Silvia Krúpová | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Business Strategy

Ms Silvia Krúpová | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Silvia Krúpová,  Department of Managerial Theories, Faculty of Management Science and Informatics, University of Žilina, Slovakia

Ms. Silvia Krúpová is a dynamic and results-driven doctoral researcher in the Department of Management at the University of Žilina, Slovakia. Born on November 3, 1998, in Žilina, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in the fields of IT management, sustainability, and smart city innovation. Silvia possesses a strong multicultural perspective gained through her Erasmus+ exchange in Germany and work with international teams across Europe and North America. Her expertise lies at the intersection of urban sustainability, electromobility, and IT-enabled management processes. Known for her adaptability, problem-solving skills, and collaborative mindset, Silvia actively engages in academic, industrial, and volunteer activities. In addition to her academic journey, she has held impactful roles in companies such as Siemens Mobility and msg life Slovakia. She is fluent in German (C1), English (B2), and Slovak (native), and is recognized for her commitment to advancing sustainability through smart technologies and information systems.

👨‍🎓 Profile

scopus

🎓 Education

Ms. Silvia Krúpová holds an Engineer’s degree in IT Management (2023) and a Bachelor’s degree in Management (2021) from the Faculty of Management Science and Informatics at the University of Žilina. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the same faculty, focusing on smart city solutions. As part of her academic development, she participated in the Erasmus+ exchange at Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft in Dresden, Germany, where she studied International Business. Her educational path blends strong management principles with technical IT competencies, preparing her to address real-world challenges in urban sustainability and public infrastructure. Throughout her studies, Silvia has consistently shown a commitment to excellence and innovation, taking part in advanced training like the Cisco Cyber Security course. Her academic foundation is a testament to her interdisciplinary approach and passion for digital transformation and sustainable city management.

💼 Experience

Ms. Silvia’s professional journey is marked by a blend of academic rigor and practical industry engagement. Since August 2024, she has been employed as a Business Process IT Consultant at msg life Slovakia. Previously, she worked as a System Engineer at Siemens Mobility (2023–2024), where she gained hands-on experience in digital transport solutions. From 2020 to 2022, she served as a Software Delivery Manager at Scheidt & Bachmann Slovensko, coordinating software projects across the DACH region, the US, and Canada. Earlier roles include Customer Support for Notino and Store Manager at FernBlau GmbH in Germany. Her experience spans IT consultancy, system engineering, customer service, and project management, equipping her with a robust skillset in global communication, agile methodologies, and digital transformation. Silvia is known for being reliable, adaptable, and team-oriented—thriving in high-pressure environments and cross-functional roles.

🔬 Research Interests

Ms. Silvia’s research centers on enhancing urban sustainability through the integration of IT in city management processes. Her doctoral focus is on the Smart City concept, particularly how information systems can support city operations in areas such as waste policy, mobility, and electromobility. She collaborates with municipalities in Slovakia to implement data-driven and environmentally friendly solutions. Her interdisciplinary work involves cooperation between management and technical departments, and includes active contributions to teaching in management information systems and presentation skills. Silvia is passionate about leveraging technology to drive positive environmental change, making cities more livable and sustainable. Her research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also translates into practical applications in public infrastructure and digital governance. She continues to engage in collaborative projects that address real-world challenges in waste management and smart mobility innovation.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ms. Silvia is in the early stage of her academic career, she has already begun to make notable contributions to sustainability and smart city research. Her selection for the Erasmus+ mobility program in Dresden reflects her academic merit and international potential. She has actively participated in academic conferences and been invited to co-deliver university courses. Silvia is a well-regarded member of the UNI FRI Club and has contributed to various high-impact events such as the Pohoda Festival and Spartan Race as a volunteer—showcasing her dedication beyond the academic realm. Her publications in indexed journals underscore her commitment to advancing sustainability through digital solutions. Silvia’s research has already begun attracting citations and is poised to grow in relevance as cities worldwide pursue green and smart transformation. Her growing academic profile makes her an excellent candidate for recognition in research excellence and sustainability leadership.

📚 Publications

“Public Transport Infrastructure with Electromobility Elements at the Smart City Level to Support Sustainability”


“The Importance of Electromobility in the Logistics Industry”

Bilel JARRAYA | Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Business Strategy

Dr. Bilel JARRAYA – Sustainability – Best Researcher Award

Qassim University | Saudi Arabia

      Profile

Scopus

Orcid

📍Current Position

Xiaodong Marcus Li is a distinguished Ph.D. candidate at Sun Yat-sen University, specializing in Business Administration under the guidance of Professor Kang Xie. His doctoral research focuses on exploring the mechanisms behind user potential creativity and its impact on product innovation through digital technologies.

 

📝Publication Achievements

Xiaodong has a prolific publication record, including high-impact journals such as: Journal of Business Research: Examining user-led and firm-led participation in product innovation. China Industrial Economics: Analyzing user creativity and its role in digital product innovation.

Other notable works are under review in leading journals like the Strategic Management Journal, Information Systems Journal, and Technovation, showcasing his contributions to user engagement, digital technology, and product strategies.

 

🔍Ongoing Research

Xiaodong’s ongoing projects include: Investigating how digital technologies like AI and data analytics influence firm-user interactions. Unraveling the asymmetric value of AI in product strategy for market competitiveness. Advancing theories on digital innovation tools and their affordances for product innovation.

 

🔬 Research Interests

His core research interests lie in: Digital Transformation and Innovation Firm-User Interaction Human-AI Collaboration Digital Technology Application and Management

 

🎓Academic Background

Ph.D. in Business Administration (Sun Yat-sen University): Recognized for academic excellence, ranked 1st in the entrance examination, and recipient of the Freshman Scholarship and University-level scholarships for five consecutive years.

Doctoral Dissertation: A Mechanism Study on the Impact of User Potential Creativity on Product Innovation Based on Digital Technology.

Bachelor in Engineering (Central South University): Part of the prestigious Excellence Engineer Program, ranked 3rd in his major, and recipient of numerous accolades, including the Daye Nonferrous Metals Second-Class Scholarship.

 

🏆Scholarships and Awards

Multiple University-level Scholarships over nine academic years. Recognition for his academic distinction and leadership in innovation and digital transformation studies.

 

🧬Bioinformatics 

Xiaodong demonstrates proficiency in applying advanced algorithms like Transformer, BiLSTM, and BERT for developing vertical domain knowledge graphs and conducting data-driven research for practical business decision-making.

 

🌐Professional Associations 

Active contributor to professional forums like the China Information Economics Society and Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems (PACIS). Participant in collaborative research initiatives funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

 

 📚Training & Workshops 

Hands-on experience in AI algorithms and digital analytics through internships with Midea Group and Sophia Group. Attended workshops on Innovation Management and Digital Technology Applications.

 

🎤Oral Presentations and🗣️Thought Leadership 

Xiaodong has presented at esteemed conferences, including: 2023 China Information Economics Society Annual Conference: Discussed digital technology and user creativity. 2023 China Forum on Qualitative Research in Management: Delivered insights on generative service innovation. PACIS 2022: Highlighted user participation modes in product innovation.

 

🧑‍🔬Tasks Completed as a Researcher 

Designed advanced methodologies to study firm-user interactions. Published groundbreaking findings in highly ranked journals (ABS 4, FT50). Enhanced real-world digital innovation through internships and collaborative projects.

 

🚀Success Factors 

Xiaodong’s academic and professional success stems from: Strong analytical skills and proficiency in tools like Python, Stata, R, and MATLAB. Expertise in data mining, text analysis, and machine learning. Leadership roles as a teaching assistant and class monitor, coupled with excellent communication and teamwork.

 

🧪Publications & Laboratory Experience

Xiaodong combines theoretical insights with hands-on laboratory work to bridge the gap between academic research and practical innovation. His studies on user creativity, supported by real-world applications in AI and digital tools, stand as a testament to his pioneering spirit.

 

🔍 Conclusion

With an impressive academic trajectory and impactful contributions to digital transformation, Xiaodong Marcus Li continues to inspire innovation in firm-user collaboration. His work underscores the potential of digital technologies to reshape product development and business strategies.

📚Publications

The Role of Environmental Innovation and Green Energy Deployment in Environmental Protection: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

       Author:  Kahia, M., Jarraya, B., kahouli, B., Omri, A.

       Journal:  Journal of the Knowledge EconomyThis link is disabled.,

Analyzing the Profitability and Efficiency in European Non-Life Insurance Industry

       Author:  Jarraya, B., Afi, H., Omri, A.

       Journal:  Methodology and Computing in Applied ProbabilityThis link is disabled.,

Do Environmental Innovation and Green Energy Matter for Environmental Sustainability? Evidence from Saudi Arabia (1990–2018)

       Author:  Kahia, M., Jarraya, B., Kahouli, B., Omri, A.

       Journal:  EnergiesThis link is disabled.,

Do board characteristics and ownership structure matter for bank non-performing loans? Empirical evidence from US commercial banks

        Author:  Tarchouna, A., Jarraya, B., Bouri, A.

        Journal:  Journal of Management and GovernanceThis link is disabled.,

Determinants of technical efficiency of Islamic banks in GCC countries

       Author:  Ben Mohamed, E., Meshabet, N., Jarraya, B.

       Journal:  Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business ResearchThis link is disabled.,

Tony Hou | Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Business Strategy

Prof Dr. Tony Hou – Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling – Best Researcher Award

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China | China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou began his academic journey with a strong foundation in finance and economics. He pursued an MBA and a Ph.D. in Finance, laying the groundwork for a career that would bridge the gap between theoretical finance and its practical applications. His early academic pursuits were characterized by a keen interest in the dynamics of financial markets and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. This period was marked by rigorous research and a dedication to understanding the complexities of financial systems, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou joined the faculty of the Management School at National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) in 2007. Over the years, he has held several key positions at NDHU, including Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance, Vice Dean of International Affairs, and Director of the International Foundation Program at the Office of International Affairs. His roles have also extended to leadership positions such as Head of the Department of Finance and Banking and Director of the International Bachelor of Management Science and Finance Program. His professional endeavors reflect a commitment to both academic excellence and administrative leadership, contributing significantly to the growth and development of NDHU’s finance programs.

Contributions and Research Focus on Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling📚

Research and Innovations

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on the regulation of financial markets, innovative financial activities, security valuation, carbon pricing and trading, climate risk financial disclosure, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, and the role of affect in human judgment and decision-making. As the director of the Sustainable Finance Research Centre (SFRC) at NDHU, he has spearheaded research initiatives that explore the intersection of finance and sustainability. His contributions to the field include working papers and journal articles on topics such as corporate social responsibility disclosure, temperature and carbon disclosure, carbon tax impacts, and the influence of independent directors’ networks on corporate social responsibility.

Key Publications

  • “Corporate Carbon Emissions and Firm Performance in South Africa” (with Griffin Msefula and Nokwnda Nokubongwa Dlamini), published in the Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research.
  • “The Correlation between Independent Directors’ Social Networks and Corporate Credit Ratings” (with Wang Chao-xian and Wu Jun-lei), published in the Soochow Journal of Economics and Business.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou has been recognized for his contributions to the field of finance and his commitment to academic excellence. His work has been published in reputable journals and he has been a frequent contributor to market commentary and economic analysis in prominent publications such as the Economic Daily. His expertise and insights are highly regarded, and his academic appointments reflect the trust and respect he has earned within the academic and professional communities.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s impact extends beyond his academic and professional achievements. His work in sustainable finance and climate risk financial disclosure has influenced both policy and practice, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental considerations into financial decision-making. His research has provided valuable insights into how financial markets can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and has underscored the critical role of corporate social responsibility in enhancing firm performance.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s legacy is poised to be one of lasting influence in the fields of finance and sustainability. His ongoing research and leadership at NDHU continue to shape the discourse around sustainable finance and the regulatory frameworks needed to support it. As he mentors the next generation of finance professionals and researchers, his contributions are likely to inspire continued innovation and progress in understanding and addressing the financial implications of climate change.

Future Directions

  • Enhancing Sustainable Finance Education: As a professor and director, Tony Chieh-Tse Hou is well-positioned to further integrate sustainability into finance curricula, preparing students to address future challenges in the field.
  • Expanding Research on ESG: His future work will likely continue to explore the role of ESG factors in financial performance, providing critical insights for investors and policymakers.
  • Influencing Policy: Through his research and publications, he will continue to influence policy decisions related to carbon pricing, climate risk disclosure, and corporate governance.

Notable Publications