Progress Hove-Sibanda | Sustainable Supply Chain Management | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award

Published on by Business Global Awards

Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award

Progress Hove-Sibanda
Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Progress Hove-Sibanda
Affiliation Nelson Mandela University
Country South Africa
Scopus ID 57222291361
Documents 11
Citations 53
h-index 5
Subject Area Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Event Business Global Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-1743-7711

Progress Hove-Sibanda of Nelson Mandela University has demonstrated substantial scholarly engagement in these areas through research, postgraduate supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and contributions to supply chain resilience and sustainability practices across Africa.[1] The Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award recognizes distinguished academic and professional leadership in the advancement of sustainable supply chain management, logistics innovation, humanitarian logistics, and strategic governance. Her work has contributed to academic discourse on sustainable logistics systems, reverse logistics, food security, and strategic transportation management in developing economies.[2]

Abstract

Progress Hove-Sibanda is a South African academic and logistics scholar specializing in sustainable supply chain management, humanitarian logistics, waste management, smart transportation systems, and food security. Her academic career has included senior leadership roles in higher education, postgraduate supervision, research mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration across African institutions.[1] Through scholarly publications and postgraduate research initiatives, she has contributed to discussions concerning supply chain resilience, sustainable logistics strategies, reverse logistics, and digital transformation in retail and logistics systems.[3] Her research profile and academic leadership align closely with the objectives of the Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award within the Business Global Awards framework.

Keywords

Sustainable Supply Chain Management; Logistics Innovation; Humanitarian Logistics; Reverse Logistics; Food Security; Smart Transportation; Strategic Governance; Supply Chain Resilience; Business Strategy; Waste Management.

Introduction

The contemporary business environment increasingly requires innovative approaches to supply chain governance, sustainable transportation systems, and resilient logistics strategies. Academic researchers who integrate strategic insight with practical implementation contribute significantly to the advancement of operational efficiency and sustainable development objectives.[4] Within this context, Progress Hove-Sibanda has established a research and academic leadership profile centered on sustainability-oriented logistics systems and strategic supply chain development across African economies.[1]

Her contributions span teaching, research supervision, academic governance, and scholarly publication activities. She has participated in interdisciplinary initiatives focused on logistics resilience, food supply chains, humanitarian operations, and reverse logistics practices. Such efforts have strengthened the theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable business systems and logistics strategy implementation.[2]

Research Profile

Progress Hove-Sibanda serves as a Full Professor at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, where she contributes to teaching, postgraduate supervision, and research leadership in logistics and supply chain management disciplines.[1] Her academic qualifications include a Doctor of Technology in Business Management with specialization in Logistics from Vaal University of Technology, complemented by postgraduate qualifications in higher education and business management.[1]

Her research interests encompass sustainable supply chains, humanitarian logistics, food security systems, waste management strategies, governance frameworks, and smart transportation technologies. She has supervised numerous postgraduate candidates at master’s and doctoral levels across logistics, business management, and public management disciplines.[1]

In addition to academic teaching responsibilities, she has participated in institutional governance and research committees while also leading international scholarly initiatives through the Pan-African Institute on Logistics, Supply Chain, and Strategic Business (PASCL).

Research Contributions

Progress Hove-Sibanda’s scholarly contributions have focused on the intersection of sustainability, logistics innovation, and strategic supply chain governance. Her work on reverse logistics practices and competitive advantage among small and medium-sized enterprises has contributed to ongoing discussions concerning circular economy frameworks and sustainable business competitiveness.

She has also examined technological and digital transformation challenges affecting grocery retailers in South Africa, particularly within the context of supply chain risk management and operational resilience. These studies provide practical insight into how emerging technologies influence supply chain continuity and strategic adaptation in developing economies.

Additional research contributions include studies on sustainable food supply chain management and food security enhancement strategies. Her work has addressed sustainability-oriented logistics systems and governance mechanisms intended to strengthen long-term operational resilience and equitable resource distribution.

  • Research on sustainable and resilient supply chain systems.
  • Studies on reverse logistics and circular economy strategies.
  • Academic leadership in humanitarian logistics and food security research.
  • Supervision of postgraduate research in logistics and governance disciplines.
  • Contributions to smart transportation and digital supply chain discussions.

Publications

Progress Hove-Sibanda’s research profile include peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on sustainability, logistics competitiveness, and digital transformation within supply chain systems.

  • Hove-Sibanda, P., Bereng, K.C., & Igwe, P.A. (2025). The sustainability of reverse logistics practices as a source of competitive advantage for SMEs. European Journal of International Management.
  • Munuhwa, S., & Hove-Sibanda, P. (2024). Exploring sustainable food supply chain management practices to enhance food security. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management.
  • Hove-Sibanda, P., Motshidisi, M., & Igwe, P.A. (2021). Supply chain risks, technological and digital challenges facing grocery retailers in South Africa. Journal of Enterprising Communities.

Research Impact

Progress Hove-Sibanda is reflected through her scholarly publication record, postgraduate supervision activities, and participation in regional academic initiatives.[1] Her Scopus-indexed profile includes multiple publications and citations within logistics and supply chain management research domains.

Her academic contributions have also extended to mentoring doctoral researchers, coordinating research projects, and facilitating international academic exchanges between universities in South Africa and Kenya. These collaborative initiatives contribute to regional capacity-building and the development of research-oriented logistics education across Africa.[1]

As an NRF Y2-rated researcher, she has demonstrated recognized scholarly potential and sustained academic engagement in advancing logistics and sustainability research themes.[1]

Award Suitability

The Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award recognizes leadership in strategic innovation, sustainability-oriented research, and transformative professional contributions. Hove-Sibanda’s research and academic activities align with these objectives through her sustained focus on sustainable supply chain systems, reverse logistics innovation, and resilient logistics governance frameworks.

Her interdisciplinary engagement across humanitarian logistics, food security, governance systems, and digital transformation reflects a broad strategic approach to addressing contemporary operational and societal challenges. Furthermore, her contributions to postgraduate supervision and academic mentorship demonstrate commitment to research development and institutional capacity-building within the logistics discipline.[1]

  1. Leadership in sustainable supply chain innovation.
  2. Strategic contributions to reverse logistics and food security systems.
  3. Extensive postgraduate supervision and mentorship.
  4. Regional and international academic collaboration initiatives.
  5. Research contributions addressing logistics resilience and governance.

Conclusion

Progress Hove-Sibanda has established a notable academic and research profile within the fields of logistics, sustainable supply chain management, and strategic governance. Her interdisciplinary research contributions, postgraduate supervision record, and academic leadership initiatives demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing innovative and sustainability-oriented logistics systems.[1] Through scholarly engagement and regional collaboration, her work continues to contribute to the evolving discourse on resilient supply chains and strategic business transformation in Africa and beyond.

References

  1. Munuhwa, S., & Hove-Sibanda, P. (2024). Exploring sustainable food supply chain management practices to enhance food security. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management.
    https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.4102/jtscm.v18i0.1064
  2. Hove-Sibanda, P., Motshidisi, M., & Igwe, P.A. (2021). Supply chain risks, technological and digital challenges facing grocery retailers in South Africa. Journal of Enterprising Communities.
    https://www.emerald.com/jec/article-abstract/15/2/228/221556
  3. Makaleng, M.S.M., & Hove-Sibanda, P. (2022). Reverse logistics strategies and competitiveness of FMCG firms in South Africa. Logistics.
    https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/6/3/56
  4. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Progress Hove-Sibanda, Author ID 57222291361. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57222291361

Dasari Kiran Kumar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Business Global Awards

Mr. Dasari Kiran Kumar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Dasari Kiran Kumar | Andhra University College of Engineering | India

Mr. Dasari Kiran Kumar has made significant contributions to environmental and chemical engineering research, with publications in reputed international journals. His notable works include studies on the adsorption and removal of dyes such as Methylene Blue and Malachite Green from wastewater using Manila tamarind shell-derived copper nanoparticles. These studies explore equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic parameters and demonstrate innovative approaches for sustainable wastewater treatment using green-synthesized nanomaterials. His research also extends to electrocoagulation processes for pollutant removal and optimization using response surface methodologies. He has authored several research papers in journals such as International Journal of Environmental Research, Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, and Materials Today: Proceedings. His investigations have focused on developing environmentally friendly materials and methods for industrial wastewater purification and pollutant degradation. Beyond publications, he has contributed to patent research in engineering and technology, including innovations related to catalytic structures and biofuel compositions. Dasari Kiran Kumar’s contributions have been recognized through reviewer certifications and excellence awards from esteemed publishers such as Springer Nature, BP International, and the Journal of Applied Chemical Science International. His active involvement in peer review reflects his commitment to advancing scientific quality and integrity in his field. He is also associated with professional academic identity platforms including ORCID, Scopus, and Web of Science. With 4 published documents, 2 citations, and an h-index of 1, his growing academic footprint reflects a promising career trajectory in chemical and environmental engineering research. Through his ongoing studies and professional engagements, he continues to explore novel strategies for sustainable resource utilization, pollution control, and the application of nanotechnology in environmental remediation.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications : 

Dasari, K. K., & King, P. (2025). Malachite green removal from wastewater with Manila tamarind shell copper nanoparticles: Equilibrium, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies. International Journal of Environmental Research.

Dasari, K. K., & King, P. (2025). Equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies of methylene blue dye adsorption from wastewater using Manila tamarind shell copper nanoparticles as adsorbent. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 24(3).

Dasari, K. K., & King, P. (2025). Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from Manila tamarind shell: Characterization, antimicrobial studies, and photocatalytic degradation. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, 18(1), 275–284.

Dasari, K. K., & King, P. (2025). Methylene blue dye adsorption onto Manila tamarind shell copper nanoparticles with response surface optimization. Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, 18(2), 728–740.

Vykuntam, S., Bandela, S., Dasari, K. K., Poiba, V. R., & Vangalapati, M. (2023). Modelling and optimization of nitrates adsorbed on iron plate electrodes by electrocoagulation process analyzed by response surface methodology. Materials Today: Proceedings.

Jiabin Wang | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Business Global Awards

Mr. Jiabin Wang | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology | China

Mr. Jiabin Wang is a scholar specializing in Marxist theory with a focus on the construction of ecological civilization, green productive forces, and the Sinicization of Marxism, particularly as it relates to agricultural development and rural communities. His research explores the dynamics of Chinese modernization and the building of a cohesive national community, with particular attention to ethnic regions in Northwest China. Wang has contributed to national-level research projects, including studies on mechanisms to prevent relapse into poverty in frontier ethnic areas and investigations into strengthening national community consciousness in Qinghai. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Civil Affairs Policy and Theory Research Achievement Award and the National Ethnic Affairs Commission Social Science Achievement Award for his research on rural governance and poverty prevention. Wang has an h-index of 1, with 48 citations across 48 documents, reflecting his growing influence in the field of social science research. Wang Jiabin is a scholar at Nanjing University of Science and Technology with expertise in ecological civilization construction, green productive forces, and the Sinicization of Marxism, particularly in the context of rural development, agricultural modernization, and building a cohesive Chinese national community. His research focuses on the driving factors and impact mechanisms of green new quality productive forces in high-tech retail enterprises under China’s dual carbon goals, integrating socio-economic, environmental, and policy perspectives to inform sustainable development strategies. Wang holds a Doctor of Law in Marxist Theory and has led and participated in national-level projects, including studies on poverty prevention in frontier ethnic regions and strengthening national community consciousness in Qinghai.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications : 

Wang, J. (2021–present). Research on monitoring, early warning, and assistance mechanisms to prevent relapse into poverty in western frontier ethnic areas. National Social Science Foundation Project, China.

Wang, J. (2020–2021). Research on problems and countermeasures in strengthening the consciousness of the Chinese national community in Qinghai. Key Research Project, National Party School System, China.

Wang, J. (n.d.). Research on the driving factors and impact mechanisms of green new quality productive forces in high-tech retail enterprises under China’s dual carbon goals. Unpublished research, China.

Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Published on by Business Global Awards

Dr. Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick, Dept of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Saul David Nurick is a dual-national (South African & Spanish) academic and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Construction Economics and Management. A multifaceted professional, he holds degrees in Information Systems, Property Studies, and Construction Economics, and earned his PhD in Psychology in 2023. His work resides at the intersection of built environment and human performance, blending technology, sustainability, and behavioural science. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish, Saul’s diverse cultural and disciplinary background allows him to thrive in global academic and professional contexts.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Saul’s academic journey began with a BCom in Information Systems (2004), followed by an honours BSc in Property Studies (2006), and a MPhil in Construction Economics and Management (2012), all from Cape Town. He capped his formal education by completing a PhD in Psychology (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, under Professor Andrew Thatcher. His doctoral research—“Impact of Green Building Features and Initiatives on Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance in Office Buildings”—bridges psychology and built environment studies.

Experience 💼

Since 2012, Dr. Saul has lectured extensively at UCT, becoming a permanent staff lecturer in 2014 and senior lecturer in 2018. He convened over a dozen undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from property investment mathematics to Masters- and PhD-level research supervision. He’s also served as external examiner at several institutions, including WITS and Henley Business School. Further, he’s a registered MRICS professional member since 2014. This blend of teaching, academic administration, industry affiliation, and rigorous supervision ensures Saul’s work remains both applied and scholarly.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr Nurick’s research focuses on the impacts of green building design on human productivity and organizational outcomes. He investigates how sustainable infrastructure and information systems in office environments affect occupant performance, well‑being, and corporate value. His interests also include property finance, construction economics, and the behavioral dimensions of property information systems. By fusing psychology with built environment disciplines, Dr. Saul contributes to interdisciplinary sustainability discourse and evidence‑driven strategies for healthier workplaces.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Saul is a qualified Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since August 2014. While specific personal awards weren’t listed, many of his supervised postgraduate theses were finalists or winners in the Greenovate student awards: e.g., Oratile Masia & Mihlali Solombela (3rd place Greenovate, 2024), Paige Waberski & Kiah Wallace (3rd place, 2024), Isobella van der Merwe & Aiden van Wyk (winner, 2023), Realeboga Lekoma & Tshifhiwa Mudau (finalists, 2023). This consistent record attests to Saul’s mentorship excellence.

Publication Top Notes 📚

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings

Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality and the Link to Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance: A Scoping Review