University of Niagara Falls Canada showcases faculty research through Ink & Insight webinar

When a university professor publishes a new article or paper, reading it is undoubtedly a great way to grasp the scope of their work. However, it’s quite another experience to get a behind-the-scenes look at the motivation, inspiration, and research that brought it into being. This was the idea behind the University of Niagara Fall Canada (UNF)’s inaugural event “Ink & Insight: Celebration of Research and Publications,” which was hosted as a webinar on March 19.

An initiative spearheaded by faculty from the Master of Management (MMgt) program and hosted in partnership with the MMgt Students’ Society and the Student Success Office, the event celebrated academic work in a way that was mutually beneficial for faculty and students. While faculty received recognition for the well-earned fruits of their labour, students learned the realities of the research process and were encouraged to initiate mentorship and future research opportunities. The event’s title itself also hints at its deeper meaning. “Ink” describes work that’s written, and “insight” refers to what the author intended to convey through their findings.

“Universities have a role and responsibility in discovering and developing new knowledge,” said David Gray, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, in his opening address to participants. “This afternoon, you’re going to hear from faculty who’re pushing the boundaries of that knowledge so that they can bring it into the classroom. This re-emphasizes the innovative approach that UNF is aspiring to achieve.”

In four sessions, accomplished MMgt faculty members expanded on the questions and research surrounding their recent publications. First up was Associate Professor Sana Mumtaz, who, in a presentation fitting many post-COVID-19 work environments, discussed the importance of strong, trusting relationships amongst colleagues in global virtual teams. On the financial side of things, Assistant Professor Mahdi Khazaei shared the detrimental effects of earnings manipulation on a company’s capital structure. Assistant Professors Mohammad Sedighi and Morteza Sardari both presented research on entrepreneurship, with Sedighi explaining the role of digital platforms in identifying entrepreneurial opportunities and Sardari exploring the motivation of and support required by entrepreneurs with disruptive business ideas. Additional time was left at the end of each session for audience questions.

To ensure its benefits remain ongoing, plans are in place to make Ink & Insight a monthly event. The ultimate hope, as expressed by Sathy Srithar, Associate Dean of the MMgt program, is that its impact extends far beyond the UNF community.

“Going forward, this is going to be a big platform for UNF faculty members and students,” said Srithar. “My vision is to open it to the whole world so that others can witness what our faculty is doing.”