From the Bank of Finland to a PhD at NHH
Heidi Koponen has always been drawn to the field of macroeconomics and policy.
Kajuna ’ s interest in circular business innovation brought him to NHH
Jovinary Kajuna has studied banking and finance in Dar es Salaam and completed a master's degree in Kristiansand. The 28-year-old from Tanzania is now a PhD research fellow at NHH.
AS PART OF OUR PHD SERIES INTRODUCING CANDIDATES AT NHH, MEET JOVINARY KAJUNA!
Name: Kajuna Jovinary
From: Tanzania
Department: Department of Strategy and Management
Research interest: Circular business model innovation
Started: 2024
Supervisor: Professor Magne Supphellen
Jovinary Kajuna (28) was born and raised in Bukoba, a small town in the northwestern Tanzania. In 2017 he moved to Dar es Salaam to pursue his bachelor’s degree of commerce in banking and financial service at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Research: Sustainable capitalism
In 2023, Kajuna earned his master’s degree in international business from the University of Agder in Kristiansand, Norway.
`I developed a strong interest in sustainability, particularly through a course on sustainable capitalism´, he says.
His positive experience during his master’s degree also influenced his decision to pursue further studies in Norway.
`I found Norway to have a very peaceful environment, high quality of life, humble people, and a culture of low power distance. This aspect was especially appealing to me as I sought to advance my academic career´.
Real-world solutions
`Why did you choose NHH for your PhD degree ´
`NHH stood out as the perfect place for my PhD due to its strong focus on sustainability, which aligns closely with my own research interests. Everyone at NHH talks about sustainability´.
Kajuna´s research centers on circular business model innovation, exploring how businesses can transition from traditional linear models to sustainable, circular ones.
`What excites me most about this work is its potential to offer real-world solutions to the pressing and contemporary concept of sustainability´.
And Bergen?
Reflecting on his move to Bergen, he notes:
`I’ve experienced both quite city and vibrant city in Norway. From the moment I arrived in Bergen, I immediately felt a deep sense of community, something I greatly value´.
When he first arrived, Kajuna didn’t know anyone from his home country, but the international community at NHH quickly helped him feel at home and make new friends.
Leaving the business world behind for a PhD in finance
Johan Ludvig S. Karlsen decided to pursue a PhD in finance at NHH. 'I wasn’t ready to settle for a full-time business job´.
`One of the aspects of life at NHH I’ve come to appreciate most is the work-life balance. While working on my PhD, I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in various social activities with colleagues, including cabin trips, football games, dinners with friends, and watching movies´.
Football, not hiking!
`Adjusting to the colder climate and the cultural differences took some time. I don’t like hiking, which is popular in Bergen, but I love watching football and am a big fan of my local Tanzanian team, Young Africans´.
For Kajuna, social life is essential.
`It helps me stay productive and balanced; I enjoy spending time with friends and participating in social activities´.
He is also a member of NHH Football group, often playing football with colleagues on weekends.
`It’s another way I stay connected and active´.
How electronic word of mouth affect consumers
On Monday 16 December Iffat Tarannum will hold a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defend her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.