On June 24, 2026, Graduate school (Research) hosted an Interdepartmental Research Colloquium featuring independent researcher Nasiba Mukhtorova, who presented her dissertation titled, "Tourism Sector Development Through Smart Tourism Management."

The research explored how smart tourism management approaches can enhance the development of the tourism sector, examining the integration of digital technologies, data-driven decision-making, and innovative management practices to improve tourist experiences and destination competitiveness. The study offered valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders in Uzbekistan's growing tourism sector.

The dissertation was supervised by Professor Zohid Askarov.

The colloquium provided a constructive platform for scholarly feedback and discussion. Following an engaged review and Q&A session, the dissertation was recommended to proceed to the next stage toward defense in accordance with SAC requirements.

On June 17, 2026, Mukhlisa Khamidova, PhD candidate in Management, presented her study titled, "University Competitiveness in Emerging Economies: A Governance-Based Conceptual Framework."

The research addresses a critical gap in higher education literature by conceptualizing the linkages between governance practices and competitive outcomes in emerging economy contexts. Drawing on institutional theory, resource dependence theory, and dynamic capabilities perspective, Mukhlisa designed a four-dimensional governance-based framework and expressed its relations with four key competitiveness outcomes: research productivity, teaching quality, human capital retention, and institutional reputation.

Following the presentation, Mukhlisa Khamidova received valuable recommendations from academic staff members to further strengthen her research.

On June 10, 2026, the Westminster School of Business (WBS) hosted a research colloquium featuring Mekhrangiz Khusenova, PhD candidate in Management. She presented her study titled, "Implementation of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy in the Hotel Industry of Uzbekistan."

The research examines the implementation of ESG strategies in Uzbekistan's hotel industry and evaluates their impact on sustainable tourism development, operational efficiency, and corporate competitiveness. The study explores how hotels integrate environmental practices such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and carbon footprint reduction; social initiatives related to employee welfare, customer satisfaction, community engagement, and inclusiveness; and governance principles including transparency, ethical management, accountability, and risk management.

The research analyzes the current level of ESG adoption in Uzbek hotels, identifies key challenges and opportunities, and assesses the relationship between ESG performance and hotel business outcomes. Based on empirical evidence, the dissertation develops practical recommendations for hotel managers and policymakers to enhance ESG integration, improve sustainability performance, and strengthen the international attractiveness and competitiveness of Uzbekistan's hospitality sector.

Following the presentation, Mekhrangiz received valuable recommendations from academic staff members to further strengthen her research.

On June 9, 2026, a Scientific Seminar was held for the discussion of a dissertation in the specialty of Management.

Independent researcher Abdumalik Djumanov presented his dissertation on "Improving Business Process Management Methodology Based on Digital Transformation Tools" to pursue DSc degree in Management. The research provided a comprehensive investigation into how digital transformation tools can enhance business process management methodologies, offering a framework for organizations seeking to optimize operations through technological innovation, with particular relevance to the Uzbek business context.

The dissertation was supervised by Professor Bakhtiyor Islamov. The reviewers were Professor Rakhmanbaeva Roza Abdurakhmanovna and Professor Tursunov Sherzod Abdukadirovich.

Based on the outcomes of the seminar and its adherence to academic requirements, the dissertation was recommended for defense at the Scientific Council DSc.22/30.12.2019.I.85.01 on awarding academic degrees at Westminster International University in Tashkent.

On June 3-4, 2026, Graduate school (Research) successfully hosted the 2nd Westminster Doctoral Research Network (WeNeRD) workshop, bringing together PhD/DSc candidates and early-career researchers specializing in Management and Economics from across Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
The two-day workshop provided a unique platform for doctoral students and recent PhD graduates to network, collaborate, share ongoing research, and receive critical feedback and professional mentorship.

The workshop featured a range of academic sessions, including:

- Research Presentations: PhD/DSc candidates presented their ongoing research through poster sessions and oral presentations
- Keynote Talks: Rennowned academics shared insights on current trends and methodologies in Management and Economics
- Seminars & Workshops: Interactive sessions on research methodologies, data analysis and AI use, publishing strategies, early-career mentorship, and academic writing
- Panel Discussions & Networking: Opportunities to connect with fellow PhD students, faculty members, and industry experts for potential research collaborations

Participants received valuable feedback from mentors and peers, helping them advance their doctoral research toward successful completion and publication. WeNeRD 2026 once again demonstrated its vital role in building a vibrant and connected research community in the region.

For more information about the workshop, please visit: https://conference.wiut.uz/wenerd-2026

On May 25, 2026, Graduate school (Research) hosted an Interdepartmental Research Colloquium featuring independent researcher Dr. Djumanov Abdumalik, who presented his dissertation titled, "Improving Business Process Management Methodology Based on Digital Transformation Tools."

The research explored how digital transformation tools can enhance business process management methodologies, offering a comprehensive framework for organizations seeking to optimize operations through technological innovation. The study provided valuable insights into the integration of digital solutions into traditional process management approaches, with particular relevance to the Uzbek business context.

The colloquium provided a constructive platform for scholarly feedback and discussion. Following an engaged review and Q&A session, the dissertation was recommended to proceed to the next stage toward defense in accordance with SAC requirements.

On May 20, 2026, Graduate School (Research) hosted an Interdepartmental Research Colloquium featuring PhD candidate Yulduz Yakubova, who presented her dissertation titled, "Heritage Sites Branding Management and Its Effect on Residents' Well-Being."

The research explored the relationship between heritage site branding and the well-being of local communities, examining how destination branding strategies impact residents' quality of life, sense of identity, and community engagement. The study offered valuable insights into the socio-economic and psychological dimensions of heritage management in the Uzbek context.

The colloquium provided a constructive platform for scholarly feedback and discussion. Following an engaged review and Q&A session, the dissertation was recommended to proceed to the next stage toward defense in accordance with SAC requirements.

On May 20, 2026, Dilafruz Kuchkorova, PhD candidate in Management, presented her study titled, "Financial Literacy and Business Performance: Evidence from Rural Female Micro-Entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan."

Using data from 173 female micro-entrepreneurs in the Khorezm region and PLS-SEM analysis, the research found that financial education, cash forecasting, bookkeeping, and financial self-efficacy all positively influence business performance. Bookkeeping had the strongest effect, highlighting the critical role of record-keeping for microenterprise growth.

During the presentation, Dilafruz received valuable recommendations from WIUT academic staff members to further improve her research.

On May 6, 2026, the Westminster School of Business (WBS) hosted a research colloquium featuring Fazilat Abdukhamidova, PhD candidate in Management. She presented her study titled, "Determinants of Online Subscription Adoption in an Emerging Market: Evidence from Uzbekistan Using the UTAUT2 Model".

The research explored the key factors influencing the adoption of online subscription services in Uzbekistan, an emerging and rapidly digitalizing market. Using the UTAUT2 framework and data from 372 respondents, the findings revealed that habit, ease of use, enjoyment, and access to infrastructure are the strongest drivers of adoption. Interestingly, traditional factors such as performance expectations, social influence, and price were found to play a limited role in shaping subscription behavior.

Following the presentation, the presenter received valuable recommendations from academic staff members to further strengthen her research.