Livingstone Edward | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Livingstone Edward | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Research Fellow from University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Livingstone Edward Xetor is a dynamic and emerging development researcher with strong expertise in monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, and economic development. He currently serves as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer and has contributed significantly to research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the British Council. Xetor has experience working on projects that address educational outcomes, digital finance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications in respected journals like Sustainable Development and the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, alongside numerous ongoing studies. With a blend of academic insight and hands-on field experience, he has played vital roles in data collection, tool development, report writing, stakeholder mobilization, and training facilitation. Livingstone is committed to conducting transformative research that influences policy and practice, particularly in the socio-economic landscape of Ghana. He has demonstrated competence with both qualitative and quantitative methods and is proficient in data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, and NVivo. Xetor’s passion for research, paired with his solid foundation in development economics, positions him as a promising scholar. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and a drive to make impactful contributions in development and policy circles.

Professional Profile

Education

Livingstone Edward Xetor’s academic background lays a strong foundation for his work in research and development. He holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Development Studies with a concentration in Economics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, which he completed in 2022. His postgraduate studies emphasized advanced research methodologies, economic theory, and policy-oriented analysis, equipping him with the knowledge to evaluate complex development challenges. Prior to his MPhil, he earned a Bachelor of Education in Management and Economics from the same university in 2018. This undergraduate training provided him with essential skills in financial management, economics, and educational instruction, which later supported his work as a teaching assistant and education consultant. Throughout his academic journey, Livingstone has demonstrated a keen interest in integrating theory with practice, as reflected in his postgraduate dissertation on financial literacy and micro-enterprise performance. His continuous pursuit of knowledge is further demonstrated by his active participation in workshops, webinars, and professional forums related to development studies and evaluation. Looking ahead, his academic growth would benefit from enrollment in a PhD program, enabling deeper specialization and broader contributions to the field. Overall, his educational background reflects a commitment to academic rigor and interdisciplinary learning.

Professional Experience

Livingstone Edward Xetor possesses a solid blend of academic and professional experiences that showcase his versatility and dedication to development research. From July 2020 to March 2024, he worked as a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Officer at MKA Education Services Limited, where he contributed to various national and international consultancy projects. His responsibilities included designing M&E tools, drafting reports and proposals, conducting data analysis, facilitating training sessions, and organizing stakeholder engagements. Prior to this, he served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Cape Coast’s School of Business from 2018 to 2019, where he supported academic instruction, evaluated student assessments, and contributed to curriculum delivery. In 2017, he briefly taught Financial Accounting at Keta Business Senior High School. His involvement in major consultancy projects—such as the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP), the Electoral Support Activity (ESA), and the Amplify Ghana Project—demonstrates his ability to collaborate with government institutions, NGOs, and development agencies. These roles have deepened his understanding of project management, policy evaluation, and field research. Collectively, Xetor’s professional experience illustrates a trajectory of growth grounded in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based development programming.

Research Interests

Livingstone Edward Xetor’s research interests are rooted in the socio-economic development space, with a particular emphasis on financial inclusion, educational policy, youth development, and governance. His work explores the intersection of economic empowerment and institutional frameworks, with the aim of producing transformative insights that inform both policy and practice. He is especially drawn to issues of inclusive growth, financial literacy, and digital finance, as demonstrated in his postgraduate research and ongoing academic projects. Additionally, he is deeply interested in how peace, governance, and participatory processes influence the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in African contexts. His consultancy experience on education and electoral projects has sparked further interest in monitoring public programs and assessing their impact on social equity. Another emerging focus area for Xetor is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where he seeks to understand the barriers affecting exporters and regional trade integration. He also explores gender analysis and social protection systems, particularly in underserved communities. Through a blend of empirical studies and policy-oriented research, Livingstone aims to influence development outcomes by producing evidence that is practical, actionable, and inclusive. His research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges through rigorous, participatory inquiry.

Research Skills

Livingstone Edward Xetor brings a robust set of research skills honed through years of academic study and professional application. He is well-versed in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and has demonstrated competence in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. His experience with developing research instruments, conducting interviews, and performing thematic analysis positions him as a well-rounded researcher. Livingstone is proficient in the use of statistical software such as SPSS and STATA for quantitative data, and NVivo for qualitative analysis. His proposal writing skills are evidenced by his successful involvement in consultancy projects funded by international organizations like the World Bank and USAID. He is skilled at writing concept notes, research reports, training manuals, and policy briefs, all tailored to meet the standards of academia and the development sector. Additionally, his facilitation experience makes him effective in organizing stakeholder engagements and disseminating research findings. He is adept at logical framework development, monitoring and evaluation design, and policy analysis, all of which are essential in applied research contexts. His multidisciplinary skillset, combined with critical thinking, resilience, and emotional intelligence, allows him to adapt to varied research environments. Collectively, these skills make him an asset in both academic and consultancy-based research settings.

Awards and Honors

While Livingstone Edward Xetor has not explicitly listed formal awards or honors in his curriculum vitae, his professional track record and academic involvement suggest several forms of recognition through merit-based participation and affiliations. He has consistently contributed to high-level consultancy projects, often funded by prestigious global organizations such as the World Bank, USAID, and the British Council—indicative of professional trust in his expertise. His co-authorship in peer-reviewed journals such as Sustainable Development and the Journal of Peacebuilding & Development demonstrates academic recognition and peer validation. Moreover, Xetor’s participation in international forums and webinars—such as those hosted by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank—points to his active engagement with global research networks. Additionally, he holds student memberships in respected professional bodies including the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), the Ghana Monitoring and Evaluation Forum (GMEF), and the Institute for Directors Ghana (IoD-GH). These affiliations reflect his ongoing commitment to professional development and ethical research conduct. While formal accolades may follow as his career progresses, his current engagements reflect the esteem and confidence placed in him by institutions and collaborators alike. Recognition through impactful work remains a consistent theme in his emerging scholarly journey.

Conclusion

Livingstone Edward Xetor represents a highly capable and forward-thinking development researcher with a promising academic and professional trajectory. His experience spans a diverse range of sectors including education, governance, economic empowerment, and youth development, all grounded in a firm foundation of evidence-based analysis and practical fieldwork. Through his role as a MERL Officer and his involvement in consultancy projects with institutions such as the World Bank and USAID, he has demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of policy impact and community engagement. His scholarly contributions, though still emerging, are impactful and targeted toward real-world challenges. He combines strong research skills with a passion for inclusive growth, making him a valuable contributor to both academic and development discourse. As he continues to build his profile through further studies, international collaborations, and publication outputs, Xetor is well-positioned to become a thought leader in development economics and evaluation. His work embodies a commitment to transformative research that bridges the gap between theory and practice. With continued support and recognition, he has the potential to make significant and lasting contributions to development policy and scholarship in Ghana and beyond.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development Nexus: Where Is the Synergy?

  • Authors: Livingstone Edward Xetor; Justice Mensah

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Sustainable Development

  • DOI: 10.1002/sd.3430

Katarina Frajtova Michalikova | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Katarina Frajtova Michalikova | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

University Teacher at University of Zilina, Slovakia

Katarína Frajtová Michalíková, PhD., is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of financial management, specializing in the application of mathematical and statistical methods to corporate finance, financial-economic analysis, and banking. With a focus on the integration of Industry 4.0 elements, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the SMART economy, her research aims to optimize business processes and improve operational efficiency in companies. Her academic contributions, leadership roles, and international recognition in the research community underscore her commitment to advancing the field of finance through innovative methodologies. As a member of various editorial boards and organizing committees, she has shown dedication to shaping the academic discourse within her area of expertise.

Professional Profile

Education:

Ing. Katarína Frajtová Michalíková completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Economics in Bratislava, earning a degree in Finance, Banking, and Investments in 2004. She then pursued a PhD at the University of Žilina, where she specialized in Economics and Business Administration, focusing on tax policy in small and medium-sized enterprises. Her education has equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, laying the foundation for her extensive research in financial management and corporate finance.

Professional Experience:

Since 2007, Ing. Katarína Frajtová Michalíková has been an Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics at the University of Žilina in Slovakia. Throughout her career, she has focused on integrating advanced technological concepts into financial management research. She has also led the Finance and Financial Management team, mentoring students and shaping the direction of academic research within her department. Beyond her teaching role, she has been an active member of the editorial board of international journals and has served on the organizing committee for the prestigious “Globalization and Its Socio-Economic Consequences” conference, which attracts scholars from across the world.

Research Interests:

Ing. Frajtová Michalíková’s research interests lie at the intersection of financial management, corporate finance, and the application of mathematical and statistical models. She focuses on optimizing internal business processes and analyzing the effects of these processes on operational costs. Her recent research explores the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the SMART economy, in financial management practices. Additionally, she investigates the empirical verification of financial theories through business data, striving to close the gap between theory and practice in the financial sector.

Research Skills:

Ing. Frajtová Michalíková is skilled in a variety of research methodologies, particularly in mathematical and statistical analysis. She is proficient in using software such as IBM SPSS, SAS, and R, which allows her to handle large datasets and perform complex financial analyses. Her research also involves using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, to develop new financial management strategies. She is highly experienced in empirical research, analyzing business data to verify theoretical models, and is also skilled in presenting her findings through academic publications, conference presentations, and collaborative research projects.

Awards and Honors:

Ing. Frajtová Michalíková’s research excellence has earned her recognition within the academic community. She has been an active reviewer for top-tier journals, including Administrative SciencesSustainability, and Risks, reflecting her standing as an expert in her field. She is also a member of the editorial board of an impact-rated international journal, further demonstrating her influence in academic circles. As a committee member of the renowned “Globalization and Its Socio-Economic Consequences” conference, she has contributed significantly to the academic community. Her strong academic output, evidenced by her Scopus and WoS H-index, and her continued leadership roles in academic conferences highlight her recognition and achievements in financial management research.

Conclusion:

Ing. Katarína Frajtová Michalíková’s outstanding contributions to financial management and her application of Industry 4.0 technologies make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her expertise, leadership, and international recognition clearly demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field. With continued interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement, she could further enhance her research impact and contribute even more significantly to both academia and industry.

Publication Top Notes

  1. The economics of deep and machine learning-based algorithms for COVID-19 prediction, detection, and diagnosis shaping the organizational management of hospitals
    Authors: Lăzăroiu, G., Gedeon, T., Rogalska, E., Michalikova, K.F., Musova, Z.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Oeconomia Copernicana
    Volume: 15(1), Pages: 27–58
    Citations: 10
  2. Effect of CSR implementation and crisis events in business on the financial management of SMEs
    Authors: Dvorský, J., Švihlíková, I., Kozubíková, Ľ., Frajtova Michalíková, K., Balcerzak, A.P.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Technological and Economic Development of Economy
    Volume: 29(5), Pages: 1496–1519
    Citations: 12
  3. Cognitive Computing and Workplace Monitoring Systems, Generative Artificial Intelligence and Contextual Awareness Tools, and Multi-Sensory Augmented Reality and Spatial Data Mining Algorithms in Multi-Organizational Collaborative Environments
    Authors: Frajtova Michalikova, K., Frajt, T., Popescu, G.H., Rashid, M.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Analysis and Metaphysics
    Volume: 22, Pages: 101–120
    Citations: 0
  4. Evaluation of personnel risk in the SMEs in the V4 countries
    Authors: Petrakova, Z., Frajtova Michalikova, K., Streimikis, J., Fialova, V.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Journal of International Studies
    Volume: 16(4), Pages: 191–204
    Citations: 2
  5. Productivity Software Tools, Wearable Augmented Reality Devices, and Generative Artificial Intelligence and Immersive Remote Collaboration Systems in Virtually Simulated Workspace Environments
    Authors: Frajt, T., Frajtova Michalikova, K., Balica, R.-Ș.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice
    Volume: 15(2), Pages: 179–197
    Citations: 1
  6. Deep Learning-Based Object Detection and Holographic Virtual Imaging Technologies, Mobile Biometric and Sentiment Data, and Digital Twin Simulation and Modeling Tools in the Metaverse Economy
    Authors: Michalikova, K.F., Ondrejka, R., Johnson, E.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Linguistic and Philosophical Investigations
    Volume: 22, Pages: 247–263
    Citations: 1
  7. Retail Data Measurement Tools, Cognitive Artificial Intelligence Algorithms, and Metaverse Live Shopping Analytics in Immersive Hyper-Connected Virtual Spaces
    Authors: Zvarikova, K., Michalikova, K.F., Rowland, M.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Linguistic and Philosophical Investigations
    Volume: 21, Pages: 9–24
    Citations: 25
  8. Quo Vadis, earnings management? Analysis of manipulation determinants in Central European environment
    Authors: Valaskova, K., Adamko, P., Michalikova, K.F., Macek, J.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Oeconomia Copernicana
    Volume: 12(3), Pages: 631–669
    Citations: 44
  9. Deep Learning-based Sensing Technologies, Artificial Intelligence-based Decision-Making Algorithms, and Big Geospatial Data Analytics in Cognitive Internet of Things
    Authors: Blake, R., Michalikova, K.F.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Analysis and Metaphysics
    Volume: 20, Pages: 159–173
    Citations: 32
  10. Autonomous vehicle decision-making algorithms, interconnected sensor networks, and big geospatial data analytics in smart urban mobility systems
    Authors: Goodman, C., Michalikova, K.F.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Contemporary Readings in Law and Social Justice
    Volume: 13(2), Pages: 93–106
    Citations: 3