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

google scholar

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

Tony Hou | Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Tony Hou – Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling – Best Researcher Award

University of Electronic Science and Technology of China | China

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Education and Training

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou began his academic journey with a strong foundation in finance and economics. He pursued an MBA and a Ph.D. in Finance, laying the groundwork for a career that would bridge the gap between theoretical finance and its practical applications. His early academic pursuits were characterized by a keen interest in the dynamics of financial markets and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. This period was marked by rigorous research and a dedication to understanding the complexities of financial systems, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Academic Positions

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou joined the faculty of the Management School at National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) in 2007. Over the years, he has held several key positions at NDHU, including Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance, Vice Dean of International Affairs, and Director of the International Foundation Program at the Office of International Affairs. His roles have also extended to leadership positions such as Head of the Department of Finance and Banking and Director of the International Bachelor of Management Science and Finance Program. His professional endeavors reflect a commitment to both academic excellence and administrative leadership, contributing significantly to the growth and development of NDHU’s finance programs.

Contributions and Research Focus on Carbon Tax & Carbon Tax Revenue Recycling📚

Research and Innovations

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on the regulation of financial markets, innovative financial activities, security valuation, carbon pricing and trading, climate risk financial disclosure, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, and the role of affect in human judgment and decision-making. As the director of the Sustainable Finance Research Centre (SFRC) at NDHU, he has spearheaded research initiatives that explore the intersection of finance and sustainability. His contributions to the field include working papers and journal articles on topics such as corporate social responsibility disclosure, temperature and carbon disclosure, carbon tax impacts, and the influence of independent directors’ networks on corporate social responsibility.

Key Publications

  • “Corporate Carbon Emissions and Firm Performance in South Africa” (with Griffin Msefula and Nokwnda Nokubongwa Dlamini), published in the Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research.
  • “The Correlation between Independent Directors’ Social Networks and Corporate Credit Ratings” (with Wang Chao-xian and Wu Jun-lei), published in the Soochow Journal of Economics and Business.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou has been recognized for his contributions to the field of finance and his commitment to academic excellence. His work has been published in reputable journals and he has been a frequent contributor to market commentary and economic analysis in prominent publications such as the Economic Daily. His expertise and insights are highly regarded, and his academic appointments reflect the trust and respect he has earned within the academic and professional communities.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

Community Impact

Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s impact extends beyond his academic and professional achievements. His work in sustainable finance and climate risk financial disclosure has influenced both policy and practice, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental considerations into financial decision-making. His research has provided valuable insights into how financial markets can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and has underscored the critical role of corporate social responsibility in enhancing firm performance.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Tony Chieh-Tse Hou’s legacy is poised to be one of lasting influence in the fields of finance and sustainability. His ongoing research and leadership at NDHU continue to shape the discourse around sustainable finance and the regulatory frameworks needed to support it. As he mentors the next generation of finance professionals and researchers, his contributions are likely to inspire continued innovation and progress in understanding and addressing the financial implications of climate change.

Future Directions

  • Enhancing Sustainable Finance Education: As a professor and director, Tony Chieh-Tse Hou is well-positioned to further integrate sustainability into finance curricula, preparing students to address future challenges in the field.
  • Expanding Research on ESG: His future work will likely continue to explore the role of ESG factors in financial performance, providing critical insights for investors and policymakers.
  • Influencing Policy: Through his research and publications, he will continue to influence policy decisions related to carbon pricing, climate risk disclosure, and corporate governance.

Notable Publications 

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