Taicir MEZGHANI | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Taicir MEZGHANI | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Taicir MEZGHANI | Finance – Assistant Professor at Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management of Sfax, Tunisia

Taicir Mezghani is a distinguished scholar in the field of Finance, specializing in topics such as portfolio management, financial markets, behavioral finance, sustainable finance, and machine learning applications in finance. With a Ph.D. in Finance obtained from the Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax in January 2021, Mezghani has made significant contributions to the academic world. He currently holds several teaching positions, including contractual and visiting roles at ISAA and ENTCOM of Sfax. His expertise spans a wide range of subjects, from corporate finance to the role of blockchain in financial markets.

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Education:

Dr. Mezghani’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from the Lycée Hedi Chaker-Sfax in 2007. He then earned a Master’s in Finance from the Faculty of Economics and Management of Sfax in May 2015, where he explored the intersection of investment and financing decisions through real options theory. His doctoral research, completed in January 2021, focused on the uncertainty and behavioral factors influencing financial markets, specifically examining hedging strategies in the context of oil and the GCC Islamic and conventional financial markets.

Experience:

Dr. Mezghani has developed a well-rounded career as an educator and researcher. From 2019 to 2024, he served as a contracted and visiting lecturer at various institutions in Sfax, contributing to the education of future financial experts. He also has experience in postdoctoral research at the University of Craiova, Romania, where he worked on green financing and technological innovation for sustainable development. His diverse professional experience has equipped him with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into financial markets and their complexities.

Research Interests:

Dr. Mezghani’s research interests are deeply rooted in the intersection of finance, technology, and sustainability. He is particularly interested in the dynamic connectedness between financial markets, the impact of uncertainty on financial strategies, and the role of behavioral factors in investment decision-making. His research also focuses on the evolving role of green bonds, blockchain technologies, and machine learning in reshaping the future of finance, particularly in the context of the GCC financial markets and the oil sector.

Awards:

Dr. Mezghani has received several prestigious awards recognizing his outstanding research and contributions to finance. Notably, he received the Best Paper Award at the TSFS 2023 conference for his work on cryptocurrency forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also honored with the Certificat Meilleur Jury at the Virtual Asia Innovation Show in 2022, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in financial research. These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of finance, particularly through the integration of behavioral insights and technological advancements.

Publications:

  1. Mezghani, T., Ben Hamadou, F., & Boujelbène-Abbes, M. (2023). “Network connectedness and portfolio hedging of green bonds, stock markets, and commodities.” International Journal of Emerging Markets. [IF: 2.53, SJR: 0.43, Q2] 📊
  2. Ben Hamadou, F., Mezghani, T., Zouari, R., & Boujelbène-Abbes, M. (2023). “Forecasting Bitcoin returns using machine learning algorithms: Impact of investor sentiment.” EuroMed Journal of Business. [IF: 7.16, SJR: 0.963, Q1] 💻
  3. Mezghani, T., & Boujelbène-Abbes, M. (2023). “Forecasting the impact of financial stress on hedging between the oil market and GCC financial markets.” Managerial Finance. [IF: 1.77, SJR: 0.329, Q3] 💼
  4. Mezghani, T., & Boujelbène-Abbes, M. (2023). “Influence of oil price fluctuations on the network connectedness between oil, GCC Islamic, and conventional financial markets.” International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management. [IF: 2.276, SJR: 0.49, Q2] 🛢️
  5. Mezghani, T., & Boujelbène-Abbes, M. (2022). “Forecast the Role of GCC Financial Stress on Oil Market and GCC Financial Markets Using Convolutional Neural Networks.” Asia-Pacific Financial Markets. [IF: 1.30, SJR: 0.23, Q3] 🌍
  6. Mezghani, T., & Boujelbène-Abbes, M. (2021). “Financial stress effects on financial markets: Dynamic connectedness and portfolio hedging.” International Journal of Emerging Markets. [IF: 2.53, SJR: 0.43, Q2] 📉
  7. Mezghani, T., & Boujelbène, M. (2021). “Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on risk transmission between investor sentiment and the Chinese stock and bond markets.” China Finance Review International. [IF: 5.93, SJR: 1.494, Q1] 🌐

Conclusion:

Dr. Taicir Mezghani is a promising researcher and educator whose contributions to finance and economics have made a significant impact. His expertise in behavioral finance, machine learning, and sustainable finance continues to shape the way financial markets are understood and analyzed. With a robust publication record and numerous awards, Dr. Mezghani is poised to continue influencing the academic and professional worlds of finance for years to come. His ongoing research, including the development of green bonds and technological innovations in finance, promises to offer valuable insights into the future of sustainable financial practices.

Pousbila DIANDA | Electronic Money | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pousbila DIANDA | Electronic Money | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pousbila DIANDA | Electronic Money – Pan-African Institute for Development in West Africa-Sahel, IPD-AOS, Burkina Faso

Dr. Pousbila Dianda is a distinguished economist and researcher specializing in applied economics, with a particular focus on financial inclusion, economic growth, and digital finance in the African context. His work explores the intersection of economic policies, technology, and development, contributing significantly to the academic and policy discourse in West Africa. As an academic, he has played a pivotal role in advancing research on financial accessibility and economic transformation, making substantial contributions to scholarly literature and practical policy applications.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Dianda holds a PhD in Applied Economics from Thomas Sankara University, where his research centered on financial inclusion and its impact on economic development in WAEMU countries. His academic journey also includes a Diploma of Advanced Studies (D.E.A) in Applied Economics, a Master’s degree in Macroeconomics and Development Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field. His rigorous training has provided him with a strong foundation in economic modeling, data analysis, and policy evaluation, equipping him with the necessary expertise to contribute effectively to economic research and decision-making.

Experience

Dr. Dianda has accumulated extensive experience in academia, research, and professional training. He currently serves as the Director of Continuing Education and External Relations at the Pan-African Institute for Development in West Africa and the Sahel (IPD-AOS). In this role, he oversees training programs, fosters institutional partnerships, and supports the professional development of students and researchers. He is also a lecturer at Thomas Sankara University, where he teaches courses in macroeconomics, descriptive statistics, and probability. Beyond academia, he has actively contributed to development projects, economic consultations, and capacity-building initiatives across Africa, further solidifying his expertise in policy research and implementation.

Research Interest

Dr. Dianda’s research focuses on financial inclusion, digital financial services, economic growth, renewable energy, and the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in economic development. His studies seek to understand how financial accessibility and technological advancements drive economic progress, particularly in developing economies. Through his work, he aims to bridge the gap between economic theory and practical applications, providing data-driven insights that inform policy formulation and economic strategies at national and regional levels.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Dianda has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to economic research and policy analysis. He received a Certificate of Merit in Chinese Language and Culture from the Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso, reflecting his commitment to cross-cultural academic engagement. His extensive research output and active participation in scientific discussions have earned him a strong reputation in the field of applied economics, positioning him as a leading scholar in economic development research.

Selected Publications

  1. 📖 Electronic Money Accessibility and Financial Inclusion in WAEMU Countries: Does Increased Access to Electronic Money Lead to Greater Financial Inclusion? (2025) – Cogent Economics & Finance (Cited by 15 articles)
  2. 🔍 Renewable Energies in WAEMU Countries: The Role of Financial Inclusion (2025) – International Journal of Energy Sector Management (Cited by 10 articles)
  3. 📊 Information and Communication Technologies and Economic Growth in WAEMU Countries: The Role of Financial Inclusion (Under Revision) – International Journal of Social Economics
  4. 🌍 ICT and Education in WAEMU Countries: A Comparative Gender Analysis of Higher Education (Under Revision) – Cogent Education
  5. 💰 Barriers to Financial Inclusion and Socioeconomic Determinants in WAEMU Countries: A Multivariate Analysis (Under Revision) – Journal of Global Information Technology Management
  6. 🏛️ Escaping the Resource Curse in Sub-Saharan Africa: Is the Quality of Institutions the Missing Link? (Under Revision) – Bulletin of Economic Research
  7. 💳 Electronic Currency and Financial Inclusion in WAEMU Countries: A Quantile Regression Analysis (2022) – Thomas Sankara University Conference Proceedings (Cited by 8 articles)

Conclusion

Dr. Pousbila Dianda has made significant strides in the field of applied economics, particularly in financial inclusion, economic development, and digital finance. His academic contributions, extensive publication record, and leadership in research institutions underscore his role as a key figure in economic policy research. Through his work, he continues to impact both academia and economic policy formulation, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to advancing economic knowledge, combined with his commitment to practical policy solutions, demonstrates his profound influence on the field and his potential for future contributions to economic development research.