The Role of AI in Modern Project Management

Salim Al Daraai stands out as an inspiring figure in the academic and research communities, particularly in the fields of Business and Accounting. Currently a lecturer at Muscat College in the Sultanate of Oman, Salim has dedicated himself to fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators. Salim has pursued excellence in education and research throughout his career. His academic journey led him to earn a Master's degree in Management from the University of Liverpool in 2017, where his dissertation focused on delegation's influence on the success of SMEs in Oman. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom. Salim's professional journey is marked by significant contributions to the oil and gas industry, where he worked in various capacities, including as a Petroleum Engineer Assistant Workshop Manager, & Engineers Leader at Ray International Oil & Gas. His transition from the industry to academia in 2021 as a lecturer at Muscat College showcases his passion for teaching and mentoring students. Salim's research interests lie in human resources and innovation. He actively involves students and the community in his research, aiming to make a tangible impact through his work. His publications and conference presentations reflect a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in his field, with topics ranging from the automation revolution in recruitment to the synergies between innovation and internationalization in family firms. Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Salim is actively involved in service roles within Muscat College, contributing to exam and training committees and taking leadership roles in student learning platforms. His dedication to student engagement and practical learning experiences form the core of his teaching philosophy.

Araby Madbouly is an Associate Professor of Economics and currently serves as the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Muscat College, Sultanate of Oman. He holds a PhD in Economics and International Economics (2007) from Helwan University, Egypt, where his doctoral research focused on currency crises prediction and prevention in emerging markets. He also earned a Master’s degree in International Economics (1999) and a Bachelor of Commerce in Foreign Trade (1993) from Helwan University. Dr. Madbouly has made significant academic contributions in the fields of economics, finance, corporate governance, and innovation management. His scholarly output includes numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, with recent works addressing FinTech adoption, corporate governance in the GCC, sustainable financial inclusion, and innovation ecosystems. He has co-authored publications with international collaborators in Cogent Business & Management, Corporate Governance, Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, and Routledge volumes, among others. Beyond research, Dr. Madbouly has played a key role in academic leadership and program development. At Muscat College, he successfully secured accreditation for several collaborative degree programs with UK universities, including MSc and BA programs in management, data science, and sustainability. He also serves as an External Reviewer for the Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance (OAAAQA), contributing to higher education quality standards in Oman. His professional record also includes extensive supervision of MSc and PhD students, external examining at regional and international institutions, and participation as a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous international conferences. Dr. Madbouly is also active on the editorial boards of international journals such as the Journal of Business Strategy, Finance and Management (JBSFM) and Journal of Finance, Business and Management Studies (JFBMS).

Stephen Aro-Gordon is a Professor of Management Studies specializing in finance, strategy, and sustainable education. He earned his PhD in Management Studies (2014) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Nigeria, with his doctoral thesis receiving the Dean’s nomination for Best Doctoral Thesis in Administration under the Nigerian Universities Doctoral Theses Award Scheme. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Business & Accounting at Muscat College, Sultanate of Oman, where he also serves as the Programme Coordinator for the University of Westminster programmes, Chief Examiner for the Project Management Programme, and Chair of the Department Curriculum Committee. He has also been an Adjunct Professor of Finance & Strategy at the AACSB- and EFMD-accredited Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD), India, for over a decade. Dr. Aro-Gordon has made substantial contributions to academia and industry, with over 100 refereed publications in finance, strategic management, sustainability, ESG practices, and innovation. His research has been published in Vidyavardhaka Journal of Management, Journal of Finance and Banking Review, SDMIMD Journal of Management, Asian Economic and Financial Review, and various Springer and Elsevier volumes. He has also presented widely at international conferences across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, often addressing sustainable capital budgeting, financial inclusion, employability skills, and big data applications for competitiveness. Before his academic career, Dr. Aro-Gordon accumulated more than two decades of professional experience in multinational corporations, investment banking, consulting, and international development projects funded by organizations such as ExxonMobil, the World Bank/IFC, and the European Union. He is a Lifetime Fellow of the International Society for Development and Sustainability (Japan), a certified member of the Project Management Institute (USA), and has received multiple awards including Muscat College’s Annual Researcher Award (2022/23).