Mr. Hani Tarabichi | Change Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Hani Tarabichi | Change Management | Best Researcher Award

Aalto University, Finland

Author profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Hani Tarabichi’s academic journey is rooted in a multidisciplinary foundation that has shaped his unique perspective on global development and innovation. He earned his Bachelor of Computer Science from Eastern Michigan University in April 1991, providing him with a solid technical base. Recognizing the intertwined nature of technology, economics, and global affairs, he went on to complete a Master of Economics in Trade, Development, and Planning from the same institution in June 1994. These formative academic experiences fostered in him a deep appreciation for systems thinking, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Currently, Hani is pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering & Management at Aalto University, expected to be completed by December 2025. His doctoral journey reflects his continued passion for integrating strategic planning with human-centered approaches, particularly in the context of humanitarian and international development initiatives. Aalto University, known for its interdisciplinary innovation and research excellence, offers a fitting environment for his intellectually ambitious and socially impactful goals.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Hani Tarabichi has built a distinguished professional path characterized by strategic leadership, educational innovation, and international collaboration. As the Strategy Lead at WiTLAB (World in Transition LAB) at Aalto University since December 2023, Hani has been at the forefront of shaping the lab’s vision and impact. WiTLAB, an interdisciplinary program focusing on humanitarian architecture and life-wide learning, benefits significantly from his strategic foresight. He successfully crafted a roadmap for growth and internationalization, strengthened stakeholder networks, and facilitated memorandums of understanding with international NGOs and universities in the Global South.

Prior to this, from October 2022 to November 2023, Hani served as a Lecturer and Mentor in the IDBM (International Design & Business Management) program at Aalto University. Here, his role encompassed co-lecturing in courses like Business Model Design and Advanced Topics in IDBM. His contributions helped elevate student satisfaction scores, enhance curriculum relevance, and introduce critical perspectives on decolonizing peace and global development. Moreover, his mentorship notably increased thesis completion rates, a testament to his ability to guide and inspire future professionals.

Earlier roles, including his time as a Program Manager (details of which were partially provided), also reflect his extensive experience in orchestrating academic and capacity-building initiatives.

🌍 Contributions and Research Focus

Hani Tarabichi’s work sits at the intersection of strategy, education, and social impact. His contributions span strategic planning, interdisciplinary education, and the cultivation of global learning communities. At WiTLAB, he leverages research to promote life-wide learning, humanitarian responses, and sustainable development. His focus is not only on addressing immediate educational needs but also on building long-term capacity in marginalized or transitional communities through inclusive and participatory approaches.

In the IDBM program, his efforts brought a critical global lens to design and business pedagogy, challenging conventional narratives and introducing topics such as the decolonization of peace-building efforts. His research and programmatic focus emphasize collaborative problem-solving, integrating insights from business, design, and technology to create solutions for complex global challenges.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While Hani’s professional style leans toward collaboration over personal accolades, his impact is nonetheless recognized through tangible outcomes. Under his leadership at WiTLAB, stakeholder engagement increased by 28%, and digital outreach saw significant growth—with viewership up by 38% and social media followers rising by 32%. His teaching in IDBM earned him student evaluation scores of 4.6 out of 5, and his content development efforts led to an 18% increase in participant satisfaction.

Moreover, his success in securing new organizations as case study partners enriched the program’s diversity and relevance. These metrics are reflective of both peer and institutional recognition for his contributions to academic innovation and engagement.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Hani’s influence extends well beyond the classroom or boardroom. Through his work at Aalto University, he is shaping a new generation of changemakers equipped with the skills, empathy, and systems-thinking mindset necessary for global problem-solving. His emphasis on humanitarian architecture and life-wide learning speaks to his belief in education as a tool not just for employment, but for empowerment and societal transformation.

By fostering inclusive collaborations between Northern institutions and Global South partners, Hani is actively contributing to a more equitable academic and development landscape. His model encourages reciprocity, shared learning, and sustainable partnerships.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Hani Tarabichi is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the domains of strategic educational reform, interdisciplinary program development, and global south-north partnerships. His Ph.D. research is expected to deepen his insights into how strategic planning and design thinking can be applied in humanitarian contexts, potentially influencing both academic literature and on-the-ground practices.

Hani’s legacy will likely be felt in the programs he develops, the students he mentors, and the cross-cultural dialogues he facilitates. His career reflects a commitment to bridging theory and practice, always grounded in the belief that innovation, when driven by empathy and strategy, can truly transform the world.

Notable publications 

Public sector innovation through nested experimental spaces: Reinventing the immigrant integration system

  • Authors: Hani H. Tarabichi, Henri A. Schildt, Farah F. Kodeih

  • Journal: Research Policy

  • Year: 2025

Assoc Prof Dr. RIZWAN QAISAR DANISH | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. RIZWAN QAISAR DANISH | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

IBA, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Rizwan Qaiser Danish’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for knowledge in the field of management. His educational trajectory began with a strong foundation in business and management studies, obtaining his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Shah Abdul Latif University, Sindh, in 2004, where he achieved a remarkable CGPA of 3.76. This early success in his MBA laid the groundwork for his future academic and professional contributions.

Further honing his expertise, Dr. Danish pursued an MS in Management from COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (IT), Lahore, in 2008, where he achieved a respectable CGPA of 3.00. This phase marked the beginning of his deeper exploration into organizational dynamics and human resource management (HRM), areas that would shape his later research pursuits. Dr. Danish’s pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. His academic trajectory continued to rise as he achieved a PhD in Management (specializing in Human Resource Management) from COMSATS Institute of IT, Lahore, in 2015, with a CGPA of 3.55. The focus of his doctoral research was on the perceptions of organizational politics and its impact on employees’ performance in Pakistani workplaces, providing valuable insights into the intersection of organizational behavior and human resource practices.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Danish’s professional career has been as dynamic as his academic pursuits. He embarked on his career as an educator and researcher, using his knowledge to shape future leaders and professionals in the field of business management. His teaching expertise spans various subjects, including Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Change Management, Performance Management, and Strategic Management at both graduate and postgraduate levels. This breadth of knowledge and teaching experience has allowed him to influence and mentor a significant number of students throughout his career.

In addition to his teaching role, Dr. Danish has been deeply involved in research, both in academic institutions and in collaboration with various organizations. His involvement as a Research Fellow at the Centre of Research Excellence and Incubation Management at UniSZA in Malaysia, which he joined in June 2024, further demonstrates his commitment to the advancement of research and innovation in the field of management. His postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious Queensland University of Technology in Australia (2022-2023) allowed him to refine his expertise in areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green practices, and sustainable business performance, showcasing his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in management.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Rizwan Danish has made significant contributions to the understanding of organizational dynamics, HRM, and employee performance. His research work focuses on the complexities of organizational politics, motivation, and employee performance, especially in the context of Pakistan. His MS thesis explored the link between perceived organizational politics and work performance, setting the stage for his future research endeavors. His PhD thesis, titled “Perceptions of Organizational Politics and Employees’ Performance: An Integrative Model of Pakistani Worksites,” extended this focus, offering an integrative model that is now widely cited in the field.

Dr. Danish has also conducted research on topics such as reward and recognition, leadership spirituality, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment, with a focus on public and private sector organizations. His postdoctoral research project, which examines the impact of CSR, green practices, and organizational politics on sustainable business performance, reflects his dedication to bridging the gap between management practices and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, his involvement in mentoring more than 250 MPhil and PhD scholars demonstrates his active engagement in shaping the next generation of researchers.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Rizwan Qaiser Danish’s research contributions have been widely recognized within the academic community. With over 6,600 citations, an h-index of 34, and an i10-index of 78, his work has made a lasting impact on the field of management. His ResearchGate profile further attests to his scholarly influence, and his publications in high-impact journals demonstrate the relevance and significance of his research. His work is not only recognized in academic circles but also holds practical implications for businesses seeking to improve organizational performance and employee well-being.

In addition to his academic success, Dr. Danish’s leadership and mentorship in supervising numerous theses and dissertations have earned him respect from colleagues and students alike. He has supervised 11 PhD scholars who have successfully defended their theses, and many others are in the process of completing their research under his guidance. His role as a mentor has played a crucial part in advancing knowledge in the management field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Danish’s work has had a profound impact on both the academic community and the business world. His research on organizational politics, CSR, and sustainable business practices has provided organizations with valuable insights into how they can improve employee performance and implement more effective management strategies. His research projects, such as the study of organizational politics in Pakistani workplaces, offer practical solutions that address cultural and organizational challenges in a regional context. This has made his work particularly valuable in shaping HRM policies and practices in Pakistan and beyond.

Dr. Danish’s influence extends to his students and research scholars, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in academia and industry. His teachings on subjects such as leadership, team building, and organizational behavior have equipped students with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive world of business management.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Danish continues his career, his contributions to the field of management will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. His focus on sustainable business practices, CSR, and the intersection of organizational politics with employee performance has positioned him as a leading researcher in the field. Moving forward, his future research endeavors will likely continue to explore the impact of environmental and social factors on business performance, furthering his commitment to creating sustainable solutions for businesses globally.

Dr. Danish’s legacy will not only be measured by his scholarly publications and research contributions but also by the countless students and researchers he has mentored. As he continues to innovate and explore new avenues in management research, his work will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders in business.

 Impact of Reward and Recognition on Job Satisfaction and Motivation: An Empirical Study from Pakistan

Authors: R.Q. Danish, A. Usman
Journal: International Journal of Business and Management
Year: 2010
Volume/Issue: 5(2), Pages 159

Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment of University Teachers in Public Sector of Pakistan

Authors: M.E. Malik, S. Nawab, B. Naeem, R.Q. Danish
Journal: International Journal of Business and Management
Year: 2010
Volume/Issue: 5(6), Pages 17

How Corporate Social Responsibility Boosts Firm Financial Performance: The Mediating Role of Corporate Image and Customer Satisfaction

Authors: H.Y. Ali, R.Q. Danish, M. Asrar‐ul‐Haq
Journal: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management
Year: 2020
Volume/Issue: 27(1), Pages 166–177

 The Impact of Service Quality on Students’ Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutes of Punjab

Authors: A. Usman, R.Q. Danish
Journal: Journal of Management Research
Year: 2010
Volume/Issue: 2(2)

 The Impact of Pay and Promotion on Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Higher Education Institutes of Pakistan

Authors: M.E. Malik, R.Q. Danish, Y. Munir
Journal: American Journal of Economics
Year: 2012