Brice Kamguia | economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Brice Kamguia | economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Brice Kamguia, University of Yaoundé II SOA, Cameroon

Brice Kamguia is a dynamic economist from Cameroon, currently serving with the World Bank Group. With over seven years of experience in development economics, he specializes in innovative, data-driven solutions addressing economic challenges in Africa. He has held prominent roles at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the University of Yaoundé II, and multiple research institutions. Kamguia's expertise spans macroeconomic modeling, econometrics, and policy reform, often collaborating with African and global organizations such as the African Union. His scholarly contributions include publications in leading journals on structural transformation, energy justice, and economic complexity. Adept in software tools like R, Stata, and EViews, Brice is passionate about evidence-based policymaking and capacity building. His diverse regional experience includes work in South Africa, Zambia, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. Kamguia embodies intellectual rigor and a strong commitment to Africa's sustainable economic transformation.

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Evaluation of Suitability: Research for Best Researcher Award

Summary of Suitability:

Brice Kamguia presents a compelling and well-rounded profile that aligns exceptionally with the standards and expectations of the Research for Best Researcher Award. With a Ph.D. in international and development economics and multiple peer-reviewed publications in highly relevant journals, Kamguia demonstrates a strong academic foundation and an active, impactful research portfolio. His work is both original and policy-relevant, addressing critical themes such as economic complexity, energy poverty, trade shocks, and governance — all central to global development and sustainability debates. Notably, his Ph.D. dissertation produced three high-quality research outputs, signaling his ability to generate new knowledge from complex macroeconomic issues, particularly in the African context.

Kamguia’s professional experience further strengthens his candidacy. His work with global organizations like the World Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and African universities showcases his ability to translate academic research into practical policy guidance and development project implementation. His role as a consultant under the World Bank African Fellowship program and his contributions to evidence-based policy development make him a rare blend of researcher and practitioner. He also excels in capacity building, having taught and supervised at multiple higher institutions and participated in extensive econometric training, thereby helping to shape the next generation of economists in Africa.

Education 

Brice Kamguia holds a Ph.D. in International and Development Economics from the University of Dschang (2021). His dissertation explored the impact of terms of trade shocks in Africa through three seminal essays, two of which have been published in peer-reviewed journals. He earned a Master's degree in Mathematics and Statistics applied to Social Sciences from the University of Yaoundé II in 2017, with a thesis analyzing trade facilitation and export competitiveness in CEMAC countries. His foundational academic background was laid with a Bachelor's in Economic and Financial Engineering in 2014 from the same university. Brice has further enriched his knowledge through several World Bank eLearning courses on project financing, risk assessment, and operations. These credentials have given him a robust foundation in theoretical and applied economics, econometrics, and international development, enhancing his capacity for high-impact research, teaching, and consultancy in economic development.

Professional Experience 

Brice Kamguia is currently a Consultant at the World Bank Group under the African Fellowship Program, supporting transport project preparation and policy reforms. He also serves as a Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé II. His previous roles include Research Fellow at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and Assistant Lecturer at the University of Yaoundé II. Brice also contributed as a researcher at both the Centre d'Etude et de Recherche en Economie et Gestion (CEREG) and the European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS). His work focuses on economic development, macroeconomic policy, and institutional reform. Brice has also taught at Sapientiae Higher Institute and provided tutorial guidance at the University of Dschang. His early professional experiences include internships with the University of Yaoundé II, MINESUP, and the National Hydrocarbons Company. Across all roles, he has emphasized innovation, policy development, and capacity building.

Awards and Recognition 

Brice Kamguia has earned distinguished recognition throughout his academic and professional career. His selection into the African Fellowship Program by the World Bank Group marks a significant achievement, demonstrating his capability and potential to contribute to high-impact development initiatives. He has been entrusted with influential policy and research responsibilities at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and has contributed to international dialogues on economic transformation and governance. His doctoral research yielded multiple peer-reviewed publications, enhancing his reputation as an emerging thought leader in development economics. Brice’s roles as a lecturer, researcher, and consultant have consistently showcased his excellence in economic modeling, public policy, and institutional reform. Though early in his career, his impactful publications in journals such as Ecological Economics and The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development affirm his growing influence in shaping economic discourse in Africa.

Research Skill On Economics

Brice Kamguia is equipped with a robust portfolio of research skills central to macroeconomic analysis, structural transformation, and institutional reform in African economies. He is proficient in econometric analysis using R, Stata, and EViews, and excels in dynamic modeling approaches like DSGE. His capacity extends to survey design, micro-macro simulation, and statistical database development. Kamguia's empirical research integrates environmental economics, energy policy, and global value chains, applying cutting-edge quantitative methods. He has collaborated with institutions such as the African Union and UNECA, contributing actionable insights through evidence-based reports and policy dialogues. His field experience across countries including Zambia, South Africa, and Cameroon has enhanced his cultural competence and ability to craft region-specific policy recommendations. His strengths lie in translating complex data into practical reforms and building institutional capacities across multiple governance levels.

  Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Do ICTs drive wealth inequality? Evidence from a dynamic panel analysis
    Authors: H. Njangang, A. Beleck, S. Tadadjeu, B. Kamguia
    Journal: Telecommunications Policy, 46(2), 102246
    Citations: 73
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Does foreign aid impede economic complexity in developing countries?
    Authors: B. Kamguia, S. Tadadjeu, C. Miamo, H. Njangang
    Journal: International Economics, 169, 71–88
    Citations: 72
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Remittances and energy poverty: Fresh evidence from developing countries
    Authors: R. Djeunankan, H. Njangang, S. Tadadjeu, B. Kamguia
    Journal: Utilities Policy, 81, 101516
    Citations: 54
    Year: 2023

  • Title: Natural resources and innovation: Is the R&D sector cursed too?
    Authors: B. Kamguia, J. Keneck-Massil, Y. Nvuh-Njoya, S. Tadadjeu
    Journal: Resources Policy, 77, 102725
    Citations: 37
    Year: 2022

  • Title: Governance in mitigating the effect of oil wealth on wealth inequality: A cross-country analysis of policy thresholds
    Authors: H. Njangang, S.A. Asongu, S. Tadadjeu, Y. Nounamo, B. Kamguia
    Journal: Resources Policy, 76, 102561
    Citations: 37
    Year: 2022

  • Title: How does terms of trade volatility affect macroeconomic volatility? The roles of financial development and institutions
    Authors: D. Avom, B. Kamguia, J.P. Ngameni, H. Njangang
    Journal: International Economics, 168, 98–114
    Citations: 27
    Year: 2021

  • Title: Does infrastructural development foster export upgrading in Africa?
    Authors: B. Kamguia, M. Ndjakwa, S. Tadadjeu
    Journal: African Development Review, 35(1), 79–94
    Citations: 25
    Year: 2023

  • Title: Linking energy poverty and industrialization: Empirical evidence from African countries
    Authors: R. Djeunankan, S. Tadadjeu, B. Kamguia
    Journal: Energy, 292, 130374
    Citations: 22
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Natural resources, child mortality and governance quality in African countries
    Authors: S. Tadadjeu, H. Njangang, S.A. Asongu, B. Kamguia
    Journal: Resources Policy, 83, 103702
    Citations: 18
    Year: 2023

  • Title: Does volatility hinder economic complexity
    Authors: D. Avom, B. Kamguia, J.P. Ngameni
    Journal: Economics Bulletin, 41(3), 1187–1202
    Citations: 18
    Year: 2021

Ekta Selarka | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ekta Selarka | Economics | Best Researcher Award

👤 Dr. Ekta Selarka, Madras School of Economics, India

Dr. Ekta Selarka is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of economics, with a focus on corporate governance, financial economics, and gender diversity. Currently an Associate Professor at Madras School of Economics, Chennai, Dr. Selarka has built a robust career, having previously held academic and research roles at esteemed institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research and Amrita School of Business. She holds a Ph.D. from IGIDR, Mumbai, with her dissertation centered on corporate governance in India. Over the years, Dr. Selarka has earned recognition for her contributions to economic research, publishing extensively in renowned journals and books. Her expertise includes applied corporate finance, firm performance, and banking misallocation. She is also deeply involved in various academic services, serving on editorial boards and doctoral committees. Dr. Selarka is passionate about mentoring students and advancing research in the field of economics.

Professional Profile 

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🌟 Summary of Suitability for the “Research for Best Researcher Award”

Dr. Ekta Selarka demonstrates strong qualifications for the Research for Best Researcher Award through her extensive academic background, diverse research portfolio, and significant contributions to her field. With a Ph.D. from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) in Mumbai, her dissertation on corporate governance in India laid the foundation for her research focus on critical topics such as corporate governance, gender diversity in corporate boards, corporate social responsibility, and the banking sector.

Her professional trajectory showcases both depth and breadth. As an Associate Professor at the Madras School of Economics, she has successfully combined teaching, research, and academic service. Her roles as an academic council member, seminar coordinator, and doctoral committee advisor demonstrate her commitment to advancing institutional and academic excellence.

🎓  Education 

Dr. Ekta Selarka holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the prestigious Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, completed in 2008. Her doctoral dissertation, “Essays on Corporate Governance in India,” was supervised by Professor Subrata Sarkar. Dr. Selarka also earned her Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Electrical Engineering from Bhilai Institute of Technology in 2000. Throughout her educational journey, she has developed expertise in the intersections of corporate governance, finance, and economics. Her academic foundation has been further strengthened through various fellowships and research grants, including the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and Endeavour Executive Fellowship. Her academic endeavors are deeply rooted in empirical research and data analysis, which she combines with her teaching and outreach activities. Dr. Selarka’s education not only defines her research expertise but also underpins her ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions on corporate governance, sustainability, and gender diversity in economics.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Ekta Selarka is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Madras School of Economics (MSE), Chennai, a position she has held since December 2017. Prior to her current role, she was an Assistant Professor at MSE from April 2011 to November 2017. She has also contributed as a Visiting Faculty at the Amrita School of Business, Coimbatore, and worked as a Research Economist at IGIDR, Mumbai, where she developed her expertise in corporate governance and applied finance. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Selarka has gained industry experience as a Business Analyst at GE Capital International Services Ltd. Her diverse experience includes teaching courses such as Behavioral Finance, Financial Economics, and Corporate Finance, as well as conducting workshops and online lectures on research methods, corporate governance, and gender diversity. Dr. Selarka is also involved in various academic services, further advancing her professional portfolio.

🏅Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Ekta Selarka has received numerous prestigious awards and fellowships in recognition of her contributions to the field of economics. She was awarded the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) grant for the period 2018–2020, following a similar grant for 2013–2015. In 2018, Dr. Selarka was honored with the Endeavour Executive Fellowship in Australia. She has also received the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) fellowship (2013–2015) and a Doctoral Student Fellowship from the Reserve Bank of India (2000–2004). Her academic accomplishments are further reflected in her 3rd rank achievement at Pandit Ravishankar University in 2000. Dr. Selarka’s work on corporate governance, financial economics, and sustainability has earned her recognition within both academic and policy-making circles. She continues to be a sought-after speaker at international conferences, sharing her insights into economic theory and practice, especially in emerging markets.

🌍 Research Skills On Economics

Dr. Ekta Selarka’s research skills encompass a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies that have been honed through years of academic and industry experience. She specializes in empirical research, with a particular focus on corporate governance, applied corporate finance, and firm performance. Her skills in econometric analysis, statistical modeling, and financial data interpretation enable her to address complex economic issues, particularly in emerging markets. Dr. Selarka is proficient in various programming languages and statistical tools, including Excel, SAS, and Matlab, which are integral to her research. She has extensive experience in panel data analysis, event study methodologies, and structural equation modeling, all of which contribute to her work on topics such as gender diversity, CSR, and banking misallocation. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining finance, economics, and governance, positions her as a leading researcher in the field of corporate governance and financial economics.

📖 Publication Top Notes

How Effective are Stock Market Reforms in Emerging Market Economies? Evidence from a Panel VAR Model of the Indian Stock Market
    • Authors: S.K. Bhaumik, M. Chakrabarty, A.M. Kutan, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 1
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Journal of Quantitative Economics (Vol. 19, Issue 4, pp. 795–818)
Women on board and performance of family firms: Evidence from India
    • Authors: J. Sarkar, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 40
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Emerging Markets Review (Vol. 46, Article 100770)
Corporate borrowing exuberance and credit cycles- some insights from an emerging economy, India
    • Authors: S. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 0
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Macroeconomics and Finance in Emerging Market Economies (Vol. 14, Issue 2, pp. 180–199)
Corporate Social Responsibility Around the World—An Overview of Theoretical Framework, and Evolution
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 9
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 11–32)
Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility—Introduction
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 11
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 1–10)
Corporate Social Responsibility in India: Evolution and Progress of CSR and Regulations
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 0
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 43–60)
Corporate Social Responsibility—Guidelines and Best Practices
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 1
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 33–42)
Impact of Corporate Governance on Corporate Social Responsibility in India—Empirical Analysis
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 5
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 87–113)
Impact of Corporate Governance on Corporate Social Responsibility: An Empirical Exploration Using Structural Equation Technique
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 1
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 115–125)
CSR Activities in Large Indian Firms—Descriptive Statistics
    • Authors: S.N. Bhaduri, E. Selarka
    • Citation Count: 2
    • Year: 2016
    • Book: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics and Governance (pp. 73–86)

Mohammed Abu Alfoul | Econometrics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul | Econometrics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul, Ezymart Corporation Pty Ltd, Australia

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul is an accomplished economist and data scientist with a focus on digital and shadow economies, ICT’s role in economic growth, and economic modeling. With a Ph.D. in Economics from Swinburne University of Technology, his research spans ICT investment, governance, and their effects on MENA countries’ economic growth. He has gained practical experience through roles in data science and operations management at Ezy Mart Melbourne and Hi-Phone Telecom. Dr. Abu Alfoul’s passion for teaching is evident in his role as a lecturer at Edvantage Institute, where he actively contributes to course development and student engagement. A recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Hussein Prize for Economic Research, he has a strong record of publishing high-impact research. His technical expertise includes machine learning, data science, and statistical modeling, making him a well-rounded professional in both academia and industry.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award’

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul stands out as a highly accomplished and driven professional in the field of Economics and Data Science. His strong academic background, including a PhD in Economics from Swinburne University of Technology, coupled with his exceptional research contributions, makes him an excellent candidate for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award.’ Dr. Abu Alfoul’s thesis on the effects of ICT investment on economic growth in MENA countries demonstrates his ability to address complex, contemporary economic issues using advanced data science methodologies.

🎓  Education 

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Economics from Swinburne University of Technology (2022), where his thesis explored the effects of ICT investment and usage on economic growth in MENA countries, with a focus on governance. He earned his Master’s in Economics from Yarmouk University, Jordan (2016), and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Al Balqa University, Jordan (2012). His educational background bridges economics and technology, enabling him to conduct research that merges economic theory with practical applications in data science and ICT. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Abu Alfoul has consistently demonstrated excellence, securing scholarships and awards, including the International Scholarship Program for Ph.D. Students and the Hussein Prize for Economic Research. His academic pursuits are complemented by his deep technical expertise in machine learning, econometrics, and data visualization, furthering his research in digital economies.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul has accumulated significant experience in both academia and the private sector. Since 2018, he has been an Area Operations Manager (Data Scientist) at Ezy Mart, Melbourne, where he specializes in identifying data sources, building machine learning algorithms, and processing unstructured data to drive business decisions. He also holds a lecturer position in economics at Edvantage Institute, Australia, where he delivers lectures, supports curriculum development, and mentors students in economics courses. Previously, Dr. Abu Alfoul worked as an Executive Account Manager at Hi-Phone Telecom in Jordan (2014-2018), where he was responsible for data collection, predictive modeling, and algorithm development. His role at Furqan Foundation (2010-2014) involved managing data systems and digitizing client information. These experiences have honed his skills in data science, economics, and project management, making him an expert in both practical and theoretical applications of data in economics.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul has received numerous accolades for his contributions to economics and data science. He was awarded the prestigious Hussein Prize for Economic Research in 2022 and 2023, recognizing his groundbreaking research on the digital economy and economic growth in MENA countries. Additionally, he received the International Scholarship Program for Ph.D. students from Swinburne University of Technology, which supported his doctoral studies. Dr. Abu Alfoul’s achievements in the workplace have been acknowledged with the Ezymart Award for Operational Efficiency, Leadership, Innovation, and Data Science in 2023. His research contributions, particularly his published work on ICT investment and the shadow economy, have earned him a reputation as an expert in his field. His commitment to advancing economic research and education is further demonstrated by his active participation in academic conferences, seminars, and as a referee for prominent economic journals.

🌍 Research Skills 

Dr. Mohammed Abu Alfoul’s research skills are wide-ranging and advanced, particularly in the fields of econometrics, data science, and digital economics. He is proficient in using statistical and econometric tools such as Python, R, SQL, C#, E-Views, SPSS, LISREL, Stata, and Cisco for data analysis, modeling, and machine learning. His expertise includes structural equation modeling, probability theory, and stochastic processes, all of which are integral to his research on economic growth, ICT, and the shadow economy. He is skilled in multi-variable analysis, hypothesis testing, and spatial statistics, which he applies to analyze complex economic phenomena. Dr. Abu Alfoul is also adept at data visualization and communication, enabling him to present research findings in an accessible and impactful manner. His extensive background in both academic research and applied data science makes him a leader in his field, well-equipped to tackle complex economic questions with cutting-edge methodologies.

📖 Publication Top Notes

Title: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global stock markets: An event study

  • Authors: I Khatatbeh, M Bani Hani, MN Abu Alfoul
    Journal: International Journal of Economics and Business Administration, 8(4), 505-514
    Cited by: 84
    Year: 2020

Title: Waiting time of public transport passengers in Jordan: magnitude and cost

  • Authors: A Shtayat, M Abu Alfoul, S Moridpour, N Al-Hurr, K Magableh, …
    Journal: The Open Transportation Journal, 13, 227-235
    Cited by: 12
    Year: 2019

Title: Is there any financial Kuznets curve in Jordan? A structural time series analysis

  • Authors: IN Khatatbeh, W Al Salamat, MN Abu-Alfoul, JJ Jaber
    Journal: Cogent Economics & Finance, 10(1), 2061103
    Cited by: 9
    Year: 2022

Title: What Determines the Shadow Economy? An Extreme Bounds Analysis

  • Authors: MN Abu Alfoul, IN Khatatbeh, F Jamaani
    Journal: Sustainability, 14(10), 5761
    Cited by: 9
    Year: 2022

Title: The hidden economy in Jordan: A MIMIC approach

  • Authors: M Abu Alfoul, ZA Mishal, F Schneider, K Magableh, AR Alabdulraheem
    Journal: Cogent Economics & Finance, 10(1), 2031434
    Cited by: 8
    Year: 2022