Chengxiang Ma | Strategic Planning | Business Strategy Innovator Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma | Strategic Planning | Business Strategy Innovator Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma | Strategic Planning | Business Strategy Innovator Award | Lecturer | Walailak University | Strategic Planning 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma is a multidisciplinary academic and sustainability scholar whose work bridges sustainable business development, tourism management, and cross-sector innovation, shaped by an international educational journey and diverse professional engagements. He holds a Doctoral degree in Sustainable Business Development from the Asian Institute of Technology, a Master’s degree in International Hospitality and Services Industries Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Thammasat University, forming a strong foundation for his research in post-pandemic economic transformation and responsible industry practices. Professionally, Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma serves as a Lecturer at Walailak University International College, Thailand, following previous academic service at Siam Technology College and significant managerial experience as a Village Training Manager with Club Med International Resort, where he applied human resource development, operational efficiency, and multicultural management principles in global hospitality environments. His research interests span Sustainable Development Goals, tourism innovation, digital transformation in cultural heritage, sustainable business models, cross-border e-commerce, education decision-making, and the integration of wellness and medical tourism into long-term sustainability strategies. He has demonstrated strong research skills in qualitative and interdisciplinary methodologies, strategic analysis, sustainability assessment, and industry-applied studies, supported by multiple publications indexed in Scopus and TCI. His scholarly contributions include work on disruptive technologies in tourism, the interdisciplinary impact of music education on learning outcomes, parental decision-making in international education, and the role of Mandarin proficiency in strengthening cross-border tourism and e-commerce ecosystems. Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma has also produced impactful research on agro-tourism, local food culture, and wellness tourism aligned with SDG-related goals, while his doctoral research contributed to innovative sustainable business model frameworks published in a Springer volume. His achievements during his Master’s thesis allowed Nestlé Professional to implement strategic recommendations that enhanced operational efficiency, sustainability, and market positioning within the hospitality sector. As an emerging scholar, he continues to build an impressive academic record with growing citations and notable international visibility. Assist. Prof. Dr. Chengxiang Ma’s career reflects dedication to sustainability-driven research, global education development, and the advancement of responsible tourism, positioning him as a promising academic leader committed to impactful research, student development, and long-term contributions to sustainable development across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Profile:  scopus

Featured Publications 

  1. Ma, C., Somrak, T., Manajit, S., & Gao, C. (2024). Exploring the potential synergy between disruptive technology and historical/cultural heritage in Thailand’s tourism industry for achieving sustainable development in the future. International Journal of Tourism Research. Published 2024. Citations: 1

  2. Ma, C., Wu, T., Gao, C., & Hu, Y. (2024). Challenges and opportunities for Chinese parents sending their children to study in Thailand, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches of music education and impacts on students’ learning ability. Revista Electronica De Leeme. Published 2024. Citations: 1

  3. Ma, C., Rattanaburi, K., & Gao, C. (2025). Burned out parents, educated kids? Navigating “Juan” culture: Decision-making-process and education in Thailand. International Journal of Educational Research Open. Published 2025. Citations: 1

  4. Ma, C., Bunkrong, D., & Gao, C. (2025). The Mandarin advantage: How Thai university students facilitate cross-border e-commerce for Chinese tourists in Thailand’s post-COVID recovering hospitality sector. Cogent Arts & Humanities. Published 2025. Citations: 1

  5. Ma, C., & Jurattanasan, A. (2023). Promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through agro-tourism in Northeastern Thailand. Journal of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University. Published 2023. Citations: 1

  6. Ma, C., Gao, C., & Somrak, T. (2023). The role of Thai local herbs and ingredients in promoting post-pandemic wellness and medical tourism for sustainable development. PSU Medical Journal. Published 2023. Citations: 1

  7. Jurattanasan, A., & Ma, C. (2024). Promoting food tourism through local culinary storytelling in Southern Thailand: A case study of Gaeng Som Pla Kapong. Journal of Thai Food Culture. Published 2024. Citations: 1

 

RAJENDRA MOHANTY | Strategy Formulation  | Best Researcher Award

Prof . RAJENDRA MOHANTY - Strategy Formulation  - Best Researcher Award

SOA UNIVERSITY, BHUBANESWAR , INDIA | India

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Her illustrious academic journey commenced at A.B. High School, Basudebpur, where he achieved a First-Class Matriculation in 1961. He continued his education at Bhadrak College under Utkal University, completing his Pre-Professional Science course in 1963, also with First-Class honors. he pursued a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the University College of Engineering, Burla, graduating in 1967 with First-Class honors.

 

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his career, Prof. Mohanty has focused on Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Human Resource Management, and Organizational Development. His research contributions are extensive, including the reengineering of supply chain management systems and performance management. He has delivered numerous invited lectures at international forums and universities, sharing his insights and research findings globally.

Contributions and Research Focus in Strategy Formulation

His achievements have been acknowledged with numerous awards and honors. In 2023, he received the ORSI Fellowship Award and the Lal Bahadur Shastri Recognition for Exemplary Contribution in Academics and Institution Building. Other notable recognitions include the Life Time Contributions to Engineering and Human Resource Management Award (2023), Honorary Membership of The Council of Vibration Specialists (2021), and the Outstanding Academician Award by Rotary Club International Cuttack, Odisha (2019).

Accolades and Recognition

His influence extends beyond academia and industry. He has played pivotal roles in various national and international bodies, including the International Engineering and Technology Institute, Hong Kong, and the Global Peace Foundation, Dubai. His leadership positions in these organizations underscore his commitment to advancing Industrial Engineering and Operations Research on a global scale.

Impact and Influence

His influence extends beyond academia and industry. He has played pivotal roles in various national and international bodies, including the International Engineering and Technology Institute, Hong Kong, and the Global Peace Foundation, Dubai. His leadership positions in these organizations underscore his commitment to advancing Industrial Engineering and Operations Research on a global scale.

Legacy and Future Contributions

His legacy is characterized by his relentless pursuit of excellence in research, education, and professional practice. His numerous awards and recognitions are a testament to his significant contributions and influence. As the Chief Consultant at SOA (Deemed to be University), he continues to mentor the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Notable Publications

Savis Gohari | Strategic Planning | Academic Leadership in Business Strategy Award

Assoc Prof Dr . Savis Gohari - Strategic Planning - Academic Leadership in Business Strategy Award

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) | Norway

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

She born on September 6, 1986, in Iran, embarked on her academic journey with a keen interest in urban planning and sustainable development. Her educational endeavors reflect a passionate pursuit of knowledge and expertise in the field. Graduating with a Bachelor's in Urban Planning from Tehran University of Arts in 2008 laid the foundation for her future academic and professional pursuits. Following this, she pursued a Master's degree in Urban Ecological Planning at NTNU from 2011 to 2013, delving into the socio-political dimensions of healthy cities and actively engaging in collaborative projects with Trondheim Municipality.

Her academic journey reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development within the framework of Network Governance from NTNU, spanning from 2013 to 2018. Her doctoral research, focused on exploring governance structures and functions in the NTNU campus co-location, earned her recognition as the PhD of the year 2019, a testament to her scholarly excellence and dedication. During this period, she honed her skills in designing empirical, evidence-based qualitative research, contributing significantly to teaching urban planning and design theories.

Professional Endeavors

Transitioning into the professional realm, she has made remarkable contributions as an Associate Professor at NTNU. Her role involves spearheading education, supervision, and research activities in Urban Facility Management. She actively engages in diverse national and international research projects, including initiatives such as Horizon Europe We Generate and COST Action CA21166 SHiFT. Notably, she played a pivotal role in judging the Norwegian Roadmap for Smart Cities and Communities innovation competition, underscoring her expertise in urban governance and sustainability.

Her employment history also includes impactful roles such as a Postdoc in the Smart City +City x Change project and a Researcher in the Planning Instruments for Smart Energy Communities project. These positions allowed her to delve into various aspects of urban planning, energy transition, and community engagement, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable urban development.

Contributions and Research Focus in Strategic Planning

She' research interests span a wide spectrum of topics, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing urban challenges. Her research areas include urban governance, social change, democratic and inclusive cities, citizen participation, smart sustainable cities, and holistic health and well-being. Through her work, she aims to foster positive change in urban environments, promoting inclusive decision-making processes and sustainable development practices.

Accolades and Recognition

Her contributions to academia and research have garnered significant recognition, including being awarded the PhD of the year 2019 and being recognized as a finalist in the National Research Grand Prix competition. Her scholarly achievements underscore her commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of urban planning and sustainable development.

Impact and Influence

Through her research, teaching, and professional engagements, She has made a tangible impact on the academic community and beyond. Her work has contributed to advancing knowledge in urban planning and governance, informing policy decisions, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government stakeholders.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As she continues her academic and professional journey, her remains committed to driving positive change in urban environments. With her expertise in urban planning, governance, and sustainable development, she is poised to make further contributions to addressing the complex challenges facing cities worldwide. Her legacy will be defined by her unwavering dedication to creating more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces for future generations.

Citations
  • Citations            283
  •  h-index              9
  • i10-index            8

Notable Publications