Vajihe Baghersad | Entrepreneurial Ecosystems | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vajihe Baghersad | Entrepreneurial Ecosystems | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, National University Skills (NUS)

Profile

Scholar

Vajihe Baghersad is an Assistant Professor at the National University of Skills (NUS) and an award-winning researcher specializing in entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation, and data-driven management. With over a decade of experience, she has published 50+ high-impact journal articles, including in Technovation and the European Journal of International Management. She has authored six books and has an h-index of 6. Her research has influenced ASEAN governments in shaping SME policies and led to the development of patent-pending AI tools for entrepreneurial risk prediction. She was honored as the NUS Distinguished Researcher 2023 for advancing fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Baghersad has spearheaded industry-academia collaborations with Fortune 500 firms and mentored over 200 startups. She is an expert in structural equation modeling (PLS, AMOS), bibliometric analytics, and fsQCA. Her contributions have significantly shaped modern entrepreneurship research and practical business applications.

🎓 Education 

Vajihe Baghersad holds a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship – Development (2020) from Islamic Azad University, Qazvin Branch, Iran, where she specialized in entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation. She earned her Master’s in Business Administration – Entrepreneurship (2011) from the University of Tehran, focusing on business strategy and decision-making in startups. She completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science (2000) at Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, gaining an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability in business. Baghersad further honed her expertise through specialized training as an Industrial Change Agent Trainer at the University of Leipzig, Germany (2018-2019). Her educational background integrates business, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, positioning her as a leader in research and policy advisory roles. Throughout her academic journey, she has consistently applied her knowledge to real-world entrepreneurial challenges, making significant contributions to business education, research, and industry collaborations.

💼 Experience 

Baghersad has been an Assistant Professor at the National University of Skills (NUS) since 2021, where she teaches entrepreneurship, research methods, and business management. Previously, she served as Group Manager of Humanities and Basic Sciences at NUS (2014-2017), managing academic programs and research initiatives. Since 2023, she has also been an Adjunct Faculty Member at the University of Tehran, specializing in opportunity recognition and evaluation. From 2001-2014, she was a Technical and Vocational Instructor at Karaj Technical and Vocational School, focusing on labor law and occupational safety. She also worked as an Industrial Change Agent Trainer at the University of Leipzig, Germany (2018-2019), delivering workshops on industrial transformation. From 2011-2013, she served as Vice President of the Faculty at Technical and Vocational University (TVU), modernizing the entrepreneurship curriculum. Her diverse experience spans academia, vocational training, and international consulting, shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.

🏆 Awards and Honors 

Baghersad has received numerous accolades for her contributions to entrepreneurship research and education. She was named NUS Distinguished Researcher 2023 for her pioneering work in fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). In 2023, she won the Best Paper Award from the European Journal of International Management for her research on entrepreneurial ecosystems. She was also recognized as Top Researcher at Technical and Vocational University, Tehran, Iran, in November 2013. Her research frameworks have been adopted by ASEAN governments, further cementing her influence in policy-making. Her ability to bridge academia and industry has led to collaborations with Fortune 500 companies and the development of patent-pending AI tools for entrepreneurial risk prediction. These honors reflect her dedication to advancing entrepreneurship through innovative research, mentorship, and policy advocacy.

🔬 Research Focus 

Baghersad’s research centers on entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. She specializes in applying fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to study the competitiveness of startups and SMEs. Her work explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and technology, leading to the development of AI-driven risk assessment tools. She investigates structural equation modeling (PLS, AMOS) to analyze startup success factors and business scalability. She has contributed to bibliometric analytics, mapping global entrepreneurship trends. Her research has directly influenced ASEAN SME policies and driven Fortune 500 firms to adopt data-driven management strategies. Key publications include Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Competitiveness in Different Regions: A Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Approach (European Journal of International Management, 2025) and Exploring the Dynamics of Firm Growth (Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 2024). She actively mentors PhD candidates and collaborates internationally to advance knowledge in entrepreneurial studies.

📌 Conclusion

Dr. Vajihe Baghersad is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive research contributions, industry impact, and methodological expertise. Strengthening citation metrics and expanding global collaborations would further enhance her research profile.

Publication

The factors of entrepreneurial ecosystem in Iran based on Isenberg’s model (2017) – A. Davari, L. Sefidbari, V. Baghersad | 38 citations

 

Policy-making based on entrepreneurship ecosystem and development of knowledge-based companies (2021) – V. Baghersad, A. Davari, L. Sefidbari | 18 citations

 

The Effects of entrepreneurship education on technical and vocational students’ entrepreneurial intention (Case study: technical and vocational University, the College of Girls) (2013) – V. Baghersad, M.R. Zali, S.M. Razavi, S. Saeed Bonadaki | 11 citations

 

Entrepreneurial ecosystem and competitiveness in selected industries (2020) – V. Baghersad, A. Davari, M. Azizi | 9 citations

 

Identifying the key success factors of e-learning entrepreneurship in the state-run universities of Tehran (2012) – V. Baghersad, M. Alizadeh, S. Saeedbanadaki | 8 citations

 

The effect of entrepreneurial education on University of Tehran students’ entrepreneurial intention (2014) – V. Baghersad, M. Ghani | 7 citations

 

Entrepreneurship education and its impact on entrepreneurial intention (2015) – V. Baghersad | 6 citations

 

The Development of Entrepreneurial Training: a Necessity in Iran’s Universities (2013) – S.S. Banadaki, H. Karimzadegan, H. Meiboudi, V. Baghersad | 6 citations

 

Corporate resilience and performance in food industry SMEs during COVID-19 (2021) – A. Davari, V. Baghersad, V. Vafaie | 4 citations

 

Designing and validating of entrepreneurship policy model (2022) – A. Davari, V. Baghersad, T. Farrokhmanesh | 3 citations

 

The relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem dimensions and competitiveness (2019) – V. Baghersad, A. Davari, M. Azizi | 3 citations

 

Exploring the dynamics of firm growth: the interplay of decision-making logic (2024) – T. Farokhmanesh, A. Davari, V. Baghersad, S.M. Sajadi | 2 citations

 

Causality, effectiveness, and business performance: A fuzzy approach (2021) – G.H. Hosseininia, A. Davari, V. Baghersad, T. Farrokhmanesh | 2 citations

 

Alaa Ali S Almohanna | Information Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alaa Ali S Almohanna | Information Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr at University of Wollongong, Australia

Alaa Almohanna is an early-career researcher with a PhD in Computing and Information Technology from the University of Wollongong, Australia. His expertise lies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), persuasive technology, and health informatics. Alaa is passionate about using AI to improve healthcare outcomes and mitigate bias in big data. As a researcher and teacher, he contributes to projects that promote equity in healthcare AI and fosters innovation in tech-driven healthcare solutions. He is committed to advancing knowledge and creating practical solutions to complex healthcare challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Scholar

🎓 Education

Alaa holds a PhD in Computing and Information Technology (2024) from the University of Wollongong, Australia, where he also completed his MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering (2015). He earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering (2008) from Taibah University, Saudi Arabia. Alaa’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in computing, software engineering, and health-related technologies, preparing him for impactful research in the field of AI and health informatics.

💼 Experience

Alaa has worked as an Associate Researcher and Research Assistant at the University of Wollongong, contributing to projects focused on AI in healthcare. He has also been a part-time teaching staff member, developing innovative content and fostering inclusive learning environments. His research has involved operationalizing diversity in healthcare datasets and creating health-tech policy recommendations. He has worked on AI-related healthcare projects for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, significantly impacting health governance.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Alaa received the Best Paper Award at the 18th International Conference on Persuasive Technology (PERSUASIVE 2023) for his exceptional research in persuasive technology. He also earned High Distinction in research training skills subjects and received recognition for his research contributions to AI in healthcare. Alaa’s dedication to advancing the field of health informatics and AI has been acknowledged by peers and institutions alike, further highlighting his commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.

🔬 Research Focus

Alaa’s research focuses on AI and persuasive technology, particularly in healthcare. He aims to address issues of data diversity and bias in healthcare AI systems. His studies include the development of mHealth apps to promote breastfeeding and healthcare decision-making. Alaa’s work extends to evaluating user experiences, promoting equitable AI, and contributing to healthcare policy development. His ongoing research explores how AI can improve patient outcomes while minimizing biases and ensuring fairness in healthcare delivery systems.

Conclusion

Alaa Almohanna is a highly capable and innovative researcher with a demonstrated track record of excellence in both research and teaching. His contributions to AI in healthcare, along with his recognition through prestigious awards, position him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His continued focus on operationalizing diversity and improving healthcare technologies promises to create a lasting impact on the field. With a potential for broader collaboration and further pedagogical development, Almohanna is poised for significant academic and professional growth.

📚Publications 

  1. Effectiveness of internet-based electronic technology interventions on breastfeeding outcomes: systematic review
    • Journal: Journal of Medical Internet Research
    • Date: 2020
    • DOI: e17361
    • Authors: AA Almohanna, KT Win, S Meedya

 

  1. Design and content validation of an instrument measuring user perception of the persuasive design principles in a breastfeeding mHealth app: A modified Delphi study
    • Journal: International Journal of Medical Informatics
    • Date: 2022
    • DOI: 104789
    • Authors: AAS Almohanna, KT Win, S Meedya, E Vlahu-Gjorgievska

 

  1. A study of women’s perceptions and opinions of a persuasive breastfeeding mHealth app
    • Conference: International Conference on Persuasive Technology
    • Date: 2023
    • Pages: 142-157
    • Authors: AAS Almohanna, S Meedya, E Vlahu-Gjorgievska, KT Win

 

  1. Exploring User Experiences with a Persuasive mHealth App for Breastfeeding: An Empirical Investigation
    • Journal: International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction
    • Date: 2024
    • Pages: 1-18
    • Authors: AAS Almohanna, S Meedya, E Vlahu-Gjorgievska, KT Win

 

  1. Operationalising data diversity for equitable artificial intelligence: A scoping review of health governance frameworks
    • Event: The Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law (AABHL) 2024 Conference
    • Date: 2024
    • Authors: AAS Almohanna, KT Win, AN Aguirre, YSJ Aquino

 

  1. Literature Review and Environmental Scan Report: AI Implementation in Hospitals: Legislation, Policy, Guidelines and Principles, and Evidence about Quality and Safety
    • Source: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
    • Date: 2024
    • Authors: F Magrabi, L Bates, K Brooke-Cowden, T Jayawardena, A Wang

 

  1. Exploring Persuasive System Design Features and Users’ Perceptions of an mHealth Breastfeeding App: A Mixed-Method Study
    • Date: 2024
    • Author: AAS Almohanna

 

Christopher Boafo | Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Christopher Boafo | Technology | Best Researcher Award

Christopher Boafo is a researcher at Leipzig University’s International SEPT Competence Centre, based in Leipzig, Germany. He holds a PhD in Management Science and an MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development, both from Leipzig University, along with a BA in Publishing Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. His expertise spans quantitative and qualitative methodologies, university-business linkages, and SME internationalization. Christopher has received notable awards including the ACCESS Scholarship Grant for PhD Studies and the DAAD Carlo-Schmid Fellowship at UN Volunteers Headquarters.

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓Education:

  • PhD in Management Science, Leipzig University
  • MBA in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development, Leipzig University
  • BA in Publishing Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

📊Specializations: Quantitative & qualitative methodologies, university-business linkages, SME internationalization.

Professional Experience:

  • Current: Researcher at International SEPT Competence Center, Leipzig University
  • Previous roles include international consultancy and UN volunteer work

🎓Teaching Activities:

  • Lecturer at SEPT MBA Unit, Leipzig University, focusing on Entrepreneurship and SME Internationalization

🏅Awards:

  • ACCESS Scholarship Grant for PhD Studies
  • DAAD Carlo-Schmid Fellowship at UN Volunteers Headquarters

Publications Top Notes 📝

 

  • Knowledge Transfer From Business Schools to Firms Through Academics: An AMO Perspective in an Emerging Economy
    • Journal: Thunderbird International Business Review
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)
    • Access: Open access

 

  • International entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: interfirm coordination and local economy dynamics in the informal economy
    • Journal: Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 30
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 587–620
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Understanding internationalisation of informal African firms through a network perspective
    • Journal: International Small Business Journal: Researching Entrepreneurship
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 40
    • Issue: 5
    • Pages: 618–649
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 10

 

  • Informal born regional enterprises in Ghana: an extension of internationalisation theories
    • Journal: International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 47
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 450–493
    • Citations: 0