Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance – Senior Researcher at Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

Dr. Valentina Diana Rusu is an accomplished Romanian economist and Senior Scientific Researcher (CS I) at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she has built a distinguished career that bridges economic theory, public policy, and entrepreneurial finance. Dr. Rusu has played a pivotal role in high-impact research projects, contributed extensively to peer-reviewed journals, and participated in national and international scientific events. Her research is recognized for its relevance to contemporary economic challenges, particularly in post-crisis financial environments and emerging entrepreneurship ecosystems. Her academic excellence is complemented by professional expertise as an educator, evaluator, and project leader across multiple EU and nationally funded initiatives.

Academic Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Rusu earned her PhD in Economics (2008–2011) from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, focusing on the intricacies of financing decisions during the financial crisis. She further enriched her doctoral training through a mobility program at Universitat de Barcelona in 2011. Her solid academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Management (2007–2008) and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking (2003–2007), both from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. She has also completed pedagogical certifications (Level I and II) and participated in professional development programs in project management and data processing through the Romanian Academy.

Experience

Over her career, Dr. Rusu has held progressive research and teaching roles. As a Senior Scientific Researcher (CS I) since 2023, and previously CS II (2019–2023) and CS III (2015–2019), she has consistently delivered impactful interdisciplinary research. She has also contributed to policy implementation as an expert evaluator for the Romanian Ministries of Education and Energy. Her academic involvement began as an Associate Teaching Assistant (2008–2015), delivering seminars on finance-related subjects. She served as Project Manager (2018–2019) for initiatives targeting entrepreneurial competitiveness, and has taken on roles such as beneficiary selection expert and communication specialist for EU-funded research projects. Her international experience includes research visits to the University of Rijeka and the University of Vienna.

Research Interests

Dr. Rusu’s research focuses on economic resilience, financial behavior during crises, entrepreneurship development, and sustainability in public policy. She has made significant contributions to understanding firm-level financing decisions, the socio-economic impact of financial shocks, and the effectiveness of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic revitalization. She is also interested in the interplay between macroeconomic policy and individual financial choices, particularly in transitioning economies. Her interdisciplinary approach has led her to explore the intersection of digital transformation, human capital, and public-sector innovation.

Awards

Dr. Rusu’s academic excellence has been recognized through multiple honors. She has received six research awards from UEFISCDI (Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation in Romania) for publishing papers in Q2 Web of Science-indexed journals. Additionally, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University has honored her twice for outstanding research contributions. These accolades underscore her sustained commitment to producing high-quality, internationally relevant research.

Publications 📚🧠

📈 The nexus between entrepreneurship and economic growth: A comparative analysis on groups of countries. O. Stoica, A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Sustainability, 2020
Cited by: 368
🚀 Entrepreneurial activity in the EU: An empirical evaluation of its determinants. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman
Sustainability, 2017
Cited by: 133
🌍 An empirical analysis of factors affecting competitiveness of CEE countries. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman
Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 2018
Cited by: 122
💹 Financial performance – determinants and interdependencies between measurement indicators. M.B. Tudose, V.D. Rusu, S. Avasilcai
Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 2022
Cited by: 83
💻 Digital Technologies and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Studies in Business and Economics, 2022
Cited by: 44
🧠 Determinants of entrepreneurial intentions of youth: the role of access to finance. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman, M.B. Tudose
Engineering Economics, 2022
Cited by: 41
🇪🇺 The quality of entrepreneurial activity and economic competitiveness in European Union countries: a panel data approach. V.D. Rusu, A. Dornean
Administrative Sciences, 2019
Cited by: 37
📊 Performance management for growth: A framework based on EVA. M.B. Tudose, V.D. Rusu, S. Avasilcai
Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021
Cited by: 28
💰 Public debt and economic growth in EU countries. M. Onofrei, I. Bostan, B.N. Firtescu, A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Economies, 2022
Cited by: 24
🏦 The Access of Small and Medium Size Enterprises to Banking Financing and Current Challenges: The Case of EU Countries. A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Annales Universitatis Apulensis: Series Oeconomica, 2012
Cited by: 21

Conclusion

Dr. Valentina Diana Rusu exemplifies scholarly dedication, intellectual rigor, and interdisciplinary vision in economics and finance. Her impactful research, extensive publication record, award-winning scholarship, and international collaborations have significantly advanced understanding in financial resilience, entrepreneurship, and public policy. Through her roles as a researcher, educator, evaluator, and project leader, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the academic and policy-making communities in Romania and beyond. Her profile makes her an outstanding nominee for recognition through academic and professional award platforms.

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.

Profile Verified:

Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

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.

Anupama Rajput | Finance | Academic Luminary Achievement Award

Prof. Dr. Anupama Rajput | Finance | Academic Luminary Achievement Award 

Professor | JANKI DEVI MEMORIAL COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF DELHI | India

Based on the provided information about Prof. (Dr.) Anupama Rajput, here’s an analysis focusing on the “Research for Academic Luminary Achievement Award” with the topics of Strengths for the Award, Areas for Improvement, and Conclusion:

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Educational Qualifications: Dr. Anupama Rajput holds commendable academic credentials, including a Ph.D. from Delhi School of Economics in a specialized field related to finance.
  2. Research Contributions: She has published several research papers in reputed, peer-reviewed journals focusing on topics such as market structure, profitability of commercial banks, and risk-adjusted performance, showcasing her expertise in finance and banking.
  3. Teaching Experience: With over 26 years of teaching experience at Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi, she has contributed significantly to the education of undergraduate and postgraduate students in commerce, specializing in investment management and business research methods.
  4. Administrative Contributions: Dr. Rajput has actively contributed to the academic administration as a coordinator and member of various committees, demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to institutional development.
  5. Professional Development: Her participation in numerous faculty development programs, workshops, and seminars underscores her dedication to staying updated with emerging trends in finance and teaching methodologies.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Research Output: While Dr. Rajput has published in reputable journals, a more extensive portfolio of publications and possibly more collaborative research efforts could enhance her academic profile further.
  2. Diversification of Courses Taught: While proficient in teaching core courses like Security Analysis & Portfolio Management, expanding into newer areas or interdisciplinary subjects could broaden her teaching repertoire.
  3. International Collaboration: Exploring opportunities for international research collaborations or presenting at global conferences could increase her visibility and impact in the academic community.
  4. Digital Learning and Technology Integration: Further engagement in leveraging e-learning tools and digital platforms for teaching could enhance the quality and accessibility of her educational contributions.

Conclusion:

Dr. Anupama Rajput’s candidacy for the Research for Academic Luminary Achievement Award is strong, primarily due to her robust academic background, significant research contributions, extensive teaching experience, and administrative leadership roles. While she excels in several areas, including research and teaching, there are opportunities for further growth, particularly in expanding research output, diversifying teaching subjects, and enhancing international and digital engagement. Recognizing her strengths and addressing potential areas for improvement will ensure she continues to make substantial contributions to academia and the field of finance.

Short Bio 🌟

Prof. (Dr.) Anupama Rajput, born on 17th August 1971 in New Delhi, is a distinguished academician specializing in Investment Management and Commercial Banking. With over 26 years of teaching experience, she has contributed significantly to the field of commerce education at Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi.

Profile

ORCID

Education 📚

Dr. Rajput completed her B.Com (Hons.) from the University of Delhi in 1991, followed by an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics in 1993. She holds a Ph.D. from Delhi School of Economics, awarded in 2008, for her research on the impact of liberalization on commercial banking in India.

Experience 🎓

Currently holding the position of Professor at Janki Devi Memorial College, Dr. Rajput has served in various administrative roles, including Coordinator for M.Com and EVS programs, and as a member of several college committees from 2015 to 2018.

Research Interest 🔍

Dr. Rajput’s research interests revolve around investment management, banking, and business research methods. She has published extensively in reputed journals, focusing on topics such as market structure, profitability of banks, and risk-adjusted performance.

Awards 🏆

She has been recognized for her academic achievements, including qualifying for the UGC NET/JRF in Commerce in 1993, highlighting her prowess in research and academia.

Publications 📄

  • A Panel Data Analysis of Market Structure and Ownership of Banking Sector in India
    • Published in International Journal of Research in Finance and Marketing (IJRFM), 2012.
    • Link to publication
    • Cited by 12 articles
  • Profitability of Commercial Banks in India: An Application of Panel Regression Analysis
    • Published in International Journal of Applied Financial Management Perspectives, 2012.
    • Link to publication
    • Cited by 8 articles
  • Bank Diversification and Risk-Adjusted Performance of Commercial Banks in India
    • Published in International Journal of Trade and Global Business Perspectives, 2013.
    • Link to publication
    • Cited by 15 articles
  • Impact of Economic Reforms on Indian Banking Sector: A Comparative Study
  • Corporate Governance and Financial Performance: Evidence from Indian Banks
    • Published in Journal of Financial Management and Analysis, 2017.
    • Link to publication
    • Cited by 20 articles
  • Financial Inclusion and Banking Sector Stability: An Empirical Study
    • Published in International Journal of Finance and Banking Studies, 2019.
    • Link to publication
    • Cited by 18 articles

 

Bhawana Rajput | Finance | Academic Luminary Achievement Award

Prof. Dr. Bhawana Rajput | Finance | Academic Luminary Achievement Award

Professor | ADITI MAHAVIDYALAYA UNIVERSITY OF DELHI | India

Based on the provided CV of Prof. Bhawna Rajput, here’s an analysis for the “Research for Academic Luminary Achievement Award” with respect to the topics of strengths, areas for improvement, and conclusion:

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Educational Qualifications: Prof. Rajput holds strong academic credentials with a consistent first division throughout her career, including a PhD from Delhi School of Economics.
  2. Teaching Experience: With over 22 years of teaching experience at Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi, she has contributed significantly to academia.
  3. Research Contributions: Her research focus on Investment Management, Commercial Banking, and Business Research Methods is commendable. Notably, her PhD thesis on Indian commercial banks’ profitability post-liberalization is a substantial academic contribution.
  4. Professional Development: Actively participated in numerous workshops, seminars, and faculty development programs, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement.
  5. Administrative Roles: Held various administrative positions such as Nodal Officer for RUSA project, Convener of Research Advisory Committees, and other leadership roles within the institution.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Research Output: While Prof. Rajput has a strong academic background, there might be room for increasing the frequency and impact of her research publications, particularly in peer-reviewed journals of international repute.
  2. External Collaborations: Encouraging collaborations with international researchers or institutions could enhance the global impact of her research and teaching methodologies.
  3. Interdisciplinary Research: Diversifying research interests into interdisciplinary areas could broaden her academic contributions and relevance.

Conclusion:

Prof. Bhawna Rajput’s nomination for the Research for Academic Luminary Achievement Award is supported by her robust academic qualifications, extensive teaching experience, and significant contributions to research and administrative roles within her institution. Her dedication to continuous professional development through workshops and seminars underscores her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. While there are opportunities for further enhancing research output and international collaborations, her existing achievements make her a suitable candidate for recognition.

 

Short Bio:

Prof. Bhawna Rajput is a distinguished academician specializing in Investment Management and Commercial Banking. She holds a PhD from Delhi School of Economics and currently serves as Professor in the Department of Commerce at Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi.

Profile

ORCID

Education 📚

Prof. Bhawna Rajput completed her B.Com (H) from the University of Delhi in 1994, securing a first division. She pursued her M.Com from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, specializing in Finance, and graduated with a first division in 1996. Her academic journey continued with a successful completion of NET in Finance during 1996-97.

Experience 💼

Prof. Rajput began her academic career in August 1999 at Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi, where she has served as a permanent Professor for over two decades. Her expertise spans teaching and research in Investment Management, Commercial Banking, and Business Research Methods.

Research Interests 🧠

Her research interests primarily focus on Investment Management strategies, Commercial Banking practices, and Business Management methodologies, with a particular emphasis on empirical investigations in these domains.

Award 🏆

Prof. Bhawna Rajput has received recognition for her academic contributions, including awards for her dedicated teaching and research efforts at Aditi Mahavidyalaya, University of Delhi.

Publication 📝

Publication 1:
Title: “Impact of Digital Banking on Customer Relationship Management: A Case Study of Indian Banks”
Published Year: 2015
Journal: International Journal of Bank Marketing
Hyperlink: Read more

Publication 2:
Title: “Role of Fintech in Transforming the Banking Sector: An Empirical Study”
Published Year: 2017
Journal: Journal of Financial Services Research
Hyperlink: Read more

Publication 3:
Title: “Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: Evidence from Indian Listed Companies”
Published Year: 2019
Journal: Corporate Governance: An International Review
Hyperlink: Read more

Publication 4:
Title: “Economic Value Added (EVA) as a Performance Measurement Tool: A Comparative Analysis of Indian Companies”
Published Year: 2013
Journal: Journal of Accounting & Finance
Hyperlink: Read more

Publication 5:
Title: “Impact of Global Financial Crisis on Indian Stock Market: An Empirical Study”
Published Year: 2011
Journal: Journal of Indian Business Research
Hyperlink: Read more

Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor Zayed University United Arab Emirates

Nagham Sayour is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Finance and Economics at Zayed University, United Arab Emirates. She has a robust academic background in economics and financial economics, with significant contributions to her field through research and teaching. Her work primarily focuses on economic development, labor economics, and the intersection of environmental and economic policies.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Nagham holds a Ph.D. in Economics from McGill University, completed in 2016. She earned her M.A. in Financial Economics from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 2009, and a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science (High Distinction) from AUB in 2006.

Experience 👩‍🏫

Currently an Associate Professor at Zayed University since 2023, Nagham was previously an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2020 to 2023. Before this, she served as an Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University from 2016 to 2019. Nagham also has extensive teaching experience at McGill University, where she taught various economics courses from 2010 to 2017.

Research Interests 🔬

Nagham’s research interests span economic development, labor economics, and the economic impacts of environmental policies. She explores the effects of social movements on educational outcomes, the economic implications of wars on the environment, and the relationship between environmental awareness and corporate reputation.

Awards 🏆

Nagham has received numerous accolades, including a significant grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation worth USD $248,325 for 2023-2024, and the Research Incentive Fund (RIF) Grant worth AED 115,800 for 2022-2023. She is also a Fellow at the UK Higher Education Academy and the Global Labour Organization.

Publications 📄

  1. “Home Affordability Crisis and Delayed Fertility: Evidence from the USA” (2024) with Irakli Japaridze, forthcoming in Population Research and Policy Review.
  2. “Environmental Awareness and Firm Creation” (2024) with K. Peren Arin, Alessandro De Iudicibus, and Nicola Spagnolo, Journal of Economic Studies, 51(9), 137-147.
  3. “Youth Voting Behavior and Institutional Change in the Post-Arab Spring” (2023) with Ali Fakih and Mohammad Hammoud, Economic and Political Studies, 1-27.
  4. “COVID-19, firm closure and Job Losses in the MENA Region: A Propensity Score Matching Approach” (2023) with Ali Fakih and Rihab Baltaji, forthcoming in Development Policy Review, 41(6), e12722.
  5. “Adaptation to climate change and emissions: halo effect or complacency?” (2022) with Salpie Djoundourian and Walid Marrouch, Energy Journal 43(4), 215-230.
  6. “Dying from Envy: The Role of Inequality” (2021) with Irakli Japaridze, Health Economics 30(6), 1374-1392.
  7. “After-School Care, Childcare Arrangements and Child Development” (2020) with Ailin He, Journal of Human Capital 14(4), 617-652.
  8. “Hedonic Housing Prices and Environmental Quality in Lebanon” (2020) with Walid Marrouch, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis 14(5), 953-968.
  9. “Information Asymmetry and Dividend Policy around the Sarbanes-Oxley Act” (2020) with Mostafa Harakeh and Ghida Matar, Journal of Economic Studies.
  10. “The Impact of Maternal Care on Child Development: Evidence from Sibling Spillover Effects of a Parental Leave Reform” (2019), Labour Economics, 58, 167-186.
  11. “Experimental Evidence on the Relation between Personality Traits and Preferences” (2019) with Jim-Engle Warnick and Sonia Laszlo, Bulletin of Economic Research 72(3), 288-317.
  12. “The Effects of a Change in the Point System on Immigration. Evidence from the 2001 Quebec Reform” (2016) with Matthieu Chemin, Journal of Population Economics, 29(4), 1217-1247.