Ojo Johnson Adelakun | Business Management | Leadership in Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun | Business Management | Leadership in Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun | National University of Lesotho | Lesotho

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun is an accomplished economist and academic leader with a PhD in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, alongside advanced training in data and project management from Swansea University, United Kingdom. His academic journey also includes a Masterโ€™s degree from Ekiti State University and a Bachelorโ€™s degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Dr. Adelakun has held significant teaching and research positions across Africa, including Reader at the National University of Lesotho, Senior Lecturer roles in Nigeria, Visiting Professor in Lagos, and Honorary Research Fellow at UKZN. His research spans development macroeconomics, international trade and finance, monetary economics, environmental economics, and policy analysis, with numerous publications and research grants from respected institutions such as the African Economic Research Consortium, WTO-NUL, and the National Research Foundation of South Africa. Widely recognized with fellowships, best lecturer awards, and editorial board memberships, he combines research excellence with impactful mentorship, leadership, and international collaboration.

Publication Profile

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Education Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun possesses a strong academic foundation in economics built through diverse international and national training. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, where his research demonstrated advanced expertise in development and policy-oriented economics. Prior to this, he undertook a research internship at Swansea University, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Certificate of Competency in Data and Project Management, equipping him with valuable skills in analytical research and project execution. He further strengthened his academic journey with a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ado-Ekiti, now known as Ekiti State University, Nigeria, where he developed a deeper understanding of economic theories and applied economics. His educational path began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, laying the foundation for his distinguished academic and professional career in economics.

Employment History

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun has built a rich and diverse career in academia, research, and professional practice across Africa and beyond. He currently serves as Reader in the Department of Economics at the National University of Lesotho, alongside his role as Honorary Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and External Examiner at the University of Witwatersrand. His previous appointments include Senior Lecturer positions at Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, University of Uyo, and Adeleke University, as well as Visiting Professor and Research Advisor at Anchor University, Lagos. He also worked as Lecturer at Joseph Ayo Babalola University and Graduate Assistant at Bowen University, following earlier professional experience with KPMG and Societe Generale Bank. With extensive teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervision of numerous theses and dissertations, and research spanning development economics, trade, finance, and policy, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun has combined teaching, mentorship, and leadership with administrative responsibilities in various universities.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakunโ€™s research focus lies broadly within economics, with strong contributions to development economics, financial economics, and macroeconomic policy analysis. His widely cited works highlight themes such as the relationship between human capital development and economic growth, the role of the financial sector in driving economic development, and the nexus between savings, investment, and growth in emerging economies. He has also explored areas of monetary policy, bank performance, capital adequacy, and financial risk management, particularly within the Nigerian and African economic contexts. More recent studies extend to global financial integration, foreign direct investment, international trade, and the predictive accuracy of inflation forecasts, demonstrating his ability to address both local and international economic challenges. His interdisciplinary interests include environmental and resource economics, entrepreneurship, and bioeconomics, reflecting a holistic approach to policy-driven research. Collectively, his research emphasizes sustainable economic growth, financial sector stability, and development-focused policymaking.

Publication Top Notes

Human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria
Year: 2011
Citations: 351

Capital adequacy ratio and bank profitability in Nigeria: A linear approach
Year: 2015
Citations: 118

Financial sector development and economic growth in Nigeria
Year: 2010
Citations: 102

An investigation of the determinants of savings and investment in Nigeria
Year: 2015
Citations: 62

Analysis of the Effect of Advertising on Sales and Profitability of Company
Year: 2015
Citations: 40

The Nexus of private Savings and Economic growth in Emerging Economy: A case of Nigeria
Year: 2011
Citations: 40

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ojo Johnson Adelakun is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Leadership in Research Excellence Award. His extensive academic achievements, mentorship record, international collaborations, and impactful policy contributions demonstrate the qualities of an innovative leader in research, making him a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Konstantinos Vasilakakis | Business | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis | Business | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis, HELLENIC MEDITERRANEAN UNIVERSITY/Department of Management Science and Technology, Greece

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis, born on May 29, 1985, in Heraklion, Crete, is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Business Administration, University of Patras. His current research focuses on optimization models for cost minimization in the food sector using spatial analysis. He holds a PhD in Economics and Sustainable Development from Harokopion University, where he developed a cost estimation optimization methodology for the F&B sector, earning an “Excellent” grade. With advanced degrees in Financial Management, Business Administration, and Strategic Tourism Management, Dr. Vasilakakis has a robust academic foundation. He is an active member of the Laboratory of Accounting and Financial Management (LAFIM) and ECANET Research Institute. An expert in statistical analysis, certified in SPSS, ECDL, and digital teaching technologies, he has extensive experience in teaching, research, and adult training. Fluent in English (C2 level), he combines academic rigor with professional certifications, contributing to business and tourism innovation.

Publication Profile

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Educational Journey

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis has a distinguished academic trajectory. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Patras (2024โ€“present), his work focuses on optimizing cost models in the food sector using spatial analysis. He earned his PhD in 2023 from Harokopion University, specializing in the economic viability of full-service tourism businesses, achieving “Excellent” distinction. He holds a Master’s in Financial Management (2020), a specialization in Counseling and Guidance (2022), and completed pedagogical training at the University of Crete (2015). With prior degrees in Accounting and Finance (2014) and Business Administration (2007), his journey reflects academic excellence and practical insight. ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ“Š

 

Research Contributions

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis actively engages in innovative research within his field. He is a dedicated member of the Laboratory of Accounting and Financial Management (LAFI.M.) at the Department of Accounting and Finance, Hellenic Mediterranean University (ELMEPA). Additionally, he contributes to the Research Institute “Economic Analysis, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism” (ECANET) under the University Center for Research and Innovation (PAKEK) at ELMEPA. His work emphasizes advancing knowledge in financial management, entrepreneurship, and tourism, reflecting his commitment to impactful academic research and sustainable economic practices. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ“Š

 

Professional Experience

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis has accumulated diverse professional experience. Since February 2018, he has served as Administrative-Financial Staff at the Local Health Unit (TO.MY.) in Rethymno. Additionally, since 2008, he has managed the “Nostos Beach Hotel” in Bali, Rethymno, showcasing expertise in hospitality management. Earlier roles include a six-month internship at Mrs. Alexaki Aikaterini’s Accounting Office in 2013 and financial management duties at “Olive Oils of Mylopotamos” in 2010. These roles reflect his proficiency in administration, finance, and hospitality, underscoring a multifaceted career in business and public service. ๐Ÿจ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐ŸŒฟ

 

Teaching Experience

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis has extensive teaching experience in public and private institutions across Crete. Notable roles include teaching courses such as ‘Trading Techniques’ and ‘Business Administration I’ at S.A.E.K. Rethymnon (2023โ€“2024), and ‘Principles of Economics’ and ‘Tourism’ at Private I.E.K. GRANT (2016โ€“2018). He has also conducted workshops on ‘Practical Application in the Specialty’ and ‘Office Operation Systems.’ His expertise spans diverse topics, including tourism, finance, and maritime accounting, delivered through over 800 teaching hours at institutions like Public I.E.K. Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Apokoronou. His contributions reflect dedication to education and skill development. ๐Ÿ“Š๐ŸŒโœˆ๏ธ

 

Research Focus

Dr. Konstantinos Vasilakakis specializes in tourism economics and hospitality management, with a focus on optimizing operations in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. His research encompasses supplier selection criteria, economic sustainability in hotels, robust optimization models for F&B diets, and the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and costing systems. He also examines tourism education and accessible strategies for industry development. Dr. Vasilakakis’s work contributes to enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the tourism and hospitality sectors, reflecting a commitment to addressing contemporary industry challenges. โœˆ๏ธ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ๐Ÿ“‰

 

Publication Top Notes ย 

  • Supplier selection criteria in the Greek hotel food and beverage divisions โ€“ 18 citations (2023) ๐Ÿจ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
  • Economic sustainability of tourism enterprises: A proposal of criteria in the hotels โ€“ 5 citations (2023) ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ผ
  • A Robust Optimization Model for Determining Optimal Diets for Food and Beverage (F&B) Items โ€“ 2 citations (2023) ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
  • Investigation of the effects of Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector: Evidence from Greece โ€“ 2 citations (2022) ๐Ÿฆ โœˆ๏ธ
  • Investigation of applied costing systems in the hotel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence of Greece โ€“ 1 citation (2023) ๐Ÿ’ฐ๐Ÿจ
  • An Assessment of Greek Tourism Education and Training โ€“ (2024) ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ท
  • Presentation and Analysis of Accessible Cases that Contribute to the Development of the Greek Tourism Industry โ€“ (2023) ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“ˆ