Ivan Marović | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ivan Marović | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award 

Professor at University of Rijeka | Croatia 

Prof. Ivan Marović is a Professor at the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Civil Engineering, with over two decades of academic experience progressing from research assistant to full professorship. His research focuses on Project Management in civil engineering, emphasizing management information systems, multi-criteria decision analysis, and soft computing methods. He has led and contributed to numerous research projects addressing sustainable management of urban areas, adaptation of coastal structures to climate change, and performance management of construction projects using artificial intelligence and soft computing approaches. His work has resulted in 458 citations across 404 documents, with an h-index of 13. Marović has received multiple awards for his scientific contributions, including recognition for the best doctoral thesis in civil engineering, honors from the Croatian Academy of Technical Sciences, and a Global Peer Review Award for top-ranked reviewers in environmental and cross-field research. He has also been acknowledged for innovation and knowledge transfer with national awards and a silver medal at an international innovation exhibition. He has actively collaborated with leading universities and research institutions in Croatia and internationally, contributing to both academia and industry. Marović has published extensively in indexed journals, authored book chapters, and served as guest editor for special issues in reputable journals, while also participating in the scientific committees of numerous international conferences. An accomplished educator, he has mentored over 45 bachelor and master’s theses and supervised one doctoral thesis, earning multiple teaching awards. He is an active member of professional associations in construction management and operational research, promoting interdisciplinary research, industry collaboration, and sustainable practices in civil engineering.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Linked In 

Featured Publications : 

Ružić, I., Marović, I., Benac, Č., & Ilić, S. (2014). Coastal cliff geometry derived from structure-from-motion photogrammetry at Stara Baška, Krk Island, Croatia. Geo-Marine Letters, 34(6), 555–565.

Marović, I., Perić, M., & Hanák, T. (2021). A multi-criteria decision support concept for selecting the optimal contractor. Applied Sciences, 11(4), 1660.

Jajac, N., Knezic, S., & Marović, I. (2009). Decision support system to urban infrastructure maintenance management. Organization, Technology & Management in Construction: An International Journal.

Marović, I., Androjić, I., Jajac, N., & Hanák, T. (2018). Urban road infrastructure maintenance planning with application of neural networks. Complexity, 2018(1), 5160417.

Hanák, T., Marović, I., & Aigel, P. (2015). Perception of residential environment in cities: A comparative study. Procedia Engineering, 117, 495–501.

Reza Khalili | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Reza Khalili | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award 

Research Assistant at Stony Brook University | United States 

Mr. Reza Khalili is a graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Stony Brook University, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a strong academic record. His educational background also includes a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Isfahan. His research primarily focuses on power systems optimization, renewable energy integration, electricity markets, and the application of advanced computational and machine learning methods in energy systems. His scholarly impact is reflected in 81 citations across 78 documents, with 6 publications and an h-index of 4. Khalili has contributed to several peer-reviewed journals and conferences, publishing impactful works on topics such as robust multi-objective optimization for electricity markets, socio-economic energy hub design, peer-to-peer energy trading, and uncertainty management in renewable energy integration. His co-authored works have appeared in respected journals including Applied Energy, Journal of Energy Storage, and Energy & Buildings, and he has contributed a book chapter published by Taylor & Francis. His conference papers include research on security-constrained optimal power flow and distribution network resilience, one of which was recognized as a best paper finalist at IEEE SmartGridComm. In his academic career, Khalili has gained valuable research experience as a graduate research assistant, working on advanced optimization techniques, contingency prediction in power systems, and uncertainty quantification methods.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications: 

Khalili, R., Khaledi, A., Marzband, M., Nematollahi, A. F., Vahidi, B., & Siano, P. (2023). Robust multi-objective optimization for the Iranian electricity market considering green hydrogen and analyzing the performance of different demand response programs. Applied Energy, 334, 120737.

Darvishi, A., Ranjbar, B., Gharibi, R., Khalili, R., & Dashti, R. (2024). Multi-objective optimization of a socio-economic energy hub with demand response program and considering customer satisfaction. Journal of Energy Storage, 100, 113624.

Gharibi, R., Khalili, R., Vahidi, B., Nematollahi, A. F., Dashti, R., & Marzband, M. (2025). Enhancing energy hub performance: A comprehensive model for efficient integration of hydrogen energy and renewable sources with advanced uncertainty management strategies. Journal of Energy Storage, 107, 114948.

Gharibi, H., Gharibi, R., Khalili, R., Dashti, R., Marzband, M., & Rawa, M. (2025). Optimizing multi-objective peer-to-peer energy trading in green homes: Robust strategies to address non-probabilistic uncertainty using IGDT with integrated demand response. Energy and Buildings, 116435.

Gharibi, R., Vahidi, B., Dashti, R., & Khalili, R. (n.d.). From electrons to solutions: Power-to-X strategies for energy systems integration. In Power-to-X in regional energy systems (pp. 201–227). Taylor & Francis.

Zhi Yang | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Zhi Yang | Strategic Decision-Making | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Zhi Yang, School of Management,Huazhong University of Science&Technology, China

Professor Yang Zhi is a distinguished academic in the field of Human Resource and Organization Science at the School of Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST). With a robust background in economics and management, he has contributed significantly to the domains of innovation management and corporate strategy. His international exposure, including visiting positions at renowned institutions like MIT Sloan and the University of Cambridge, has enriched his global perspective. As an educator and researcher, Professor Yang has been instrumental in shaping contemporary thought in organizational theory and strategic management.

👨‍🏫  Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education

Professor Yang’s academic journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from HUST (1996-2000), followed by a Master’s in Management from the same institution (2000-2003). He then pursued a Ph.D. in Economics at The University of Hong Kong (2004-2008), where he honed his research skills and deepened his understanding of economic theories. His educational foundation has been pivotal in his interdisciplinary approach to management and organizational studies, allowing him to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications effectively.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

With over two decades in academia, Professor Yang has held various esteemed positions. He has served as a visiting professor and scholar at institutions such as the University of Texas at Dallas, Hong Kong Baptist University, and the University of Cambridge. At HUST, he has been a cornerstone in the Department of Human Resource and Organization Science, contributing to curriculum development and mentoring students. His roles have not only been limited to teaching but also encompass significant administrative and research responsibilities, reflecting his multifaceted expertise.

🔬 Research Interests

Professor Yang’s research interests lie at the intersection of innovation management, corporate strategic management, and organizational theory. He explores how organizations adapt to changing environments, the dynamics of strategic decision-making, and the mechanisms driving innovation within firms. His work often integrates behavioral theories of the firm, providing nuanced insights into managerial decision processes and organizational adaptability. Through empirical studies and theoretical models, he contributes to a deeper understanding of how organizations can navigate complexity and foster innovation.

🏆 Awards

Professor Yang’s scholarly excellence has been recognized through various accolades. He has been a principal investigator for multiple projects funded by the China National Natural Science Foundation, reflecting the national acknowledgment of his research’s significance. His contributions to journals and academic conferences have earned him commendations, and his role as an external board director for Hubei Communications Investment Group Co., LTD, underscores his influence beyond academia. These honors attest to his impactful work in both theoretical and applied aspects of management science.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Li, J.T., Li, L., Yang, Z., & Tian, X. (2024). Managing Disruptions in International Distribution Channels: Effectuation, Business Model Innovation, and Channel Resilience. Journal of International Business Studies.

Yang, Z., Yang, J.L., & Liang, X. (2024). Organizational Sensemaking, Outside-in Entrepreneurial Marketing Capability, and Effectual Problem Setting. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 30(10), 2626-2651.

Yang, Z., & Yang, J.L. (2024). Holding Friends Closer or Keeping Them at a Distance: The Intimacy with Founding Members and Its Effect on Entrepreneurs’ Effectual Problem Setting. Entrepreneurship Research Journal, 14(3), 1097-1132.

Xiao, J., Yang, Z., Li, Z., & Chen, Z. (2023). A Review of Social Roles in Green Consumer Behaviour. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 47(6), 2033-2070.

Li, Z., Li, F., Xiao, J., & Yang, Z. (2020). Topic Features in Negative Customer Reviews: Evidence Based on Text Data Mining. The Review of Socionetwork Strategies, 14, 19-40. 

Yang, Z., Jiang, Y., & Xie, E. (2019). Buyer-supplier relational strength and buying firm’s marketing capability: An outside-in perspective. Industrial Marketing Management, 82, 27-37.

Yang, Z., & Wei, T. (2019). Foreign Ownership and External Knowledge Acquisition: A Comparison between International Subsidiaries and Local Firms in China. International Studies of Management & Organization, 49(2), 151-172.

Xie, E., Yang, Z., & Reddy, K.S. (2019). Institutional Environment and Inter-firm Collaborative Relationships: An Introductory Perspective and Ideas for Future Research. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 34(6), 1264-1269.

Yang, Z., Zhang, H., & Xie, E. (2017). Relative Buyer-supplier Relational Strength and Supplier’s Information Sharing with the Buyer. Journal of Business Research, 78, 303-313.

Yang, Z., Zhang, H., & Xie, E. (2017). Performance Feedback and Supplier Selection: A Perspective from the Behavioral Theory of the Firm. Industrial Marketing Management, 63, 105-115.

Blessing Guembe | Innovation Strategy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Blessing Guemb – Innovation Strategy – Best Researcher Award

 

University of Milano | Italy

Profiles 

Scholar

📍Current Position

Since April 2024, he has been serving as a Research Fellow at the University of Milan. In this role, she focuses on developing explainable knowledge-based solutions to address critical issues related to privacy and information security. Her research aims to empower users to manage their personal data and access reliable content while safeguarding freedom of expression. She is actively involved in the KURAMi Project under the guidance of Prof. Giovanni Livraga, working on innovative solutions in privacy protection and data security.

📝Publication Achievements 

“Trustworthy Machine Learning Approaches for Cyberattack Detection: A Review” Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2022 Workshops, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-10548-7_20. “The Emerging Threat of AI-Driven Cyber Attacks: A Review” Applied Artificial Intelligence, 36(1) doi:10.1080/08839514.2022.2037254 “Cloud Applications Management – Issues and Developments. Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2018 doi:10.1007/978-3-319-951713_54

 

🔍Ongoing Research 

Explainable AI: Developing methods to make AI systems more interpretable and understandable to users. Federated Learning: Enhancing privacy and security in distributed learning environments. Misinformation: Tackling the spread of false information on social media platforms. Privacy: Ensuring that users’ personal data is protected and managed effectively.

 

🔬Research Interests 

Explainable AI: Techniques that make machine learning models transparent and understandable. Federated Learning: Collaborative learning methods that maintain data privacy and security. Misinformation: Strategies to detect and mitigate false information in digital media. Privacy and Security: Protecting personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

🎓Academic Background 

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science Covenant University, 2023 . Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science
Covenant University, 2019.  Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science Niger Delta University, 2012

🏆Scholarships and Awards 

Throughout his academic and professional career, Blessing has been recognized for her contributions to computer science and technology. His achievements are indicative of her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in her field.

🌐Professional Associations 

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). IEEE Computer Society . International Association for Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

 📚Training & Workshops 

Advanced Machine Learning Techniques, Federated Learning and Privacy-Preserving Technologies , Cybersecurity and Privacy Protection

🎤Oral Presentations 

He has delivered presentations at numerous conferences and workshops, sharing insights on her research in AI, cybersecurity, and privacy. These presentations have contributed to her reputation as a thought leader in her field.

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Implemented Federated Learning Models: Developed and deployed federated learning models for healthcare applications. Applied Homomorphic Encryption: Secured research datasets through advanced encryption techniques. Conducted Privacy Risk Assessments: Evaluated privacy risks associated with social media platforms and proposed protective measures.

🚀Success Factors 

His success can be attributed to her dedication to research, her ability to stay abreast of technological advancements, and her collaborative approach to problem-solving..

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

His publications highlight her contributions to the fields of machine learning and cybersecurity. Her laboratory experience includes working on innovative projects related to data security, federated learning, and privacy-preserving techniques.

📚Publications: