THANDILE NCWANA | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 02/11/202602/11/2026 by Academic Excellence

Best Researcher Award

Thandile Ncwana

Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa

Thandile Ncwana
Researcher	Thandile N’wana
Affiliation	Mangosuthu University of Technology
Country	South Africa
Google Scholar ID	GT6nlCMAAAAJ
Documents	21
Citations	17
h-index	2
Subject Area	Social Sciences
Event	International Academic Excellence Awards
ORCID	0000-0002-3663-2005

Thandile Ncwana is a researcher affiliated with Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa, whose scholarly work focuses on social sciences, public administration, municipal governance, inclusive development and public participation. The research addresses governance challenges and opportunities within South African institutions, with particular attention to sustainable urban development, institutional capacity and equitable participation in decision-making. The researcher is featured in connection with the Best Researcher Award under the International Academic Excellence Awards.

Contents

Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
Research Profile
Research Contributions
Publications
Research Impact
Award Suitability
Conclusion
External Links
References

Abstract

Thandile N’wana’s research examines contemporary challenges in South African public administration and social development. The scholarly contributions address electronic public participation in metropolitan integrated development planning, internal migration and municipal governance, barriers affecting women entrepreneurs, and institutional approaches to strengthening state capacity. These themes highlight the relationship between governance structures, technological innovation, social inclusion and sustainable development. The research portfolio includes journal publications addressing practical policy questions and institutional improvements. Available bibliometric information records 21 documents, 17 citations and an h-index of 2. This profile presents the research themes, selected publications and relevance to the Best Researcher Award category.

Keywords

Public administration, municipal governance, electronic public participation, integrated development planning, sustainable urban development, internal migration, inclusive governance, women entrepreneurship, government capacity, emerging technologies, social sciences.

Introduction

Effective governance and inclusive public institutions are important components of sustainable development. South African municipalities face interconnected challenges involving population mobility, service delivery, public participation and institutional capacity. Research addressing these issues contributes to discussions on improving public administration and strengthening relationships between government institutions and communities. N’wana’s publications explore these subjects through governance-oriented research, examining the potential of emerging technologies and institutional approaches to support more inclusive decision-making and development planning.[1][2]

Research Profile

The research profile is situated within social sciences, particularly public administration, governance and development studies. Its central themes concern how public institutions can respond to changing social conditions while maintaining accountability, accessibility and service-delivery effectiveness. The portfolio also considers the contribution of digital technologies to public participation and the structural barriers that influence economic inclusion. These interconnected research interests provide a foundation for examining institutional performance and policy implementation in the South African context.

Research Contributions

The research portfolio covers several relevant areas of contemporary governance:

Digital public participation: Investigates emerging technologies and their potential to strengthen community participation in metropolitan planning.
Municipal governance: Examines internal migration and its implications for inclusive service delivery and sustainable urban development.
Economic inclusion: Addresses structural and financial barriers affecting women entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Institutional development: Explores governance models and lessons for developing capable and effective public institutions.

Together, these themes connect administrative research with practical policy considerations and sustainable development objectives.[3][4]

Publications

Selected publications associated with the research profile include:

E-Public Participation in South Africa Metropolitan Integrated Development Planning: Best Practices, Challenges and an Inclusive Implementation Framework. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 8(5), 2026. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.1552
Internal Migration and Governance in South African Municipalities: Implications for Inclusive Service Delivery and Sustainable Urban Development. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 8(5), 2026. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.1384
Resilience amidst Exclusion: Overcoming Structural and Financial Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa. International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 8(5), 2026. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.1538
Building a Capable State through Government of National Unity: Drawing Lessons from Governance Models of Selected Countries. SAAPAM’s Journal of Public Administration, 2025. https://doi.org/10.53973/jopa.2025.60.3.a5
The Incorporation of Innovative Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Public Participation: A Case of South African Metropolitans. Journal of Public Administration & Development Alternatives, 10(1), 125–143, 2025.

Research Impact

The reported bibliometric indicators provide a quantitative overview of the researcher’s scholarly publication and citation record. The available figures include 21 documents, 17 citations and an h-index of 2. These indicators offer a limited snapshot of research visibility and should be interpreted alongside publication quality, disciplinary context, originality and practical relevance. The research topics have potential relevance to municipal policymakers, public administrators, development practitioners and researchers interested in inclusive governance and institutional effectiveness.

Award Suitability

The Best Researcher Award profile recognizes scholarly activity and contributions within the social sciences. N’wana’s research addresses relevant governance and development challenges, supported by publications covering public participation, migration, entrepreneurship and institutional capacity. The combination of these subjects demonstrates a research focus on policy-relevant questions and inclusive development. The reported publication and citation indicators provide additional context for evaluating the research portfolio. Final award recognition remains subject to the applicable evaluation procedures and selection criteria of the International Academic Excellence Awards.

Conclusion

Thandile N’wana’s research contributes to scholarly discussions on public administration, municipal governance and inclusive development in South Africa. The selected publications address institutional challenges and opportunities for improving public participation, service delivery and social inclusion. The research profile reflects the importance of connecting academic investigation with practical governance and development priorities. These contributions provide the basis for consideration within the Best Researcher Award category of the International Academic Excellence Awards.

External Links

References

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy. (2026). E-Public Participation in South Africa Metropolitan Integrated Development Planning: Best Practices, Challenges and an Inclusive Implementation Framework. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.1552
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy. (2026). Internal Migration and Governance in South African Municipalities: Implications for Inclusive Service Delivery and Sustainable Urban Development. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.1384
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy. (2026). Resilience amidst Exclusion: Overcoming Structural and Financial Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v8i5.1538
SAAPAM’s Journal of Public Administration. (2025). Building a Capable State through Government of National Unity: Drawing Lessons from Governance Models of Selected Countries. https://doi.org/10.53973/jopa.2025.60.3.a5
Journal of Public Administration & Development Alternatives. (2025). The Incorporation of Innovative Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Public Participation: A Case of South African Metropolitans. 10(1), 125–143.
ORCID. (n.d.). Thandile N’wana – ORCID researcher identifier. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3663-2005
International Academic Excellence Awards. (n.d.). Official award website. https://academicexcellenceawards.com/

Mohammadreza Farrokhnia | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 24/12/202424/12/2024 by Academic Excellence

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia, University of Twente, Netherlands

Mohammadreza Farrokhnia is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at the University of Twente, Netherlands. With a focus on enhancing students’ learning experiences, he has been dedicated to exploring the impact of various teaching tools and methodologies, particularly in science education. His research spans diverse areas, including the use of stop-motion animations to enhance scientific reasoning and the role of digital tools in fostering collaboration among students. Mohammadreza’s commitment to educational technology is reflected in his extensive academic journey, having completed his Ph.D. in Educational Technology at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran. He has published several impactful papers in top-tier journals and has been an active researcher, educator, and course coordinator across institutions in both Iran and the Netherlands.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammadreza Farrokhnia is an exemplary candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award,” with a distinguished academic and professional background in educational technology and instructional design. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Tarbiat Modares University, he has conducted extensive research on the impact of digital and collaborative tools in enhancing students’ learning experiences. His contributions span multiple high-impact research areas, including the integration of technology in education, the role of gamification in K-12 learning, and the application of innovative teaching methods such as stop-motion animation in science education.

Dr. Farrokhnia’s academic achievements are further demonstrated through his impressive record of peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Computers & Education and Innovations in Education and Teaching International.

Education

Mohammadreza Farrokhnia’s educational background is rich and diverse. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, where his dissertation explored the impact of student-generated stop-motion animations on scientific reasoning. His Master’s degree in Science Education from Shahid Rajaei Teacher Training University, Tehran, was marked by his innovative thesis on using concept maps to solve misconceptions in chemistry. Earlier, he completed a BSc in Physics at the same institution. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in educational theory and practice, merging his expertise in science education with instructional technology. His outstanding academic achievements are underscored by high GPAs, including an 18.55 out of 20 in his doctoral studies, and a solid track record of research in education. Mohammadreza’s interdisciplinary approach blends technology with education, making him a leader in instructional technology and science education.

Professional Experience

Mohammadreza Farrokhnia has a wealth of professional experience spanning multiple roles in education and research. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology at the University of Twente, Netherlands, where he leads research and teaches courses on educational technology. Previously, he held a position as an Educational Researcher at Wageningen University, where he worked on developing online platforms for fostering entrepreneurial skills among higher education students. Mohammadreza also gained valuable experience as a guest researcher and visiting researcher at Utrecht University, contributing to projects on stop-motion animation and its effects on students’ learning. His work as a lecturer spans institutions such as Shahid Rajaei Teacher Training University, Tarbiat Modares University, and Wageningen University. His teaching areas include science education, instructional design, and ICT in education. Mohammadreza’s diverse roles have contributed significantly to his expertise in educational technology and pedagogy.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Mohammadreza Farrokhnia has received several accolades and recognition for his contributions to education and research. His research has been published in prestigious journals like the British Journal of Educational Technology and Computers & Education, highlighting his impact in the fields of educational technology and science education. His work on student-generated stop-motion animation and digital learning environments has gained widespread recognition, contributing to a shift in how educational tools can enhance scientific reasoning and learning outcomes. Mohammadreza’s innovative approach to instructional technology has also earned him various invitations to speak at international conferences and serve as a peer reviewer for top-tier journals. His ability to blend educational theory with technology-driven methods has positioned him as a thought leader in his field. Additionally, his research on gamification and entrepreneurship in education has been well-received in academic circles.

Research Skills On Social Sciences

Mohammadreza Farrokhnia’s research expertise lies at the intersection of educational technology and science education, with a focus on enhancing student learning through innovative tools and methodologies. He is skilled in designing and conducting research on cognitive and collaborative learning, particularly in the context of digital environments. His proficiency includes using animation, gamification, and concept mapping to improve students’ scientific reasoning and conceptual understanding. Mohammadreza’s research also explores the role of digital informal learning in improving academic performance, bridging the gap between students’ digital competence and educational outcomes. He is experienced in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and systematic literature reviews. Mohammadreza’s ability to assess and evaluate the impact of educational technologies in real-world settings has been a key strength in his work. His research contributions aim to inform and shape the future of educational practices, especially in higher education and science learning.

Publication Top Notes

A SWOT analysis of ChatGPT: Implications for educational practice and research
Authors: M Farrokhnia, SK Banihashem, O Noroozi, A Wals
Journal: Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 61(3), 460-474
Citation: 826
Year: 2024
The mediating role of digital informal learning in the relationship between students’ digital competence and their academic performance
Authors: M Mehrvarz, E Heidari, M Farrokhnia, O Noroozi
Journal: Computers & Education, 104184
Citation: 188
Year: 2021
Computer-supported collaborative concept mapping: The effects of different instructional designs on conceptual understanding and knowledge co-construction
Authors: M Farrokhnia, HJ Pijeira-Díaz, O Noroozi, J Hatami
Journal: Computers & Education, 142, 103640
Citation: 125
Year: 2019
A study on the impact of real, virtual and comprehensive experimenting on students’ conceptual understanding of DC electric circuits and their skills in undergraduate …
Authors: M Farrokhnia, A Esmailpour
Journal: Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 5474-5482
Citation: 99
Year: 2010
The impacts of constructivist learning design and learning analytics on students’ engagement and self-regulation
Authors: SK Banihashem, M Farrokhnia, M Badali, O Noroozi
Journal: Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 59(4), 442-452
Citation: 77
Year: 2022
Using gamification to support learning in K‐12 education: A systematic literature review
Authors: H Dehghanzadeh, M Farrokhnia, H Dehghanzadeh, K Taghipour, …
Journal: British Journal of Educational Technology
Citation: 53
Year: 2023
Student-generated stop-motion animation in science classes: A systematic literature review
Authors: M Farrokhnia, RFG Meulenbroeks, WR van Joolingen
Journal: Journal of Science Education and Technology, 29(6), 797-812
Citation: 52
Year: 2020
The effects of using Merrill’s first principles of instruction on learning and satisfaction in MOOC
Authors: M Badali, J Hatami, M Farrokhnia, O Noroozi
Journal: Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 59(2), 216-225
Citation: 41
Year: 2022
Bridging the fields of entrepreneurship and education: The role of philosophical perspectives in fostering opportunity identification
Authors: M Farrokhnia, Y Baggen, H Biemans, O Noroozi
Journal: The International Journal of Management Education, 20(2), 100632
Citation: 37
Year: 2022
Higher education students’ perceived readiness for computer-supported collaborative learning
Authors: G Khalifeh, O Noroozi, M Farrokhnia, E Talaee
Journal: Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 4(2), 11
Citation: 36
Year: 2020

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