Wenchao Liu | Marketing | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Wenchao Liu | Marketing | Research Excellence Award

Jilin University of Finance and Economics | China

Prof. Dr. Wenchao Liu is a distinguished scholar in marketing and management whose work integrates theoretical analysis with practical applications across areas such as consumer behavior, brand management, entrepreneurial management, regional branding, and service marketing. His research advances understanding of how enterprises create value through co-creation, social networks, customer experience, and digital transformation, and he has contributed significantly to the study of retailer power, investor decision-making psychology, entrepreneurial team competence, and the evolving relationship between customers and service enterprises. He has produced an extensive body of publications in reputable journals and has authored influential monographs that support academic development in marketing science. His scholarship also extends into contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence in services, anthropomorphic service robots, tourism experience analysis, regional brand value co-creation, and sustainable supply chain decision making, positioning him at the forefront of interdisciplinary marketing research. As an active contributor to national and regional research initiatives, he has led and participated in numerous funded projects spanning social sciences, technology guidance, higher education research, and industry-linked consulting, strengthening the integration of academic insights with socio-economic development. His long-standing involvement in management consulting further enhances the practical relevance of his work by bridging academic theory with real-world enterprise challenges. Prof. Liu also plays a key role in academic communities through leadership and membership in professional marketing associations, promoting research collaboration, disciplinary development, and academic exchange, while continuing to mentor emerging scholars and contribute to the advancement of marketing thought and practice.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publication

Han, Y., Liu, W., Han, Y., Cao, Z., & Ju, J. (2025). Decision making and welfare effects in manufacturer’s closed-loop supply chain for recycling and remanufacturing: A risk signal game theory perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production.

Liu, W., & Han, Y. (2024). Selecting the appropriate platform: The varied effects of service merchant marketing strategies on the performance of supply chain participants. Sustainability.

Liu, W., & Xin, X. (2008). A preliminary analysis of corporate culture construction based on social responsibility in enterprises. Modern Business, 75–77.

Li, J., & Liu, W. (2010). Derivative change: The “obstacle” to marketing change. Sales and Marketing (Review Edition), 51–53.

Zhang, Z., Zhu, H., & Liu, W. (2010). Research on the relationship between social network competence and entrepreneurial performance of entrepreneurial enterprises. Taxation and Economics, 25–28.

Kenneth O’Connor | Marketing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kenneth O’Connor | Marketing | Best Researcher Award

Visiting Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Logistics | University of West Florida | United States

Dr. Kenneth O’Connor is a dynamic and motivational academic and business leader with extensive experience spanning both the private and public sectors. He has served in higher education for over fifteen years, teaching management, marketing, and supply chain logistics at several universities, including the University of West Florida, the University of Central Missouri, and Spring Hill College. As a Visiting Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Logistics, he has designed and delivered courses focused on practical business applications, leadership, and strategic management. Alongside his academic career, he brings over two decades of entrepreneurial and executive experience in the construction and home improvement industries, where he successfully led multimillion-dollar operations, developed innovative marketing strategies, and managed large teams across multiple business units. His expertise bridges theory and practice, with a strong record in sales leadership, supply chain management, and organizational development. Dr. O’Connor’s research interests include marketing analytics, brand equity, and business strategy, with publications in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Marketing Analytics. He is a recipient of multiple teaching excellence awards and nominations recognizing his commitment to student success and instructional innovation. Combining a results-driven business mindset with academic rigor, Dr. O’Connor continues to make significant contributions to both academia and industry through teaching, research, and leadership.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Merkle, A. C., Hessick, C., Leggett, B. R., Goehrig, L., & O’Connor, K. (2020). Exploring the components of brand equity amid declining ticket sales in Major League Baseball. Journal of Marketing Analytics, 8(3), 149–159.

O’Connor, K. W. (2023). Higher education on cruise control: Is artificial intelligence helping or hurting the classroom? University of South Alabama.

Merkle, A., Hessick, C., Leggett, B., O’Connor, K., & Goehrig, L. (2020). Up rooting: Sports marketing analytics and attendance in Major League Baseball. Journal of Sports Marketing Studies.