The Durland Learning Foundation Fellowship

Where is your hometown?

My family is originally from Sumatra, Indonesia where a lot of coffee and cinnamon are exported around the world.

Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?

The faculty were very welcoming, helpful and very good at research, so I thought I would learn a lot by choosing Smith to do my PhD.

What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?

There’s been many great experiences so far. Interacting with faculty in seminars has always been fun. If I had to choose one moment, it would be attending the PhD 45th Anniversary event where I met alumni of the program. Learning from the wisdom of my predecessors was both motivating and meaningful. I hope to graduate and contribute to the community and the legacy that’s been made here.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

I hope to secure a tenure-track position at a business school, teaching the next generation of accounting and finance leaders.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I love learning about different cultures, so I’ve travelled across different places like Iceland, Japan, Australia and Europe.

Research Overview

When Companies Promise Sustainability: What Makes Investors Believe Them?

Edbert’s research examines how companies can credibly communicate their environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives to investors. Although ESG initiatives are an important way companies contribute to meaningful social and environmental progress, they often involve long time horizons and uncertain outcomes. As a result, managers must balance demonstrating confidence and commitment with maintaining flexibility in case circumstances change.

This study investigates how the strength of a company’s sustainability commitment and the related justification affects investors’ willingness to invest. Using an online experiment in which participants act as investors and evaluate different versions of sustainability announcements, the research tests how investors interpret companies’ intentions and expected outcomes. By identifying which types of commitments build trust and attract capital, this study aims to help companies, regulators and investors communicate and interpret sustainability efforts more effectively.

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Tehran, Iran.

Why did you choose Smith School of Business/Queen’s?

I first learned about the PhD program at Smith from a friend who was a PhD student here. When considering a PhD program, one of the most important factors is the student’s supervisor. My friend spoke highly of his supervisor’s supportiveness, which greatly influenced my decision to choose Smith School of Business and work under her supervision.

What has been your favourite experience at Queen’s so far?

I have always been passionate about mathematics. At Queen’s, I had the opportunity to take courses in the Mathematics Department, which were both challenging and intellectually stimulating. These courses pushed my limits and significantly contributed to my academic growth.

What are your aspirations after graduation?

After graduation, I aspire to become a university professor, conducting research while also teaching and engaging with students. I find great fulfillment in both, and I look forward to contributing to academia in these capacities.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I am the first person in my generation to pursue a PhD and to immigrate from my hometown.

Research Overview

Fairness in Revenue Management: Navigating the Trade-off Between Corporate Profits and Social Equity

Ali’s research explores the balance between corporate profits and social equity in revenue management by analyzing pricing and product assortment strategies through the lens of consumer fairness. While firms increasingly use consumer data to customize prices and product offerings, this practice can pose reputational risks and undermine corporate social responsibility (CSR). The study defines fairness in terms of maintaining consistent prices and product options across different customer groups and evaluates four distinct scenarios combining fair and customized pricing and assortments. Using the mixture of multinomial logit (MMNL) model, which captures customer preferences, the research aims to identify optimal strategies that minimize fairness disparities while maintaining profitability. By examining the trade-off between revenue maximization and fairness, the study provides insights into how companies can align financial success with social equity.