Prof Breandán Ó hUallacháin | Strategic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Breandán Ó hUallacháin | Strategic Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Arizona State University, United States

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📘 Early Academic Pursuits

Born on June 7, 1952, Professor Breandán Ó hUallacháin’s academic journey reflects a deep and sustained commitment to the discipline of geography and regional science. A native of Ireland, he began his scholarly path at the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin, earning a B.A. (Hons) in Geography and Economics in 1973. This formative education grounded him in the socio-economic dimensions of space and place, which later informed much of his research in regional development.

His academic journey continued in the United States, where he obtained an M.A. in Geography from Indiana University in 1976. He then pursued a Ph.D. in Geography at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1982 with a concentration in Regional Science. This interdisciplinary program equipped him with a robust analytical framework and methodological expertise, preparing him for a career that would blend spatial theory with practical economic insight.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Professor Ó hUallacháin’s professional career spans over four decades, beginning with his early academic appointment as an Instructor of Economics at the University of Illinois from 1979 to 1982. He then served as Assistant Professor of Geography at Northwestern University, where he continued to build his research credentials before joining Arizona State University (ASU) in 1987. At ASU, he rose through the ranks from Assistant Professor to full Professor in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning.

In administrative roles, he served with distinction as Chair of the Department of Geography from 1998 to 2004 and as Interim Chair from 1997 to 1998. During his tenure, he was instrumental in shaping the department’s strategic direction, enhancing both its academic offerings and research capacity.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Ó hUallacháin’s research is rooted in regional science, economic geography, and urban planning. His work emphasizes the spatial distribution of economic activity, the evolution of industrial clusters, and the policy dimensions of regional development. Under his leadership, the ASU Department of Geography saw a significant increase in external research funding—from $898,000 in 1997–1998 to $2.5 million in 2002–2003. This impressive growth was a testament to the research culture he fostered and his own active contributions to competitive grant writing and collaborative inquiry.

He also oversaw the creation of graduate and undergraduate certificates in cutting-edge fields such as Geographical Information Science (GIS), Transportation, and Atmospheric Sciences. These innovations ensured that ASU remained at the forefront of geography education in the U.S., aligning academic programs with emerging trends and workforce demands.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While specific awards are not listed in the provided biography, Professor Ó hUallacháin’s impact is evident in the trust placed in him by both his institution and his peers. His recommendations on personnel matters were consistently upheld by Arizona State University, suggesting high regard for his leadership and judgment. His graduate student recruitment program was described by external reviewers as a “model best practice operation”, indicating national-level recognition for excellence in academic mentoring and program development.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Professor Ó hUallacháin has not only shaped individual careers through mentorship but also significantly influenced the broader field of geography through curriculum innovation and institutional leadership. His role in expanding ASU’s course offerings and student enrollment had a transformative effect. From 1998 to 2003, enrollment in geography courses increased by 59%, reflecting his ability to make geography both accessible and relevant to a new generation of students.

As a Visiting Assistant Professor at the American Graduate School of International Management in 1988, he extended his influence beyond traditional geography departments, showing the interdisciplinary value of his expertise in global business and economics.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Now a senior figure in his discipline, Professor Ó hUallacháin’s legacy lies in his integration of rigorous academic research with practical applications in economic geography and planning. His educational programs and administrative innovations continue to shape ASU’s reputation as a hub for geographic scholarship. With grandchildren now a part of his growing family, his personal legacy is as meaningful as his professional one.

Looking forward, his continued presence in academia promises valuable mentorship, thought leadership, and contributions to evolving discussions around sustainable urban planning, regional inequality, and data-driven geographic research.

📝Notable Publications

Sectoral growth patterns at the metropolitan level: an evaluation of economic development incentives

Authors: B. Ó hUallacháin, M.A. Satterthwaite
Journal: Journal of Urban Economics
Year: 1992

The location and growth of business and professional services in American metropolitan areas, 1976–1986

Authors: B. Ó hUallacháin, N. Reid
Journal: Annals of the Association of American Geographers
Year: 1991

Spatial Analysis, Industry, and the Industrial Environment: International industrial systems

Authors: F.E.I. Hamilton, G.J.R. Linge
Journal: Wiley
Year: 1979

Rethinking the regional knowledge production function

Authors: B. Ó hUallacháin, T.F. Leslie
Journal: Journal of Economic Geography
Year: 2007

Sources of metropolitan growth

Authors: E.S. Mills, J.F. McDonald, M.L. McLean
Journal: Transaction Publishers
Year: 2012

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

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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

Sasmeeta Tripathy-Performance Management Award-Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Sasmeeta Tripathy-Performance Management Award-Best Researcher Award 

ITER,Siksha'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to be University)-India 

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sasmeeta Tripathy's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from BPUT, Orissa, in 2005. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for research led her to pursue a Master's degree in Production Engineering from NIT, Rourkela, in 2007. This laid a solid foundation for her subsequent Ph.D. from SOA University in 2017, where her research focused on parametric optimization and surface modification studies of H-11 die steel using powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM). Her academic pursuits reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering, particularly in non-traditional machining and modern manufacturing processes.

Professional Endeavors

With over seventeen years of experience in teaching and research in undergraduate and postgraduate engineering, Dr. Tripathy has demonstrated exceptional skills in motivating students, planning course syllabi, assessing student progress, and handling administrative responsibilities in educational institutes. Her expertise extends to production management, quality and reliability engineering, and optimization methods. Her dynamic teaching approach aims to instill a lifelong love of knowledge and ethical values in young engineering professionals.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tripathy's contributions to the field of mechanical engineering are evident through her published papers in international journals and conferences. Her research primarily focuses on optimizing machining processes, such as EDM and PMEDM, for improved material removal rates, surface finish, and micro-hardness. She has developed innovative approaches using techniques like Taguchi, TOPSIS, GRA, and multi-objective optimization to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing processes. Her work has practical implications for industries relying on precision machining and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Tripathy's research prowess has earned her recognition and accolades in the form of published papers in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences. Her contributions to multi-attribute optimization, surface characterization, and process parameter optimization have been well-received in the academic and industrial communities. Her hybrid approach combining PCA-based TOPSIS and GRA for multi-objective optimization showcases her innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Impact and Influence on Performance Management Award

Through her research and teaching endeavors, Dr. Tripathy has had a significant impact on shaping the next generation of mechanical engineers. Her expertise in production engineering, coupled with her ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, has inspired students and fellow researchers alike. Her work has contributed to advancements in machining technologies and optimization methods, leading to more efficient and reliable manufacturing processes.

The Performance Management Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skills and achievements in effectively managing and optimizing performance within their organizations. Recipients of this award exhibit a deep understanding of performance metrics, strategic goal alignment, and employee development strategies that contribute significantly to the overall success of the company. Their ability to implement performance management systems, provide constructive feedback, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement sets them apart as leaders in driving organizational excellence.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Tripathy continues her professional journey, her legacy lies in her pioneering research, dedication to teaching excellence, and commitment to ethical engineering practices. Her future contributions are expected to further bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation and sustainable development in the field of mechanical engineering. Her work serves as a beacon for aspiring researchers and engineers, highlighting the transformative potential of cutting-edge research in manufacturing and production engineering

Winners of the Performance Management Award are those who have successfully implemented innovative performance evaluation techniques, fostered a culture of accountability and high performance, and achieved measurable results in terms of productivity, efficiency, and employee engagement. Their contributions not only enhance individual and team performance but also contribute positively to the company's bottom line and long-term growth objectives. This award recognizes their dedication, expertise, and outstanding contributions in the field of performance management, making them invaluable assets to their organizations.

Notable publications