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

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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 Master’s degree from Ekiti State University and a Bachelor’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 Adelakun’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.

Aakanksha Gaur | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Awards

Dr. Aakanksha Gaur | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow, SDA Bocconi,  Italy

Aakanksha Gaur is a distinguished researcher in the field of Digital Transformation, with a focus on ICT adoption and business transformation. Holding a Ph.D. in Business Administration from ESSEC Business School, she has an impressive academic background with expertise in information systems, economics, and e-business. Currently a junior lecturer at SDA Bocconi, Gaur is actively involved in teaching and mentoring, contributing to the development of future leaders in digital technologies. Her research spans critical areas such as digital platforms, mobile banking, and blockchain, with numerous publications in prestigious journals like MIS Quarterly Executive and conference proceedings. Gaur’s work emphasizes real-world applications, particularly in emerging markets and public sector innovations. Her command of advanced research tools further enhances her capability to drive impactful research. Overall, Gaur’s contributions to both academia and industry make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Profile:

Education

Aakanksha Gaur possesses a diverse and robust educational background that has significantly contributed to her expertise in digital transformation and business innovation. She earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration from ESSEC Business School, Cergy, France, with a specialization in Information Systems. Her dissertation explored ICT for Development initiatives in India, highlighting issues of scaling through business model design and inclusive innovation. She also holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Naples, Italy, where she gained strong foundations in econometrics and game theory. Additionally, Gaur earned a Master’s in E-Business and ICT for Management from Polytechnic University, Turin, Italy, focusing on organizational strategies for e-business. Her academic journey is further enriched by her time as a visiting research scholar at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK, in 2015. This diverse educational experience equips her with a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of business and technology.

Professional Experiences

Aakanksha Gaur has a diverse and impactful professional experience in the fields of Information Systems and digital transformation. Currently serving as a Junior Lecturer at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Italy, she is an integral part of the DEVO Lab and MobiuS Lab, focusing on the digital transformation of enterprises and smart mobility solutions. Her work involves applied research on technologies such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence. Previously, Gaur was a Senior Researcher at ISMB in Turin, where she led projects under the EU H2020 framework, specializing in public sector innovation and digital start-ups. She has also contributed significantly to business model innovation and ICT adoption. Her early career includes research positions at ESSEC Business School, exploring mobile money services in developing countries. Gaur’s professional journey highlights her expertise in digital technologies and her contributions to real-world applications in both the private and public sectors.

Research Skills

Aakanksha Gaur possesses exceptional research skills, demonstrated through her extensive academic and professional work in digital transformation, ICT adoption, and business model innovation. Her research proficiency spans both qualitative and quantitative methods, evident in her ability to analyze complex business ecosystems and digital technologies. Gaur’s ability to conduct interdisciplinary research is reflected in her work on digital innovation for emerging economies, mobile banking services, and industrial IoT. Her publications in renowned journals and conferences highlight her capacity to critically evaluate and contribute to evolving fields of information systems and digital business. Furthermore, her adept use of research software tools like SPSS, STATA, and Knime Analytics underscores her technical expertise in data analysis. Gaur’s experience with large-scale research projects, including EU-funded initiatives, demonstrates her project management and collaborative research skills, making her a leading researcher in the field of digital transformation and innovation.

Award And Recognition

Aakanksha Gaur is a distinguished researcher in the field of digital transformation and ICT adoption, with a focus on business innovation in both developed and emerging markets. Her academic background, including a Ph.D. in Business Administration from ESSEC Business School, has been the foundation of her prolific research career. As a junior lecturer at SDA Bocconi School of Management, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders in information systems. Her extensive research contributions, published in top-tier journals and conferences, address critical issues such as mobile banking, digital platforms, and business models. Gaur’s work on digital social innovation and the application of technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality demonstrates her commitment to leveraging technology for global impact. Her efforts in both academia and industry make her a strong candidate for awards and recognition in the field of digital transformation research.

Conclusion

Aakanksha Gaur is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to the fields of digital transformation and ICT adoption. Her research bridges the gap between theory and practice, focusing on business model innovation, digital technologies, and inclusive innovation, especially in developing economies. With a Ph.D. in Business Administration and extensive experience as a lecturer and researcher at prestigious institutions like ESSEC Business School and SDA Bocconi, she has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge and educating future leaders. Gaur’s impressive publication record, covering topics such as mobile banking and blockchain technology, reflects her ability to address contemporary challenges in digital innovation. Her technical proficiency in various research tools further strengthens her research capabilities. Overall, Gaur’s work has a significant real-world impact, making her a strong and deserving contender for this prestigious award.

Publication Top Notes

  • What Is the Metaverse for?
  • Service Innovations in Mobile Banking for Creating Value for the Poor in Developing Countries
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Aakanksha Gaur, Devendra Dilip Potnis
    • Journal: The Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries
    • DOI: 10.1002/isd2.12209
  • Assessing Incumbents’ Risk of Digital Platform Disruption
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Cennamo, C., Diaferia, L., Gaur, A., Salviotti, G.
    • Journal: MIS Quarterly Executive
    • DOI: 10.17705/2msqe.00059
  • Stuck in Pilot Purgatory: Understanding and Addressing the Current Challenges of Industrial IoT in Manufacturing
    • Year: 2022
    • Authors: Abbatemarco, N., Gaur, A., Meregalli, S.
    • Conference: Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
    • HANDLE: 11565/4055304
  • Analysing Slow Growth of Mobile Money Market in India Using a Market Separation Perspective
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Aakanksha Gaur, Devendra Dilip Potnis, J. B. Singh
    • Journal: Information Technology for Development
    • DOI: 10.1080/02681102.2019.1668346
  • Beyond a Blockchain Paradox: How Intermediaries Can Leverage a Disintermediation Technology
    • Year: 2020
    • Authors: Abbatemarco, N., De Rossi, L. M., Gaur, A., Salviotti, G.
    • Conference: Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
    • HANDLE: 11565/4055309
  • Strategic Factors Enabling Digital Maturity: An Extended Survey
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: Gaur, A., Salviotti, G., Pennarola, F.
    • Conference: Mediterranean Conference on Information Systems
    • HANDLE: 11565/4055462
  • Open Innovation as Business Model Game Changer in the Public Sector
    • Year: 2017
    • Authors: Gaur, A., Osella, M., Ferro, E., Hedman, J.
    • Conference: European Conference on Information Systems
    • HANDLE: 11565/4055461
  • The Role of Banks in the Mobile Payment Ecosystem: A Strategic Asset Perspective
    • Year: 2012
    • Authors: Gaur, A., Ondrus, J.
    • Conference: International Conference on Electronic Commerce
    • DOI: 10.1145/2346536.2346570