Khalid Abdul Ghafoor | Management Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Khalid Abdul Ghafoor | Management Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology University Islamabad Pakistan Pakistan

Dr. Khalid Abdul Ghafoor is a seasoned academician and finance professional with a rich background in teaching, research, and curriculum development. With a career spanning over 14 years, he has established himself as a knowledgeable and student-centric educator committed to blending theoretical concepts with practical applications in the field of accounting and finance. Known for his engaging teaching style and impactful research, Dr. Ghafoor has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed journals in the areas of fintech, financial literacy, and artificial intelligence.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education🎓

Dr. Khalid Abdul Ghafoor holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the FAST School of Management, National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences, completed between 2022 and 2024. He earned his MS in Accounting and Finance from the Lahore School of Accountancy & Finance, University of Lahore, Islamabad Campus (2014–2016), and a Master of Commerce (Finance) from Federal Urdu University, Islamabad (2012–2014). He is also a certified Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), having completed his professional qualification through ICMA Pakistan from 2006 to 2011.

Experience💼

Dr. Ghafoor is an accomplished academic with over 14 years of teaching and research experience in the field of accounting and finance. Since 2016, he has served as a Lecturer at SZABIST University, Islamabad, where he designs and delivers undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting, blending theory with practice and encouraging interactive learning through case studies and real-world projects. From 2013 to 2016, he held a similar role at the University of Lahore, Islamabad.

In addition to his full-time roles, Dr. Ghafoor serves as visiting faculty at several prestigious Pakistani universities, including the International Islamic University, Air University, Bahria University, NUML, University of Central Punjab, and FAST-Islamabad. He has actively contributed to curriculum development and regularly conducts workshops and seminars to enhance student engagement. His workshops include training in Smart PLS, Microsoft Power BI, Primavera, and post-pandemic pedagogical strategies.

Research Interest🔬

Dr. Ghafoor’s research interests lie at the intersection of financial socialization, fintech adoption, artificial intelligence in finance, project management efficiency, and financial well-being of emerging adults. He is particularly focused on exploring how human factors and emerging technologies influence financial decision-making, cost control, and sustainability within organizations.

Author Metrics

  • Scopus-indexed publications: Multiple, including:

    • International Journal of Accounting and Information Management (2025, IF = 4.3, ABDC = B, ABS = 2)

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2024, IF = 3.5)

    • Heliyon (2024, IF = 4.0)

  • Conference Presentations: 6+ at major venues including Qatar University, King Abdul-Aziz University, NUST, IBA Karachi, and CUST Islamabad

  • Case Studies Supervised:

    • Evaluating the Financial Strategies of a Textile Company

    • Analyzing the Viability of Altman Z-Score

    • Financial Reporting Games

  • Research Skills: Proficient in SPSS, NVIVO, Smart-PLS, and other quantitative and qualitative research tools

  • Academic Roles: Workshop facilitator, curriculum developer, academic advisor, and accounting cluster member

Top Noted Publication📚

  • Authors: Khalid Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Akhtar

  • Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Volume 11, Article 522

  • Publication Date: April 18, 2024

  • DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03007-3

  • Publisher: Springer Nature

  • Access: Open Access under CC BY 4.0 license

Conclusion

Dr. Khalid Abdul Ghafoor demonstrates exceptional scholarly merit and institutional leadership, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Management Sciences. His work intersects vital areas of finance, technology, and societal impact, underpinned by a strong teaching and mentoring record.

If nominated, Dr. Ghafoor’s candidacy would showcase a model academic who not only publishes rigorously but also bridges theory and practice, mentors future scholars, and contributes holistically to the academic ecosystem.

Carolina López-Nicolás | Business Model Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Carolina López-Nicolás | Business Model Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Prof Carolina López-Nicolás, University of Murcia, Spain

Prof. Carolina López-Nicolás is a Full Professor in the Department of Management and Finance at the University of Murcia, Spain. She has held visiting positions at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) and Michigan State University (USA). Her research explores business model innovation, knowledge management, information systems, mobile communications, gender, family businesses, and management education. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Information & Management, Journal of Knowledge Management, and European Management Journal. Actively involved in international projects like Envision (H2020) and several Erasmus+ initiatives, she collaborates closely with businesses and academia. Passionate about teaching, she educates students at all levels, from undergraduates to doctoral candidates, in management, knowledge strategies, and innovation. She also leads a teaching innovation group and lifelong learning programs at the University of Murcia. Her dedication to research, education, and innovation has made her a leading figure in her field.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Carolina López-Nicolás has a solid academic background in business and management. She earned her Ph.D. in Management from the University of Murcia, Spain, focusing on knowledge management and information systems. Her postgraduate and undergraduate degrees were also completed at the University of Murcia, where she specialized in business administration and innovation. Throughout her academic journey, she has continuously expanded her expertise through research collaborations, visiting professorships, and participation in global academic networks. She has also undergone advanced training in pedagogy, digital transformation, and business model innovation, which enriches her role as an educator. Her international exposure, including her time at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) and Michigan State University (USA), has shaped her interdisciplinary and global perspective on management education and research. 📚🏅🌍

Experience

Prof. Carolina López-Nicolás has extensive academic and professional experience in management, innovation, and education. She has been a Full Professor at the University of Murcia, Spain, where she teaches management, knowledge strategies, and information systems. She has also served as a Visiting Professor at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) and Michigan State University (USA), contributing to international academic programs. In addition to her research and teaching, she actively participates in European projects like Envision (H2020), TEFF Academy, and InnovationLab (Erasmus+), focusing on business model innovation, industry-academia collaboration, and innovative teaching methods. She is the founder and director of the teaching innovation group on management at the University of Murcia and oversees lifelong learning programs. Her experience in bridging academia and industry makes her a key figure in fostering knowledge transfer and educational transformation. 🌍📊📖

Awards and Honors

Prof. Carolina López-Nicolás has received numerous recognitions for her contributions to management research and education. She has been honored for her impactful publications in top-tier journals, including Information & Management and Technological Forecasting & Social Change. She has also received prestigious research grants and funding from European Union programs such as Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+. Her leadership in international projects like Envision and InnovationLab has earned her recognition for fostering collaboration between academia and industry. As a dedicated educator, she has received multiple teaching excellence awards and accolades for innovative curriculum development. Her contributions to lifelong learning initiatives at the University of Murcia have further cemented her reputation as a pioneer in management education. 🏆📚🌟

Research Focus

Prof. Carolina López-Nicolás’ research revolves around business model innovation, knowledge management, information systems, mobile communications, gender studies, family businesses, and management education. She explores how digital transformation and innovation impact organizations, emphasizing knowledge-sharing processes and strategic decision-making. Her studies contribute to understanding how technology and management intersect, particularly in family firms and women-led businesses. Through European projects like Envision (H2020) and InnovationLab (Erasmus+), she collaborates with industry partners to enhance business sustainability and academic-industry synergies. She also investigates educational transformation, focusing on innovative teaching and learning methodologies. Her research has been published in high-impact journals, influencing both academic and corporate practices. With a multidisciplinary approach, she bridges technology, business strategy, and education to drive meaningful impact. 💡📖🌍

Publications Top Notes📄📚

  • Business model innovation in family firms: A strategic perspective
  • Knowledge sharing and innovation in digital organizations
  • The impact of mobile communications on business performance
  • Gender and leadership in knowledge-intensive organizations
  • Information systems as drivers of competitive advantage
  • Digital transformation in family-owned businesses
  • The role of knowledge management in sustainable enterprises
  • Management education in a technology-driven world
  • Bridging academia and industry through collaborative projects
  • The future of innovation in higher education