Salim Ben Sassi | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Salim Ben Sassi | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, High Institute of Management of Tunis, Tunisia

Salim Ben Sassi is an Associate Professor at the High Institute of Management of Tunis. With a PhD in Economics (Quantitative Methods), he has expertise in statistics, financial data analysis, and information systems. His research focuses on quantitative methods applied to market finance.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Salim Ben Sassi holds a PhD in Economics (Quantitative Methods) and has a strong academic background in statistical analysis and financial modeling.

💼 Experience

As an Associate Professor at the High Institute of Management of Tunis, Salim Ben Sassi teaches and conducts research in quantitative methods and finance. He is also a consultant in statistics and financial data analysis.

🔬 Research Interest

Salim Ben Sassi’s research focuses on several key areas, including financial modeling, applied econometrics, volatility modeling, and portfolio optimization. His work in these areas aims to develop innovative solutions for financial analysis and risk management. By applying quantitative methods to financial markets, Salim Ben Sassi’s research contributes to a better understanding of market dynamics and the development of effective investment strategies.

🏆 Award

Salim Ben Sassi is nominated for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing his contributions to quantitative methods and finance.

📘 Publications

Interconnectedness of Stock Indices in African Economies Under Financial, Health, and Political Crises, Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2025, DOI: 10.3390/jrfm18050238 (Cited by: Anouar Chaouch; Salim BEN SASSI)

Are African Stock Markets Affected by Global Shocks in the Very Short Term?, SSRN, 2024, DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4881386 (Cited by: Kchaou, O.; Ben Sassi, S.)

US Funds’ returns-based ESG extraction and implementation: a multifaceted quantile regression approach, Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 2024, DOI: 10.1080/20430795.2024.2420916 (Cited by: Farah Nasri; Salim Ben Sassi)

The Dynamics of Contagion and Behavior of the Euro Area Sovereign Bond Markets, Bankers, Markets & Investors, 2022, DOI: 10.54695/bmi.170.6938 (Cited by: Oussama Kchaou; Salim Ben Sassi; Makram Bellalah)

Can fiat currencies really hedge Bitcoin? Evidence from dynamic short-term perspective, Decisions in Economics and Finance, 2021, DOI: 10.1007/S10203-020-00314-7 (Cited by: Majdoub, Jihed; Ben Sassi, Salim; Bejaoui, Azza)

Market dynamics, cyclical patterns and market states Is there a difference between digital currencies markets?, Studies in Economics and Finance, 2020, DOI: 10.1108/SEF-08-2019-0302 (Cited by: Bejaoui, Azza; Ben Sassi, Salim; Majdoub, Jihed)

Optimal weights and hedge ratio behavior in Brent oil and Islamic Gulf stock markets, Journal of Energy Markets, 2020, DOI: 10.21314/JEM.2020.204 (Cited by: Ben Sassi, Salim; Majdoub, Jihed; Mansour, Walid)

Conclusion ✅

Based on his research achievements, publications, and experience, Salim Ben Sassi is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to quantitative methods and finance demonstrate his potential to make a significant impact in the field. With some further emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and publishing in top-tier journals, he is well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions to research.

Douglas Mwirigi | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Douglas Mwirigi | Economics | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Douglas Mwirigi at HUNGARIAN UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ANDLIFE SCIENCES, Hungary.

Mwirigi Douglas is a dedicated finance scholar and educator with a strong passion for sustainable development and economic transformation. 📚 Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Finance at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Hungary 🇭🇺, Douglas has cultivated a diverse background in academic instruction, financial consultancy, and research. With a consistent academic trajectory from Kenya to Hungary, he combines practical experience with deep academic insight. His areas of specialization include financial management, business analysis, and systems evaluation. He served as a Tutorial Fellow at Kirinyaga University from 2018 to 2022 and worked with TechnoServe, gaining vast experience in financial consultancy and economic advisory roles. His scholarly works focus on finance, SME development, and sustainable agricultural practices. Known for his analytical mindset, communication skills, and leadership qualities, Douglas remains committed to mentoring students and contributing to policy-driven research that supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 🌍📈

Professional Profile

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Mwirigi Douglas’s educational journey showcases a strong focus on finance, business, and economics. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Finance at Magyar Agrar – es Elletudomanyi Egyetem (MATE), Hungary 🇭🇺, since August 2022. He earned his MBA in Finance from Kirinyaga University in 2018 and previously completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2016. 🧾 His foundational education was built at Kithithina Mixed Day Secondary School, where he earned his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 2011. Douglas has also completed professional training as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA – Finalist) through KASNEB, reaching Section 6 by 2016. 📊 This academic background has solidified his analytical skills and equipped him with tools necessary for practical financial problem-solving and academic excellence. He merges theory and practice to bring a comprehensive perspective to his research and teaching endeavors.

💼 Experience

Douglas has cultivated a rich professional background in teaching, finance, and consultancy. From 2018 to 2022, he worked as a Tutorial Fellow at Kirinyaga University, teaching finance, economics, and accounting. 📘 His role involved curriculum design, student supervision, assessment, and research development. Before that, he served as a Business Counselor at TechnoServe (2017–2018), analyzing financial records, supporting operational changes, and improving marketing strategies for small businesses. Earlier, he contributed as an intern in various finance roles, including at TechnoServe (Business Plan Preparation), Caytree (in collaboration with Kirinyaga University), and Kithithina Secondary School, gaining practical experience in budgeting, reporting, and project development. 🧾 As a teacher and trainer, Douglas previously served at Kithithina and Kithithiani Secondary Schools, nurturing youth talent. His versatility across academia, private sector consultancy, and community-based roles reflects his capacity to lead, manage, and train in multidisciplinary environments. 🔍👨‍🏫

🔬 Research Interests

Douglas’s research interests are centered on the intersection of finance, sustainability, and development economics. 🌱📈 He is especially passionate about understanding how financial management practices, access to credit, and technology integration affect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. His current Ph.D. work extends into evaluating agricultural finance and dairy sector sustainability, with implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 📘 He leverages bibliometric analysis, econometrics, and case studies to assess borrower behavior, financial inclusion, and policy impact. His scholarly work often intersects with climate economics, aiming to understand how agriculture-driven economies can adopt finance-backed sustainable practices. Douglas is also invested in understanding how educational institutions and policies can empower young entrepreneurs through financial literacy and innovative funding mechanisms. His vision is to bridge academia, policy, and practice to build inclusive and data-driven financial systems for long-term economic growth. 🌍💡

🏆 Awards

Douglas has earned several recognitions, most notably the Hungaricum Stipendium 🎓, a prestigious scholarship awarded by the Hungarian Government. He received this award in September 2022, allowing him to pursue his Ph.D. in Hungary and contribute to academic research at MATE University. The award not only recognizes academic excellence but also fosters global collaboration, and Douglas’s selection reflects his merit, dedication, and long-term vision in finance and development studies. In addition to his scholarship, Douglas has been active in conference participation and community-based awards, including being a conference presenter and rapporteur at Kirinyaga University’s Annual International Conferences and a student leader speaker at the Bomas of Kenya in 2010. 🌟 His professional engagements and volunteer roles further show his commitment to excellence, mentorship, and service in local and global communities. These accolades affirm his potential as a future leader in academia and finance. 🏅

📚 Top Noted Publications

Douglas has authored and co-authored impactful research focused on finance, sustainability, and bibliometric analysis. His works include:

1. A Bibliometric Analysis of Borrowers’ Behavior

Journal: Journal of Risk and Financial Management
Year: 2024
Status: Published | 🔗 [Read here] | 📑 Cited by: 1
Abstract: This paper utilizes bibliometric techniques to analyze global research trends on borrowers’ behavior. It maps key authors, influential journals, citation networks, and thematic clusters, offering insights into the evolution of the field.
Keywords: Borrowers’ behavior, financial management, bibliometrics, citation analysis

2. Mapping the Scholarly Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research on Kenya’s Dairy Sector and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Status: Under Review (2024)
Abstract: This study investigates how academic research on Kenya’s dairy sector aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It employs bibliometric mapping to identify research gaps, thematic focus areas, and the interplay between agricultural development and sustainability goals.
Highlights:
🧭 Focuses on SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action)
📚 Uses co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution analysis

3. From Cow to Climate: Tracing the Path of Dairy Sustainability

Year: 2024
Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between dairy farming and climate resilience. It examines sustainable practices, emissions metrics, and policy frameworks influencing dairy production’s environmental impact.
Focus Areas:
📊 Life cycle analysis (LCA)
🌱 Sustainable agricultural practices
🌍 Climate-smart dairy initiatives

4. The Effect of Working Capital Management on the Performance of SMEs in Kenya – Case Study: Kirinyaga County

Year: 2018
Abstract: This case study evaluates the effect of working capital components (inventory, receivables, payables) on the profitability and operational efficiency of SMEs in Kirinyaga County.
Findings:
🏢 Positive correlation between effective cash management and SME performance
💰 Recommendations include policy support and financial literacy programs

5. Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Access and Performance through Technological Integration

Year: 2018
Abstract: This study argues that integrating financial technology (FinTech) can bridge credit gaps for SMEs. It proposes digital platforms, mobile banking, and data analytics as tools for improving credit scoring and operational performance.
Key Insights:
💡 FinTech adoption enhances creditworthiness assessment
📈 Demonstrated improvements in SME access to finance and business outcomes

Conclusion

Mr. Mwirigi Douglas demonstrates strong potential and growing achievement in research, teaching, and community service. His commitment to academic excellence, sustainability-focused research, and international engagement makes him a worthy candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, especially in the Emerging Researcher or Young Researcher category.

Wagdi Khalifa | Economic Growth | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wagdi Khalifa | Economic Growth | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wagdi Khalifa, University of Mediterranean Karpasia, Libya

Dr. Wagdi Khalifa is an accomplished finance expert with a PhD in Finance from Eastern Mediterranean University (2018) and an MSc in Accounting from the University of Benghazi (2004). He has authored numerous SSCI-indexed publications focusing on banking, finance, environmental sustainability, and energy economics. Currently, a full-time instructor at Girne American University, he has extensive teaching experience in corporate finance, accounting, and quantitative methods. Dr. Khalifa has also served as a financial auditor and holds memberships in editorial boards. Proficient in Arabic, English, and Turkish, he combines academic rigor with practical expertise in finance and economics. 📚💼

 

 

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wagdi Khalifa has an impressive academic background in finance and accounting. He earned his PhD in Finance from Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus, in 2018. In 2016, he received a prestigious Certificate in Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis from Queen’s University, Canada. Earlier in his career, Dr. Khalifa completed his Master’s degree in Accounting in 2004 and his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1996, both from the Faculty of Economics, University of Benghazi (Garyounis University), Libya. His strong academic foundation underpins his expertise in finance and accounting. 📚💼

 

 

🏫 Academic Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wagdi Khalifa boasts extensive academic experience in finance and accounting. From 2000 to 2004, he served as a Teaching Assistant at the Faculty of Economics, University of Benghazi. He became a Lecturer there from 2005 to 2010. Between 2015 and 2016, he worked as a Senior Lecturer at Girne American University. In 2016, he also held part-time roles at Eastern Mediterranean University and Cyprus International University. Since 2018, Dr. Khalifa has been a full-time instructor at Girne American University’s Accounting Department, sharing his expertise with students. 📘🎓

 

💼 Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wagdi Khalifa has a strong background in financial management and auditing. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the Head of the Financial Audit Department at the General Post & Telecommunications in Benghazi, Libya, ensuring financial compliance and accuracy. In 2008, he contributed his expertise as a member of the Appraisal Committee for the limited Libyan Milkam Company, providing valuable insights for financial evaluations. His professional journey highlights his leadership and proficiency in financial auditing and appraisal. 📊✔️

 

 

🔍 Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wagdi Khalifa’s research spans several critical areas in economics, finance, and environmental sustainability. His work explores topics such as healthcare spending and outcomes, macroeconomic factors and financial development, and banking sector dynamics, particularly within emerging economies like East Africa and the Gulf Cooperation Countries. Dr. Khalifa also investigates the impacts of oil prices, energy consumption, and renewable energy on sustainability, alongside the role of technological advancements in driving economic growth. His research on environmental sustainability 🌍, trade 📦, and financial systems 💰 highlights the interconnectedness of economic and environmental policies.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Healthcare spending and health outcomes: evidence from selected East African countries 🏥 | Cited by: 136 | Year: 2017
  • Determinants of load capacity factor in South Korea: does structural change matter? 🇰🇷 | Cited by: 54 | Year: 2022
  • The impacts of bank-specific and macroeconomic variables on the capital adequacy ratio: evidence from Islamic banks 🏦 | Cited by: 29 | Year: 2018
  • Chinese banking sector: A major stakeholder in bringing forth the fourth industrial revolution in the country 🇨🇳 | Cited by: 18 | Year: 2021
  • Testing the effect of oil prices, ecological footprint, banking sector development, and economic growth on energy consumption: Evidence from bootstrap ARDL approach 💡 | Cited by: 10 | Year: 2023
  • The impact of natural resources rent, renewable energy, and governance on environmental sustainability—Evidence from resource-rich countries 🌍 | Cited by: 8 | Year: 2024
  • Examining the relationship between unconventional monetary policy and exchange rate movements: Empirical evidence from United States quantitative easing 💰 | Cited by: 2 | Year: 2022
  • A Panel Analysis on the Nexus between Financial Development, Oil Production, and Trade-Openness and Its Impact on Sustainable Economic Growth: Evidence from Selected Arab Economies 🌐 | Cited by: 1 | Year: 2024
  • Role of technology management for carbon neutrality in Gulf economies: the role of social globalization and financial development 🌱 | Cited by: 1 | Year: 2024
  • Variability of macroeconomic variables and their implications on the Commercial Banks’ Profit Sustainability in Morocco 🇲🇦 | Cited by: 1 | Year: 2020
  • Enhanced Extreme Learning Machine via Competitive Learning SSA (CL-SSA) for Load Capacity Factor Prediction 🤖 | Cited by: 0 | Year: 2025
  • The Influence of Trade, Technology and Economic Growth on Environmental Sustainability in the Gulf Cooperation Countries—New Evidence with the MMQR Method 🌍 | Cited by: 0 | Year: 2025
  • Green Supply Chain Practices and Environmental Performance: A Moderated Role of Adaptive Green Culture and Mediated Role of Competitive Pressure ♻️ | Cited by: 0 | Year: 2024
  • Unpacking How Natural Gas, Digital Growth, and Hydro-Based Energy Sources Impact Ecological Sustainability in Egypt 🇪🇬 | Cited by: 0 | Year: 2024
  • Role of energy consumption, information and communications technology, and economic complexity in promoting environmental sustainability: Implications for Gulf countries 🌍 | Cited by: 0 | Year: 2024

 

 

 

Mr. Silas Ochieng | Economics | Excellence in Research

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Mr. Silas Ochieng | Economics | Excellence in Research

Mr. Silas Ochieng, Research and Evaluations Director, DT Global, Kenya

Silas Ochieng is a dedicated Market Systems Development and Evaluations Practitioner from Kenya with over 16 years of professional experience. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Socio-Economics, focusing on resilience capacities among rural fishing and aquaculture households. Silas is recognized for his commitment to enhancing project implementation and monitoring systems across various sectors, including fisheries, agriculture, and climate change adaptation. 🌍📊

Profile

Googlescholar

Based on Silas Ochieng’s qualifications and experience, he appears highly suitable for the “Excellence in Research” award. Below is a structured overview based on the topic “Strengths for the Award, Areas for Improvement, and Conclusion”:

Strengths for the Award 🌟

Academic Credentials: Silas is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Socio-Economics with a focus on resilience capacities among rural fishing and aquaculture households in Kenya. His advanced education, including an MSc in Research Methods and Applied Statistics, underpins his strong research foundation.

Extensive Professional Experience: With 16 years of experience in project implementation and evaluation across multiple countries, Silas has worked with prominent organizations such as USAID and the Gates Foundation. His roles have included leading Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems, showcasing his leadership and analytical skills.

Diverse Skill Set: Silas possesses expertise in market systems development programming, mixed methods evaluation, and complex data analysis using tools like SPSS and STATA. His certifications in Outcome Mapping and Results Measurement enhance his methodological rigor.

Impactful Research Contributions: His previous research on climate change adaptation and food security demonstrates his commitment to addressing critical socio-economic issues, directly linking his work to real-world applications.

Areas for Improvement ⚙️

Publication Record: While Silas has a solid foundation in research, enhancing his publication record in high-impact journals could further establish his authority in the field.

Networking and Collaboration: Engaging more extensively with global research communities could expand his collaborative opportunities and visibility in the research landscape.

Focus on Emerging Technologies: Incorporating advanced technologies in data collection and analysis could enhance his research’s depth and relevance, keeping pace with contemporary methodologies.

Education

Silas’s educational journey began at Moi University, where he earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture (2004-2009). He furthered his studies with a Master’s degree in Research Methods and Applied Statistics from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (2009-2011). Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate at Maseno University, specializing in Socio-Economics with a focus on the impact of covariate shocks on resilience capacities, set to graduate in December 2024. 🎓📚

Experience

With extensive experience in project implementation, Silas has worked with organizations such as USAID, FCDO, and the Gates Foundation across multiple countries including Somalia, Nepal, and Uganda. His roles have included MERL Director at DT Global, where he steered a $65 million project aimed at strengthening market systems in Somalia, and Regional Monitoring & Results Measurement Manager at NIRAS Africa, leading initiatives that benefitted over 635,000 producers. His analytical and leadership skills have consistently contributed to high-impact program outcomes. 🌐💼

Research Interest

Silas’s research interests revolve around resilience programming, climate change adaptation, and value chain development. His Ph.D. research investigates the influence of covariate shocks on resilience among rural fishing and aquaculture households in Kenya. He is particularly interested in how socio-economic factors affect community adaptation strategies and the integration of indigenous knowledge in monitoring and evaluation practices. 🔍🌱

Awards

Throughout his career, Silas has received recognition for his exceptional contributions to market systems development and project evaluations. His work has earned accolades for implementing effective monitoring and evaluation systems, and he is a respected member of various professional communities, including the Global Beam Exchange. 🏆🌟

Publication Top Notes

Ochieng, S. (2024). Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security Status in East Africa.

Ochieng, S. (2023). Influence of Covariate Shocks on Resilience Capacities in Kenya.

Ochieng, S. (2022). Market Systems Development in Somalia: Challenges and Opportunities.

Conclusion 🏆

Silas Ochieng’s robust academic background, coupled with extensive field experience and specialized skills, positions him as a strong candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award. His ongoing commitment to addressing significant challenges in socio-economics and resilience through research demonstrates not only his strengths but also his potential for further growth in the field. By focusing on publication and collaboration, he can amplify his impact and contributions to the research community, solidifying his candidacy for this prestigious recognition.