• Chowdhury, M. (2019). “Strategic Realignment within Smart Ecosystems: Organizational Preparedness for Smart Cities and the Sharing Economy.” Current research will be presented at the International Institute of Social and Economic Science Conference, International Journal of Business and Management. Copenhagen, Denmark. June 24-28, 2019.
Abstract: Strategic Realignment within Smart Ecosystems
Intelligent technologies such as block chain, internet of things, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and sensor fusion that are all necessary for smart cities and the sharing economy are now wide-spread. The Four Pillars of Productivity (4POP) framework is applied to determine the appropriate business positioning, given that these modern cities will very soon start to emerge and will make even greater use of the sharing economy. The financial gain, convenience, and overall quality of life improvements that the sharing economy can offer need to be fully realized. This will involve the sharing of almost all resources and skills, both in the home and work environments. Alignment with intelligent technology trends are considered; these include coordination of logistics and operations, digital governance, corporate culture, and smart urbanization effects on behavior and business practices. The paper also addresses the increased systematic risk and cybersecurity implications that come with complexity and uncertainty.
• Chowdhury, M. (2018). “SME Productivity in the Era of Blockchain Disruption.” Paper presented at the International Conference on Digital, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Financing. INSEEC University. Lyon, France, June 11 to 12, 2018.[PDF: 2 MB] 
Abstract: SME Productivity in the Era of Blockchain Disruption
Productivity in Canada has been an issue for several decades; this was largely brought to light relatively recently by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warning. When compared to the United States, and other OECD nations, Canada’s productivity has fallen significantly behind, which in turn has hurt its competitiveness in the global trade market. Due to a lack of competitiveness, Canada does not export much, and as a result Canadian companies often cannot take advantage of economies of scale, economies that are needed to boost productivity. When looking into the causes of this productivity shortcoming, due diligence revealed that Canadians are highly risk averse, and while avoiding risk can be prudent in some circumstances, extreme risk aversion actually hampers development, innovation, and improvement as everyone follows the status quo. Another major contributor to the productivity problem is a failure to adopt technology for business growth, specifically in the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that make up 99.8% of Canadian businesses, and account for more than 30% of Canadian GDP (Government of Canada, 2016). The vast majority of research into the field of productivity focuses on large businesses, research that is of very little use to SMEs in most cases. These statistics make it clear that these smaller enterprises a hugely important to the Canadian economy, but they are largely neglected by academic research, they do not typically invest in their own research, and as such approximately half of SMEs will not even make it to a 6th year of operation (BDC, 2018). Interestingly, this may be the opportune time to rectify some of these issues with the smaller firms in Canada’s economy, as something that has the potential to be a revolutionary technology has recently come to light. There have been, and will be, disruptive changes occurring as a result of block chain technology and the emergence of the crypto economy.
This paper explored how emerging technologies, all of which have become available because of Blockchain innovation, can be leveraged for productivity growth and competitive advantage. Blockchain technologies can also circumvent some of the many financial difficulties with overseas transactions, they are used for digital currencies that are useable throughout the globe. These will almost certainly have tax implications and produce exchange rate risk, but regulation will likely soon be introduced to address this. Given Canada’s current net export position currently being negative, resolving some of the financial complexities of exports may assist in the current import-export imbalance. Similarly, innovations in blockchain contracts could vastly expedite a lot of certification and verification processes that currently hinder the export process. Specifically, the paper will explore how these technologies can be leveraged to minimize the competitive gap between SMEs and larger companies.
• Chowdhury, M., & Lishman, R. (2018). “The Blockchain High of Cannabis Supply Chains.” Pi Lab Research Brief. Productivity and Innovation Lab. Niagara College Canada.[PDF: 3.5 MB]
Abstract: The Blockchain High of Cannabis Supply Chains.
The worlds of technology and industry are changing and developing rapidly. Each day innovative
technologies are dreamt of and developed. These two fields are merging and changing one another with each
passing day. This paper aims to provide an overview and explanation of the innovate technologies of blockchain,
distributed ledger, and cryptocurrency. Furthermore, it will demonstrate how these technologies can be applied
to existing strategic business frameworks, such as the four pillars of productivity (4POP) model. The application
of such will spur further innovation and increase productivity. This information will then be applied to demonstrate
how a distributed ledger can be applied to the growing Canadian industry of cannabis; specifically, within
the cannabis industry’s distribution and supply chain management. Altogether, this paper will provide readers
with a basic understanding of the technology, how it can be applied to existing strategic business models, and its
practical application in growing global industries, such as the Canadian cannabis industry. There is a discussion
as to why blockchain is so relevant to solving many of the issues associated with introducing legalized cannabis,
and how government, academia, and industry can leverage the emerging technology and recent legalization to
the greatest effect.
• Chowdhury, M. (2017). “Productivity in Uncertain Times.” Paper presented at the International Conference on Productivity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. London, England, April 26 to 28, 2017.[PDF: 400 KB]
Abstract: Productivity in Uncertain Times.
Productivity in Canada has been an issue for several decades; this was largely brought to light by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warning issued in 2012. When compared to the United States, and other OECD nations, Canada’s productivity has fallen significantly behind, which in turn has hurt its competitiveness in the global trade market. Due to a lack of competitiveness, Canada does not export much, and as a result Canadian companies often cannot take advantage of economies of scale, economies that are needed to boost productivity. When looking into the causes of this productivity shortcoming, due diligence revealed that Canadians are highly risk averse, and while avoiding risk can be prudent in some circumstances, extreme risk aversion actually hampers development, innovation, and improvement as everyone follows the status quo. Another major contributor to the productivity problem is a failure to adopt technology for business growth, specifically in the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The vast majority of research into the field of productivity focuses on large businesses, research that is of very little use to SMEs in most cases. The framework discussed in this text, which is designed specifically for SMEs, is called the four pillars of productivity (4POP) system. By implementing this framework, an SME can successfully undertake productivity initiatives that lead to sustainable productivity improvements. The paper also factors in the uncertainty and fluidity of today’s international diversity in terms of where each nation lies on the political spectrum and what that means for productivity.
• Chowdhury, M., Deflice, J., Kinnaird, V. (2017). “Productivity and Innovation Lab (Pi Lab) – An Experiential and Informal Learning hub”, Case study presented at the European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ISBN: 978-1-900507-17-3), Novancia Business School, Paris, France, September 20 to 22 2017.
Abstract: Productivity and Innovation Lab (Pi Lab)
...
• Chowdhury, M. (2016). The Smart Classroom – an industry-academia collaborative attempt to design the future teaching and learning environment. LibreriaUniversitaria. [June, 2016]
Abstract: The Smart Classroom (Pi Lab)
The emersion of technological singularity in our daily life can no longer be ignored. Companies around the
world are busy connecting their products and services with the Internet of things. With that in mind, initially
funded by the National Research Council Canada, an Ontario based Furniture Company named Borgo
partnered with an academic research partner, the Niagara College based Productivity and Innovation Lab,
to ideate the future classroom design. The associated study explored how the world of connectivity can be
integrated with the design of the future classroom to foster a better teaching and learning environment.
The researchers explored how common classroom variables such as sound, temperature, shape, light,
color, flooring, plants and so on can be leveraged to foster a better teaching and learning environment. In
addition, the study also investigated how the new generation furniture can support modern pedagogical
teaching and learning practices to maximize knowledge dissemination and retention. The study focused
on the classroom design for higher education (both at the graduate and undergraduate levels), collected
data from Ontario students and faculty members, and also made recommendations for subsequent steps.
Chowdhury, M. (2016). Four Pillars of Productivity: a systematic solution for Canadian small and medium sized businesses. International Journal on Interdisciplinary Research Studies.
Abstract: Four Pillars of Productivity (Pi Lab)
Several metrics have revealed a productivity deficiency in Canada. Relative to
other OECD countries, particularly the United States, Canada has fallen behind in terms
of efficiency and getting the most out of its resources. This is in large part due to a lack of
successful integration of the appropriate technologies in small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs). A large issue in productivity research has been its focus on macrolevel
concepts, economies of scale for large companies, and lack of hands-on support and
information for SMEs, which comprise 99.8% of all Canadian businesses (Business
Development Bank of Canada, 2015). This paper presents a framework called the four
pillars of productivity (4POP) that is designed to help SMEs to achieve both sustainable
and continuously improving productivity. The text concludes with a case study of a
Canadian SME that applied the 4POP model and how the framework impacted the firm’s
performance.
Chowdhury, M. (2015). Case study: Assessing strategic issues of Welcomehome Relocation - . Business Productivity Initiative, Niagara College
Chowdhury, M. (2014). Strategic Plan versus Business Plan. Business Productivity Initiative, Niagara College
Chowdhury, M. (2013). Making Canada's SMEs more productive. Ivey Business Journal, Canada. ...>>
Chowdhury, M. (2010). The Relationship Between Instructor’s Perception and ICT Integration in College Classrooms / La relation entre les
perceptions des professeurs et l’intégration des TIC au collégial. Congress 2010 of the Humanities & Social Sciences, Montreal, Canada. [PDF: 109 KB]
Abstract: he Relationship Between Instructor’s Perception ...
Despite the rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT), improved
access to ICT-based educational technology and financial investments by educational institutions,
many faculty members do not always take advantage of modern ICT. This study focused on
understanding why technologies are not always effectively integrated into classroom instruction to
enhance teaching and learning. The data were gathered from an online survey completed by 203
faculty members who are currently teaching at four Canadian colleges. The colleges were chosen
to represent different demographics in terms of size and location. The survey questions were
designed to capture the participants’ background information and their current practice and
perception of ICT use in teaching. Using statistical analysis of the collected data, the researcher
answered the research questions and identified key issues related to ICT integration into teaching.
The results of the correlation analysis identified a significant inverse relationship between beliefs
about ICT integration and practice in the classroom. The result of the MANOVA tests indicated
significant differences across gender, discipline, technology experience, and teaching experience
with the use of ICT in the classroom to improve teaching and learning.
Chowdhury, M. (2009). ICT integration trends and practices in college classrooms. EDULEARN09, Barcelona, Spain. (iSBN: 978-84-612-9802-0) [PDF: 979 KB]
Abstract: ICT integration trends ...
Technology integration is not a new concept to educators, and colleges invest a significant amount of
money to acquire modern information and communication technologies (ICT). Despite the rapid
development of ICT, improved access to ICT-based educational technology, and the financial
investments of educational institutions, faculty members do not always take advantage of modern ICT.
One problem is that teaching practices have not always kept pace with, nor benefited from, advances
in ICT. Technologies are not always effectively integrated into instruction to enhance teaching and
learning. This study investigated the trend and practices of ICT integration as an instructional tool by
college professors. Roger’s theory of diffusion of innovation and other instructional and learning
theories were the foundation for this study. The researcher obtained descriptive data about the current
practice and trend of ICT use in college classrooms. Faculty members from 4 Canadian colleges
participated in this survey-based, nonexperimental research. This research contributes to the literature
by providing current knowledge about ICT integration in higher education and will help educators,
researchers, and policymakers establish more reasonable ICT integration practices.
Chowdhury, M. (2009). The relationship between ICT integration and improvement in teaching as perceived by college instructors. Ph.D. dissertation, Walden University, United States -- Minnesota. (Publication No. AAT 3355030).
Dissertation Abstract
Colleges invest significant amounts of time and money to acquire modern information and communication technologies (ICT) to facilitate faculty use of ICT to improve teaching, yet little research has been done to measure faculty perceptions of its effectiveness and use. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to investigate the relationship between ICT integration into teaching and faculty perceptions of ICT use to improve teaching. The research questions sought to measure the frequency of ICT integration in college teaching and the perceptions of faculty of its effectiveness. The study also sought to determine if a correlation existed between faculty beliefs and practices regarding ICT integration, and whether there were differences across gender, disciplines, technology experience, and teaching experience in faculty perceptions and use of ICT. Constructivism, Banathy‘s systems design of education, and Roger‘s theory of diffusion of innovation provided the theoretical foundations for this study. A sample of 203 faculty members from 4 Canadian colleges participated in this survey-based, research. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and MANOVA. The results of the correlation analysis identified a significant inverse relationship between beliefs about ICT integration and practice in the classroom. The result of the MANOVA tests indicated significant differences across gender, discipline, technology experience, and teaching experience with the use of ICT in the classroom to improve teaching and learning. These findings may be used to promote positive social change through the integration of ICT into curriculum, the encouragement of ICT training for college instructors, and the development of technology plans to establish more effective ICT integration practices.
Chowdhury, M. (2007). WebQuest in new media classroom: A constructivist approach. 8th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training, University of Kumamoto, Japan.
Chowdhury, M. (2007). WebQuest learning as perceived in the new media classroom. CADE/AMTEC Conference 2007, Winnipeg, Canada.
Chowdhury, M. (2006). IEEE Xplore, New technologies in new media classroom. IEEE Catalog Number: 06EX1387C, ISBN: 1-4244-0406-1, Library of Congress: 2006925538....>>
Chowdhury, M. (2006, July 11). New technologies in new media classroom. Paper presented at the 7th International Conference on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
Chowdhury, M. (2006, June 17). New media classroom management system. Paper presented at the Doctoral Residency of Walden University, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Chowdhury, M. (2005, December 27).
Mixed Curriculum Model in New Media Education. Paper presented at the National Conference Center, Washington D.C., USA.
Chowdhury, M. (2005). CD-ROM . Multimedia @ Assiniboine Community College, Manitoba, Canada.
Chowdhury, M. (2005). CD-ROM . ACC Multimedia Lab, Manitoba, Canada.
Chowdhury, M. (2005). CD-ROM . Aboriginal Community Development, Manitoba, Canada.
Chowdhury, M. (2004). CD-ROM . Aboriginal Practical Nursing, Assiniboine Community College, Manitoba, Canada.
Chowdhury, M. (2004). Disables Website. Sage Online, 2(1), Princeton, NJ.
Chowdhury, M. (2003). Online Training Manual: Banyan Disability Management Consultants, 300p, Toronto, ON.
Chowdhury, M. (2003). Inside Email Newsletter. OFANA News Letter, 8.
Chowdhury, M. (2002). Project report. Developing website and its management. Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada
Chowdhury, M. (2001). CD-ROM . Training Manual: Banyan Disability Management Consultants, 300
Chowdhury, M. & Allison Smyth. (2001). CD-ROM. Employee Training Manual: Banyan Disability Management Consultants.
Chowdhury, M. & Vincent Ang. (2001). CD-ROM. Recruitment, Mount Allison University, New Burnswick, Canada
Chowdhury, M. (1996). Developing the technical maintenance process of fuel system of the aircraft Tupolev Tu-154M on base of exploitational analysis, 350 p. Kiev International University of Civil aviation, Ukraine.
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