Mitra Salimi | Sustainability | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Mitra Salimi | Sustainability | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Mitra Salimi | Sustainability | Doctoral researcher at University of Jyvaskyla | Finland

Sustainability has been the central focus of Ms. Mitra Salimi’s academic and professional journey, reflecting her commitment to integrating sustainable practices into marketing, consumer behavior, and business strategy. Ms. Mitra Salimi is a marketing researcher specializing in consumer behavior, brand management, and business sustainability, combining rigorous academic research with practical impact to guide organizations toward more environmentally and socially responsible operations. She earned her Doctor of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Jyväskylä under the supervision of Prof. Outi Uusitalo and Dr. Outi Niininen, where her research emphasizes the role of leadership in advancing sustainability and planetary well-being. Prior to her doctoral studies, Ms. Mitra Salimi completed an Executive MBA at the University of Tehran, ranking first among Iranian universities, with a thesis exploring the congruence between self-concept and brand personality and its effect on brand emotional attachment, highlighting the connection between consumer psychology and sustainable brand engagement. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Translation from Imam Khomeini International University, demonstrating her multilingual and cross-cultural research competencies. Professionally, Ms. Mitra Salimi has contributed as a data analyst to the interdisciplinary BIODIFUL project, funded by the Academy of Finland, where her work examines how organizational leadership influences sustainability-oriented decision-making and consumer-centric strategies, bridging the gap between theory and actionable business insights. Her research interests encompass consumer behavior, brand management, business and customer analytics, customer relationship management, and the integration of sustainability into marketing strategies, enabling her to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance both ethical responsibility and business performance. Ms. Mitra Salimi possesses a wide range of research skills including statistical analysis, social media sentiment analysis, survey design, brand evaluation, and data-driven behavioral modeling, allowing her to assess consumer perceptions of sustainable practices and identify actionable strategies for corporate responsibility. She has contributed to numerous publications and academic conferences, presenting cutting-edge research on consumers’ responses to brand transgressions, social media exposure of greenwashing, the role of NGOs in corporate accountability, biodiversity-friendly consumer behavior, and the application of artificial intelligence to sustainable marketing. Her work has been recognized in multiple international forums and is often cited for its relevance to contemporary sustainability challenges in marketing. Ms. Mitra Salimi’s awards and honors include recognition for academic excellence, leadership in research projects, and contributions to sustainability-oriented marketing scholarship. Overall, Ms. Mitra Salimi represents a dynamic intersection of research, practical business insight, and sustainability advocacy, continuing to advance knowledge in how companies can meet evolving consumer expectations while promoting environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring that sustainability remains at the core of both marketing theory and practice.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Salimi, M., Uusitalo, O., Niininen, O., & Munnukka, J. (2023). To forgive or not? Consumers’ responses to brand transgression.
  2. Salimi, M., Tuscolano, F., Uusitalo, O., & Niininen, O. (2024). The role of social media in exposing greenwashing: Consumer sentiments and discussions.
  3. Salimi, M., Staebler, S., & Wijnen, A. (2025). The power of NGOs: How to make society aware of corporate wrongdoings.
  4. Uusitalo, O., Rouhiainen, H., & Salimi, M. (2024). Values, risk, and biodiversity-friendly action: Perceived consumer effectiveness matters.
  5. Rouhiainen, H., Salimi, M., & Uusitalo, O. (2024). Kohti luontokatoa ehkäisevää kuluttajakäyttäytymistä: Miten riskikäsitys ja havainto toiminnan vaikuttavuudesta edistävät kuluttajan toimintaa.
  6. Do, J., Salimi, M., Baumeister, S., Sarja, M., Uusitalo, O., & Wilska, T. (2023). Consumption and planetary well-being.
  7. Do, J., Uusitalo, O., Skippari, M., & Salimi, M. (2022). Leveraging sustainable marketing with artificial intelligence: Definition and agenda for research.
  8. Salimi, M., & Khanlari, A. (2018). Congruence Between Self-concept and Brand Personality, its Effect on Brand Emotional Attachment.

BANJI RILDWAN OLALEYE | Strategy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Dr . BANJI RILDWAN OLALEYE | Strategy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral research fellow , North West University , South Africa

Dr. Banji Rildwan Olaleye is a Lecturer 1 in the Department of Business Administration at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the North-West University Business School in South Africa. With over 11 years of experience in academia, administration, and mentorship, Dr. Olaleye specializes in strategic and innovation management, entrepreneurship, and operations management. His career includes roles ranging from administrative staff to pioneering lecturer in his department.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Output: Dr. Olaleye has published over 40 works in reputed international journals and conferences, demonstrating a robust and consistent research output. His work is indexed in prominent databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, indicating significant visibility and impact in his field.
  2. Diverse Research Areas: His research spans various crucial topics including strategic management, innovation performance, supply chain management, and sustainable development. This breadth highlights his ability to address multiple facets of business administration and management.
  3. High Impact Publications: Dr. Olaleye’s publications are featured in well-regarded journals such as the Journal of Public Affairs, TQM Journal, and Kybernetes, reflecting high-quality research with substantial contributions to the field.
  4. Editorial and Review Roles: He actively contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals, which underscores his expertise and reputation in the academic community.
  5. Academic and Administrative Experience: With over 11 years in academia and administration, including roles at Federal University Oye-Ekiti and North-West University, Dr. Olaleye combines substantial teaching experience with a strong administrative background, adding to his qualifications as a researcher.

Areas for Improvement 

  1. Interdisciplinary Research: While Dr. Olaleye’s research covers multiple areas within business administration, exploring interdisciplinary approaches that integrate fields like technology, data analytics, or behavioral science could further enhance the impact and applicability of his work.
  2. Research Collaborations: Expanding collaborative research efforts with international researchers or institutions could provide new perspectives and increase the scope of his research projects.
  3. Grants and Funding: Securing more research grants and funding could support larger-scale studies and innovative projects, potentially increasing his research’s reach and influence.
  4. Public Engagement: Greater emphasis on translating research findings into practical applications or policy recommendations could enhance the societal impact of his work.

    Education 

    Dr. Olaleye earned his PhD in Business Management from Girne American University, Turkey, in 2022, with a thesis on “Strategic Thinking and Innovation Performance: Mediating Role of Absorptive Capability.” He holds an MSc in Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2017), and a BSc in Cooperative and Business Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria (2010). His academic journey also includes a Diploma in Business Administration from the same institution (2007).

    Experience

    Dr. Olaleye’s career began as an Administrative Officer II at Federal University Oye-Ekiti in 2013, transitioning to a Lecturer in 2018. His teaching covers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including Business Statistics, Strategic Management, and Advanced Research Methods. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at North-West University Business School, South Africa, where he continues his research and academic contributions.

    Research Interests

    Dr. Olaleye’s research focuses on strategic and innovation management, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and sustainable development. His work employs strategic theories to enhance corporate competitiveness, quality education, and poverty eradication. He is particularly interested in action-based competitive interaction within the competitive dynamics sub-stream.

    Awards

    Dr. Olaleye has been recognized for his extensive contributions to academia and research. His notable achievements include his role in curriculum development for business administration programs and his participation in accreditation exercises that led to the department’s full accreditation. He continues to be a prominent figure in both local and international academic circles.

    Publications

    Dr. Olaleye has authored over 40 publications in renowned journals and conferences. Notable works include:

    1. Exploring the Link Between Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, and Perceived Organizational Support: The Mediating Role of Relational Psychological Contract, Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldiș Arad, Seria Științe Economice, 34(3), 2024.
    2. Relationship between workplace ostracism and job productivity: the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and lack of motivation, Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, ahead-of-print, 2024.
    3. Attaining Organizational Sustainability Through Competitive Intelligence: The Roles of Organizational Learning and Resilience, Journal of Intelligence Studies in Business, 13(3), 2023.
    4. Influence of eco-product innovation and firm reputation on corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage: A mediation-moderation analysis, Journal of Public Affairs, 23(4), 2023.

      Conclusion

      Dr. Olaleye Banji Rildwan demonstrates exceptional research prowess through his prolific publication record, diverse research interests, and significant contributions to business management literature. His extensive experience in both academia and administration further complements his research achievements. Addressing the areas of improvement could enhance his already impressive profile, making him a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer The University of Hong Kong  Hong Kong  

Dr. Vivian Ho Yee Chu is a dedicated Lecturer and Deputy Director at The University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance. Her work focuses on sustainability leadership, governance, and environmental management. She actively supports the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance and contributes to academic publications on commoning, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and sustainability assessment.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Chu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The University of Hong Kong, where she researched policy entrepreneurship and transboundary externalities in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. She also earned an MSc in Environment, Science and Society from University College London and a BSc in Geography from the same institution.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Since October 2022, Dr. Chu has been a Lecturer at The University of Hong Kong. She is also the Deputy Director of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance program. Previously, she served as an Assistant Lecturer, Post-doctoral Fellow, and Senior Research Assistant at the same institution. Dr. Chu has been involved in various teaching, research, and coordination roles, significantly contributing to the development of sustainability impact assessments and academic publications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Chu’s research interests encompass sustainability impact assessment, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and commoning. She is particularly focused on the creation of robust social-ecological systems and the role of policy brokers and learning in rural sustainability.

Awards 🏆

  • ESG Professional Certificate for International Sustainable Business (ISB) Specialist Level II (2023)
  • Fellow of Advance HE, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education (2021)
  • Certificate of Distinction for outstanding oral presentation at the 15th Annual Research Postgraduate Conference (2015)
  • Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2020)
  • Certificate of Completion on Mental Health First Aid Standard Course (2013)
  • Certificate of Teaching and Learning Stage 1 (2012)

Publications 📚

  1. Williams, J.M., Chu, V. H. Y.*, Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y. (2024). “Nested Institutions for Nested Problems: Commoning for Rural Revitalisation in the Peri-Urban Setting.” International Journal of the Commons (In copyediting).
  2. Chu, V. H. Y., Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y., Yiu, S. (2023). “Sustainability Impact Assessment: Framework and Report on HSBC Rural Sustainability,” Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong.
  3. Chu, V.H.Y., Lam, W.F., Williams, J.M. (2023). “Building robustness for rural revitalisation: A social-ecological systems perspective,” Journal of Rural Studies, 101, 103042. [Cited by: 4 articles]
  4. Chu V.H.Y., Law W.W.Y., Williams J.M. (2022). “Advocacy coalitions in rural revitalisation: the roles of policy brokers and policy learning,” Environmental Science and Policy, 136: 9-18. [Cited by: 7 articles]
  5. Williams J.M., Chu V.H.Y*., Lam W.F., Law W.W.Y. (2021). “Revitalising Rural Communities,” SpringerBriefs on Case Studies of Sustainable Development, Singapore: Springer. (*corresponding author). [Cited by: 10 articles]
  6. Chu V.H.Y., Lee A.K.Y. (2019). “Institutional obstacles and opportunities for policy entrepreneurship in cross-border environmental management: a case study in China’s Greater Pearl River Delta region,” Asian Geographer, 36:2, 165-183. [Cited by: 5 articles]
  7. Lee, F., Chu, V.H.Y. (2017). “Policy entrepreneurship, policy diffusion and transboundary environmental regulation: Evidence from Southern China,” Mondes en Développement, 177:1,13-27. [Cited by: 3 articles]