Present and Past Speakers


School of Business and Management at

Azusa Pacific University


Founded in 1899 as the Training School for Christian Workers, Azusa Pacific University became the first Christian University on the West Coast of the United States. With more than 10,000 students across 9 campuses, students at APU strive to connect Christ, community, service, and scholarship to a life of difference-making.

Dr. Mark Wm Cawman

D.B.A., M.B.A., B.S.M.

Assistant Professor

mcawman@apu.edu

Dr. Mark Cawman is an Assistant Professor of International Business, Strategic Management, and Organizational Performance at Azusa Pacific University. He is also the Director of International Business and Advisor for Enactus (MGMT 350 course/student club) and NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success - Honors Society).
Prior to accepting a role as full-time faculty, Dr. Cawman spent 26 years in Senior Management roles in industry (automotive and aerospace sectors), most recently as Vice President of an aerospace company. He also taught Strategic Management, Change Leadership, Organizational Performance, and the Capstone Projects for Concordia University - Portland.
Through Dr. Cawman’s industry experience, he was involved in international “greenfield” opportunities and work transfers in Mexico following the introduction of NAFTA (early 1990s). He later had oversight of an aerospace team scattered across the US, Europe, and Asia that supported a global supply chain and multiple sites. He led multiple teams in the areas of quality improvement and LEAN Manufacturing, winning the Bronze Eagle Leadership Award with Smiths Aerospace (Cheltenham, England) for his success at cost reductions and efficiencies in the global supply base.
Dr. Cawman’s doctoral dissertation considered cultural implications in work and task design, especially in support of International Business work transfers. Dr. Cawman continues to research and publish in the areas of Strategic Management, International Business, Culture, and Organizational Performance. 

Dr. Changyun H. Kim

Ph.D., M.S., B.S.

Associate Professor

ckim@apu.edu

Chang H. Kim, Ph.D., is an associate professor of business administration in the School of Business and Management. He received a BS in Statistics from Korea University in South Korea, an MS in Industrial Engineering from Pohang University of Science and Technology and Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Drexel University. He had worked for IBM Business Consulting Services and Deloitte Consulting in South Korea before pursuing an academic career in the United States. In the retail operations/supply chain domain, he explores the operational and financial implications of supply chain competition/coordination/optimization and inventory management practices. Kim also conducts research in quality management, lean six sigma, supply chain analytics, and more. 

Dr. Gustavo Del Rivero

D.B.A., M.S., B.S.

Adjunct Professor

gdelrivero@apu.edu

Dr. Gustavo Del Rivero has been teaching at Azusa Pacific University as an adjunct professor for the School of Business and Management since August 2019. He has over 25 years in the business and management of companies in the automotive industry and has held teaching positions at several leading universities in Southern California.

Dr. Paul Naccachian

J.D., L.L.M., M.A., B.A.

Adjunct Professor

pnaccachian@apu.edu

Dr. Paul Naccachian is an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University; California Polytechnic State University, Pomona; and the University of La Verne. He specializes in human resource management, business law, contract law, securities regulations, local government law, administrative law, employment law collaborative solutions (conflict resolution), negotiated project labor agreements with trade unions, and the resolution of labor and management disputes.

Dr. Ken A. Kederian

Ed.D., M.B.A., B.S., CPA, CGMA

Assistant Professor

vkederian@apu.edu

Dr. Ken Kederian is the current Chair of the Leung School of Accounting and Economics Department at Azusa Pacific University. A graduate of Bob Jones University, BS in Accounting, Pepperdine University MBA, and a doctorate degree in Higher Education Leadership, Ed.D, from Azusa Pacific University. A current California CPA and an owner of a CPA practice specializing in International Tax and Forensic Accounting. Ken has over 30 years of experience in Public and Private Accounting. He has worked for Price Waterhouse in Dallas, Ernst & Young in Los Angeles, General Motors for Latina America, Africa, Middle-East, in Miami, Avery Denison in Pasadena, and his last position in Corporate America before dedicating his life into Academia, Vice President, Chief Audit Executive of Public Storage in Glendale, California. Ken has been involved in two “mega” mergers, the $2.5bn acquisition of Jackstadt GmbH by Avery Denison and the $5bn acquisition of Shurgard Europe by Public Storage. Ken has worked in 42 countries, speaks 6 languages, is married, and lives in Claremont, California.

Dr. William Robert Ingersoll

Ph.D., M.A., B.A.

Assistant Professor

wingersoll@apu.edu

William Robert Ingersoll, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of economics in the School of Business and Management at APU.
His academic fields of interest are industrial organization, microeconomic theory, and experimental/behavioral economics. His research focuses on theoretical models of technological change in network effect markets, multiparty negotiations, and virtual game economies/game design. 

 


Department of Commerce and International Trade at

Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences

Deemed to be University


Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences is a private residential institute deemed to be university in Coimbatore, India. It was founded by D. G. S. Dhinakaran and his son Paul Dhinakaran. Karunya University was accredited in 2014 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an "A" grade. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), instituted by Ministry of Education of India, has ranked Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences among the top 100 universities in the year 2019.

Dr. Jenita Thinakaran Ph.D., M.S. (Agri.), M.B.A., B.Sc. (Agri.)

Professor and Department Head (School of Agriculture and Biosciences)

jenita@karunya.edu

Dr. Jenita Thinakaran specializes her research in agricultural entomology by focusing on topics such as vector biology, vector-borne plant diseases, plant-insect interactions, host plant resistance, physiological responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, population dynamics, and insect ecology. She is excited to share ideas about the globalization of science and agronomics.

Dr. C. Chinnusamy Ph.D., M.Sc. (Agri.), B.Sc. (Agri.), P.D.F., FISWS, FISA, FCWSS

Professor of Agronomy (School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences)

Former Head, Dean, and Principal at TNAU

chinnusamy@karunya.edu

Dr. Chinnusamy earned his doctorate with distinction before serving at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for more than 33 years. Now he works as a professor of agronomy with the School of Agriculture and Biosciences at Karunya. He has guided 10 M.Sc. (Ag.) and 9 Ph.D. scholars. He has operated the AICRP on weed control as principal investigator. His 36 research projects on weed science have acquired nearly ₹ 32,528,000 INR in funding.  He has published 126 research articles, 84 popular articles, 6 books, and more than 150 papers for conferences, seminars, and symposia. Traveled widely to the USA, Australia, China, Malaysia, Turkey, Czech Republic, Canada, and Sri Lanka to participate in training and conferences.

Dr. J. Clement Sudhahar Ph.D., M.B.A., B.A.

Professor & Head

clement@karunya.edu

Dr. J. Clement Sudhahar has taught business management for decades with experience in research. He teaches several marketing and sales courses. Dr. J. Clement Sudhahar is a member of AMA and Institute of Directors. He published several journal articles and research. His research interest are in services branding and managing through consumer insights.

Dr. Praising Linijah N. L

 Ph.D., M.B.A., M.A., B.A.

Assistant Professor 

praising@karunya.edu

Dr. Praising Linijah has extensive experience higher education and in research. She teaches several marketing, management, and talent acquisition courses. Dr. Praising Linijah received National award as Best Professor in Marketing - 2019 by Innovative Education Leadership and Awards by DNA (Daily News Analysis) and Stars Group. Her research interest in e-commerce and digital marketing.  Dr. Praising Linijah published several journal articles and research.

Dr. Thiru Arooran Ph.D., M.B.A., B.A.

Assistant Professor

thiruarooran@karunya.edu

Dr. Thiru Arooran has taught business management for over 20 years with experience in higher education and research. He thoroughly understands the learning process and works hard to adapt methods and use various teaching styles. Dr. Arooran strives to exhibit the dedication and commitment to excel in teaching with a strong work ethic. Skillfully, he manages lectures and promotes open classroom discussions by being committed and specialized in delivering quality instruction in various undergraduate and graduate courses, including finance, accounting, investment, portfolio, marketing, and general management.

Dr. K. Kumara Pillai Ph.D., M. Phil., M.B.A., LLB, CAIIB, M. Com.

Dr.  K. Kumara Pillai has more than 2 decades of experience in the financial services (State Bank of India group) industry with experience in areas such as Branch Manager, Credit Risk Management, Credit product development, Credit Audit, Foreign Exchange, Technology, Wealth Management, funds administration as well as  Accounting & Audit.
Presently he is working as Professor at Karunya University. He took Ph.D. in Management in the year 2013 after completing his M. Phil. Dr. Pillai is also an advocate with LLB ( Law) qualification. He worked in several management Institutions as Professor, Head of Department, Guest / Visiting professor. He is also a management Consultant of 4 corporates in India.
Dr. Pillai’s articles have been published in various National / International Journals, Magazines, and leading newspapers. He has authored 6 books published on various management subjects, which gained recognition. He had handled talks on different subjects in various Banks, including the Reserve Bank of India. He is a much sought-after face for seminars and workshops on various Finance / Management topics in colleges, institutions, banks, and other organizations. 

Dr. R. Amudha Ph.D., M. Phil., M. Com., M.B.A., Adv.Dip in IFRS 

Associate Professor

amudha@karunya.edu

Dr. R. Amudha is an Associate Professor of MBA (Finance) in Karunya School of Management, is a multi-faceted personality, very actively involved in education, particularly in Finance in association with NSE, IAAP(UK), ACCA, a guide for Ph.D. researchers, visited several countries to present articles in International conferences, avid contributor of publications in journals. She is a coordinator and prolific trainer of the NCCMP (NSE Certified Capital Market Professional) course of the National Stock Exchange. She is qualified for ADIFRS (Advanced Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards) and accredited as a certified trainer for the IFRS course offered by IAAP (UK) and has also been instrumental in associating with ACCA (UK) to introduce the ACCA course in KSM. She has published a book on “Heuristics Behavior of Investors in the Capital Market” and written textbooks on “Equity markets” and “Technical analysis” for reputed universities and a Certified Corporate Director, accredited by IOD (Institute of Directors) in 2018.

Dr. Usha Nandhini Singaraj Ph.D., M.S. (Agri. Eco.), B.Sc. (Agri.)

Associate Professor

ushanandhini@karunya.edu

Dr. Usha Nandhini Singaraj is an Assistant Professor at Karunya School of Management. She is an accomplished, dedicated, and driven agricultural economics professional with over 11 years of progressive experience in statistical and economic analysis, teaching, and research. Dr. Usha Nandhini Singaraj leads postgraduate students in the paradigm of economics and is seasoned in research activities that involve collecting longitudinal and cross-sectional data, compilation, consolidating, analyzing, report preparation, recommending for policymaking, and implementing various research work. She took part in the National Agriculture Development Programme, which prepares the National Agricultural Plan by consolidating plans at the village, district, and state levels. Dr. Usha Nandhini Singaraj published over 40 articles and three books and got awarded three times.

Dr. V. KAVITHA Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. V. Kavitha completed her doctorate in Agricultural Economics at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and earned her Post Doctorate from University Grants Commission, New Delhi. With a specialization in Natural Resource Economics, she joined Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, and teaches several agricultural economic courses for undergraduate students of Agriculture. She has published over 30 research articles and 4 books.

Dr. B. Navaneetham Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. B. Navaneetham is an Assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Sciences, having a Ph.D. specialization in agribusiness management awarded from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. She is a charismatic teacher, highly collaborative, and committed to research. She has two plus years of teaching experience in handling the courses entrepreneurship development, agricultural finance and cooperation, agricultural marketing, and horti business management and serving as the Innovation ambassador for the institute appointed by MoE’s Innovation Cell & AICTE for promoting students’ entrepreneurship in the department. An able researcher obtained funded training programs and conducted several academic events like workshops, seminars, and webinars on innovations and entrepreneurship. Besides, she has published 11 articles and 11 book chapters at various conferences and obtained four awards recognizing paper presentations.

Dr. VARAPRASAD Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr.Vara Prasad Chittem earned his Doctoral Degree in Agriculture Extension from Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya and Master's in Extension Education for Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya. He has expertise in facilitation techniques and ICTs for the extension. He had trained more than 700 grassroots extension professionals, agricultural input dealers, and many students and rural youth on various ICT tools for agriculture in his career. He has more than thirty research/ popular articles and two books. Presently he is working as an Assistant Professor- Agriculture Extension at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore.

 

“My extension career started as a Research Associate- ICT Enabled Extension in 2009 in Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP), a flagship initiative under the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) that has been envisaged to enable rice farmers and extension workers across the country to create, manage and share scientific, technology-related and market-related information online for the benefit of rice as a sector. 

 

Later he served as a Scientist Agriculture Extension at DDS Krishi Vigyan Kendra- a Farm Science Center which is the Institutional Project of ICAR- Indian Council of Agricultural Research to demonstrate the application of science and technology input of agricultural research on the farmer’s field with the help of a multi-disciplinary team of Scientists. Last twelve years, he has been associated with the transfer of technology to farmers and other stakeholders. For two years, he has taught undergraduate and postgraduate agriculture students with a particular emphasis on smartphone technologies for agricultural extension.

Annie Priya Dharshini Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. S. Annie Priya Dharshni is presently working as an assistant professor in department of management studies, Karunya Insitute of technology and sciences, Coimbatore.


She has a teaching experience as well as industrial experience of 5 years. Her Academic qualifications include M.B.A (Human Resource & Marketing) and Ph.D. She has a publication records of about 8 articles both in Scopus and UGC Indexed. Dr. Annie is interested in Performance Management, Training and evaluation and branding Strategies. Her key achievements include certifications in ITIL domain and completed Diploma in SPSS Amos.


She has written a Book Entitled “ Brand Management - Contemporary Concepts, practices and strategies in the year 2022.This is the First Book in her academic Career.


G. Nisha Malini Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Ph.d (Consumer Protection Rights), Bharathiar University

M.Phil. (Stress Management), Bharathiar University

MBA (Human Resource), IGNOU

BA, BL (Law), Bharathiar University


Work Experience

Assistant Professor – 2008 to till date

            Department of Management,       

            Karunya Institute of Technology and 

            Sciences. 

Head of Department, Bachelor of Business Management- July 2007 – August 2008, Kaypeeyees College Of Arts & Science, Kotagiri

Lecturer, Bachelor of Business Management August 2005 – June 2007, Bishop Appasamy College, Coimbatore


Most Influential Women in Academics in 2020 award from Education Ninja in Association with Academy of Management Professionals (AMP).

Top 20 Influential Women Educators in Tamil Nadu for the year 2019 from Ulektz Wall of Fame. 

Awarded certification as an Accredited Management Teacher (AMT) by All India Management Association (AIMA).

 


Department of Management Studies

The American College


The American College often referred to as American College, is one of the oldest colleges in India, located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It was founded in 1881 by American Christian missionaries

Dr. C. Samuel Joseph Ph.D., M.Phil, M.Com, M.B.A., Adv.Dip in IFRS, Executive Development Programme in Financial Data Analytics

Professor and Department Director (Management Studies)

samueljoseph@americancollege.edu.in

Dr. Samuel Joseph is the Director of Management Studies Department, at The American College. He has a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, Leadership, and Team Management. Strong education professional as a Fellow Member of Institute of Cost Accountants of India and Doctor of Philosophy in Management Discipline from Madurai Kamaraj University. He has a fellowship at the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. His research interests are in Management / Cost Accounting and Behavioral Finance. He has published many articles that gained recognition. 

Ms. Nancy Immanuel M.B.A., M.Com, B.Com

Prof. Nancy Immanuel is a successful corporate Manager and Entrepreneur for over 10 years of experience then turned into a full time Professor at American School of Madurai in the Business Administration department. She is passionate about sharing and disseminating her industry knowledge and experience to the student community.

More than 7 years experience in leading BPOs like HP and Wipro. Lastly served as the Assistant Manager, Finance in Wipro BPO in the year 2010, which involved managing the Accounts Payables Department and accomplisihing Critical Projects.

Eng. Vinayaga Moorthy. G M.B.A., B.Eng

Guest Lecturer

gvn@sigccltd.in 

Eng. Vinayaga Moorthy. G has an extensive experience in the agriculture and export business. He has 15 years of experience as an agriculturist in the field of cardamom, and in exporting it domestically and internationally, 20 years in cultivating multiple crops, and 14 years in running an educational organization in India. Eng. Vinayaga Moorthy. G is a lecturer at ICFAI business School ,India. He is currently the Executive Director of South Indian Green Cardamom Crops Limited, and a Chairman at Fairlands.

Mr. Sidhaarth Sankar

Guest Lecturer


Mr. Sidhaarth Sankar is the director of Arkay Glenrock. He has considerable experience in the exporting industry. Mr. Sidhaarth Sankar is engaged in the mining, manufacture, and export of gravestones and funeral monuments.

 


Department of International Business at

Tunghai University


Tunghai University is the oldest private university in Taiwan established in 1955, founded by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA. The first president, Beauson Tseng, said "Pioneering will be our watchword", hoping that Tunghai will become an outstanding and innovative university.

Dr. Yevvon Yi-Chi Chang

Ph.D., M.A., B.S.

Assistant Professor

yevvon@thu.edu.tw

Dr. Yevvon Yi-Chi Chang is an experienced professor for over 10 years. She received her Ph.D. in Service Operations Management from University of Surrey, UK. She worked as the director of International Education and Programs at Tunghai University. Dr. Yevvon Yi-Chi Chang published various journal articles and research over the past decade. 

Dr. Carol Troy

Ph.D.

Associate Professor

caroltroy976@yahoo.com

Dr. Carol Troy has exorbitant experience in teaching around the world. She taught in various schools in different countries. She a Ph.D. in Risk Management and Insurance. Dr. Carol Troy research interests are in insurance, corporate governance, and self-selection methods. 


 


Department of International Business at 

LCC International University


 LCC International University is the only North American-style university in Eastern Europe and specializes in offering student a global and well-rounded liberal arts education in Lithuania.

Prof. Femi Odebiyi

M.S., B.S.

Assistant Professor

fodebiyi@lcc.lt

Femi Odebiyi is an Assistant Professor at LCC International University. He joined the university in August 2007 from his teaching position at the City University of Seattle, Slovakia campus. Prior to this, he worked in Dubai. He has a Master’s degree in International Management from the University of St. Thomas, USA, and currently pursuing his doctorate degree in Transformational Leadership. He teaches Business Research Methods and International Business. His professional interests include the integration of faith and work; he developed courses that integrate faith and work, and started an online faith and work-related learning portal for students from universities spanning 4 different continents. He enjoys working with business and church leaders on issues ranging from stewardship to ethics. Part of his practitioner work involved working with Christian Entrepreneurs in Europe to develop an Entrepreneurship Mentoring and Education project. He is a recipient of the 2017 ECOLAS J.J. Kidd Fellows award and the 2016 Acton’s Mini-Grant for Teaching and Research on Free Market Economics. He is actively involved in entrepreneurial studies development. His research interests are focused on entrepreneurial and poverty intervention activities.

 


School of Innovation and Management at

Union University of California

in Vietnam


The School of Innovation and Management (SIM) at Union University of California is a startup school in Vietnam organized by the Union University of California in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Dr. Michael Truong

Ph.D., M.A., M.S.A.P., B.S.

Chief Academic Officer

mtruong@apu.edu

The School of Innovation and Management (SIM) is a startup school in Vietnam organized by the Union University of California in Los Angeles, California, USA. Dr. Truong is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Innovation and Chief Academic Officer at the School of Innovation and Management of the Union University of California. He also serves as the executive director of the Office of Innovative Teaching and Technology (ITT) at Azusa Pacific University.

Dr. Nelson King

Ph.D., B.S.

Dean of the School of Management and Innovation

nelson.king@uuc.edu 

Dr. Nelson King serves as dean of the School of Innovation and Management, started by the Union University of California. Dr. King obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in Industrial and Systems Engineering. He has 20 years of systems engineering experience in various industries. He spent 14 years as a faculty member in the Middle East for both a business school and an engineering school. His research focuses on the socio-organizational aspects of technology implementation, especially in healthcare information technology. He serves as co-editor-in-chief of Health Systems and sits on the Human System Integration (HSI) Technical Committee of IEEE System Council.

 


School of Innovation and Management at

Panamerican University - Universidad Panamericana



The Universidad Panamerican  commonly known as UP, is a private Catholic university founded in Mexico City

Dr. Arturo Soto Gonzalez 

Ph.D., M.B.A., B.S.

Professor

Dr. Arturo Soto Gonzalez has extensive academic experience with various international universities.

 



InnovNation Student Program - Israel



 InnovNation is a student program organized in collaboration with Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School, the Israel Innovation Authority, and the Israeli Ministries of Economy and Foreign Affairs -- Israel.

Prof. Javier Gelbwaser

M.B.A., B.S.

InnovNation Founder and Director - Co-Host - Lecturer

jgelbwaser@innovnation.net 

Javier Gelbwaser is the founder and director of the InnovNation. In 2013, Gelbwaser founded InnovNation, which seeks to spark innovation by acquainting participants with the experiences of some of Israel’s most innovative organizations and entrepreneurs. He was a participant in the International Higher Education Interfaith Leadership Forum. He holds a B.S. in industrial engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and an MBA from Tel Aviv University. 

 



Industry and Guest Speakers



Eng. Martin Streich

B.Sc

Consultant


Eng. Martin is a consultant to big organizations, SMEs, and startups. He has intensive experience in operations and manufacturing. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Waterloo in Chemical Engineering. He worked in big manufacturers as a plant manager for 13 years and a director of operations for 5 years. He managed manufacturing facilities in different countries, gained manufacturing experience in Germany, and assisted in developing startups.
Eng. Martin has various industry experiences, continuous improvement, team building, Six Sigma, and lean manufacturing techniques. He is the Foundation Board Member of Yakima Valley College. He is the past president to his local Rotary club in Yakima, and he regularly volunteers at Habitat for Humanity International.

Dr. Anthea Washington Ph.D., M.B.A., M.S.W., B.Sc.

Professor and Dean (Academics)

Institute -
MS Chellamuthu Institute of Mental Health and Rehabilitation.

anthea.mscimrh@gmail.com 

Dr. Anthea Washington holds a Ph.D. in Social Work, has specialized in Personnel Management & Industrial Relations in her post-graduation, and has an MBA in Education Management. She has over 20 years of experience in higher educational institutions in the field of HR and professional development. She has also worked for about five years in an NGO before making teaching her profession. She enjoys teaching diversified students, part-time learners, and specific target groups and has had the opportunity to teach in institutions of repute in India, Dubai, and Oman. Her passion lies in social science research and curriculum development. 

Prof. James Gillespie

M.B.A., B.S.

Lecturer

jsg@thu.edu.tw

James Gillespie is a lecturer for the Department of International Business. He uses his past experience as an auditor for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and as a controller for AMC Theaters to focus his research in accounting. Prof. James Gillespie is strongly tied with APU as an APU alumnus.