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.
Dr. Artin Backtash-Rad is a Senior Lecturer in Global Strategy & International Business at the Surrey Business School, University of Surrey, where he also serves as the Director of the MSc International Business Management programme. He holds a PhD in Global Strategic Management from Royal Holloway, University of London, an MBA in International Management from Carleton University, Canada, and a BSc in Industrial Management from the University of Tehran, Iran. He has held academic positions at University College London, Royal Holloway, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales. BSc in Industrial Management, University of Tehran, Iran MBA in International Management, Carleton University, Canada PhD in Global Strategic Management, Royal Holloway, University of London Artin's research focuses on Global Strategic Management, with a particular emphasis on strategy implementation. His doctoral research involved a large-scale comparative study across 20 sectors in 20 countries, resulting in a comprehensive model for corporate-level strategy execution. His work integrates resource-based, industry, and institutional perspectives to develop a holistic theory of strategy implementation. He has conducted extensive research on barriers to implementation, supply chain strategies, manufacturing strategies, and transcontinental investments. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in developing taxonomies and theoretical models in strategic management, particularly in international and cross-sectoral contexts. He frequently presents at top-tier conferences such as the Academy of International Business (AIB), British Academy of Management (BAM), and Euro-Asia Management Studies Association (EAMSA), with recent work focusing on organizational culture transfer, research populations, and Europeanization of strategy. Artin is actively involved in academic service and leadership: Director of MSc International Business Management Member of the Doctoral Programmes Review Committee Personal Tutor for 22 students Work Placement Programme Tutor He supervises postgraduate research, currently guiding two PhD students, and has previously supervised numerous master’s and MBA dissertations across multiple institutions. His teaching spans strategic management, international business, entrepreneurship, research methodology, and operations management at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Artin is affiliated with leading academic organizations: Academy of International Business British Academy of Management Euro-Asia Management Studies Association
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.
Lisa Saum-Manning is the Associate Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program, a Senior Political Scientist, and Professor of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy, RAND Corporation. She is actively engaged in research that bridges defense policy, international security, and public administration. RAND Corporation – Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy Program RAND Corporation – Senior Political Scientist RAND School of Public Policy – Professor of Policy Analysis Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. Ph.D., Political Science – University of California, Los Angeles Lisa Saum-Manning's research focuses on strategic planning for the U.S. Armed Forces and Department of State, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, conflict prevention in fragile states, WMD nonproliferation, and unconventional warfare. She has also led field research on building sustainable security capacity in Africa, Central and South America, and disaster recovery in Puerto Rico. Her work frequently addresses diversity and inclusion in the military, homeland security policy, and U.S. foreign military sales accountability. She recently served as a senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict Stabilization Operations during implementation of the Global Fragility Act. Her recent publications span topics such as Foreign Military Sales (FMS) accountability, Army readiness, disaster recovery in Puerto Rico, and diversity in military personnel. The body of her work demonstrates a consistent focus on policy-relevant research that informs national security decision-making, with an interdisciplinary approach combining political science, security studies, and public policy analysis. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Lisa Saum-Manning has advised on major defense and homeland security initiatives, including FEMA’s terrorism risk formula, U.S. Army personnel policy, and Coast Guard diversity strategies. She has received funding for multiple RAND studies from U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Her advisory roles include direct engagement with senior officials in the State Department and Congress, particularly through her testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services. She leads and contributes to research teams at RAND focused on international security, defense policy, and stability operations. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, field data collection, and policy implementation analysis, particularly in complex operational environments such as post-conflict zones and disaster-affected regions.
Prof. Florian Egli is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology. His research focuses on public policy for the green transition, climate finance, and labor market impacts of energy transitions. He examines topics such as green hydrogen trade, renewable energy investment risks, and fossil fuel phaseout politics. His work bridges academia and policy, addressing challenges like financing Africa’s energy transition, managing trade-offs in electric vehicle policies, and quantifying climate finance needs in developing nations. He critiques energy system models for oversimplifying financial dynamics and advocates for evidence-based policy design. Recent articles highlight themes like green industrial policy frameworks, labor market adaptation to low-carbon economies, and the geopolitical implications of renewable energy exports. Egli’s research emphasizes practical solutions to political and financial barriers in achieving global climate goals. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. He advises no students or teams in the given data.
Dr Cristina Stoian is a Reader in International Business and Director of Postgraduate Research at Brunel Business School, Brunel University London, within the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences. She is affiliated with the Strategy, Entrepreneurship and International Business (SEIB) research group and contributes significantly to academic and professional discourse on SME internationalization and global entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on international business, entrepreneurship, and international marketing strategies, particularly in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Key themes include knowledge-based perspectives, dynamic capabilities, sustainable development, cultural diversity, and the role of digital technologies in internationalization. She has published extensively in top-tier journals such as International Business Review , Journal of Small Business Management , and International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research . Her recent publications highlight trends in SME foreign market entry, post-entry growth of born globals, CSR in SMEs, and systematic reviews of knowledge-based approaches. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus combining strategic management, organizational capabilities, and international marketing. Best Paper Award at British Academy of Management Conference (International Business and International Management track) Dr Stoian has secured research funding as Principal Investigator from the ISBE/RAKE Award (supported by ESRC and Barclays Bank) and internal Brunel grants, and as Co-Investigator on projects funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. She welcomes PhD applications in international entrepreneurship, SME internationalization, knowledge approaches, sustainable development, returnee entrepreneurship, and digital technologies in global business. She has served on advisory bodies including the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s International Trade Committee and The Institute of Export and International Trade. She is actively involved in professional networks and collaborates with researchers such as Dr Janja Tardios, Dr Marios Samdanis, and Dr Xiaoqing Li. Her work bridges academic research and practical applications for SME managers navigating global markets.
Luca Barra is Full Professor of Television and Digital Media at the Department of Arts, University of Bologna. His research focuses on media studies, particularly television history and contemporary evolution, transnational circulation of content, serialization, and comic/humorous genres. He has coordinated the Master's Degree in Information, Cultures and Media Organization since 2021 and serves as editor-in-chief of VIEW. Journal of European TV History and Culture. University of Bologna, Department of Arts Research areas: Television History, Transnational Media, Digital Transformation, Italian TV Production Barra's work examines the international mediation of ready-made TV formats, Italian streaming partnerships, and the cultural implications of digital television. His recent articles analyze dystopian narratives, sitcom reception in Italy, and the redefinition of celebrity during the pandemic. He contributes to academic discourse through editorial roles in journals like SERIES and Comunicazioni Sociali. His publications include monographs on Italian television programming, sitcoms, and co-edited volumes exploring European premium TV fiction and digital media frameworks. Barra has led research projects such as ATLas and F-ACTOR, and collaborates with international institutions including Brown University and NECS.
Associate Professor Alexandr Akimov is affiliated with Griffith University's Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics. He holds key roles including Director of the Sustainable Energy Policy Cluster (since 2020), Member of the Griffith Asia Institute (2017–present), and Member of the Centre for Superannuation and Personal Finance (2015–present). His research focuses on sustainable energy finance, emerging markets, post-communist economies, and climate policy. He has supervised doctoral research on hydrogen energy systems, demand response mechanisms, and Chinese stock market behaviors. His academic contributions span energy economics, financial policy analysis, and transition economies. Notable recent work includes techno-economic analyses of hydrogen production, renewable energy export strategies, and policy frameworks for distributed energy resources. He has collaborated on projects like RACE for 2030, exploring taxation policies for electric vehicle adoption. His expertise bridges academic research with practical policy applications in sustainable development. Professor Akimov’s teaching and supervision emphasize quantitative methods in finance and energy economics. His research has addressed challenges in post-Soviet financial systems, global bond market dynamics, and the socio-economic impacts of energy transition initiatives.
Mário Caldeira is a faculty member at ISEG – Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon (ULisboa), where he teaches and conducts research in information systems, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. He also holds a professional role as Associate Partner at Deloitte Technology, Portugal, bridging academic insights with industry practice. Institution: University of Lisbon School: Lisbon School of Economics and Management Professional Affiliation: Deloitte Technology, Portugal His research focuses on the strategic use of information systems in organizations, with recent emphasis on quantum technologies and their implications for cybersecurity. Key areas include post-quantum cryptography, big data analytics, digital transformation, and enterprise IT governance. His work often employs case study methodology across sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and public administration. His recent publications (2024) highlight the urgency of preparing for quantum-enabled cyber threats. These works analyze how quantum computing may break classical encryption and advocate for organizational readiness through post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution. Earlier research explores benefits realization from IT implementations, CRM adoption, and robotic process automation, showing a consistent focus on deriving business value from technology investments. He has supervised over a dozen Master’s and PhD students on topics including RPA in banking, ERP systems, big data in healthcare, and quantum technology impacts. His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Digital Transformation and Sustainability, Management Information Systems, Enterprise Analytics, and Research & Development Seminars at both undergraduate and graduate levels. João Nuno Esteves Pina – Framework for ISO/IEC 27001 implementation Maria Paula Bastos da Silva Batista – Dual-use IP and export controls Flávio Alexandre Costa Romão – Big data business benefits Ana Isabel Manuel Duarte – Socioeconomic impact of quantum tech in Portugal His scientific contributions span journals such as the Journal of Information System Security , European Journal of Management Studies , and Industrial Management and Data Systems . Conferences include MCIS and UKAIS. His work reflects a strong applied orientation, combining theoretical rigor with practical relevance in technology management and information security.
Dr. Andrew R. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing at the College of Business, The University of Akron, where he has been a faculty member since August 25, 2003. He specializes in international business and marketing, teaching courses such as International Business Environments and Strategic Marketing. His academic leadership includes serving as Department Assessment Coordinator and Study Abroad Coordinator for the Panama MBA Trip. PhD, University of Bucharest, Academia de Studii Economice MA, The University of Akron BA, The University of Akron Dr. Thomas’s research centers on global strategy, sales and distribution, neuromarketing, and transportation and supply chain security. His work bridges business and public policy, particularly in high-risk environments and emerging markets. He has extensively published on topics such as innovation diffusion, ethical implications of neuromarketing, and the geopolitical impact of energy shifts like the fracking revolution. His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, combining marketing theory with security studies, public health, and global economics. From analyzing fentanyl exposure risks in transportation to examining neuromarketing ethics, his work demonstrates a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through academic inquiry. Books like The Canal of Panama and Globalization and American Shale Energy and the Global Economy highlight his expertise in geopolitics and infrastructure. Editorial Contribution Award, Springer (2025) North America Best Business Case 2020, New World Report (2021) Fulbright Scholar, U.S. Department of State (2006) Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Department of State (2015) Dean's Excellence Award for Graduate Teaching (2020) Winner: Berry-Book Prize, American Marketing Association (2010) Dr. Thomas has secured significant research grants, including $255,000 from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway for predictive modeling in security. He has advised honors students and served as Graduate Council member and Faculty Senate representative. His editorial roles include long-term service as Journal Editor for the Journal of Transportation Security and guest editor for the European Journal of Marketing . He leads initiatives in academic publishing as a member of the UA Press Editorial Board and has contributed to international scholarship through Fulbright and editing volumes on Eastern Europe. His presentations to regional chambers and industry groups reflect strong community engagement and applied research dissemination.
Dr Lizette Olivier is a Lecturer in Tourism and Career Ready Graduates Lead at the University of Newcastle's Newcastle Business School, part of the College of Human and Social Futures. She directs the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) project in the Career Ready Graduate Program, advancing student employability and university strategic goals. Her industry experience spans 16 years in Australian export and international trade R&D, plus 20 years in advertising, marketing, tourism, and festival management, including founding South Africa's National Arts Festival. Dr Olivier holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Management from the University of Newcastle and a National Diploma in Public Relations from Technikon South Africa. She also teaches leadership and management courses in international management, events, tourism, and marketing studies. Her research focuses on consumer behavior in event tourism and marketing, particularly how attendees make decisions in tourism and hospitality contexts. She explores experiential design, leadership in event management, and destination development. Recent studies include optimizing festival experiences and post-pandemic marketing strategies. Dr Olivier has received notable awards including the SMAANZ-CAUTHE Bursary (2018), Student Engagement Award (2020), and Philip Pearce Best Overall Paper (2022). Her work bridges academic and industry insights, emphasizing practical applications in event management. In grants, she leads projects on festival consumer behavior (e.g., Newcastle Writers Festival, Clipper Race) with total funding of $11,500. She coordinates courses like Consumer Behaviour, Managing Diversity, and Negotiation, focusing on collaborative skills and real-world conflict resolution. Her research teams investigate festival operations, leadership, and tourism innovation. Key projects include the Hometown Holiday initiative and Event Strategy and Leadership development. She also collaborates with organizations like the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club and the National Arts Festival to study societal perceptions and management practices in cultural and sports events.
Vahid J. Sadeghi is an Associate Professor in International Entrepreneurship and Director of the PhD Programme at Aston Business School, Aston University. He previously held positions at Newcastle Business School (Northumbria University) and Coventry University. His research focuses on SME internationalisation, international entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and innovation strategies. He chairs the 50th AIB UK & Ireland Chapter Conference (2024) and serves on editorial boards of journals like International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and EuroMed Journal of Business . Education: PhD in International Entrepreneurship from Università degli Studi di Torino (2018). Professional roles include membership in the Academy of International Business (AIB) and Academy of Management (AOM). Awards include the Literati Award 2022 for Outstanding Reviewing and SSL Awards for Research Impact (2020). Teaching includes modules on international entrepreneurship and strategy at postgraduate levels. He supervises PhD students researching SME re-internationalisation, de-internationalisation factors, and digitalisation impacts. Current grants include a Midlands Engine study on export decline (£50k, 2022–2023) and a post-doctoral fellowship on export compliance (€19k, 2018–2019). Research outputs span 106 publications in journals like Journal of Business Research and International Business Review , with a focus on SME dynamics, digital innovation, and global strategy. His edited books include International Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets (Routledge, 2022) and Empirical International Entrepreneurship (Springer, 2021).
Elena B. Spasova is the Dean of Henley Business School and Professor of International Business at the University of Reading. She joined Henley in 2009, bringing over a decade of corporate strategy consulting experience from PricewaterhouseCoopers in Canada, where she worked with organizations across Europe and North America. In her leadership roles, she has spearheaded major change management, education innovation, and the development of executive and work-based programs internationally. Research Interests: Elena's research centers on strategic challenges faced by firms in international markets, particularly SMEs and multinational enterprises. Her work explores the drivers of international competitiveness and performance, with a focus on exports, dynamic capabilities, governance in cross-border operations, and the impact of economic disintegration such as Brexit. She applies frameworks like the Resource-Based View (RBV) to understand firm-specific advantages in global contexts. Publication Trends: Her recent publications span top-tier journals in international business and management, consistently focusing on export performance, firm capabilities, and strategic internationalization. The research combines empirical analysis with theoretical development, often using UK and California-based data, and increasingly addresses institutional and regional influences on MNE behavior. Scientific Awards: Not specified in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no formal list of students or grants is provided, her extensive publication record with co-authors and leadership in research-focused programs suggest active mentorship and likely grant involvement. She has led major educational innovation projects and institutional growth initiatives, indicating substantial leadership in academic development and team-based research. Labs and Teams: Although specific lab affiliations are not mentioned, as Dean and Professor, she leads and collaborates with research groups within Henley Business School focused on international business, strategy, and performance. Her work is embedded in a collaborative academic environment involving faculty across international business, management, and global strategy disciplines.
Johannes Habel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Marketing & Entrepreneurship at the C. T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, where he holds the Michael J. Cemo Associate Professorship of Marketing. He has previously served as a Professor at Warwick Business School (UK) and Associate Professor at ESMT Berlin (Germany), reflecting a strong international academic background. His research focuses on the psychology of personal selling , digital transformation in sales , and sales force effectiveness . His work explores behavioral aspects of sales, including personality traits (e.g., introversion, neuroticism), ethical challenges, and the integration of predictive analytics and AI in sales processes. He examines how digital tools reshape customer interactions, negotiation strategies, and sales performance. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward data-driven sales , behavioral insights in B2B and retail contexts , and ethical considerations in digital selling . His studies frequently appear in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Marketing , Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science , and Journal of Retailing , demonstrating consistent scholarly impact across marketing, operations, and organizational behavior domains. Recognized as one of the top-3 most productive sales scholars by ScholarGPS Johannes Habel is actively involved in mentoring and collaborative research, evidenced by frequent co-authorship with scholars like Sascha Alavi, Nathaniel Hartmann, and Nawar Chaker. While formal PhD advisees are not listed, his leadership in research teams and editorial roles suggests strong advisory and grant-related activities. He has developed executive education programs for major organizations and has taught at elite institutions including Stanford, Yale, and Darden, indicating significant engagement beyond traditional academia. He serves as Senior Editor of the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management and is a member of the editorial review boards of the Journal of Marketing , Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science , and Journal of Retailing . These roles reflect his influence in shaping the direction of sales and marketing scholarship.
Chu Ho-jeong is a Professor at the Department of Clothing and Textiles , College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University . Her research focuses on Fashion Marketing and Fashion Consumer Behavior , with expertise in analyzing socio-psychological aspects of apparel consumption and retail strategies. Education: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Clothing and Textiles from Seoul National University and Michigan State University Laboratory: Fashion Marketing Laboratory (established 2010), exploring consumer behavior, global markets, store environment, and sustainability Her research spans consumer behavior , global market trends , visual merchandising , and sustainable retail , often integrating technological elements like mobile apps and 3D displays. Recent articles examine generational differences in digital fashion engagement, ethical consumption, and socio-cultural factors in apparel purchasing. Academic contributions include leadership roles in societies such as the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles and Korean Marketing Science Association . The Fashion Marketing Lab she directs aims to decode fashion trends as social phenomena and provide strategic insights to brands on market segmentation and trademark strategy .
