Assist. Prof. Dr. Neylan kaya | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Neylan kaya | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Akdeniz University | Turkey

Neylan Kaya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. She holds a PhD in Business Administration from Süleyman Demirel University, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Akdeniz University, and an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Akdeniz University. Since 2018, she has been actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, delivering courses such as Operations Research, Managerial Decision Making, and Mathematics. Her academic experience is complemented by extensive jury memberships and participation in numerous national and international scientific conferences. Her research interests lie primarily in quantitative methods, efficiency and productivity analysis, multi-criteria decision-making techniques (such as DEA, VIKOR, TOPSIS, PROMETHEE, and MCDM), corporate governance, ESG practices, insurance and banking performance, and sustainability-related management studies. She has published widely in peer-reviewed international and national journals indexed in SCI-Expanded, SSCI, ESCI, and Scopus, as well as contributed chapters to academic books. Her scholarly work has gained recognition through high-impact journal publications and active involvement in reputable scientific congresses. Overall, her academic profile reflects a strong commitment to advancing evidence-based management research, fostering analytical thinking in higher education, and contributing to the development of quantitative and sustainability-oriented approaches in business and management sciences.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Kaya, N., & Atsan, N. (2025). How green transformational leadership influences employee green behavior: The mediating role of green intrinsic motivation. Journal of Environmental Management.

Kaya, N., Bozcuk, A. E., Tutcu, B., Terzioğlu, M., & Ünal Uyar, G. F. (2025). Evaluating ESG practices from the perspective of transparency and accountability through clustering analysis and MCDM methods. Sustainability.

Kaya, N. (2025). Sigorta şirketlerinin stokastik sınır analizi ile etkinliği: Bir meta analiz. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi.

Dr. Lixing Zheng | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Lixing Zheng | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

PowerChina Chongqing Engineering Co., Ltd | China

Dr. Lixing Zheng is a researcher specializing in hydrogen energy production, life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling, and low-carbon regional scenario analysis. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the South China University of Technology, followed by a PhD from the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. His academic and professional journey has included extensive involvement in postdoctoral research at PowerChina Chongqing Engineering Co., Ltd., where he contributes to advancing sustainable energy systems. Dr. Zheng has authored influential works, including contributions to the Encyclopedia of China (3rd Edition) and several peer-reviewed publications on hydrogen production efficiency, hydrogen energy supply scenarios, hydrogen metallurgy, exergy efficiency, and the life-cycle impacts of renewable energy technologies. His research has supported key national and regional projects focused on energy transformation, carbon neutrality pathways, and industrial technology development. Dr. Zheng’s achievements have been recognized through honors such as the 2024 Outstanding Paper Award from the Journal of Engineering Thermophysics, the 2024 Global Top Ten Award for Commercialisation of Research Results by Engineers, and the Second Prize of the 2025 China Power Construction Group Science and Technology Award. His work continues to advance the scientific foundation for sustainable, low-carbon energy systems.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Analysis of exergy flow and CCUS carbon reduction potential in coal gasification hydrogen production technology in China. Energies.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yu Zhao | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yu Zhao | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Research Excellence Award

Shenyang Jianzhu University | China

Zhao Yu is an accomplished scholar in management science and engineering with a strong academic foundation, holding a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a master’s degree in management science and engineering, and a Ph.D. from Chongqing University. With professional experience spanning academia and government research, he has served as a lecturer, associate professor, and policy research section chief, contributing significantly to both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable development. His research focuses on emergy analysis, carbon emissions, construction sustainability, green building, urban metabolism, zero-waste city governance, supply-chain carbon measurement, and real estate mass appraisal. He has published 18 SCI/SSCI papers as first author, including multiple articles in top-tier CAS Zone 1 journals, and has led more than 2 million RMB in funded research projects, including prestigious Ministry of Education and provincial social science grants. His work has advanced carbon reduction strategies, emergy-based sustainability evaluations, and digital governance in the construction sector. He has also guided students to achieve national awards, reflecting his commitment to talent cultivation and academic excellence. Overall, his contributions demonstrate impactful leadership in advancing sustainable construction, ecological governance, and innovative urban development pathways for regional and national progress.

Profile:  ORCID 

Featured Publications

Zhao, Y. (2025). Assessing recycled concrete’s sustainability with emergy theory and input–output modeling. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Engineering Sustainability.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Coupling system dynamics with emergy analysis to achieve China’s zero-waste city goals: A metabolic perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Efficient project management of historical building groups: A BIM-based approach with the critical chain method and 5D simulation. International Journal of Construction Management.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Flow shop scheduling for prefabricated components production considering parallel machines and buffer constraints. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.

Zhao, Y. (2025). Enhancing real estate mass appraisal in Type II metropolitan cities: A GIS-MGWR approach. International Journal of Strategic Property Management.

Mr. Alireza Ahmadi | Lean Manufacturing | Excellence in Research

Mr. Alireza Ahmadi | Lean Manufacturing | Excellence in Research

Politecnico di Milano/Universidad Politecnica da Madrid, Italy

Author Profile

Orchid 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From his earliest studies in reservoir engineering at Petroleum University of Technology Ahwaz, Alireza Ahmadi demonstrated a passion for understanding complex systems and optimizing resource use. Immersed in fluid dynamics and subsurface modeling, he built a foundation that would later evolve into a broader fascination with organizational and operational systems. His subsequent MSc in Reservoir Engineering at Islamic Azad University – Science and Research Branch (2016) deepened his technical expertise, while a parallel Master of Specialization in Project Engineering from Tose’e Higher Education Institute honed his ability to translate technical insights into actionable project plans. This blend of rigorous engineering training and project management perspectives paved the way for his MBA in Innovation Management from École des Ponts ParisTech in 2020, equipping him with strategic frameworks for fostering creativity and leading change. Today, as he pursues a dual PhD in Management Engineering and Organizational Management at Politecnico di Milano and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, his academic trajectory reflects a seamless evolution from mastering technical subsurface problems to interrogating the structures, processes, and human dynamics that drive organizations forward. His early academic journey, marked by curiosity, interdisciplinary study, and a steady build-up of analytical rigor, laid the groundwork for his transformative approach to both engineering and management challenges.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Over more than 15 years, Alireza’s professional path has woven through varied industries and roles, each contributing to his multidisciplinary acumen. Beginning as a Retail Sales Specialist, he cultivated interpersonal skills and an appreciation for customer-centric thinking. Transitioning into program management with the Iranian Ministry of Oil, he oversaw monitoring and control of mega-projects, developing early expertise in large-scale coordination and stakeholder engagement. As Senior Project Control Manager for a €400M EPC gas condensate refinery project at Kasra Refinery, he managed intricate budgets, negotiated with international partners, and led cross-functional teams, sharpening his capacity for strategic oversight under pressure. Shifting to consultancy roles in Tehran and Paris, he performed economic and technical analyses for energy market ventures and designed geothermal drilling solutions, blending technical proficiency with market insight. His tenure as International Business Development Manager at SOCOTEC Monitoring and ESTD expanded his skillset into strategic expansion and revenue planning in diverse markets. At Politecnico di Milano, he now channels this rich background into research fellow responsibilities and PhD work, optimizing business processes, applying lean methodologies in academic-industry collaborations, and mentoring students. Each professional chapter reflects his ability to adapt, lead multicultural teams, and drive operational excellence, forging a profile that bridges engineering detail, strategic thinking, and innovation leadership.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Alireza’s research interests lie at the nexus of operational excellence, lean systems, and data-driven decision-making within Industry 4.0 contexts. He has contributed to studies on workload control and human-machine interfaces, exploring how organizations harness technology to enhance productivity and adaptability. His dual PhD work examines how management engineering principles can optimize processes in uncertain markets, integrating advanced analytics and digital transformation strategies. In academic-industry projects, he has deployed lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and foster continuous improvement. Through publications on workload control and Industry 4.0 interfaces, he offers actionable insights into balancing automation with human factors, ensuring that technological advances drive not only efficiency but also employee engagement and organizational resilience. By leveraging his engineering roots, he approaches management challenges with a systems-thinking lens, modeling processes akin to complex engineering systems and applying data analytics to reveal hidden patterns and opportunities. His multidisciplinary background allows him to frame research questions that intersect technical feasibility, economic viability, and human considerations, positioning his contributions at the forefront of operational innovation in modern enterprises.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his journey, Alireza’s dedication to excellence and innovation has garnered respect among peers and mentors. His acceptance into dual PhD programs at leading European institutions attests to his academic rigor and the relevance of his research proposals. Achieving an MBA from a prestigious French school and excelling in earlier engineering degrees signal consistent high performance. In professional spheres, being entrusted with multimillion-euro project controls and spearheading international business development initiatives reflect recognition of his leadership and strategic acumen. Within academic and industry networks—such as the Project Management Institute and the Society of Petroleum Engineers—he has contributed ideas, participated in competitions, and shared best practices, building his reputation as a thought contributor. Although formal awards or honors may not all be publicly listed, the trajectory of roles entrusted to him, combined with published research outputs and mentorship roles, underscores a career marked by achievement and peer acknowledgment.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Alireza’s work has influenced both technical projects and organizational practices. By applying lean and data-driven frameworks to academic-industry collaborations, he has helped teams achieve measurable performance improvements, demonstrating how principles rooted in manufacturing and engineering can translate to broader contexts. His analyses of market entry strategies and feasibility studies for energy ventures have shaped decision-making in corporate settings, underscoring his capacity to bridge technical detail with strategic forecasting. In mentoring students at Politecnico di Milano, he passes on applied consulting insights, influencing the next generation of problem solvers. His multicultural experiences—navigating projects in Iran, France, and Italy—enhance his ability to foster inclusive collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives in tackling complex challenges. Through publications on human-machine interfaces in Industry 4.0, he informs practitioners and researchers on designing systems that harmonize automation with human roles, potentially impacting technology adoption and workforce development approaches in multiple sectors.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Alireza Ahmadi is poised to leave a lasting mark on how organizations harness engineering-inspired methodologies and digital tools for sustainable growth. His legacy will be defined by integrating rigorous analytical models with human-centric process design, guiding companies through transformation in uncertain markets. As he completes his dual PhD, the frameworks and case studies he develops may serve as blueprints for operational excellence in diverse industries. His future contributions are likely to include collaborative research projects that bring together academia and industry, leveraging data analytics, lean thinking, and emerging technologies such as AI and IoT to enhance decision-making. By continuing to mentor and share knowledge, he will multiply his impact, empowering teams worldwide to adopt resilient, efficient practices. With a foundation built on interdisciplinary learning and a track record of driving real-world improvements, Alireza’s evolving work promises to influence both theory and practice, cementing his role as a visionary in management engineering and organizational innovation.

📝Notable Publications

The impact of labor flexibility on operational efficiency in industry 5.0: a systematic literature review

Authors: Alireza Ahmadi, Alessandra Cantinia, Víctor Gómez Frías, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Journal: International Journal of Production Research
Year: 2025

A Bibliometric Perspective of Integrating Labor Flexibility in Workload Control

Authors: Alireza Ahmadi, Alessandra Cantini, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Book/Series: In Advances in Production Management Systems (IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol. 730)
Year: 2024

 Applying a process-centric approach to the digitalization of operations in manufacturing companies: a case study

Authors: Matteo Rossini, Alireza Ahmadi, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Journal/Proceedings: Procedia Computer Science
Year: 2024

Enhancing Labor Flexibility in Workload Control: The Development and Application of a Framework

Authors: Alireza Ahmadi, Alessandra Cantini, Federica Costa, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Book/Series: In Advances in Production Management Systems (IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, vol. 730)
Year: 2024

 Integration of Lean Supply Chain and Industry 4.0

Authors: Matteo Rossini, Alireza Ahmadi, Alberto Portioli Staudacher
Journal/Proceedings: Procedia Computer Science
Year: 2024

Raghubir Singh-Best Researcher Award -Decision-making and Problem-solving

Congratulations, Raghubir Singh- Best Researcher Award -Decision-making and Problem-solving-Award Winner 2023 🏆

Dr.Aghubir Singh-Decision-making and Problem-solving

Congratulations to Dr. Raghubir Singh! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Raghubir Singh has been honored with the prestigious Best Researcher Award in the field of Decision-making and Problem-solving. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Singh's outstanding contributions, unwavering dedication, and innovative research in these critical domains.

Professional Profile 

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits:

Dr. Raghubir Singh embarked on his academic journey at the University of Bristol, UK, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Computer Science from 2017 to 2021. Under the guidance of esteemed advisors, Dr. George Oikonomou, Dr. Simon Armour from the University of Bristol, and Prof. Mahesh Sooriyabandara from Toshiba Research and Innovation Lab, Bristol, UK, he laid the foundation for his research career.

Professional Endeavors:

Following his academic achievements, Dr. Singh joined the School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Westminster as a Research Associate in Cloud Computing from January to August 2021. During this period, he actively contributed to a project funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 initiative, titled "Digital twins bringing agility and innovation to manufacturing SMEs" (DIGITbrain). This experience allowed him to collaborate with a dynamic research group led by Prof. Tamas Kiss and resulted in the publication of two research conference papers in IEEE World AI IoT Congress 2022 and IEEE IEMCON 2022.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Dr. Singh's research profile revolves around understanding computation structures and translating this understanding into the development of machine learning models for distributed systems. His research interests span Applied Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Ubiquitous Computing. Notably, he has made significant contributions to the field, evident in his peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. His work on topics like Edge AI and Next Generation Edge Computing showcases a commitment to advancing knowledge in these domains.

Accolades and Recognition:

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Singh has received accolades and recognition for his impactful contributions. His paper titled "HSAM: Hybrid Sentiment Analysis Model for COVID-10 Contact Tracing Application" earned him the Best Paper Presentation Award at the IEEE World AI IoT Congress in 2023. Additionally, his dedication to research excellence is reflected in his involvement as a reviewer for European Union R&D projects and various journals and conferences.

Impact and Influence:

Dr. Raghubir Singh's research has left a notable impact on the academic community, evident in the quality of his peer-reviewed publications and his role as a technical committee member for prestigious conferences. His expertise in areas such as Computational Offloading in Multi-Access Edge Computing has contributed to the ongoing evolution of these fields.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As an academic leader, Dr. Singh has demonstrated exceptional skills in teaching, mentoring students, and fostering international collaborations. His role as a lecturer and program leader at various institutions, including the University of Bath, Wrexham Glyndwr University, and the University of Dundee, highlights his commitment to shaping the next generation of computer scientists. Dr. Singh's future contributions are anticipated to further advance the understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, leaving a lasting legacy in the academic and research communities.