Zakari Tsiga | Strategic Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zakari Tsiga | Strategic Planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zakari Tsiga, Spacial Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program, Nigeria.

Dr. Zakari Danlami Tsiga is a seasoned professional with a decade of impactful experience in IT-enabled project operations, business intelligence, and portfolio monitoring. Based in Abuja, Nigeria, he is recognized for driving digital transformation initiatives and aligning multi-stakeholder programs with institutional and donor strategies. With a career that spans government and multilateral agencies—including the African Development Bank (AfDB), IFAD, and ISDB—Dr. Tsiga has consistently delivered innovative solutions in financial systems, risk management, and process automation. His leadership at the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Program (SAPZ) has transformed project operations through tools like SAP and Power BI. A dedicated scholar and practitioner, Dr. Tsiga blends academic rigor with real-world impact, evidenced by numerous conference presentations and publications. His passion lies in fostering financial inclusion, institutional efficiency, and sustainability through digital governance.

👨‍💼 Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Zakari Tsiga’s academic journey is distinguished by excellence and interdisciplinary knowledge. He holds a PhD in Project Management and an MSc in Financial Systems Engineering from the prestigious University College London (UCL). He also earned an MSc in Management Information Systems (Merit) and a BSc in Network Computing (First Class) from Coventry University, UK. His foundation in Business Information Technology was laid at INTI International University, Malaysia, while his IGCSE credentials from Manarat International School, Saudi Arabia, highlight strong early academic performance. These diverse academic experiences, across countries and disciplines, have equipped Dr. Tsiga with a global perspective, technical mastery, and analytical rigor essential for navigating the complex challenges of project governance, digital transformation, and strategic innovation in developing economies.

💼 Experience

Over the last ten years, Dr. Tsiga has held pivotal roles in Nigeria’s public sector and donor-funded programs. As Program Operations Manager for the SAPZ Program, he manages a multi-state portfolio funded by AfDB, IFAD, and ISDB—delivering real-time monitoring tools, budgeting frameworks, and digital transformation strategies. At the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), his roles evolved from Business Analyst to Program Manager for IT Risk and Security, where he led enterprise risk controls and privacy initiatives. During his tenure at NNPC, he provided technical and procurement support during his NYSC. His work consistently bridges technology and policy, focusing on operational efficiency, data governance, and stakeholder engagement. With experience managing cross-functional teams and coordinating international stakeholders, Dr. Tsiga exemplifies leadership and innovation in public sector transformation.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Zakari Tsiga’s research interests lie at the intersection of project management, digital governance, IT risk control, and strategic operations. He is particularly passionate about integrating data visualization tools, such as Power BI and SAP, into project delivery systems to enhance monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for development programs. His work explores the implementation of business intelligence frameworks within governmental and multilateral agency operations. Moreover, he delves into risk simulation tools, decision-making algorithms, and critical success factors for infrastructure and petroleum projects. His research is deeply rooted in real-world application, contributing to Nigeria’s policy landscape, development finance strategies, and international project governance literature. Dr. Tsiga aims to continuously contribute to sustainable digital ecosystems, where strategic management meets technological advancement for socioeconomic development.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Zakari Tsiga has been widely recognized for his contributions to governance reform, innovation, and digital transformation. Notably, he received a Presidential Special Scholarship for Innovation and Development (PRESSID) in 2012 and was awarded a National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate for his contributions to the Nigerian energy sector. His leadership in project modernization earned him accolades for facilitating Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business Reforms in 2020. In 2024, he received an industry collaboration certificate from UCL and Microsoft for his role in digital transformation. A frequent speaker at international conferences, including the ProjMan series in Europe, Dr. Tsiga is known for translating academic insights into practical solutions. His awards reflect not only technical proficiency but also leadership in promoting governance, institutional capacity building, and sustainable development.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Navigating Complexity: Challenges and Insights in Implementing the SAPZ Phase 1 Program in Nigeria

Decision Making in Engineering Projects

Risk Management Practice in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry

Implementation of a Risk Management Simulation Tool

Critical Success Factors for Projects in the Petroleum Industry

Mohammad Falahat | Strategic Management and Business Strategy | Best Researcher Award

Mohammad Falahat | Strategic Management and Business Strategy | Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) | Malaysia

Professional Profiles:

google scholar Profile

Scopus Profile

Web of Science Profile

researchgate Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

Dr. Mohammad Falahat embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Software Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, earning a notable CGPA of 14.07/20. He further pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Information Technology Management at Multimedia University (MMU), followed by a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in International Entrepreneurship at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). His doctoral research, titled "Born Globals among the Malaysian SMEs: Mediating Effect of Marketing Competencies on Foreign Market Performance," earned him a Gold Medal and recognition as the top DBA student.

Professional Endeavors:

His career spans both academia and industry. He has held positions such as Director at Drywall Collection Sdn Bhd, CEO at Efficient Edge (M) Sdn Bhd, and Business Development Manager at Ofogh Sanat Company. His blend of academic expertise and practical experience contributes to a holistic understanding of entrepreneurship and business development.

Contributions and Research Focus:

As a seasoned academic, His made significant contributions to the field of SME Internationalization, International Entrepreneurship, Firm Performance, Sustainability, and Born Globals. His expertise extends to Research Analytics and Data Analysis, particularly with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using Partial Least Square (PLS). His research focus on the mediating effect of marketing competencies on foreign market performance among Malaysian SMEs demonstrates a commitment to addressing practical challenges in the business world.

Accolades and Recognition:

His academic excellence has been consistently acknowledged through Teaching Excellence Awards at UTAR, where he has held various teaching positions. Additionally, he received a prestigious Masa Policy Development Programme (MPDP) Research Grant for his work on policy development post COVID-19. His mentorship also led a team of UTAR students to be shortlisted in the top 10 of the Alibaba GDT Global Challenge 2021.

Impact and Influence:

His impact extends beyond the academic realm. His leadership roles, including Head of Subgroup of Entrepreneurship, Chairperson of the Centre for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility in Business, and Chairperson of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Sustainability, showcase his commitment to shaping the strategic direction of educational institutions. His involvement in community services, such as Chairman of the Committee for Joint Management Corporation (JMC) and member of the Joint Management Body (JMB), further highlights his dedication to societal contributions.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

His legacy is marked by his contributions to academia, industry, and community service. His editorial roles in reputable journals and participation in international conferences underscore his commitment to advancing the field of business management. As he continues his academic journey at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), his future contributions are anticipated to further enrich the realms of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and international business. His multifaceted career exemplifies the synergy between academic excellence, practical experience, and community engagement.

Notable Publications:

1 SMEs internationalization: The role of product innovation, market intelligence, pricing and marketing communication capabilities as drivers of SMEs’ international performance M Falahat, T Ramayah, P Soto-Acosta, YY Lee Technological forecasting and social change 152, 119908 (314) - 2020

4 Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance of Academicians in Malaysia. SC Chong, M Falahat, YS Lee International Journal of Higher Education 9 (1), 69-80 (96) - 2020
5 Impact of Digitalization on the Speed of Internationalization YY Lee, M Falahat, BK Sia International Business Research 12 (4), 1-11 (89) - 2019

6 Impacts of Institutional Characteristics on International Students' Choice of Private Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia. MW Migin, M Falahat, MSA Yajid, A Khatibi Higher Education Studies 5 (1), 31-42 (73) -2015

7 Emotional intelligence and turnover intention. FN Mohammad, LT Chai, LK Aun, MW Migin International Journal of Academic Research 6 (4) (68) - 2014

8 Drivers of digital adoption: a multiple case analysis among low and high-tech industries in Malaysia YY Lee, M Falahat, BK Sia Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration (57) - 2020

9 Factors influencing consumers’ purchase intention towards online group buying in Malaysia YS Liew, M Falahat Int. J. Electronic Marketing and Retailing 10 (1), 60-77 (55) - 2019

10 Entrepreneurial innovativeness and its impact on SMES'performances M Falahat, S Tehseen, C Van Horne International Journal of Entrepreneurship 22 (3), 1-9 (52) - 2018