Mohammed Ahmed | Engineering Project Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammed Ahmed | Engineering Project Management |Best Researcher Award

Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Iraq

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mohammed Ali Ahmed began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Tikrit, Saladin, Iraq, in 1996. His passion for project coordination and infrastructure development led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, majoring in Project Management, at Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, in 2003. Seeking advanced knowledge and global academic exposure, he earned his PhD in Civil Engineering (Project Management) from the prestigious Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia, in 2020.

🏗️ Professional Endeavors

With over two decades of extensive experience, Dr. Ahmed has significantly contributed to both academia and industry. From 1997 to 1999, he worked in the private sector as a full-time surveyor and estimator, laying the foundation for his technical and practical expertise. He joined Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University in 2005 as a full-time lecturer, and since 2023, he has been affiliated with the Engineering Technical College in Al-Najaf, under the same university, where he teaches subjects like Project Management, Construction Equipment Management, and Management Software Applications. His long-standing role as a Consultant in Civil Engineering since 2007 in the Consulting Engineering Office further reflects his dual capability in theory and fieldwork.

📚 Teaching Experience

Dr. Ahmed has an impressive teaching portfolio spanning more than 20 years, during which he has taught a wide array of civil engineering subjects including Quantitative Surveying, Concrete Materials, Building Materials, Engineering Drawing, and Mathematics. His teaching methodology blends academic rigor with real-world insights, ensuring students receive a holistic learning experience.

🔍 Contributions and Research Focus

During his PhD at QUT (2015–2020), Dr. Ahmed was an active Research Team Member, delving into the implementation of Quality Management Systems (QMS) within the construction industry, particularly in Australia. His research investigates frameworks that facilitate the successful adoption of quality systems, ensuring higher performance and compliance within civil engineering projects.

🧠 Impact and Influence

Dr. Ahmed's influence extends into academic publishing and peer review. He has authored several peer-reviewed papers, including:

  1. The requirements of developing a framework for successful adoption of quality management systems in the construction industry (2017).

  2. An exploration of factors influencing QMS implementation in the Australian construction industry (2020, Doctoral Dissertation).

  3. Effect of montmorillonite clay as aggregate in lightweight concrete cement-free (2022).

He serves as a reviewer for two prominent journals:

  • International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

  • Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management Journal

His scholarly contributions are widely cited and form the basis for subsequent studies in construction project management and quality assurance.

🧮 Technical Skills

Dr. Ahmed is well-versed in various technical tools and software essential for engineering and research, including:

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

  • AutoCAD for engineering design

  • EndNote for reference management

  • NVivo for qualitative research analysis
    These proficiencies empower him to conduct in-depth analysis and present data-driven insights effectively.

📑 Academic Workshops & Certifications

While at QUT, he actively participated in numerous training programs and workshops, which enriched his academic and research competencies. These include:

  • Advanced Information Retrieval Skills (IFN001)

  • Language Development Programs (LDP1 & LDP2)

  • Human Research Ethics & Integrity (HREI1)

  • Intermediate NVivo Workshop

  • Survey Methodology & Conference Preparation Workshops
    These experiences underline his commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence.

🧭 Leadership and Departmental Roles

Dr. Ahmed’s leadership skills were demonstrated during his tenure as Assistant Head and Co ordinatorof the Civil Engineering Department between 2007–2014 and again in 2021–2022. His administrative contributions have been instrumental in curriculum design, departmental development, and fostering academic collaborations.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Mohammed Ali Ahmed stands as a dedicated academic, seasoned professional, and visionary educator. With a strong foundation in project management and civil engineering, he is committed to advancing sustainable engineering practices, mentoring future engineers, and enriching the academic landscape in Iraq and beyond. His future endeavors are expected to focus on enhancing engineering education, developing region-specific project management models, and continuing his interdisciplinary research in collaboration with international institutions.

📚 Selected Publications

  • Title: The requirements of developing a framework for successful adoption of quality management systems in the construction industry

  • Authors: Ahmed, M. A., Coffey, V., & Xia, B.

  • Journal: World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology: International Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering

  • Year: 2017

  • Title: An exploration of factors influencing Quality Management System (QMS) implementation: The case of the Australian construction industry
  • Author: Ahmed, M. A.

  • Type: Doctoral Dissertation

  • Institution: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)

  • Year: 2020

  • Title: Effect of montmorillonite clay as aggregate in lightweight concrete cement-free

  • Authors: Shamsa, M. H., Al-Abdaly, N. M., Ahmed, M. A., & Al-Rammahi, A. A.

  • Journal: Periodicals of Engineering and Natural Sciences

  • Year: 2022

 

 

Prof. Xiaolin Chang | Network Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Xiaolin Chang | Network Security | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Jiaotong university, China.

Xiaolin Chang is a Professor in the Department of Information Security at Beijing Jiaotong University, China. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Sciences from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. With over 15 years of academic research experience and nearly 10 years of industry R&D experience, she has made significant contributions to secure and trustworthy intelligent computing, Blockchain, cloud data centers, and vehicular networks. She has authored or co-authored over 180 research papers in leading international journals and conferences.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Xiaolin Chang earned her Ph.D. in Computer Sciences from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. During her doctoral studies, she focused on cybersecurity, cryptographic protocols, and distributed systems, laying the foundation for her expertise in secure and trustworthy intelligent computing. Her research contributed to advancements in Blockchain security, cloud data protection, and network resilience. The rigorous academic training and exposure to cutting-edge technologies at HKUST shaped her career in both academia and industry, enabling her to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications.

💼 Experience

Xiaolin Chang is a Professor in the Department of Information Security at Beijing Jiaotong University, where she leads research initiatives in secure and trustworthy intelligent computing. With over 15 years of academic research experience, she has guided numerous projects in Blockchain security, cloud data protection, and vehicular networks.

In addition to her academic role, she has nearly 10 years of industrial research and development experience, where she contributed to cutting-edge innovations in cybersecurity, cryptographic systems, and distributed computing. Her industry expertise enables her to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, making a significant impact in both academia and the tech industry.

🔬 Research Interests

Secure & Trustworthy Intelligent Computing

Blockchain Technologies & Consensus Mechanisms

Cloud Data Centers & Network Security

Vehicular Networks & Cybersecurity

🏆 Awards & Honors

Science and Technology Progress Award, Chinese Academy of Sciences (First Class, 1997; Second Class, 1999)

National Science and Technology Progress Award, China (Second Class, 2000)

Ministry of Education Science and Technology Progress Award, China (First Class, 2010)

Huaxia Construction Science and Technology Award, Second Class, 2021

China Invention Association Invention and Entrepreneurship Innovation Award, Second Class, 2023 & 2024

Best Paper Award, IEEE Globecom 2018, ICSOC 2022

Editorial Board Member, IEEE IoT Journal & Two Chinese Journals

📚 Selected Publications

Improving the CRCC-DHR Reliability: An Entropy-Based Mimic-Defense-Resource Scheduling AlgorithmEntropy, 2025

Contributors: Xinghua Wu, Mingzhe Wang, Yun Cai, Xiaolin Chang, Yong Liu

Performance of PBFT Consensus under Voting by GroupsBlockchains, 2024

Contributors: Vojislav Misic, Jelena Misic, Xiaolin Chang

Decentralization Is Good or Not? Defending Consensus in Ethereum 2.0Blockchains, 2024

Contributors: Xiaolin Chang, others

 

 

Ms. Lata Pandey | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Lata Pandey | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, India.

Lata Kumari Pandey is a dedicated PhD Senior Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (IIITA) under the Department of Management Studies. Currently pursuing her PhD in the field of Management, she has demonstrated a strong academic track record, earning numerous qualifications and accolades. With a focus on Behavioral Finance and Digital Payment Systems, her research aims to bridge gaps in understanding consumer behavior in financial sectors. She is also an active contributor to the academic community, having authored several publications, book chapters, and conference papers.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Lata Kumari Pandey has a strong academic background, having excelled in various levels of education. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (IIITA), focusing on Behavioral Finance and Digital Payment Systems. Before this, she completed her M.COM from Kazi Nazrul Islam University with a 1st Class (78.81%), showcasing her strong analytical skills and academic dedication. Lata also holds a B.Com (Hons.) degree from Burdwan University, where she earned 1st Class (68.99%). Her solid foundation in academics began earlier with 12th ISC (82.66%) and 10th ICSE (79%), both from CBSE, demonstrating consistent high performance throughout her educational journey.

Lata Kumari Pandey has continuously excelled academically, having completed her M.Com and B.Com with top honors. Her current pursuit of a PhD focuses on examining modern financial platforms and consumer behavior, preparing her for a significant role in the academic world.

Experience 🏢

Lata Kumari Pandey has gained substantial research experience as a Senior Research Fellow. She has actively contributed to six international workshops and conference organizing committees, enhancing the academic experience within her institution. Her teaching and research activities at IIITA have reinforced her position as a leading scholar in behavioral finance and social media payment systems.

Research Interests 🔍

Lata Kumari Pandey’s research delves into the rapidly evolving field of behavioral finance, exploring how human psychology affects financial decision-making. Her work specifically investigates the risk perception of cryptocurrency investors, shedding light on the psychological factors that influence investment choices in this emerging market.

Social Media Payment Platforms and Adoption
Lata is also focused on the growing use of social media payment platforms (SMPPs), studying the factors that drive user intention and adoption of these platforms. Her research seeks to understand how these digital payment methods impact consumer behavior and their broader implications for financial markets and the economy.

Influence of Social Media Influencers on Investment Decisions
One of Lata’s key interests is examining how social media influencers shape equity investment decisions. She explores the role of influencers in guiding investor behavior and how their recommendations can affect financial choices in the digital age, particularly on platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Financial Literacy and Consumer Behavior
Lata’s work also touches upon financial literacy in the digital age, with a focus on how online resources and social media influence individuals' understanding of finance, investment, and consumer behavior. Her findings aim to provide insights into improving financial education in an increasingly interconnected and digital world.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Lata Kumari Pandey has been recognized with multiple academic awards, including:

JRF in Commerce, with 99.98 percentile (AIR 33)

NET Qualified (2 times)

WBSET (Rank 4, 73.33%)

Selected Publications 📖

Factors Affecting the Risk Perceptions of Cryptocurrency Investors
J. Bhattacharjee, L. Kumari Pandey, R. Singh, H.K. Baker
Journal of Behavioral Finance, 2024, 1-13

Adopting Social Media Payment Platforms: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda
L. Kumari Pandey, R. Singh, A. Singh
Academy of Marketing Studies Journal, 2025, 29(2), 1-20

Beyond the Screen: How YouTube Influencers Shape Equity Investment Decisions
L.K. Pandey, R. Singh, H.K. Baker, H.R. Laskar
Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 2025, 20(15), 1-17

A Data Mining Approach
R. Singh, K. Kajol, B. Pandiya, L. Puri, L.K. Pandey, S. Agarwal, S. Khan
Proceedings of the NIELIT’s International Conference on Communication, Electronic, and Digital Technologies, 2024

Heuristic and Herding in Investment Decision Among Millennials: An Empirical Study of Tripura
Sankha Subhra Deb, Sujit Deb, Lata Kumari Pandey, Lokendra Puri
Emerging Issues in Behavioral Finance, 2024, 167-168