College of Economics Discusses Two Doctoral Research Proposals

The College of Economics and Business Administration at the Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center organized an academic seminar session via Zoom on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, dedicated to discussing two doctoral research proposals presented by PhD students from the Department of Project Management. The proposals addressed contemporary issues related to artificial intelligence, institutional performance efficiency, and resource management in modern work environments.

During the session, the committee discussed the research proposal submitted by researcher Ahmed Mustafa Hussein Ibrahim, entitled: "The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Efficiency of Smart Irrigation Project Management: A Comparative Study in Saudi Arabia." The study examined the role of artificial intelligence applications in developing smart irrigation project management and enhancing operational efficiency, with a focus on modern models and practices implemented in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The session also reviewed the research proposal presented by researcher Ismail Mansour Al-Sharif, entitled: “The Impact of Professional Qualification of Project Managers on the Financial Performance of Projects in Private Institutions: The Mediating Role of Resource Utilization Efficiency.” The study focused on the relationship between the professional qualification of project managers and the improvement of financial performance within institutions, while highlighting the role of efficient resource management in strengthening the financial and organizational outcomes of private-sector projects.

The seminar committee was chaired by Dr. Mohammed Fahmi, Head of the Department of Project Management, with the participation of Dr. Samir Suleiman Al-Jamal, Dr. Mohammed Fathi, and Dr. Ahmed Nafea. The committee members provided a range of academic and methodological observations aimed at further developing the two research proposals and strengthening their academic and practical dimensions.

The seminar reflects the Department of Project Management’s commitment to keeping pace with modern trends in management and digital technologies, while encouraging scientific research that addresses the challenges of institutional development and digital transformation, thereby enhancing the quality of research outputs and aligning them with practical needs.