About Ali
Ali Balaid is a results-driven academic leader with significant experience in higher education, research, and software industries. Holding a Ph.D. in Information Systems, he specializes in cybersecurity, software engineering, and IT strategy. Ali has mentored students and faculty, led innovative programs, and fostered industry-academic partnerships. With roles including Assistant Professor and Head of Cybersecurity Department, he bridges academic theory and practical enterprise solutions. As co-founder of a software firm, he provides strategic oversight, promoting digital transformation and academic excellence.
Services Offered
Systematic Literature Review
Structured, comprehensive reviews of published research to answer specific questions, often used in academic or evidence-based work.
Product Development
Bring your product ideas to life with our comprehensive product development services. From concept to launch, we guide you through the entire process—design, prototyping, development, and testing—to create innovative products that meet user needs and deliver lasting value.
Research
Gain insights and make informed decisions with our expert research services. We offer in-depth market research, data analysis, and academic studies to support your strategic goals. Whether you're exploring trends, evaluating competitors, or understanding customer needs, we provide the knowledge you need to move forward.
Product Compliance
Ensuring your product adheres to relevant industry regulations, certifications, and safety or environmental standards.
Data & AI
Support with contracts, intellectual property, risk assessment, and legal strategy—non-litigation advisory services.
Expertise
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check_circle Software Development
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check_circle Product Evaluation
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Professional Summary
With a robust career in academia and technology, this individual is a seasoned professional with extensive leadership experience in both academic and entrepreneurial settings. As the Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor of Smart Team in Yemen, they have played a vital role in deploying innovative IT solutions for SMEs and government clients, having previously served as CEO. Their executive roles in academia include heading the Cybersecurity and Networking Department at the University of Aden, shaping curriculum and fostering industry relationships, and coordinating postgraduate studies at the University of Science and Technology. Additionally, they have imparted critical skills in IT and system administration through various instructional roles, while engaging in international scholarly research during their tenure at the University of Technology Malaysia.
Work History
Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor (Former CEO)
Smart Team – Aden, Yemen
2019 - Present
- Co-founded and led a software development firm delivering innovative IT solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and government agencies. Formerly served as CEO and currently provide remote strategic guidance and operational coordination from the United States. Directed company vision, product development, and client engagement strategies during CEO tenure. Now act as a remote advisor, contributing to business strategy, project planning, and team coordination. Oversaw delivery of enterprise-grade applications, ensuring alignment with client requirements and regulatory needs. Promoted technical excellence and agile execution across cross-functional teams.
Trainer
Aden Refinery Company (ARC), Aden, Yemen
2025
- Delivered specialized training in Red Hat Linux (RHEL4) and ICDL certification, enhancing employees’ technical skills and digital literacy for efficient system management in the refinery environment.
Trainer
Aptech Computer Education, Aden, Yemen
2025
- Delivered training in software and programming languages such as C++ and Java, mentoring students to develop practical skills for successful professional careers.
Lecturer
Lebanese International University, Aden
2025
- Delivered lectures and practical sessions on advanced computer science topics including system administration, networks, security, operating systems, and mentored students to deepen their technical expertise.
Lecturer
Aden Community College, Aden, Yemen
2025
- Specialized in Linux RHEL4 system administration, delivering lectures and hands-on training while mentoring students to master advanced system administration skills.
General Manager
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
2025
- Directed all operational, financial, and training activities for the learning center, driving student growth through strategic marketing and partnership development while ensuring compliance with organizational standards and regulations.
Head of Cybersecurity and Networking Department
University of Aden – Aden, Yemen
2023 - 2025
- Provided strategic and academic leadership for the Cybersecurity and Networking Department, managing curriculum development, faculty performance, and student outcomes. Led departmental initiatives to align academic programs with emerging trends in cybersecurity and networking. Mentored students and faculty on cybersecurity research projects, fostering a culture of inquiry and applied learning. Built partnerships with industry professionals and academic institutions to enhance program relevance and innovation. Promoted high-performing academic environment focused on research excellence and professional growth.
Coordinator of Postgraduate Studies
College of Engineering and Computing, University of Science and Technology – Aden, Yemen
2022 - 2025
- Managed the administration and academic activities of postgraduate programs within the College of Engineering and Computing. Oversaw curriculum development, student progress monitoring, and academic quality assurance for postgraduate courses. Facilitated integration of current industry trends and research priorities into postgraduate program offerings. Collaborated with faculty and staff to design and launch innovative, industry-aligned postgraduate programs. Provided guidance and support to postgraduate students on research planning and execution, enhancing graduation rates and academic success.
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer & IT
University of Aden – Aden, Yemen
2018 - 2025
- Delivered lectures and conducted practical labs for undergraduate and postgraduate students in computer science and IT disciplines. Guided and mentored students to support academic and professional development. Conducted research, published scholarly articles, and presented findings at academic conferences to contribute to advancements in computer science and IT. Participated in curriculum development, program evaluation, and faculty initiatives to improve educational quality and research output.
Research Assistant and Fellow
UTM Technology Entrepreneurship Center (UTMTEC), University of Technology Malaysia (UTM)
2015 - 2016
- Mentored students in developing business model canvases and supported final-year IT project completion. Delivered lab tutorials on various software tools, including cloud platforms and data analysis software (both quantitative and qualitative). Conducted research and published findings in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.
Education Summary
The individual has attained a Philosophy of Doctorate in Information Systems from the prestigious University of Technology Malaysia, reflecting an advanced level of expertise in the field. Complementing this accomplishment is a Master of Science in Information Technology obtained from Sikkim Manipal University, alongside a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with First Class Honours from the same institution, demonstrating a consistent track record of academic excellence. Further enhancing their technical proficiency, they completed an Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering from Aptech Computer Education, underscoring a robust foundation in software development methodologies.
Education History
Philosophy of Doctorate in Information Systems
University of Technology Malaysia
2025
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (First Class Honours)
Sikkim Manipal University
2025
First Class Honours
Master of Science in Information Technology
Sikkim Manipal University
2025
Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering
Aptech Computer Education
2025
Publications Summary
Dr. A. Balaid has made significant contributions to the fields of information management and software development through a variety of impactful publications. Noteworthy among his works are those published in esteemed journals such as the "International Journal of Information Management," featuring a systematic literature review on knowledge maps, and "ITEGAM-JETIA," with a comprehensive analysis of agile implementations in Yemeni software firms. Moreover, Dr. Balaid's dedication to knowledge dissemination is evident through his participation as an editor in the Springer-published conference proceedings on recent ICT trends. His expertise is further underscored by active roles in thesis supervision and examination of innovative research at the University of Science and Technology, Yemen, reflecting his profound influence on the academic and professional domains.
Published Works
Adoption of Cloud Computing in Financial Services: A Case Study of Unified Network for Money – Aden
Thesis person Rana Al-Sayed
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: N/A
Enhancing Medical Imaging with AI-Driven Data Augmentation
Thesis person Ahmed M. Sallam
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: N/A
Navigating Agile Implementation in Yemeni Software Firms: Challenges, Benefits, and Strategic Insights
Journal Article person Balaid, A., Baleid, H., Alsakkaf, N.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 58
Pages: 32-41
ISSN: N/A
Cyber Threats Perception in the Banking Sector: A Case Study of the Central Bank of Yemen
Thesis person Khalid Mo. Dehni
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2026
Phishing URL Detection Using Deep Learning: A CNN-Based Approach
Journal Article person Saeed, M. A., Balaid, A., Bahaidara, O.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 9
Pages: N/A
ISSN: N/A
Phishing URL Detection Using Deep Learning: A CNN-Based Approach
Thesis person Mohammed Ali Saeed
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2025
Measuring Users' Satisfaction with Mobile Banking: A Study on Yemeni Banks
Thesis person Hana’a Nasser Al-Hammadi
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2025
Cyber Threat Perception in Fragile Banking Environments: A Literature-Based Analysis of the Central Bank of Yemen
Journal Article person Dehni, K., Balaid, A., Bahaidara, O.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 12
Pages: N/A
ISSN: N/A
Leveraging Big Data in the Banking Sector: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities at the Central Bank of Aden
Journal Article person N., Abdullah, M. F., Balaid, A.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 5
Pages: 431–448
ISSN: N/A
Challenges and Benefits of Implementing Agile Methodologies in Yemeni Software Development Companies
Thesis person Hanan Mahmood Ahmed
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2024
Analyzing Opportunities for Developing an Information System in Yemen Petroleum Company (YPC): A Case Study - Aden Branch
Thesis person Amna Fadel Mansoor
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2024
Leveraging Big Data in the Banking Sector: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities at the Central Bank of Aden
Journal Article person Mohsen, S., Alsakkaf, N., Abdullah, M. F., Balaid, A.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 5
Pages: 431-448
ISSN: N/A
Challenges and Opportunities for Using Big Data in Central Bank: A Case Study of Central Bank - Aden
Thesis person Shaima Abdulrahman Mohsen
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2024
Agile Software Development in Yemen: Exploring Challenges and Gaining Benefits
Journal Article person Baleid, H., Balaid, A.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 5
Pages: N/A
ISSN: N/A
Improving Software Effort Estimation Models Using Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm
Thesis person Nada Mohammed AL-Sheikh
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2023
Mobile Device Risk Management in Enterprise IT: A Case Study of Aden Refinery Company
Thesis person Mohammed Badah
calendar_today Year not specified
Institution: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
Year: 2023
Recent Trends in Information and Communication Technology: Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Reliable Information and Communication Technology (IRICT 2017)
Book person Saeed, F., Gazem, N., Patnaik, S., Balaid, A. S. S., Mohammed, F.
calendar_today Year not specified
Book: Not specified
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: Not specified
Recent Trends in Information and Communication Technology: Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Reliable Information and Communication Technology (IRICT 2017)
Conference Paper person Saeed, F., Gazem, N., Patnaik, S., Balaid, A. S. S., Mohammed, F. (Eds.)
calendar_today Year not specified
Conference: Not specified
Location: Not specified
Pages: N/A
Knowledge Maps: A Systematic Literature Review and Directions for Future Research
Journal Article person Balaid, A., Abd Rozan, M. Z., Hikmi, S. N., Memon, J.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 3
Pages: 451-475
ISSN: N/A
Knowledge Maps: A Systematic Literature Review and Directions for Future Research
Journal Article person Balaid, A., Abd Rozan, M. Z., Hikmi, S. N., Memon, J.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 3
Pages: 451–475
ISSN: N/A
Methodologies for Building a Knowledge Map: A Literature Survey
Journal Article person Balaid, A., Musa, M. A., Abd Rozan, M. Z., Hikmi, S. N., Othman, M. S.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 5
Pages: 537–548
ISSN: N/A
A Theoretical Framework for Mentor-Protégé Matchmaking: The Role of Mentoring in Entrepreneurship
Journal Article person Memon, J., Abd Rozan, M. Z., Ismail, K., Uddin, M., Balaid, A., Daud, D.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 3–4
Pages: 252–272
ISSN: N/A
Influential Factors of Knowledge Maps Adoption in Software Development Organizations: A Pilot Case Study
Conference Paper person Balaid, A., Abd Rozan, M. Z., Abdullah, S. N.
calendar_today Year not specified
Conference: Not specified
Location: Not specified
Pages: 201–205
Conceptual Model for Examining Knowledge Maps Adoption in Software Development Organizations
Journal Article person Balaid, A., Abd Rozan, M. Z., Abdullah, S. N.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: 15
Pages: 118–132
ISSN: N/A
Factors Influencing Students' Intention to Use M-learning
Journal Article person Almatari, A. Y., Iahad, N. A., Balaid, A. S.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: N/A
Pages: 1–8
ISSN: N/A
A Comprehensive Review of Knowledge Mapping Techniques
Journal Article person Balaid, A. S. S., Zibarzani, M., Abd Rozan, M. Z.
calendar_today Year not specified
Journal: Not specified
Publisher: N/A
Volume/Issue: N/A
Pages: 61–66
ISSN: N/A
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Certifications Summary
This individual holds a diverse array of certifications from prestigious organizations, showcasing expertise in various domains of information technology. They are a CompTIA A+ Certified Professional and a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), recognized by CompTIA and New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, respectively. Additionally, they have achieved certification in Red Hat Linux Essentials & Administrator through New Horizons in Sanaa, Yemen, as well as Oracle Database 10g Administration from Oracle University in Dubai, UAE. These non-expiring certifications highlight a broad and in-depth skill set in IT infrastructure and database management.
Certifications
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
Oracle Database 10g Administration
Oracle University
Red Hat Linux Essentials & Administrator
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers
CompTIA A+ Certified Professional
CompTIA
