Ahmed Agyapong | Economy | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Ahmed Agyapong | Economy | Best Researcher Award

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology | Ghana

Prof. Ahmed Agyapong is an accomplished scholar in Strategic Management, with a strong research focus on SME performance, competitive and marketing strategies, social capital, innovation capability, sustainability, entrepreneurial orientation, and organizational performance in emerging and African economies. His research is widely recognized for its theoretical rigor and practical relevance, particularly in advancing understanding of how strategic capabilities, leadership, and institutional contexts influence firm performance. He has an impressive and high-impact publication record in leading journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Journal of African Business, Africa Journal of Management, International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, and Cogent Business & Management, with multiple papers receiving well over 1738 citations, demonstrating strong global visibility and scholarly influence. His work consistently integrates strategy, innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, contributing valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and academics.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Featured Publications

Entrepreneurial orientation, sustainability practices and performance of small and medium enterprises
– International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 2023

Linyue Li | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linyue Li | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linyue Li, Central University of Finance and Economics, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linyue Li, a distinguished economist from Guizhou, China, holds a Ph.D. in Economics and an MBA from Claremont Graduate University, alongside degrees from SUNY-Buffalo and Beijing Forestry University. Currently serving as Associate Professor at the School of International Trade and Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics, she specializes in international finance, open economy macroeconomics, and applied econometrics. Dr. Li has authored over 30 books and numerous SSCI-indexed publications on topics such as trade integration, digital economy, environmental psychology, and economic resilience. She has led and participated in several national and international research projects, including studies for China’s National Development and Reform Commission. A recipient of multiple national awards, she has contributed to prestigious teaching initiatives and MOOC platforms. Dr. Li is also a reviewer for the National Natural Science Foundation of China and a frequent guest expert on CGTN. Her research promotes international cooperation and strategic economic development.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Educational Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linyue Li has cultivated an impressive academic foundation in economics and strategic management across renowned institutions. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics with a specialization in International Money and Finance from Claremont Graduate University in 2011, under the guidance of Professor Thomas Willett. Simultaneously, she obtained her MBA in Strategy from the same institution, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise in economic theory and business strategy. Prior to this, she completed her MA in Economics at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY – Buffalo) in 2006, further strengthening her analytical and research capabilities. Dr. Li began her academic journey at Beijing Forestry University, where she graduated with a BS in Economics in 2007. This robust educational trajectory has shaped her into a globally engaged scholar, contributing significantly to international finance, macroeconomics, and economic policy, both in academic and applied research settings.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linyue Li has amassed extensive academic and research experience across prestigious institutions. Since November 2018, she has served as an Associate Professor and Master’s tutor at the School of International Trade and Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE), following her tenure as an Assistant Professor there from August 2012 to November 2018. Her international research exposure includes her role as a researcher at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN–DESA) from January to March 2011, where she contributed to global economic policy discussions. From July 2011 to July 2012, she worked as a researcher at the Claremont Institute for Economic and Policy Studies (CIEPS) at Claremont Graduate University. Earlier in her career, Dr. Li served as a Research Assistant (Teaching Assistant) at the School of Politics and Economics (SPE), Claremont Graduate University, from fall 2009 to spring 2010, honing her skills in economic instruction and academic inquiry.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Linyue Li’s research is centered on international economics, with a strong interdisciplinary focus integrating trade, finance, environmental policy, and economic psychology. Her work extensively examines the impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI), intra-industry trade, and digital transformation on macroeconomic stability, business cycle synchronization, and carbon emissions—particularly within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. She contributes empirical insights using applied econometrics and firm-level data to analyze globalization’s effects on trade performance and sustainability. Her publications in top-tier journals such as Sustainability, China Economic Review, and The World Economy reflect a commitment to exploring the dynamic relationships between economic policy, trade integration, and environmental outcomes. Dr. Li’s scholarship offers valuable guidance for policymakers and scholars seeking to understand the complexities of global economic interdependence and sustainable development, especially across emerging economies and East Asian markets participating in regional and global cooperation initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📄 2025 – “The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Carbon Emissions in Economies Along the Belt and Road” (Sustainability): published June 26, 2025; quantile-regression-based analysis of FDI’s nuanced impact on emissions— mdpi.com+3ideas.repec.org+3ideas.repec.org+3

  • 📄 2023 – “Internet and firms’ exports and imports: Firm level evidence from China” (The World Economy, DOI 10.1111/twec.13310): firm-level study using PSM-DID; currently with 1 citation. link.springer.com+5ideas.repec.org+5researchgate.net+5

  • 📄 2023 – (same study listed under “The World Economy” cover): corroborates the above; also indexed with 1 citation.

  • 📄 2017 – “The impact of intra-industry trade on business cycle synchronization in East Asia” (China Economic Review, DOI 10.1016/j.chieco.2017.07.004): Reveals intra-industry trade’s role in cycle co-movement— sciencedirect.com+13sciencedirect.com+13scispace.com+13

 

Nelosn Derrick Nguepi | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Nelosn Derrick Nguepi | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Student at Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium

Nguepi Derrick Nelson, born on January 2, 1996, in Cameroon, is a dedicated researcher in applied economics and development. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Specialized Economic Sciences at Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, and a Ph.D. in Mathematical Economics at the University of Dschang, Cameroon, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. Nelson’s research primarily focuses on public debt, economic growth, and development policies in Africa. He is an active member of the Research Group in Applied Economics and Development (GREAD) and has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications addressing critical economic issues in the African context. Fluent in French and proficient in English, Nelson combines his academic pursuits with practical experience, having served as a part-time lecturer and research assistant. His dedication to understanding and addressing economic challenges positions him as a promising economist committed to Africa’s sustainable development.​

Publication Profile

ORCID

Academic Background

Nguepi Derrick Nelson began his academic journey in Cameroon and has pursued higher education with remarkable dedication. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Economics from the University of Dschang in 2018. He continued at the same institution to complete a Master’s degree in Mathematical Economics in 2020. Driven by a passion for economic analysis and development, he embarked on a Ph.D. in Mathematical Economics at the University of Dschang, which he is currently pursuing. Complementing his doctoral studies, Nelson was accepted into a prestigious program at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, where he is working towards a second Master’s degree in Specialized Economic Sciences. Prior to university, he completed his secondary education at Lycée de Ntui, Cameroon, where he obtained his Baccalauréat A4 ALL in 2015. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied economics, equipping him with the analytical skills required for advanced research.

Professional Background

Nguepi Derrick Nelson has accumulated valuable professional experience alongside his academic pursuits. Since 2021, he has worked as a part-time lecturer at various institutions, including ISTEC Bangangté, IPTF Dschang, ISSAFO Foumbot, and ISMTA Foumban. These roles have enabled him to gain teaching experience while sharing his knowledge of economics with students across Cameroon. Between 2018 and 2021, Nelson also served as a research assistant at the Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Dschang, where he contributed to empirical studies and data analysis for academic publications. In addition to his academic work, he has held various roles to support his education, including serving as a production worker in Belgium and a server at ETS CAMPUS III Restaurant in Douala from 2021 to 2024. His diverse experience reflects a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to both professional and academic growth.

Awards and Honors

Although specific awards and honors have not been listed, Nguepi Derrick Nelson’s academic and professional profile suggests recognition for excellence and dedication in research and teaching. His admission into a competitive international Master’s program at the Université Catholique de Louvain and his active participation in research groups such as GREAD (Research Group in Applied Economics and Development) signal an acknowledgment of his scholarly potential. Furthermore, his publication record in peer-reviewed journals and his selection as a lecturer at multiple institutions also reflect the trust placed in his academic expertise. With his ongoing engagement in high-level research and academic collaboration, it is likely that Nelson will receive further honors and distinctions as his career progresses.

Research Focus

Nguepi Derrick Nelson’s research is deeply rooted in the economic challenges and opportunities facing African countries. His primary focus areas include public debt management, economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and development policy. He is particularly interested in examining how different debt compositions—whether foreign or domestic—affect the long-term economic trajectory of African nations. His studies employ rigorous quantitative methodologies, such as computable general equilibrium (CGE) models and microsimulation techniques, to assess economic policies and their social impacts. By analyzing real-world data and developing policy simulations, Nelson’s work aims to guide decision-makers toward more inclusive and effective economic strategies. He also explores themes related to taxation, remittances, and welfare distribution, all within the broader context of African development. His goal is to bridge the gap between economic theory and policy application to drive progress in emerging economies.

Publication Top Notes

📘1. The Impact of the Government’s Standard of Living on Economic Growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Does Political Will Make a Difference?

  • Authors: Nelson Derrick Nguepi, Ibrahim Ngouhouo

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Politics & Policy

📘 2. External Debt and Economic Growth in Central Africa: Does the Profile of the Leader Matter?

  • Authors: Nelson Derrick Nguepi, Ibrahim Ngouhouo

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: International Journal of Empirical Economics

📘 3. Examining the Effectiveness of Dissuasive Taxes as a Policy Tool for Reducing Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption in Cameroon: A Welfare and Microsimulation Analysis

  • Authors: Paul Tadzong Mouafo, Hilaire Nkengfack, Rodrigue Nobosse Tchoffo, Nelson Derrick Nguepi, Edmond Noubissi Domguia

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Heliyon

📘 4. Foreign or Domestic Public Debt for Cameroon’s Development? An Externality Approach

  • Authors: Nelson Derrick Nguepi, Ibrahim Ngouhouo, Irina Bilan

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: Sustainability

📘5. The Pluralist Economy in Africa: A Study of the Relationship between Economic Complexity and the Life Ladder

  • Authors: Nelson Derrick Nguepi, Ibrahim Ngouhouo, Rodrigue D. Petnga

  • Year: 2023

  • Journal: South Asian Journal of Social Studies and Economics

📘 6. Budget Variation and Welfare in Cameroon: A Computable General Equilibrium Model Approach

  • Authors: Ibrahim Ngouhouo, Nelson D. Nguepi

  • Year: 2022

  • Journal: Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences

Conclusion

Nguepi Derrick Nelson stands out as a dedicated, prolific, and forward-thinking researcher whose academic journey and research contributions align strongly with the criteria for a Best Researcher Award. His ability to merge theoretical knowledge with applied policy analysis, particularly in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, shows significant potential for global impact.