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

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

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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orcid

🎓 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

Titas Bhattacharjee | Business Responsibility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Titas Bhattacharjee – Business Responsibility – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Bhattacharjee’s extensive research contributions align seamlessly with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative methodologies, interdisciplinary focus, and global research impact embody the qualities celebrated by such an award. His commitment to advancing knowledge in corporate governance, sustainability, and finance makes him a distinguished candidate.

IIT Kharagpur |  India

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Born on November 12, 1979, Dr. Titas Bhattacharjee has demonstrated a passion for academic excellence from a young age. She began her educational journey in Kolkata, completing her secondary education in 1996 and higher secondary education in 1998 from West Bengal boards. Her academic rigor led her to the University of Calcutta, where she earned her Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in 2001, specializing in Accounting. She continued to build on her expertise in finance by pursuing a Master of Commerce (M.Com) with a specialization in Finance, graduating in 2003. Her thirst for knowledge and an unwavering commitment to academic growth culminated in her enrollment in the Fellowship Programme in Management at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, where she earned her doctorate in 2012, specializing in Finance and Control with a minor in Economics.

 

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship at IIT Kharagpur, Dr. Bhattacharjee has carved a niche for herself in academia. Her teaching and research areas include entrepreneurial finance, corporate disclosure, and governance. Beyond teaching, Dr. Bhattacharjee actively engages with students and professionals, mentoring them on topics like sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and small business sustainability. Her association with IIT Kharagpur underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and financial experts.

 

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Business Responsibility

Dr. Bhattacharjee’s contributions to research have had a profound impact on entrepreneurial finance and corporate governance, with a particular focus on family businesses, start-ups, and IPOs. She is also deeply invested in topics like business responsibility and sustainability reporting, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and agricultural extension.

Her recent publications showcase her research depth: Sustainable Development Goals and Business Responsibility: This study emphasizes the intersection of corporate responsibility and sustainable energy, highlighting implications for businesses striving to align with global sustainability goals. Post-IPO Performance of R&D Firms: Published in the Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, this work explores the corporate governance mechanisms influencing the performance of newly public firms. Investment Decisions and New Ventures: Dr. Bhattacharjee’s research in IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management and Venture Capital sheds light on the psychological and practical factors influencing new venture investors. Retail Investor Behavior: During the COVID-19 pandemic, her work published in the Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting analyzed how retail investors responded to analyst reports, providing actionable insights for financial analysts and policy-makers.

 

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Bhattacharjee’s groundbreaking research has been widely recognized in academia and industry alike. With multiple publications in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Business Research and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, she has established herself as a thought leader. Her interdisciplinary work linking finance, governance, and sustainability has earned her invitations to collaborate with global scholars and participate in international conferences.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Bhattacharjee’s work has had a transformative influence on how businesses approach governance and sustainability. Her research on business responsibility and ESG principles has guided corporations in aligning their operations with global sustainability goals. Additionally, her insights on corporate governance in family businesses and start-ups have helped shape policies that enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Titas Bhattacharjee’s legacy lies in her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application. She continues to influence the academic discourse on entrepreneurial finance and corporate governance while addressing emerging challenges like digital transformation and sustainability. In the future, Dr. Bhattacharjee aims to expand her research on ESG and small business sustainability, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable global economy.

Conclusion

Dr. Titas Bhattacharjee’s journey from an aspiring commerce student in Kolkata to a trailblazer in entrepreneurial finance and governance is a testament to her dedication, vision, and expertise. Her profound impact on academia and industry highlights her as a pioneering thought leader. As she continues to mentor, research, and inspire, Dr. Bhattacharjee remains a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the ever-evolving world of finance and entrepreneurship.

📚Publications

Studies on Indian IPO: systematic review and future research agenda

Authors: Chatterjee, M., Bhattacharjee, T., Chakraborty, B.

Journals: Qualitative Research in Financial Markets

Sustainable development goals and the implications of business responsibility

Authors: Masanpally, M., Bhattacharjee, T., Butt, T.E.

Journals: Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy

The impact of time constraints on new venture investment decisions: an experimental study

Authors: Vazirani, A., Bhattacharjee, T.

Journals: Venture Capital

Exploring Corporate Governance on Post-IPO Performance of R&D Intensive New Public Firms

Authors: Chatterjee, M., Bhattacharjee, T., Chakraborty, B., Daim, T., Kupeli, B.

Journals: Journal of Engineering and Technology Management – JET-M

Motivates New Venture Investors? A Mixed-Method Study Approach

Authors: Vazirani, A., Bhattacharjee, T.

Journals: IEEE Transactions on Engineering Managementons

Khalid M. Alharbi | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr.Khalid M. Alharbi – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Best Researcher Award

 Taibah University | Saudi Arabia

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

His journey in academia began with his pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, in 2012. Demonstrating a strong aptitude for numbers and financial systems, he progressed to Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, where he earned a Master’s degree in Accounting in 2016. His academic endeavors culminated with a Ph.D. in Accounting from Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia, in 2021. His dissertation, focusing on the impact of the 2030 Vision and firm characteristics on corporate social responsibility disclosure in Saudi Arabia, showcases his deep interest in sustainability and corporate governance.

 

Professional Endeavors

he has an extensive professional background, marked by roles in both academic and business settings. His career began as a Teaching Assistant at Taibah University from 2012 to 2020. In this role, he was instrumental in nurturing the next generation of accountants. He briefly lectured at the National Entrepreneurship Institute in 2013, where he coached an intensive course, “Start Your Project,” and evaluated feasibility studies for entrepreneurs in Yanbu.

his leadership skills came to the fore when he served as the Head of Management and Accounting Department at Taibah University from 2022 to 2024. Currently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor at Taibah University and serves as the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Business Administration (CBA) in Yanbu since September 2022.

 

Contributions and Research Focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

His is an academic with a profound interest in teaching and research in sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD), institutional changes, corporate governance, and risk management. His research contributions are significant, particularly in the fields of sustainability and corporate social responsibility, as reflected in his numerous publications.

One of his notable works includes the study on the impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 on corporate social responsibility disclosures. His research has provided valuable insights into how firms adapt to new regulatory environments and the broader socio-economic impacts of these adaptations.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, He has received numerous accolades that highlight his expertise and dedication. He is known for his leadership in academia and has been recognized for his contributions to research and education in accounting. His role in developing academic programs at Taibah University has been particularly impactful, setting new standards for academic excellence and research in the region.

Impact and Influence

His work has had a significant impact on both the academic community and the corporate sector. His research on corporate governance and sustainability has influenced policy-making and business practices, particularly in Saudi Arabia. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement has inspired many students and professionals in the field of accounting.

Legacy and Future Contributions

He continues his career, his commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and leadership remains steadfast. His future contributions are expected to further enhance the fields of sustainability, corporate governance, and risk management. his legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and impact, and his work will continue to influence and inspire future generations.

 

Citations

Citations     115

h-index       6

i10-index    4

 

Notable Publications