Assistant Professor at University of Hail | Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz Alharbi is an Information Systems academic, researcher, and institutional leader specializing in cybersecurity architecture, IT governance, digital transformation, and innovation management. He currently serves as Assistant Professor and Head of the Skills Development Unit at University of Ha’il College of Business Administration. His expertise combines research, teaching, and strategic leadership in emerging technologies, cloud computing, AI adoption, and knowledge management. He previously contributed to security-sensitive infrastructure projects with Thales. His research has been presented at IFIP Dewald Roode, MWAIS, and AMCIS conferences, focusing on IT investment, security, organizational performance, and digital innovation.
Professional Profile
Education
Abdulaziz Alharbi earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Information Systems from University of Colorado Denver in 2024, where his dissertation examined the relationship between IT investment, cloud computing, IT security, and firm financial performance. He completed an M.S. in Management Information Systems at Bowie State University in 2016 with a concentration in Enterprise Information Systems, SAP, and Data Analytics. He also holds a B.S. in Management Information Systems from University of Ha’il completed in 2010. His professional development includes certifications in cybersecurity, SAP, enterprise systems, and academic English studies in the United States.
Professional Experience
Abdulaziz Alharbi has extensive academic, technical, and administrative experience across higher education and industry sectors. He currently serves as Assistant Professor at University of Ha’il, leading initiatives in skills development, quality assurance, accreditation, and institutional partnerships. Previously, he worked as Lecturer at the same institution while pursuing doctoral studies in the United States. At University of Colorado Denver, he served as Graduate Teaching Assistant supporting courses in data governance, project management, databases, Python, cloud computing, and AI. Earlier, he managed operations within a railway critical-infrastructure programme at Thales in Saudi Arabia.
Award and Honor
Abdulaziz Alharbi has received academic and professional recognition for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly contribution. In 2025, he earned the Best Reviewer Award at the Dewald Roode Workshop on Information Systems Security Research in Nairobi, Kenya, acknowledging his outstanding scientific reviewing quality and contribution to information systems security research. In 2022, he received the Best Instructor Award from the Information Systems Department at University of Colorado Denver Business School for distinguished teaching performance. His achievements also include Microsoft cybersecurity certification and recognition for advancing academic capability development and innovation-focused institutional initiatives.
Research Focus
Abdulaziz Alharbi focuses on Information Systems research related to IT governance, cybersecurity, digital transformation, cloud computing, business intelligence, and AI adoption. His studies examine how IT investment and security capabilities influence organizational performance, innovation, and operational efficiency. He has published and presented research at IFIP Dewald Roode, MWAIS, and AMCIS conferences, addressing topics including electronic health record adoption, firm performance, and technology-enabled business transformation. His ongoing projects explore entrepreneurial intention, sustainable entrepreneurship, selective AI adoption, and the relationship between business intelligence and organizational innovation. His work integrates technology strategy, analytics, governance, and digital-business methodologies.
Publications Top Noted
The Impact of IT Investment and IT Security Intensity on Firm Performance
Authors: Abdulaziz Alharbi, David Gregg
Year: 2022
Factors Affecting Electronic Health Record Adoption in Developing Countries: A Case of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdulaziz Alharbi, Ruben Ramirez
Year: 2020
Conclusion
Abdulaziz Alharbi represents a modern Information Systems leader combining academic scholarship, cybersecurity expertise, institutional governance, and innovation management. His multidisciplinary experience across higher education, research, and critical infrastructure environments positions him as a strong contributor to digital transformation and secure technology initiatives. Through teaching, research, and institutional leadership, he continues to advance knowledge in IT governance, AI adoption, cybersecurity, and business intelligence while supporting organizational development and strategic capability building. His growing international research profile, professional certifications, and leadership contributions reflect a commitment to excellence in technology-driven education, research innovation, and secure digital transformation within modern organizations.