Agnieszka Zielinska | Business | Women Researcher Award

Dr.Agnieszka Zielinska | Business | Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at University of Bielsko-Biala, Poland.

Dr. Agnieszka Zielińska 🎓 is an Assistant Professor at the University of Bielsko-Biala, Poland 🇵🇱, and a seasoned Human Resources Business Partner at Rekord SI Sp. z o.o. 💼. With a Ph.D. in Management Science (2021) 📘, she specializes in leadership in virtual teams 🌐, talent development 🌱, and HRM strategies 👥. Passionate about bridging academia and industry, she actively participates in international research collaborations 🌍. Agnieszka delivers insightful workshops across Europe and lectures on HRM, teamwork, and leadership 📚. She is a member of major management academies and a contributor to peer-reviewed journals ✍️.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

ORCID

Suitability for Women Researcher Award – Dr. Agnieszka Zielińska

Dr. Agnieszka Zielińska is an ideal candidate for the Women Researcher Award due to her dynamic contributions to management science, particularly in leadership in virtual teams, HRM strategies, and talent development. She stands out for her ability to bridge academia and industry, consistently applying her research to address real-world challenges in organizational leadership and human resource development. Her interdisciplinary and international approach, combining advanced academic training with practical industry insights, highlights her unique position as a transformative female leader in research.

🔹 Education & Experience

📚 Education

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Management Science (Leadership in virtual teams), University of Economics in Katowice, 2021

  • 🎓 Post-Graduate in Talent Management in Tech Companies, AGH University of Science and Technology, 2017–2018

  • 🎓 Post-Graduate in HR Management, Humanitas University, 2013–2014

  • 🎓 MA in Sociology – Interpersonal Communication, Silesian University, 2010–2012

  • 🎓 BA in International Relations & Sociology, University of Bielsko-Biala, 2007–2011

💼 Professional Experience

  • 🧑‍🏫 Assistant Professor, University of Bielsko-Biala (2022–Present)

  • 👩‍💼 HR Business Partner, Rekord SI Sp. z o.o. (2016–Present)

  • 📚 Lecturer/Ph.D. Candidate, University of Economics in Katowice (2018–2022)

  • 🧩 EU Project Specialist, University of Bielsko-Biala (2012–2015)

🔹 Professional Development

Dr. Zielińska actively enhances her leadership and strategic thinking through international programs 🎯. She completed the Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme at Saïd Business School (2020) 📘 and the High Impact Leadership Programme at the University of Cambridge (2019) 🧠. She continuously contributes to academic excellence and leadership research through her membership in the Academy of Management and the European Academy of Management 🌍. Agnieszka has also delivered workshops at the University of Malta 🇲🇹, Hellenic Mediterranean University 🇬🇷, and the University of León 🇪🇸, sharing her expertise in leadership, talent development, and HRM 💬.

🔹 Research Focus Category

Dr. Agnieszka Zielińska’s research lies at the intersection of Leadership, Human Resources Management, and Organizational Behavior 🧑‍💼💡. Her primary focus is on virtual teams, shared leadership, and talent development in technology-driven environments 🌐🔍. She employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore contemporary challenges in workforce motivation, career transitions, and digital competency building 📊📚. Agnieszka is particularly interested in knowledge-sharing behavior, presenteeism, and leadership dynamics in cross-cultural and remote work settings 🌍💻. Her work aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical business strategies across international organizations 🤝.

🔹 Awards and Honors

🏅 Doctoral Degree in Management Science, 2021 – University of Economics in Katowice
🏅 Invited Speaker & Workshop Facilitator, University of Malta (2023), University of León (2023), Hellenic Mediterranean University (2023)
🏅 International Research Publications – in top-tier journals like Gender in Management, Frontiers in Psychology, European Research Studies Journal
🏅 Membership – Academy of Management & European Academy of Management
🏅 International Research Collaborator – with scholars from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Mexico, and Canada

Publication Top Notes

  • Enhancing Global Talent Management in Contemporary Organisations Through Technology and Information Systems (2025)

  • Re-visiting Women’s Work Motivations and Career Needs: International Evidence from the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory (2025)

  • A Review of Blockchain Technology Adoption in the Tourism Industry from a Sustainability Perspective (2023)

  • Re-visiting the Six-Item Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) and Its Psychometric Properties (2023)

  • Why Do Employees Change the Job? Insights on Employees’ Needs and Expectations Based on International Evidence (2023)

  • Knowledge Sharing Behaviors in Virtual Teams – Results of Empirical Research (2022)

  • Developing Digital Skills: Results of a Social Innovation Project in the Technology Sector (2022)

Conclusion

Dr. Agnieszka Zielińska exemplifies research excellence, leadership, and global collaboration, making her highly deserving of the Women Researcher Award. Her interdisciplinary expertise, commitment to mentoring and education, and impactful international research contributions position her as a role model and influential scholar in the evolving field of management science.

Rukhsar Baloch | Business | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Rukhsar Baloch | Business | Best Researcher Award

Student at Quaid I Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan.

Rukhsar Baloch is a dedicated researcher and academic with a strong background in marketing and management sciences. She holds an MPhil in Marketing from Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Turbat. Her research primarily focuses on consumer behavior, sustainable marketing, and financial services adaptation. With extensive experience as a Research Assistant, she has contributed to multiple research projects, published in high-impact journals, and actively participated in academic competitions. Her research work emphasizes environmental consciousness, moral self-identity, and consumer financial behavior. In addition to research, she has worked as an administrative assistant at an educational institute, showcasing her leadership and management skills. Rukhsar’s dedication to academic excellence is reflected in her numerous awards, including merit-based scholarships and recognition for her business ideas. She continues to expand her research portfolio and professional expertise to contribute significantly to marketing and consumer behavior studies.

Professional Profile:

Education

Rukhsar Baloch has a strong academic background in management sciences and marketing. She earned her MPhil in Marketing from Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, with a commendable CGPA of 3.7. Her thesis focused on “Environmental Consciousness and Consumption Behavior,” highlighting her interest in sustainability and consumer decision-making. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Turbat, graduating with a CGPA of 3.5. Her undergraduate research explored “Herding Behavior in Pakistan’s Stock Exchange,” demonstrating her ability to analyze market trends and financial decision-making patterns. She also pursued intermediate education at Government Girls Degree College Turbat, focusing on science subjects, and completed her matriculation from Government Girls High School Absor. In addition to formal degrees, she has completed various professional training programs, including gender sensitization, small business startups, social communication, and employability skills. These certifications, obtained from prestigious institutions such as USAID, NRSP, and Luiss Business School, Italy, have further enriched her knowledge base and skill set, making her a well-rounded academic and researcher.

Professional Experience

Rukhsar Baloch has extensive experience in research, academia, and administrative roles. She worked as a Research Assistant at Quaid-I-Azam University from September 2021 to August 2023, where she was actively involved in data collection, literature reviews, manuscript writing, and statistical analysis. Her contributions to research were instrumental in publishing high-quality academic papers and contributing to significant marketing studies. Additionally, she has been serving as an Administrative Assistant at the Highly Organized Progressive English Language Academy in Turbat since 2019. In this role, she has successfully managed academic events, conducted audits, and delivered lectures, showcasing her leadership and organizational skills. Beyond these roles, she has participated in various research projects, including studies on driving behavior in the Pakistani stock exchange and women’s empowerment in small businesses. Her diverse professional background demonstrates her ability to handle research-intensive tasks while simultaneously managing administrative and teaching responsibilities. These experiences have equipped her with the skills necessary for high-level research, academic writing, and effective communication, making her a valuable asset to the academic and business communities.

Research Interest

Rukhsar Baloch’s research interests lie at the intersection of marketing, consumer behavior, sustainability, and financial decision-making. Her MPhil research explored the impact of environmental consciousness on consumption behavior, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable marketing. She is also deeply interested in financial markets, as evident from her undergraduate thesis on herding behavior in Pakistan’s stock exchange. Her work extends to analyzing moral self-identity, green conspicuous behavior, and the role of religiosity in sustainable consumer practices. Additionally, she has explored customer experience and perception in financial services, with a special focus on digital payment systems like RAAST. Beyond marketing and finance, she has contributed to research on women’s empowerment and small business sustainability in underdeveloped regions. Rukhsar is keen on expanding her research into digital marketing trends, behavioral finance, and policy-driven consumer behavior studies. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates marketing psychology, finance, and sustainability, making her research impactful and relevant to contemporary global challenges.

Research Skills

Rukhsar Baloch possesses a strong set of research skills, making her highly competent in academic and applied research. She is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with expertise in conducting surveys, data collection, and literature reviews. She is skilled in statistical analysis using SPSS, enabling her to analyze complex datasets and derive meaningful conclusions. Her experience in manuscript writing has led to publications in high-impact journals, showcasing her ability to structure research findings effectively. Additionally, she has strong digital skills, including proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint, which aid in research presentation and data visualization. Her ability to synthesize information, critically analyze trends, and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world problems strengthens her research capabilities. Moreover, her participation in various academic training programs has enhanced her knowledge of employability skills, gender mainstreaming, and business management. These skills collectively contribute to her effectiveness as a researcher and academic professional.

Awards and Honors

Rukhsar Baloch has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of her academic and professional excellence. She won the Business Idea Competition at the National Incubation Center, Quetta, which highlighted her entrepreneurial and innovative mindset. She also received a merit-based laptop award from the Chief Minister of Balochistan, a testament to her outstanding academic performance. Additionally, she was awarded a merit-based scholarship from the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund, which covered her entire undergraduate education. Her achievements also include a Certificate of Participation from the National Rural Support Program for attending a three-day exposure visit to Sindh. Furthermore, her research contributions have been acknowledged through high-quality publications in reputable journals. These accolades reflect her dedication to academic success, research excellence, and innovation. They also demonstrate her ability to compete at national levels and contribute significantly to research and entrepreneurship.

Conclusion

Rukhsar Baloch is a distinguished researcher with a solid academic foundation, professional experience, and a strong research portfolio. Her work in marketing, consumer behavior, and sustainable finance has led to notable publications and significant academic contributions. With expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and academic writing, she continues to make valuable contributions to her field. Her achievements, including awards, scholarships, and competition wins, highlight her dedication to academic and professional excellence. While she has already established a commendable research record, expanding her international collaborations and diversifying her research methodologies will further strengthen her profile. Overall, Rukhsar Baloch is a highly promising researcher, well-equipped to contribute to academia and industry through impactful studies and innovative insights.

Publication Top Notes

📌 Authors: Ishaq, M.I.; Baloch, R.; Raza, A.; Talpur, Q.-U.-U.; Ahmad, R.
📌 Year: 2025
📌 DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.104082
📌 Journal: Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos | Management | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos | Management | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, University of Macedonia, Greece 

Dr. Dimitrios Kafetzopoulos is an Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Macedonia, Greece. With a balanced career in both academia and industry, he has over 25 years of experience, including key roles in research, production management, and quality systems. He is highly regarded for his extensive research contributions in innovation, quality, and operational performance across diverse sectors, particularly manufacturing and services.

Profile

Google scholar

Education

Dr. Kafetzopoulos holds a Ph.D. in Management, an M.Sc. in Tourism Business Administration, and degrees in Teleinformatics and Food Technology. He has completed two postdoctoral research projects, one at the University of Macedonia and another at the University of the Aegean, focusing on complex models of innovation, quality, and management strategies.

Experience

With 25 years of professional experience in the industry, Dr. Kafetzopoulos has managed production staff, reduced operational costs, and led the development and implementation of innovative products. His dual expertise in academia and industry enables him to contribute to both practical and theoretical advancements in management.

Research Interests

Dr. Kafetzopoulos’ research is focused on innovation management, quality management, operational performance, and competitiveness. His work often explores how these elements affect business performance, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors.

Awards

Dr. Kafetzopoulos has been recognized for his extensive research, with over 100 published papers and presentations at international conferences. He has also been involved in more than 25 research projects related to the development of innovative products and services.

Publications Top Notes

“The impact of innovation capability on the performance of manufacturing companies: The Greek case”Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 2015.
Cited by: 311

“The impact of ISO 9001 effectiveness on the performance of service companies”Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, 2013.
Cited by: 290

“Motives, difficulties and benefits in implementing the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System”Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2011.
Cited by: 264

“Critical factors for effective implementation of ISO 9001 in SME service companies”Managing Service Quality: An International Journal, 2010.
Cited by: 263

“Relationship between quality management, innovation and competitiveness. Evidence from Greek companies”Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 2015.
Cited by: 228

Conclusion

With his rich academic and industrial background, Dr. Kafetzopoulos is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to both management science and industry innovation make him highly deserving, though further interdisciplinary work could elevate his already impressive research impact.