular economy models. He leverages technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and IoT to enhance transparency, integration, and performance in complex supply networks. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical governance in supply chains. His work increasingly emphasizes data-driven decision-making, environmental and social risk assessment, and the role of technology in enabling responsible global sourcing. Many projects focus on real-world applications in industries such as healthcare, fashion, retail, and manufacturing, often through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with industry leaders. Best Reviewer Award, Operations and Supply Chain Management Division, Academy of Management Conference, Chicago, USA (2018) Prof. Xiande Zhao's Best Paper Award, International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management, Kaifeng, China (2017) Finalist for the Jack Meredith Best Paper Award, Academy of Management Conference, Anaheim, USA (2016) Emerald Best Paper Award, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal (2006) Professor Wong has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and 4 post-doctoral researchers, and has examined over 15 PhD dissertations internationally. He leads multiple research grants, including projects funded by Innovate UK, UKRI, ESRC, and the British Council, focusing on digital transformation, human rights, and green supply chain innovation. His collaborations span academia, government, and industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful, applied research. He is actively involved in the Centre for Operations and Supply Chain Research, the Adaptation Information Management and Technology group, and the Centre for Decision Research at LUBS. These research groups support interdisciplinary work in analytics, digital technologies, and sustainable operations, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange across sectors.
