Positive Performativity and Transformative Management Research

Featuring work presented at the 2025 Faculty of Management Technology Conference at the German University in Cairo, this proceedings presents a timely and comprehensive exploration of transformative forces shaping economies, industries, and societies in the 21st century. Drawing from interdisciplinary and international perspectives, the book compiles cutting-edge research on digital transformation, sustainability, social equity, and innovation. Chapters investigate the role of emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and digital payment systems in reshaping economic development, supply chains, and financial inclusion. It also examines how behavioral insights, remote work, and data visualization tools are influencing management practices and public policy.

In addition to technological and economic themes, the volume gives significant attention to socio-political and environmental dimensions, including climate change financing, sustainable consumption, entrepreneurship among marginalized groups, and education expenditure impacts. By incorporating both empirical and bibliometric methodologies, the book provides a robust analytical foundation and identifies future research directions. This volume serves as a crucial resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Hebatallah Ghoneim is an Associate Professor of Economics and Interim Head of the Economics Department at the German University in Cairo (GUC). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Cairo University, a Master’s in Economics from the American University in Cairo, and a Ph.D. in Economics from GUC. Her research focuses on decent work, international trade, foreign direct investment, financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, with a special emphasis on the MENA region. She is the Editor of the African Review of Economics and Finance (AREF) and serves on the editorial boards of several reputable journals.

José Iparraguirre is a Full Professor of Economics at the German International University (GIU), Professor of Econometrics at the University of Morón in Argentina, and Visiting Professor at the University of Malta. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, five Master’s degrees in diverse disciplines, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Demographic Change. With over 30 years of professional experience in Argentina and the United Kingdom, his research focuses on economics and ageing, labour economics, and macroeconomics. He is the author of a four-volume textbook on Economics and Ageing (Palgrave Macmillan) and numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Martin Walther is an Associate Professor of Financial Markets, Investment, and Banking at the GIU in Berlin. He obtained his habilitation in 2024 and his Ph.D. in 2016 from Technische Universität Berlin. His research interests include behavioral finance, digital finance, risk, and investment decision-making. His work appears in leading journals such as Financial Innovation, the Journal of Behavioral Finance, and the Journal of Financial Markets.

Rasha S. Hassan is an Associate Professor of Innovation and Technology Management at GUC. She earned her BA from the American University in Cairo, MBA from Edinburgh Business School, and Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Aston University, UK. Her research examines the determinants of SME growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship education, with a strong focus on Egypt and the MENA region. Her interests include entrepreneurship, SME development, innovation, and social entrepreneurship.

Noha T. Amer is an Assistant Professor at GUC specializing in Business Informatics and Digital Transformation. She received her Ph.D. in Project Management from the British University in Dubai. Her research focuses on technology adoption, artificial intelligence in higher education, LLM-based grading, and knowledge management. Her publications appear in journals such as the Journal of Enterprise Information Management and Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.

Noha Ghazy is an Assistant Professor of Economics at GIU. She earned her Ph.D. from GUC, focusing on entrepreneurship’s impact on economic performance. Her research explores the effects of digitalization and entrepreneurship on economic growth and their underlying drivers.