Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Rachana Lunawat | Kingston University | United Kingdom 

Ms. Rachana Lunawat is an emerging scholar and finance professional with a strong academic foundation and practical experience in financial control, reporting, and sustainability-driven investment analysis. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance with Distinction from Kingston University, London, and a Master of Commerce from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her academic and professional journey reflects a blend of analytical expertise and sustainability-oriented research. Having worked across the UK and India, Rachana has contributed to financial control, reconciliations, and audit preparedness in both public and private sectors, demonstrating her capability in enhancing reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and corporate financial performance. She co-authored a peer-reviewed article titled “Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors into the Investment Returns of American Companies,” published in MDPI’s international journal Sustainability. The study, indexed in Scopus and the Web of Science, employs panel data regression models using Bloomberg and Refinitiv datasets to assess how ESG engagement influences market valuation and long-term financial outcomes. This publication underscores her commitment to bridging sustainable finance and empirical financial analysis, offering insights that inform corporate strategy and responsible investment practices. Beyond research, Rachana has been actively involved in industry-oriented financial analysis projects, including portfolio optimization and ESG-financial performance evaluation of S&P 500 firms. These projects reflect her ability to translate academic concepts into data-driven decision-making relevant to global markets. Her collaborations with scholars from the University of St Andrews and Aston Business School have further enriched her interdisciplinary perspective on corporate sustainability and financial performance dynamics.

Profiles : ORCID | Linked In

Featured Publication : 

Lunawat, R. M., Elmarzouky, M., & Shohaieb, D. (2025). Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the investment returns of American companies. Sustainability, 17(19), 8522.

Micheline Naude | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Micheline Naude | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award 

Professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa 

Prof. Micheline Juliana Naude is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Supply Chain Management, currently serving at the University of KwaZulu-Natal within the School of Management, Information and Public Administration. She has earned extensive qualifications in business and supply chain management, culminating in a Doctorate in Commerce in Business Management from the University of South Africa. With a career spanning academia and industry, she has established herself as a leading authority in supply chain research, teaching, and leadership. Her professional journey began in the corporate sector, where her experience as a buyer provided valuable practical insight that has since informed her academic teaching and research. Throughout her academic career, Professor Naude has supervised numerous honors’, master’s, and doctoral students, fostering a new generation of supply chain and business management professionals. Her commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship has had a lasting impact on both academia and industry. With over a 1099 citations, an h-index of 19, and an i10-index of 27, her research continues to shape discourse in supply chain management globally. At the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Naude has held multiple leadership roles, including Acting Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning and Academic Leader for the Marketing and Supply Chain Management discipline. She has demonstrated exceptional administrative and academic leadership by mentoring staff, coordinating research initiatives, managing postgraduate supervision, and overseeing curriculum development. Her efforts have contributed significantly to staff development and research productivity within her discipline.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | Institution 

Featured Publications : 

Badenhorst-Weiss, J. A., Cilliers, D., & Ambe, I. M. (2018). Purchasing and supply management (pp. 7, 83–98). Van Schaik Publishers.

Naude, M., & Chiweshe, N. (2017). A proposed operational risk management framework for small and medium enterprises. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 20(1), 10.

Acquah, I. S. K., Naude, M. J., & Sendra-García, J. (2021). Supply chain collaboration in the petroleum sector of an emerging economy: Comparing results from symmetrical and asymmetrical approaches. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 166, 1–11.

Dzuke, A., & Naude, M. J. A. (2015). Procurement challenges in the Zimbabwean public sector: A preliminary study. Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management, 9(1), 1–9.

Naude, M. J., & Badenhorst-Weiss, J. A. (2011). Supply chain management problems at South African automotive component manufacturers. Southern African Business Review, 15(1).

Jagdish Lohar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jagdish Lohar | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award  

Research Scholar at Malaviya National Institute of Technology | India 

Mr. Jagdish Lohar is an accomplished civil engineer and researcher with extensive academic and professional experience in the field of geotechnical and structural engineering. He has pursued advanced studies, including a doctoral program focused on utilizing dimensional stone industry waste as a sustainable fill material in reinforced soil structures. His academic journey also includes a master’s degree in structural engineering where he explored fiber-reinforced compressed earth blocks, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. With over four years of teaching experience at various engineering institutions, he has contributed to shaping the next generation of engineers. His research work has resulted in numerous publications, with more than 35 citations from 25 scholarly documents, and a recognized h-index of 3, and authorship across 10 documents, reflecting the impact and relevance of his contributions. His work emphasizes sustainable and innovative practices, such as the beneficial use of industrial wastes in construction and geotechnical applications. His studies have been featured in high-impact journals and indexed databases, addressing environmental, geotechnical, and economic aspects of civil engineering materials. In addition to his research, Jagdish holds several patents, including granted and filed inventions related to construction technology and materials testing, highlighting his dedication to translating academic knowledge into practical applications. He has also been actively involved in delivering expert sessions on intellectual property, sustainable construction, and geotechnical innovations, promoting awareness and development within the engineering community. His scholarly contributions and commitment to sustainable engineering practices have positioned him as a respected voice in his field, making significant advancements toward environmentally responsible construction solutions and innovative material utilization.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications:   

Solanki, T., Shrivastava, N., & Lohar, J. (2025). Enhancing subgrade stability of black cotton soil using RO membrane as geo-reinforcement. In Advances in Geotechnical Engineering (pp. 1–).

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Feasibility of marble processing waste as non-conventional fill in geotechnical applications. Journal of Mining and Environment, 16(1), 15–38.

Lohar, J., Lauhar, N., & Sain, A. (2025). Valorizing marble processing waste in fiber-reinforced cement-stabilized compressed earth blocks: Toward environmental sustainability. Journal of Structural Design and Construction Practice, 30(4), 04025064.

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Granite processing waste as sustainable structural fill in reinforced soil structures: A techno-economic analysis. Construction and Building Materials, 491, 142800.

Lohar, J., & Shrivastava, N. (2025). Beneficial use of dimensional stone industry wastes in geotechnical fills: Geotechnical, environmental and economic perspectives. Resources Policy, 101, 105465.

Jaeseog Na | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Jaeseog na | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Duksung Women’s University | South Korea

Dr. Jaeseog Na is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Duksung Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea. His research focuses on empirical operations management, supply chain management, corporate finance in operations, value chain sustainability, and innovation. He has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Production Planning & Control, Engineering Management Journal, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, and International Journal of Production Research. Dr. Na’s work explores behavioral and financial factors influencing operations strategy, ESG performance, and organizational resilience.

Profiles

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Educational Background 

Dr. Jaeseog Na earned his Ph.D. in Management Engineering with a specialization in Operations Strategy and Management Science from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST),where his doctoral research focused on “Behavioral Factors in Operations Management and Corporate Governance” under the supervision of Dr. Bowon Kim. He also holds an M.Sc. in Management Engineering from KAIST,  with a thesis titled “Effects of Operations Factors on M&A in Manufacturing,” also advised by Dr. Bowon Kim. Prior to his graduate studies, he obtained a B.S. degree with a dual major in Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Business Administration from Sungkyunkwan University.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Jaeseog Na is currently an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Duksung Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea. In this role, he has taught a range of courses including Production & Operations Management, Management Science, Business Analytics (Python-based), Big Data Analysis, and Supply Chain Strategy. Prior to this, he served as a Research Professor at Sogang University and as a Visiting Professor at Sookmyung Women’s University. He also lectured at Duksung Women’s University and Sungkonghoe University, delivering courses in operations and data-driven management. Beyond academia, Dr. Na has led industry projects as Project Manager, notably for the Bank of Korea, focusing on the solar energy supply chain in Chungcheongbuk-do, and for KORON Pharma, where he developed production management solutions based on simulation and line scheduling.

Research Interests

  • Operations Management & Supply Chain Strategy

  • Corporate Finance Factors in Operations & ESG Integration

  • Behavioral Operations & Managerial Overconfidence

  • Value Chain Sustainability & Greenhouse Gas Reduction

  • Innovation & Technological Diversification in Operations

Publications

COO’s overconfidence and the firm’s inventory performance

Year: 2021|Citation: 24

Effects of CEO and COO overconfidence on the firm’s inventory leanness

Year: 2022| Citation : 19

Institutional investment horizon and corporate technological diversification

Year: 2023| Citation: 9

Strategic effects of supply chain inventories on sales performance

Year: 2021| Citation: 6

Effect of customer concentration on firms’ operating performance during the COVID-19 pandemic

Year: 2024 | Citation: 3

Conclusion

Dr. Jaeseog Na’s academic achievements, innovative research contributions, and industry-oriented expertise make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Supply Chain Management. His work significantly advances understanding in operations strategy, corporate governance, and sustainability, contributing to both scholarly literature and real-world practices. With a proven track record of impactful publications, successful projects, and dedicated teaching, he exemplifies excellence in academia. Continued global engagement and expansion into cutting-edge research areas will further elevate his influence and contributions. Recognizing Dr. Na with this award would honor a scholar whose work drives meaningful advancements in the field of supply chain management.

Lei Zhang | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lei Zhang | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lei Zhang, Guangzhou City University of Technology, China.

Dr. Zhang has received numerous accolades recognizing both his academic and professional excellence. In 1996, he earned a Third-Class Merit for his performance during the Huabei Oilfield refinery expansion. He was named an Advanced Producer in 2002 and awarded the Outstanding Student Award and People’s Scholarship at Tianjin University in 2006. His leadership role in the Kazakhstan refinery project earned the National Luban Award in 2014, one of the highest honors in Chinese engineering. Most recently, in 2023, he was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher at Guangzhou City University of Technology for his dedication to education and innovation. These awards underscore his consistent performance, leadership, and commitment to advancing supply chain efficiency and energy management in both academic and industrial environments. His proven track record of excellence makes him a fitting candidate for a national or international research accolade.

Profile

Scoups

Education

Dr. Lei Zhang’s educational journey is marked by consistent academic excellence. He earned his PhD in Management Science and Engineering from Tianjin University, preceded by a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the same institution. His foundational undergraduate education was in Material Management Engineering at Jianghan Petroleum Institute. In pursuit of academic distinction, he also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Tianjin University, focusing on logistics systems, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development. This strong educational background equipped him with the skills to integrate systems engineering, operational logistics, and macroeconomic factors into his research and professional practice. His academic achievements laid the groundwork for his unique approach to logistics, which combines policy, operations, and engineering within a comprehensive analytical framework. Each stage of his education added to his capacity to contribute to both academia and industry, and his qualifications make him highly suitable for recognition through a prestigious research award.

Experience

Dr. Zhang’s extensive professional experience showcases his transition from industry to academia with resounding success. He began his career at CNPC’s Huabei Oilfield, serving in multiple technical and administrative roles, including warehouse director, procurement engineer, and planning engineer. Later, he rose to managerial positions at CNPC Kazakhstan, where he led billion-dollar cross-border infrastructure projects, including refineries and gas compression stations. In academia, he held faculty positions at Wuhan Technology and Business University before joining Guangzhou City University of Technology. His dual exposure enables him to offer students a practical and strategic perspective on logistics, supply chain resilience, and energy security. Dr. Zhang also managed multimillion-dollar logistics projects aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, reflecting his capability in international project execution. His ability to integrate practical project knowledge with pedagogical strategies provides a unique learning experience for students and positions him as an exceptional mentor and educator.

Research Interests

Dr. Lei Zhang’s research interests are interdisciplinary, addressing urgent issues at the intersection of logistics, sustainability, and energy economics. His core areas include logistics and supply chain management, with a focus on energy supply chains, engineering logistics, project management, and supply chain resilience. He also investigates regional economic development and energy policy, applying quantitative models like SVM, AHP, and rough set theory to evaluate risks and optimize systems. His recent projects delve into intelligent logistics under smart city frameworks, cross-border security in the China-Kazakhstan energy corridor, and cold chain logistics accounting for product shelf life. Dr. Zhang is currently leading national-level research on enhancing production capacities in China’s precision manufacturing industries. His commitment to applied research ensures practical relevance and policy-level impact, making him a valuable contributor to both national and international logistics and energy dialogues.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Zhang has received numerous accolades recognizing both his academic and professional excellence. In 1996, he earned a Third-Class Merit for his performance during the Huabei Oilfield refinery expansion. He was named an Advanced Producer in 2002 and awarded the Outstanding Student Award and People’s Scholarship at Tianjin University in 2006. His leadership role in the Kazakhstan refinery project earned the National Luban Award in 2014, one of the highest honors in Chinese engineering. Most recently, in 2023, he was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher at Guangzhou City University of Technology for his dedication to education and innovation. These awards underscore his consistent performance, leadership, and commitment to advancing supply chain efficiency and energy management in both academic and industrial environments. His proven track record of excellence makes him a fitting candidate for a national or international research accolade.

Publications Top Notes

“A Comparative Study of Strategic Petroleum Reserve Policies”

“Natural Gas Reserve Policies: Strategic Insights”

“Evaluation of China’s Petroleum Safety System”

“Petroleum Security in China”

“National Innovation Strategy Comparison”

Conclusion

Dr. Lei Zhang embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher: visionary, interdisciplinary, and grounded in practical application. With deep roots in engineering, logistics, and energy economics, he delivers a holistic perspective essential to modern industrial and academic innovation. His career trajectory—ranging from frontline logistics operations in the petroleum sector to spearheading academic research on cross-border supply chain systems—exemplifies impact, leadership, and scholarly excellence. His publications influence policy and academic circles alike, while his awards validate his dedication to performance and innovation. Whether optimizing smart logistics or advising national strategy on energy reserves, Dr. Zhang proves himself an asset to the global research community. His profile merits recognition with the Best Researcher Award, acknowledging not just past achievements but his ongoing commitment to future-focused, transformative research in logistics and supply chain innovation.

Shuai Deng | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Shuai Deng | Supply Chain Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shuai Deng, Hunan Institute of Technology, China

Dr. Deng Shuai, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the School of Safety and Management Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, China. With a robust academic and research background in logistics, supply chain optimization, and intelligent decision systems, he has developed cutting-edge frameworks for industrial applications across manufacturing and logistics sectors. Passionate about advancing technology in sustainable and secure data systems, Dr. Deng has emerged as a recognized figure in supply chain intelligence, combining academic rigor with real-world innovation.

🌟 Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Deng earned his Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Central China Normal University (2015–2018), where he focused on intelligent optimization algorithms and simulation-based systems. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his later work in integrating AI into collaborative and secure supply chains.

💼 Professional Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Hunan Institute of Technology, Dr. Deng has pioneered hybrid intelligent decision systems tailored for dynamic industrial environments. His contributions span simulation-driven optimization using platforms like NetLogo, AnyLogic, Vensim, and MATLAB. His applied research focuses on demand forecasting, distributed logistics, and multi-domain scheduling systems, and he is recognized for bridging theoretical research with practical system deployments.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Deng’s research interests include data security and privacy preservation 🔐, collaborative management in supply chains 🔄, and intelligent optimization algorithms powered by deep learning and reinforcement learning 🧠. He also explores multi-scale simulation systems for complex manufacturing and logistics operations 🔧, seeking to enhance resilience and efficiency in global supply networks.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Deng has received recognition for his impactful research through multiple publications in top-tier SCI/SSCI journals and international conference proceedings. His work continues to influence both academic and industrial communities, with growing citation metrics and collaborations.

📚 Selected Publications

Deng S., Gong Y., Tang Q., et al. (2025). An item-level RFID investment decision in green supply chain considering information leakage. International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management.

Deng S., Li Y., Guo H., et al. (2016). Solving a closed-loop location-inventory-routing problem with mixed quality defects returns in E-commerce by hybrid ant colony optimization algorithm. Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society.

Deng S., Li Y., Zhou T., et al. (2015). Study on recyclable reserve logistics network optimization based on E-commerce.

Deng S., Zhou D., Wu G., et al. (2023). Evolutionary game analysis of three parties in logistics platforms and freight transportation companies’ behavioral strategies for horizontal collaboration. Complex & Intelligent Systems.

Li C., Guo H., Zhang Y., et al. (2018). An improved differential evolution algorithm for a multicommodity location-inventory problem with false failure returns. Complexity.

Li Y., Deng S., Zhang Y., et al. (2018). Coordinating the retail supply chain with item-level RFID and excess inventory under a revenue-cost-sharing contract. International Transactions in Operational Research.

Shi W., Deng S. (2022). Process reduction of integrated emergency-defenses system based on heuristic. In 2022 Int. Conf. on Electronics and Devices, Computational Science (ICEDCS).

Shi W., Deng S., Li S. (2024). An improved information entropy for the integrated emergency-defence system capability evaluation. International Journal of Automation and Control.

You G., Guo H., Dagestani A. A., et al. (2021). Evolutionary game analysis of three players on behavioural strategy of P2P lending participants: a sustainable operations perspective. Complexity,

You G., Guo H., Dagestani A. A., et al. (2021). Evaluating reputation of internet financial platform: an improved fuzzy evaluation approach. Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society.