Faouzi Ben Rebah | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Faouzi Ben Rebah | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Faouzi Ben Rebah, ISBS-University of sfax, Tunisia.

Dr. Faouzi Ben Rebah 🇨🇦🇹🇳 is a highly respected Associate Professor at the Higher Institute of Biotechnology, University of Sfax, Tunisia. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, he holds Canadian and Tunisian nationalities and brings over two decades of global academic and research experience. His interdisciplinary expertise spans biological and physicochemical wastewater treatment, environmental biotechnology, and industrial waste valorization. Dr. Ben Rebah has worked in Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia, contributing significantly to sustainable bioprocesses and environmental remediation. His impactful work has been recognized through international collaborations, patents, and funded projects. He actively engages in scientific peer review, scholarly editing, and mentoring young researchers. His dedication to innovation and environmental sustainability has made him a leader in eco-friendly wastewater treatment technologies. 🌿💧

👨‍🔬 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Ben Rebah’s educational foundation is both rich and international. He holds a Ph.D. in Water Sciences from the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS), Quebec, Canada (2002) and earned a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from Sherbrooke University, Canada (1998). His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Biological Engineering from ENIS, Tunisia (1996), followed by a certificate in English from Queen’s University (2000). In 2009, he achieved his Habilitation to Direct Researches (HDR) in Biological Engineering, underscoring his readiness to lead academic and scientific pursuits. Additionally, he completed specialized training in Industrial Effluents Treatment from UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands (2013), emphasizing his commitment to global environmental solutions. 🎓🌍

🧪 Experience

With over 25 years of academic and industrial experience, Dr. Faouzi Ben Rebah has held pivotal positions across institutions in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. He is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Sfax, Tunisia. Between 2014 and 2021, he served at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia, and previously held roles at INSTM and University of Saint-Boniface, Canada. His professional timeline highlights a consistent focus on bioprocesses, wastewater engineering, and environmental microbiology. A seasoned educator, he teaches courses ranging from general chemistry to advanced wastewater treatment. As a reviewer for journals like MDPI Water and Environmental Technology, and an editor for special issues, Dr. Ben Rebah plays a key role in the scientific community. 🌐👨‍🏫

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Ben Rebah’s research intersects environmental sustainability, microbial engineering, and industrial ecology. He specializes in the development of sustainable wastewater and sludge treatment techniques, employing both biological and physicochemical approaches. A key area of focus is the transformation of agricultural and industrial waste into valuable bioproducts, including bioflocculants and biopolymers. He explores green solutions like cactus juice and microbial biosystems to substitute harmful synthetic materials. His work contributes to circular economy models by minimizing environmental pollution while recovering value-added compounds. By integrating biotechnology with chemical engineering, his research aims to redefine waste not as a burden, but as a renewable resource. 🔄🌱

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Dr. Faouzi Ben Rebah has received multiple scholarships and fellowships recognizing his scholarly excellence and research leadership. These include the Canadian International Development Agency Scholarship (1996–1998), INRS Scholarship (1998–2001), and MENA-UNESCO Training Fellowship (2013). His outstanding performance earned him the AUF Fellowship (2014) for collaborative research in Canada. He has served on scientific committees like ISBS 2024 and been entrusted with leading high-impact international projects involving wastewater biotreatment and bioflocculant development. His innovation was formally recognized through a Tunisian patent on cactus juice as a natural flocculant for wastewater (2015). Dr. Ben Rebah’s accolades reflect his pioneering contributions to sustainable environmental science. 🥇📜

📚 Publication Top Notes

Agro-industrial waste materials and wastewater sludge for rhizobial inoculant production: a review

Effective heavy metals removal from water using nanomaterials: A review

Clay-polymer nanocomposites: preparations and utilization for pollutants removal

Wastewater sludge as a substrate for growth and carrier for rhizobia: the effect of storage conditions on survival of Sinorhizobium meliloti

Iron oxide/chitosan magnetic nanocomposite immobilized manganese peroxidase for decolorization of textile wastewater

Fish processing wastes for microbial enzyme production: a review]

Microbial flocculants as an alternative to synthetic polymers for wastewater treatment: a review

Chemical composition and some biological activities of marine algae collected in Tunisia

Surface engineering of MOF-derived FeCo/NC core-shell nanostructures to enhance alkaline water-splitting

Cactus an eco-friendly material for wastewater treatment: A review

Gholamreza Mansourfar | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar, Urmia university, Iran.

Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting and Financial Management at Urmia University. With a doctoral degree in Finance from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), earned in 2010, Dr. Mansourfar has been an active faculty member since 1999, playing pivotal roles in both academia and public sector management. His robust experience spans across academic leadership, financial reform, public policy, and technology-based enterprise development. Known for his expertise in financial theory, econometrics, and investment management, he has led several national-level research and implementation projects, including the transition to accrual accounting in higher education and strategic regional development studies. Alongside his university roles, he has served on executive boards and strategic councils in the Maku Free Trade Zone, Science and Technology Parks, and investment bodies. Dr. Mansourfar’s work integrates academic excellence with impactful economic development, making him a deserving nominee for prestigious recognition in research and policy innovation.

👨‍🏫 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Mansourfar pursued his Ph.D. in Finance from the School of Graduate Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and graduated in 2010. His doctoral research was centered on portfolio diversification and financial optimization in oil and non-oil producing economies, which laid the foundation for his later high-impact publications. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in financial and business-related disciplines, providing him with both theoretical and applied grounding in the field. His academic background reflects a deep commitment to financial sciences, especially international portfolio management and quantitative economics. Through his education, Dr. Mansourfar has mastered advanced financial theories, econometric modeling, and asset allocation strategies, which he applies in both his teaching and his prolific research. His doctoral dissertation evolved into several indexed publications, significantly contributing to MENA region investment research.

🧰 Experience

Dr. Mansourfar’s academic and executive career spans over two decades, beginning in 1999 as a faculty member at Urmia University. His roles have included Associate Professor, internal audit committee chair, and Deputy of Budget and Finance. Beyond academia, he has held high-ranking positions in national institutions—serving as CEO and board member for multiple science and technology enterprises, including the Maku Free Trade Zone. His leadership includes serving as Vice President of Management Development and member of the Supreme Investment Council of Urmia Municipality. He has also chaired the West Azerbaijan Research and Technology Fund and served as Director of the Province’s Science & Technology Park. His administrative excellence is reflected in roles such as Deputy of Finance and Administration (2003–2006) and Program & Budget Director (2012–2021) at Urmia University. His multidisciplinary leadership ensures strategic integration of academia, technology, and economic planning.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Mansourfar’s primary research interests include international portfolio diversification, financial econometrics, metaheuristic optimization, financial decision analysis, and Islamic finance. His scholarly trajectory focuses on how financial theory can be enhanced through quantitative tools such as genetic algorithms and wavelet coherence. His research also delves into industry-level risk analysis within emerging and oil-based economies, especially in the MENA and South-East Asian regions. He has pioneered applications of metaheuristics in optimal portfolio selection, delivering policy-relevant insights for investors in volatile markets. Moreover, Dr. Mansourfar explores how financial markets in Iran and similar regions can benefit from enhanced diversification strategies. His work is both theoretical and applied, often translating into development initiatives and public-sector reforms. This alignment between academic inquiry and national development makes his research highly valuable across academia, government, and industry.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Gholamreza Mansourfar has earned widespread respect for his academic and executive leadership across Iran. He has been appointed to numerous high-level governmental and institutional committees, including the Permanent Commission of the Board of Trustees at Urmia University, and served as Chair of the Scientific Committee for the West Azerbaijan Strategic Development Plan. Though not focused on accolades, his work has brought institutional reform and has been cited by global scholars in financial economics and development studies. His research on international diversification in MENA and Islamic finance has been widely referenced, helping policymakers and researchers alike. Through his leadership in the Higher Education Planning Committees, his impact is evident in university curriculum modernization and institutional restructuring. His dedication to advancing financial knowledge, governance reform, and economic development positions him as an ideal nominee for national and international academic awards.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Stock price prediction using DEEP learning algorithm and its comparison with machine learning algorithms

Stock price prediction using deep learning and frequency decomposition

Did corporate social responsibility vaccinate corporations against COVID-19?

Business sustainability performance and corporate financial performance: The mediating role of optimal investment

Financial leverage, debt maturity, future financing constraints and future investment

The ability of support vector machine (SVM) in financial distress prediction

Information content of Islamic private debt announcement: Evidence from Malaysia

Earning volatility, capital structure decisions and financial distress by SEM

Optimum portfolio selection using a hybrid genetic algorithm and analytic hierarchy process

The behavior of MENA oil and non-oil producing countries in international portfolio optimization

Christos Lemonakis | Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr Christos Lemonakis | Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Christos Lemonakis, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Greece

Dr. Christos Lemonakis is an Associate Professor at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (EL.ME.PA.), Department of Management Science & Technology, located in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. Since November 2022, he has been leading courses in banking management, operations, risk analysis, and financial systems. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor (2018–2022) in the same department and held roles as Internal Auditor at Pancretan Cooperative Bank and academic positions at TEI of Crete, TEI of Western Macedonia, Neapolis University Cyprus, and the University of Portsmouth (UK). A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and member of various professional bodies (such as AICPA, IIA, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation), he brings nearly three decades of experience integrating academic scholarship with practical expertise in banking, auditing, and SME management.

👨‍🎓 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Lemonakis’s academic formation is grounded in quantitative and management disciplines. He earned his Diploma in Production Engineering & Management and a Masters in Business Administration from the Technical University of Crete in 1996 and 1999, respectively. In 2001, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of Crete. His pinnacle academic achievement came in 2011, with a PhD from the Technical University of Crete on “Efficiency and credit risk of banks in the Eurozone,” combining DEA, SFA, and econometric models – his thesis is accessible online. He further advanced his knowledge with an MSc in Business Economics, Finance & Banking from the University of Portsmouth and TEI of Crete.

💼 Experience

Dr. Lemonakis has a robust career spanning academia and finance. At Hellenic Mediterranean University, he progressed from Assistant to Associate Professor, teaching core modules like Banking Management, Total Quality Management, and SME governance. His professional trajectory includes serving as an Internal Auditor at Pancretan Cooperative Bank (2014–2018), where he conducted risk assessment and compliance audits. Earlier, he contributed as Research Associate at TEI of Crete, TEI of Western Macedonia, Neapolis University Cyprus, and University of Portsmouth, supervising postgraduate theses and delivering courses in Operations Management and Finance. His applied industry experience complements his academic roles, providing students with insights grounded in real-world best practices.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Lemonakis’s primary research areas focus on banking efficiency, credit & operational risk, internal audit, SME performance, and financial crises. He extensively explores Greek, Cypriot, and Eurozone banking, focusing on credit risk, Basel frameworks, ALM, and financial stability. His empirical studies utilize DEA, SFA, and econometric techniques. He also investigates SME competitiveness, technology adoption, exports, and innovation management. Further, his interests include anti–money laundering frameworks and internal audit effectiveness, especially in Greek hotels and commercial banks.

🏅 Awards & Honors

 Dr. Lemonakis’s extensive professional certifications underscore his recognized expertise: Certified Public Accountant (FCPA, F5131), Certified Management Accountant (CMA, 18-014), membership in the Chartered Institute of Taxation (ADIT reg. 225108), and the American Institute of Internal Auditors (HIIA code 1255, AIIA 1476637). His status as a Fellow CPA attests to his outstanding contribution in accounting and auditing. His published scholarly work in ABS-ranked journals further illustrates academic achievement and scholarly recognition.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Machine learning applications for accounting disclosure and fraud detection

Competitiveness and profitability: The case of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics

Relationship between ESG and corporate financial performance in the energy sector: empirical evidence from European companies

Environmental, social and corporate governance framework for corporate disclosure: a multicriteria dimension analysis approach

Default avoidance on credit card portfolios using accounting, demographical and exploratory factors: decision making based on machine learning (ML) techniques

National Forest Parks development through Internet technologies for economic perspectives

The effect of Baltic Dry Index, gold, oil and usa trade balance on dow jones sustainability index world

How narrative reporting changed the business world: Providing a new measurement tool

Analytical techniques in the assessment of credit risk

Crisis Management and the Public Sector: Key Trends and

Visualizing operational effects of ERP systems through graphical representations: current trends and perspectives

AmalI Khalil | Digital Transformation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. AmalI Khalil | Digital Transformation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. AmalI Khalil, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia.

Prof. Amal Khalil is a highly respected Egyptian academic and healthcare educator specializing in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Born on March 24, 1970, in Egypt, she currently serves as a professor at the College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Fluent in Arabic and English, Prof. Khalil is known for her dedication to academic leadership, research advancement, and faculty development. She plays a vital role in student advising and counseling while promoting interdisciplinary learning environments. Her warm and inclusive approach helps shape resilient and compassionate future nurses. With over 30 years of professional experience, she has contributed significantly to curriculum innovation, national accreditation, and clinical training excellence. Prof. Khalil’s proactive engagement in institutional growth and capacity-building initiatives reflects her core values of integrity, empathy, and lifelong learning. She continues to inspire both students and faculty with her visionary approach to healthcare education.

👩‍⚕️ Profile

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📚 Education 

Prof. Amal Khalil holds a distinguished academic record that underscores her lifelong commitment to psychiatric and mental health nursing. She began her journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tanta University in 1991. Her passion for mental health led her to pursue a Master’s degree (1999) and a Doctorate (2004) in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from Menoufia University, Egypt. She achieved academic milestones with progressive faculty promotions—Assistant Professor in 2009 at KSAU-HS, Associate Professor in 2013, and ultimately becoming a full Professor in 2020. Complementing her formal degrees, Prof. Khalil holds a Diploma in Psychology, is a Certified Trainer of Trainers (TOT), and earned a mindfulness meditation certification from Alison Center in the USA. These qualifications empower her to deliver holistic and modern instruction tailored to current healthcare demands. Her interdisciplinary background uniquely positions her to blend psychological well-being with evidence-based nursing education in diverse academic settings.

💼 Experience 

Prof. Amal Khalil’s professional journey spans over three decades of educational, clinical, and administrative excellence. At KSAU-HS, she plays a leading role in developing nursing curricula, overseeing academic counseling, and conducting research-driven faculty development. Her teaching portfolio spans multiple disciplines including radiological sciences and psychiatric nursing. She has led numerous workshops such as “Mental Health First Aid,” “SWOT Analysis for Nursing Professionals,” and “Communication Etiquette in the Workplace.” In recognition of her leadership, she has been entrusted with roles like co-chair of the Advising and Counselling Unit, member of the accreditation committee, and contributor to career guidance programs. She bridges academic theory with real-world application, supporting both undergraduates and healthcare professionals in skill development. Her impactful teaching and mentorship have significantly improved student satisfaction, professional readiness, and cross-functional faculty collaboration. Through continuous innovation, Prof. Khalil ensures that KSAU-HS remains a hub for ethical and future-ready healthcare education in the region.

🔬 Research Interests 

Prof. Amal Khalil’s research interests align with her clinical and academic expertise in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Her primary focus areas include mindfulness practices in education, mental health literacy among students, and resilience-building interventions in high-stress healthcare environments. She also investigates the pedagogical impact of personal SWOT analysis and mental health first aid training for nursing students and faculty. Additionally, she explores innovative methods in academic writing, including problem statement development and hypothesis formulation. Prof. Khalil actively contributes to multidisciplinary research and has led studies that integrate psychological wellness with academic performance in nursing programs. She frequently collaborates on curriculum-based research workshops aimed at elevating academic rigor and reflective practice. Her research not only informs her teaching but also fosters institutional growth and professional development for both faculty and students. Prof. Khalil’s scholarly vision promotes a compassionate, research-informed approach to education, mental wellness, and patient-centered healthcare delivery.

🏆 Awards 

Prof. Amal Khalil has been honored with numerous accolades that underscore her exceptional contributions to nursing education, faculty development, and research innovation. In 2025 alone, she received multiple Certificates of Appreciation—from serving as a co-chair of the Advising and Counselling Unit to leading faculty workshops on communication and mindfulness. Her achievements in academic accreditation earned high recognition during the NCAAA process. She was also awarded a 1st-place monetary prize at the 2024 CONJ Research Day. Between 2023 and 2024, she led and spoke at over a dozen workshops and faculty enhancement sessions, ranging from research methodology to career guidance. Earlier, she received trophies and awards at HPC 2017, 2018, and 2019 for poster presentations and public health contributions. Her recognition extends across disciplines, reflecting her influence as both a healthcare educator and scholar. Prof. Khalil’s consistent excellence, institutional service, and commitment to learning position her as a role model in academic nursing.

📖 Publications

Effectiveness of Mindfulness Meditation Among Nursing Students

SWOT-Driven Mindset in Nursing Education

Impact of Mental Health First Aid Training

Nairei Hori | Marketing Strategies for Business Growth |Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr Nairei Hori | Marketing Strategies for Business Growth |Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Nairei Hori,I-Shou University ,Taiwan

Dr. Nairei Hori is an Assistant Professor at I-Shou University, Taiwan, whose interdisciplinary expertise blends academic research with practical experience from the hospitality sector. With a strong background in Education and real-world insights from the service industry, Dr. Hori’s scholarship emphasizes workforce development, emotional labour, and consumer behavior in hospitality and business environments. Her academic contributions aim to bridge theoretical constructs with actionable strategies, particularly by integrating industry-based competencies into curriculum design. Passionate about innovating pedagogical approaches and supporting the development of work asset retention systems, she continuously contributes to shaping the nexus between academia and applied business practices. As a result, her work not only informs scholarly discourse but also offers practical tools for the hospitality and HR sectors globally.

👨‍🎓 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Hori holds a Ph.D. in Education, which serves as the foundation for her pedagogical and research pursuits. This advanced academic training is complemented by extensive engagement in the hospitality industry, allowing her to contextualize educational theory within real-world service operations. Her education has centered around integrating applied learning methodologies such as experiential learning into formal academic environments, with a particular focus on aligning academic content with current industry needs. Her doctoral studies involved intensive research on workforce preparedness and the translation of emotional labour theory into hospitality and business education, ensuring her graduates are industry-ready and resilient in high-demand environments.

💼 Experience

Dr. Hori brings a dual lens of practice and academia to her teaching and research roles. As an Assistant Professor at I-Shou University, she lectures on topics spanning hospitality management, human resource strategies, and consumer psychology. Her professional journey includes valuable years in the service industry, where she developed a deep understanding of customer dynamics and employee engagement challenges. This frontline experience enables her to construct research models and teaching frameworks that resonate with real-world conditions. Beyond teaching, she has contributed to curriculum development and quality assurance in higher education programs, and she actively mentors students engaging in industry-based research projects.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Hori’s research interests are rooted in enhancing the operational and emotional efficiency of the hospitality industry through academic frameworks. Her focal themes include emotional labour, consumer behaviour, HRM in hospitality, and work asset retention. Her work often intersects with the psychology of service employees and the strategic use of human capital in tourism-related businesses. Additionally, she explores how online platforms, such as Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), shape both consumer decision-making and service delivery. Her research continues to advocate for evidence-based strategies that support a sustainable and empathetic workforce across the service sector.

🏆 Award Contributions

Dr. Hori’s contributions are both original and impactful. Her scholarly output demonstrates an enduring commitment to innovative thinking in hospitality education and management. She has played key roles in research design, field data collection, and industry consultation, with her studies often producing recommendations for improving employee satisfaction and consumer engagement. Notably, her recent work on OTA behavior and workforce retention has gained attention for its actionable insights. These efforts not only support academic advancements but also influence managerial practices in Asia’s growing tourism sector, earning her respect among peers and industry professionals.

📚 Publications

Emotional Labor and Digital Consumer Interfaces: A Study on OTA Dynamics,

Human Resource Practices in Online Tourism Services

mba agwu | Human Resources Strategy | Best Paper Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. mba agwu |Human Resources Strategy | Best Paper Award

Assoc Prof Dr mba agwu, Al Akhawayn University ,Ifrane Morocco 

Dr. Agwu, Mba Okechukwu is a distinguished Nigerian academic and researcher, born on November 4, 1965, in Asaga-Ohafia, Abia State. He is currently based in Enugu, Nigeria, and is married with three children. With extensive contributions to the field of management sciences, Dr. Agwu is known for his robust academic background and his dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and safety culture in industrial operations. His professional affiliations with prestigious institutes such as the Nigerian Institute of Management and the American Association of International Researchers further establish his influence in the academic and industrial research community. Passionate about safety systems and performance management in Nigeria’s construction and energy sectors, Dr. Agwu has consistently focused on impactful research that addresses real-world challenges.

👨‍🎓 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Agwu’s educational journey is both impressive and comprehensive. He began at Ogui Primary School, Enugu (1970–1976), earning his FSLC with Credit, followed by a WASC First Division from National Secondary School, Ntueke (1976–1980). He obtained an HND in Business Administration & Management from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (1986–1990), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from ESUT (1992–1993). He later earned his MBA (1999–2000) and completed his academic pursuit with a Ph.D. in Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2005–2008). His academic trajectory is marked by consistent excellence and progressive specialization in management science.

💼 Experience

Dr. Agwu has a wealth of professional experience in academia, corporate training, and industrial research. He has served as a lecturer and academic supervisor across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, particularly in business administration, safety management, and organizational behavior. His teaching and supervisory experience is complemented by his role in delivering faculty development programs and workshops on safety, leadership, and organizational performance. His knowledge has also been applied in consultancy roles, particularly in the construction and oil sectors where safety and human capital development are critical. His years of professional service reflect strong project management, policy development, and international collaboration capacities.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Agwu’s research interests are centered on safety culture, organizational performance, risk management, behavioral science, and community development. His work often intersects management theory with real-world applications in Nigeria’s energy and construction sectors. He explores how safety compliance, hazard analysis, and workforce behavior influence productivity and social responsibility. He is especially interested in integrating safety management systems into corporate strategies for sustainable development, particularly in volatile regions like the Niger Delta. His multi-disciplinary focus aims at improving human welfare and institutional effectiveness through empirical research and practical implementation.

🏆 Awards and Certifications

Dr. Agwu is a certified Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and the Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals (NISP). He also holds membership in the American Association of International Researchers and the International Research and Development Institute. In addition to completing Part 1 of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, he has received numerous certificates of participation in workshops focused on evolving trends in management and safety sciences. These certifications reflect his continuous commitment to professional development and global best practices in research and teaching.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Verbal communication challenges of Nigerian workmen in foreign construction companies in Nigeria,

The economic implication of HSE best practices compliance in selected construction companies in Nigeria,

Impact of safety management system on the workforce in the Bonny NLNG construction project,

Safety culture in the construction industry – a reciprocal determinism perspective,

Cultural dynamics of safety management systems in Nigeria,

Impact of job hazard analysis in organizational performance,

Stress management in the Nigeria LNG Project,

Integrating safety and social responsibility in Nigeria,

Solid waste management in Port Harcourt: A behavioral perspective,

Employees’ safety culture and performance in Shell BTIP,

Besnik Qehaja | Innovation Strategy | Best Innovation Award

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Assist Prof. Dr. Besnik Qehaja | Innovation Strategy | Best Innovation Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Besnik Qehaja, University for Business and Technology, Albania.

Prof. Assoc. Dr. Besnik Qehaja is a leading academic and digital innovation strategist based in Pristina, Kosovo. Currently serving as the Dean of the Computer Science and Engineering Department at UBT College, he is widely recognized for his pioneering work in digital transformation in education and telemedicine. With a PhD from Corvinus University of Budapest and a solid academic foundation in Software Engineering and Telecommunications, he has actively led program accreditations and educational technology implementations. Dr. Qehaja combines technical mastery with strategic vision, spearheading initiatives in AI, IoT, and smart city infrastructure. A dynamic educator and researcher, his leadership has played a crucial role in elevating Kosovo’s higher education sector. Through his contributions to digital pedagogy, LMS systems, and VR/AR in education, he continues to innovate for inclusive, intelligent, and impactful learning ecosystems.

👨‍🏫  Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Besnik Qehaja’s academic path reflects a strong foundation in digital innovation and educational technology. He earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering with a focus on Computer Networks and Telecommunications, followed by a Master’s degree in Software Engineering and Telecommunications from the University for Business and Technology in Kosovo. His academic excellence culminated in a PhD in Information and Communication Technologies from Corvinus University of Budapest. His doctoral thesis, “The Framework of a Real-Time Patient Monitoring System (Case Study: Kosovo),” focused on telemedicine and real-time data analytics, a pioneering research area that bridges health informatics and AI-driven digital systems. Dr. Qehaja’s academic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of technology, digital education, and healthcare transformation. His lifelong learning journey continues to fuel his innovative approaches in developing e-learning systems, smart educational platforms, and scalable IoT infrastructure for smart cities and intelligent classrooms.

💼 Experience

Dr. Qehaja has a proven track record in both academia and large-scale digital implementation. Since 2009, he has held various senior academic and administrative roles at UBT College, including Lecturer, Program Coordinator, and currently, Dean of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. He played a pivotal role in securing long-term accreditations for Bachelor and Master programs across multiple campuses. As a project leader, he spearheaded digital infrastructure projects such as QR-based student tracking systems, IoT-based smart city platforms, and Learning Management System (LMS) deployments. His role as a Foreign Systems Analyst with M4Health Germany, working on Kosovo’s national e-health feasibility study, demonstrates his cross-sectoral expertise. Notably, Dr. Qehaja has led national-level VR/AR and AI integration projects, significantly advancing Kosovo’s academic digitalization. His project leadership extends to change management, ensuring technological transitions are smooth, strategic, and inclusive for educators and learners alike.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Besnik Qehaja’s research interests span digital transformation, educational technology, telemedicine, IoT applications, AI-driven analytics, and smart learning environments. At the core of his research is the strategic use of technology to enhance real-time decision-making, monitoring, and learning. His doctoral focus on telemedicine has matured into a broader inquiry into health informatics, with particular attention to system interoperability and secure data migration in national health systems. In the educational domain, Dr. Qehaja explores AI for predictive learning models, IoT-enabled connected classrooms, and the development of adaptive learning systems. He also leads research on data privacy, LMS design, and inclusive digital pedagogy. As a technologist and strategist, he is passionate about building intelligent, equitable, and scalable systems that address both human and institutional needs. His current projects involve Smart City IoT eco-platforms and cross-institutional digital integration, contributing impactful research in the European EdTech and eHealth landscapes.

🏆 Awards & Distinctions

Dr. Qehaja’s leadership in technology-enabled education and system innovation has earned him widespread recognition. He successfully led his faculty through national accreditation processes for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs—an achievement that secured 5-year accreditation in both Pristina and Prizren. He also served as the head of Kosovo’s eHealth feasibility study implementation, a landmark initiative involving Germany’s M4Health and the Ministry of Health. His efforts were pivotal in laying the digital groundwork for national-level healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, Dr. Qehaja is a certified Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality trainer by EON Reality, where he trained faculty and implemented immersive learning in education. He has received internal awards for excellence in curriculum design, project leadership, and contributions to digital pedagogy at UBT College. With several international conference roles and advisory board positions, his career has been marked by a consistent commitment to innovation, collaboration, and digital inclusion.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Mental health among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: a cross-sectional multi-country comparison

Physical activity among adults residing in 11 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Application of biometric models of authentication in mobile equipment

Enterprise technology architecture solution for eHealth system and implementation strategy

Challenges and lessons learned during private 5g open ran deployments

Enterprise integration, networking and virtual communications

Comparision of maturity model frameworks in information security and their implementtation

Image Analysis of Water Level using Remote Sensing

Framework for real-time monitoring E-Health systems

Mathematical Modeling and Statistical Evaluation of the Security–Performance Trade-Off in IoT Cloud Architectures: A Case Study of UBT Smart City

Hassan Mousa | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Hassan Mousa | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Hassan Mousa, Jeddah international College, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Hassan Mosa 🇱🇧, born in 1980, is a distinguished Lebanese academic and sustainability consultant with a global footprint in finance and education. Currently serving as a lecturer and head of the Postgraduate Unit at Jeddah International College, Dr. Mosa combines academic excellence with practical expertise. His extensive teaching portfolio spans institutions such as Lambton College (Canada), Dar Al-Hekma, and the University of Business and Technology (UBT). He is also a renowned consultant, advising global firms like Arthur D. Little, BCG, and Leoron on ESG and sustainability strategies. With a diverse career that blends academia, corporate leadership, and policy consultation, Dr. Mosa has made significant contributions to initiatives under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. His dynamic blend of academic leadership and hands-on experience makes him a thought leader in finance, sustainability, and strategic management, admired for his integrity, depth of knowledge, and visionary outlook.

👨‍🎓 Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Hassan Mosa holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and Sustainability (2021) from the University of West England 🇬🇧, emphasizing the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial practices. He also earned a Master’s degree in Finance (MSc) with Distinction from Oxford Brookes University in 2014, where his thesis focused on the motivations behind mergers and acquisitions. His academic excellence has been consistently recognized, including his achievement as a Certified Financial Specialist (CFE) in the UK, where he ranked first in 2013 with a 94% score 🏅. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, Dr. Mosa is also proficient in statistical and accounting tools such as SPSS, Oracle, Peachtree, and Sage. His educational background reflects a solid foundation in finance, strategic decision-making, and international accounting systems, well-suited to both teaching and consultancy roles globally.

💼 Experience

Dr. Mosa brings over two decades of multifaceted experience across academia, government projects, and international consulting. As a lecturer at Jeddah International College and former instructor at institutions such as UBT, Dar Al-Hekma, and Lambton College (Canada), he has taught courses spanning corporate finance, sustainability reporting, investments, and supply chain finance 📚. He served as Assistant Director for global programs in partnership with Harvard University (2014–2015), focusing on SMART cities and affordable housing. His consulting roles have spanned ministries and major corporations including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, GOSI, Maaden, and UAE’s Ministry of Economics. He has also delivered over 40 training programs in both Arabic and English for entities like PepsiCo and Saudi banks. Earlier in his career, he held the position of Chief Accountant at Procter & Gamble (1997), giving him a firm grounding in corporate finance. His career reflects a seamless blend of leadership, innovation, and cross-sector impact 🌍.

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Mosa’s research interests revolve around sustainability accounting, ESG integration, strategic finance, international financial reporting standards (IFRS), and public-private budgeting models 🔍. His work explores the practical application of sustainability concepts in corporate and governmental finance, particularly in emerging economies. He actively contributes to national transformation programs such as Saudi Vision 2030 through financial digitalization, Kaizen budgeting, and inclusive economic policies. Passionate about aligning financial systems with long-term value creation, his research delves into innovative budgeting frameworks, sustainable investments, and the socio-economic impact of financial governance. He is deeply interested in how sustainability reporting can reshape decision-making in both the public and private sectors. By mentoring future financial leaders and advising global firms, Dr. Mosa combines theory with practice, reinforcing his belief in finance as a tool for inclusive development and responsible governance ♻️📊.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Hassan Mosa’s academic and professional journey is marked by significant recognitions and achievements. His top-ranking status as a Certified Financial Specialist (CFE) in the United Kingdom in 2013, scoring 94%, attests to his deep knowledge and mastery of financial practices 🥇. His Ph.D. and master’s degrees from reputable UK institutions, combined with his global teaching and consulting engagements, reflect sustained excellence. As a consultant for leading corporations like BCG and Arthur D. Little, he is highly regarded for his ESG strategies and budgeting reforms. He was also selected to co-lead international programs affiliated with Harvard School, showcasing global recognition of his expertise. His thought leadership in sustainability has earned him invitations to deliver specialized training for ministries, multinational corporations, and policy institutions. With over 20 citations and 10+ peer-reviewed international publications, Dr. Mosa is not just a seasoned practitioner but also a respected scholar in sustainability accounting and strategic finance 🌟📖.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Integrating ESG Reporting in Middle Eastern Public Finance

 Digitalization of Financial Systems: Case Study from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

 Budgetary Reform Using Kaizen in Healthcare Systems.

 IFRS Adoption in Gulf Countries: Challenges and Opportunities. Middle East Accounting Studies.

 Merger Motivations and Financial Health: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of Finance and Economics.

Cornelia Storz | Strategy Formulation | Best Paper Award

Published on by Business Strategy

Prof Dr. Cornelia Storz | Strategy Formulation | Best Paper Award

Prof Dr. Cornelia Storz, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany.

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Storz is a tenured full professor and Chair of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Goethe University Frankfurt’s Faculty of Economics and Business. With prior professorships in Japanese Economy and Society at Philipps University Marburg and University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Dr. Storz bridges academia and global business perspectives. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics (Dr. rer. oec.) in 1996 from the University of Duisburg‑Essen, following an M.A. in Business Administration & Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn in 1992. Over her career, she has led 20+ completed and 10+ ongoing research projects, published 35 journal articles, and authored 13 books. Her work has garnered a citation index of 1,044, with an h-index of 18 and i10-index of 23. She serves as co-guest editor for Research Policy and maintains rich collaborations with leading international scholars—spanning Oxford, Tokyo, Singapore, Paris, Seoul, and beyond.

👩‍🏫  Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Storz’s academic journey began with a Master of Arts in Business Administration and Japanese Studies from the University of Bonn (1992), reflecting her interdisciplinary grounding in management sciences and cross-cultural insights. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics (Dr. rer. oec.) at the University of Duisburg‑Essen in 1996, where she developed rigorous research skills in strategic management, innovation, and economic systems. This strong educational background laid the foundation for her impactful contributions to international research and teaching, and positioned her as a leader capable of analyzing complex innovation landscapes in Japan, Korea, Europe, and emerging economies.

💼 Experience

Since 2007, Dr. Storz has held the professorship and Chair of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Goethe University’s Faculty of Economics and Business, Department of Management & Microeconomics. Before that, she was a full professor specializing in Japanese Economy at Philipps University Marburg (2001–2006), and at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen (1997–2001). From 1992 to 1996, she worked as a research assistant at the University of Duisburg‑Essen. Across these roles, she has supervised doctoral students, designed postgraduate curricula, and led strategic projects. She actively shapes international research networks and provides expert consultancy in innovation policy, organizational strategy, and digital transformation across academia and industry.

 🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Storz’s research centers on strategic management of innovation, firm adaptation in crisis contexts, and the emergence of new industries. She investigates topics such as labour-cost retrenchment strategies, digital innovation ecosystems, board governance’s impact on innovation, and design knowledge flows in product development. Her collaborative projects examine digital marketplaces in Sub‑Saharan Africa, optimal distinctiveness in Korean film, and entrepreneurial networks at the base-of-pyramid. She is particularly interested in how firms construct innovation policy practices that align with national and local systems, and how crisis strategies—from flexible to rigid—affect investor behavior and firm resilience.

 🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Storz has been nominated for several prestigious international awards in strategic management and business strategy, and recognized for excellence in innovation research. Her prolific output—including 35 journal articles, 13 books, and numerous editorial roles—has earned her a global citation index above 1,000, with an h-index of 18 and i10-index of 23. She has been co-guest editor for special issues in top-tier journals, including Research Policy. These accolades reflect peer recognition of her leadership in examining the strategic dimensions of innovation, crisis response, and cross-national economic systems, marking her a strong contender for awards such as the Best Paper Award.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Labour-cost retrenchment strategies in times of crisis: Comparing market reactions to flexible and rigid strategies

Digital creatives and digital engineers: entrepreneurial firms, institutional context, and the organization of innovation

The emergence of an entrepreneurial ecosystem: the interplay between early entrepreneurial activity and public policy in the Korean online gaming industry

Why do some entrepreneurs thrive? A network content perspective