Linda Weintraub | Sustainability Strategies | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award

Ms. Linda Weintraub | Sustainability Strategies | Innovation and Strategy Trailblazer Award 

Linda Weintraub | Hartford University | United States 

Ms. Linda Weintraub is an influential author, curator, artist, educator, and homesteader whose work bridges contemporary art, ecology, and environmental ethics. With academic training in fine arts from Rutgers University, she has spent decades shaping the discourse around eco-art and sustainable creative practices. Her teaching career spans several distinguished institutions, where she inspired generations of artists through an environmentally conscious and interdisciplinary approach to art education. She has lectured and held academic appointments at colleges and universities across the United States, nurturing an understanding of art as a catalyst for ecological awareness and cultural transformation. Weintraub’s leadership in museum and curatorial practice has been equally significant. As director and curator at leading art centers and institutes, she organized numerous exhibitions that explored the intersection of art, nature, and sustainability. Her curatorial vision often foregrounds the material, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of artistic practice, inviting audiences to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Through her exhibitions, she has elevated eco-art from a marginal concern to a central theme in contemporary artistic discourse. With a scholarly record of 10 publications, 98 citations across 96 documents, and an h-index of 2, Linda Weintraub’s contributions resonate across disciplines. Her lifelong commitment to integrating art with environmental consciousness has established her as a pioneering voice in contemporary eco-art, education, and curatorial practice—demonstrating that art, at its most transformative, is a dialogue with life itself. Beyond writing and curation, Weintraub is an active artist whose installations and participatory works embody her philosophy of ecological interdependence. Her art engages themes of consumption, decay, regeneration, and multispecies relationships, offering audiences immersive experiences that challenge conventional boundaries between human and non-human life. Through exhibitions and public lectures, she continues to inspire critical thought and creative action toward a more sustainable future.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications :

Weintraub, L. (1996). Art on the edge and over: Searching for art’s meaning in contemporary society (with A. Danto & T. McEvilley). Art Insights.

Weintraub, L. (2003). In the making: Creative options for contemporary art. D.A.P. / Thames & Hudson.

Weintraub, L. (2012). To life! Eco art in pursuit of a sustainable planet. University of California Press.

Weintraub, L. (2019). What’s next? Eco materialism & contemporary art. Intellect Books / University of Chicago Press.

Weintraub, L. (2024). Beyond death: Reflections on the afterlife. Center for Sustainable Practice in the Arts.

Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Sustainability Strategies | Best Review Paper Award

Dr. Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Sustainability Strategies | Best Review Paper Award 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić | Expono d.o.o. | Croatia 

Ivona Gudac Hodanić is a Croatian civil engineer and researcher with extensive experience in architectural and construction project management. She has built a versatile career that bridges the technical, creative, and administrative dimensions of engineering practice. Currently serving as a Project Associate at EXPONO d.o.o., she contributes to architectural design development, technical documentation, and project coordination, ensuring compliance with building standards and regulations. Her role integrates multidisciplinary collaboration between architecture and construction, enhancing project functionality, aesthetics, and technical feasibility. Beyond design, she plays an important part in administrative operations, including bid preparation for public tenders, documentation management, and communication with investors and institutions. Earlier in her career, Ivona served as a teaching and research assistant at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka. Fluent in English and proficient in several other languages, she combines strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with advanced technical proficiency in software tools such as AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Microsoft Office, and project management applications. With her balanced background in academia, research, and professional practice, Ivona contributes to advancing sustainable and efficient construction practices. Her scholarly record includes 2 indexed publications with 13 citations across 13 documents, reflecting her growing influence in the field. She holds an h-index of 2. Ivona holds a Doctor of Science degree from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, where her doctoral research focused on developing a model for assessing the lifecycle costs of pontoons to support marina management systems. She also earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rijeka. Her additional professional training covers internal auditing, public procurement, project management, and leadership development.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications : 

Gudac, I., Marović, I., & Hanak, T. (2014). Sustainable optimization of winter road maintenance services under real-time information. Procedia Engineering, 85, 183–192.

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., & Gudac, I. (2010). You will be able to organize your own projects and programs in the future. Zbornik radova (Građevinski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci), 13, 225–243.

Marović, I., Bošković, D., & Gudac, I. (2012). Process approach in modeling Croatian construction contract management practice. International Journal for Engineering Modeling, 25(1–4), 19–26.

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., & Gudac, I. (2014). Comparison of budget and PPP model in financing public structures in posttransition environment. In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference “People, Buildings and Environment” (pp. 90–99).

Car-Pušić, D., Marović, I., Gudac, I., & Medvedec, D. (2015). Prioritization of public investment projects: Case study of GSC portfolio. In Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Organization and Technology in Construction.

Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Rachana Lunawat | Sustainability Strategies | Best Researcher Award 

Rachana Lunawat | Kingston University | United Kingdom 

Ms. Rachana Lunawat is an emerging scholar and finance professional with a strong academic foundation and practical experience in financial control, reporting, and sustainability-driven investment analysis. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and Finance with Distinction from Kingston University, London, and a Master of Commerce from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her academic and professional journey reflects a blend of analytical expertise and sustainability-oriented research. Having worked across the UK and India, Rachana has contributed to financial control, reconciliations, and audit preparedness in both public and private sectors, demonstrating her capability in enhancing reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. Her research interests lie at the intersection of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and corporate financial performance. She co-authored a peer-reviewed article titled “Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors into the Investment Returns of American Companies,” published in MDPI’s international journal Sustainability. The study, indexed in Scopus and the Web of Science, employs panel data regression models using Bloomberg and Refinitiv datasets to assess how ESG engagement influences market valuation and long-term financial outcomes. This publication underscores her commitment to bridging sustainable finance and empirical financial analysis, offering insights that inform corporate strategy and responsible investment practices. Beyond research, Rachana has been actively involved in industry-oriented financial analysis projects, including portfolio optimization and ESG-financial performance evaluation of S&P 500 firms. These projects reflect her ability to translate academic concepts into data-driven decision-making relevant to global markets. Her collaborations with scholars from the University of St Andrews and Aston Business School have further enriched her interdisciplinary perspective on corporate sustainability and financial performance dynamics.

Profiles : ORCID | Linked In

Featured Publication : 

Lunawat, R. M., Elmarzouky, M., & Shohaieb, D. (2025). Integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the investment returns of American companies. Sustainability, 17(19), 8522.

Adel Alshammari | Sustainability Strategies | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Adel Alshammari | Sustainability Strategies | Best Scholar Award

Professor at University of Hafr Albatin | Saudi Arabia 

Prof. Dr. Adel AlShammari is a distinguished Saudi academic and researcher specializing in Educational Administration, with a focus on higher education leadership, governance, and institutional excellence. He serves as a Professor of Educational Administration at the University of Hafr Al-Batin, where he has also held several senior academic and administrative positions, including Vice-Rector for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, Dean of Library Affairs, and Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Hafr Al-Batin University – Educational and Psychological Sciences and the Executive Director of the Saudi Association for Education and Psychology (GESTEN) at the university. According to Google Scholar metrics, he has 22 citations, an h-index of 3, and an i10-index of 0, reflecting his growing impact in academic and professional circles. Prof. Al-Shammari holds advanced academic qualifications in education, including a doctorate in Educational Administration from Yarmouk University in Jordan, a master’s degree in Curriculum Development, and earlier degrees in education and Islamic studies. His career demonstrates a strong blend of academic leadership, administrative expertise, and scholarly contribution. Over the years, he has been actively involved in various university councils and committees, overseeing scientific, academic, and strategic development initiatives, as well as institutional accreditation processes. Recognized as a peer reviewer for several leading Saudi and regional universities, Prof. Al-Shammari continues to contribute to the academic community through his editorial work, scholarly research, and leadership roles. His commitment to advancing education and promoting institutional excellence underscores his influence as a key figure in the field of educational administration in Saudi Arabia.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Linked In 

Featured Publications : 

Alshammari, A. (2017). The university administration challenges in emerging Saudi universities and ways of confrontation it. Journal of the College of Education in Educational Sciences, 41(2), 61–117.

Alshammari, A. (2024). Strategic planning and institutional excellence in educational institutions: Reality, correlation, and impact. Management Research and Practice, 16(2), 16.

Alshammari, A. (2018). Reality of Saudi universities governance and their role in achieving the Kingdom Vision 2030. Journal of Educational Sciences, 30(3), 369–397.

Alharbi, A. M., Alshammari, A. A., & Naqvi, H. A. (2022). The gap between the perceptions and expectations of quality of services delivered to the participants at the scientific conferences using the University of Hafr Al-Batin as a model. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 909489.

Alshammari, A. A., & Alshammari, N. H. M. (2024). Job burnout among female teachers in Saudi primary schools. MIER Journal of Educational Studies, Trends and Practices, 383–409.

Adil Zareef Khan | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Adil Zareef Khan | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Adil Zareef Khan | Chung Yuan Christian university | Taiwan

Mr. Adil Zareef Khan is a motivated and research-oriented professional currently pursuing a PhD in International Trade and Economics at Chung Yuan Christian University in Taiwan. With a strong academic foundation in commerce and project management, he has developed expertise in areas such as risk management, financial management, procurement, human resource management, quality management, and supply chain decision-making. His research interests lie at the intersection of leadership, project innovativeness, organizational behavior, and international trade policies, with several publications focusing on spiritual, ethical, servant, and inclusive leadership and their influence on project success, creativity, and team cohesion. In addition, he has contributed research examining the global impact of trade policies, including tariff dynamics. Alongside his academic journey, he has worked as a research assistant in the field of international trade and economics, gaining experience in research coordination, data handling, and scholarly writing. His professional career also includes serving as a law officer, where he dealt with legal suits, advised decision-makers, and managed human resources, as well as teaching as a visiting lecturer at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He has participated in international research conferences and has been recognized with scholarships and research assistantships for academic excellence. Beyond his academic and professional roles, he has honed skills in office administration, project coordination, document management, business communication, and legal and compliance insight, supported by certifications in project management and human resources from international institutions.

Featured Publications : 

Khan, A. Z., & Lee, C. W. (2025). The impact of Trump’s tariff policies on global trade dynamics: A case study of major US trade partners. International Journal of Business and Economic Affairs, 10(1), 62–71.

Lee, C. W., & Khan, A. Z. (2024). Ethical leadership and servant leadership on team creativity: Task interdependencies as a moderating role. International Journal of Business and Economic Affairs, 9(3), 69–80.

Khan, A. Z., & Lee, C. W. (2025). Exploring leadership’s role in sustainable development: The moderating impact of community involvement in SMEs across Pakistan, India, and Taiwan. Sustainability, 17(16), 7384.

Lee, C. W., Khan, A. Z., & Liu, P. T. (2025). CSR and job satisfaction in Pakistan’s construction sector: The roles of organizational commitment and perceived support. Human Resources Management and Services, 7(2), 4446–4446.

Javed, A., Ibrahim, M. Y., Ngah, A. H., Zafar, M. J., Hammad, M., Khan, A. Z., & Mir, F. (2025). Impact of inclusive leadership on project success—with mediating role of organizational commitment and top management support as moderator: A systematic literature review. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 8(8), 2025250–2025250.

Rahul Kumar | Business Ethics| Best Scholar Award

Mr. Rahul Kumar | Business Ethics | Best Scholar Award 

PhD Scholar at Indian Institute of Management | India 

Rahul Kumar is a strategist and sustainability expert with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, program management, and startup ecosystems. He holds a doctoral degree in strategic management and entrepreneurship and a master’s degree in environmental science and resource management. Over the years, he has worked with diverse organizations, including media platforms, sustainability consultancies, and industrial corporations, contributing to content strategy, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business practices. His expertise spans market research, data analysis, ESG materiality assessment, and communication strategies, helping organizations align sustainability goals with business and regulatory needs. Rahul has authored and co-authored several research papers on sustainability, CSR, ESG, and carbon markets, which have been presented at international conferences and are under review in peer-reviewed journals. He has been a judge and reviewer for various academic and industry platforms and has contributed thought leadership articles to sustainability-focused publications. With a robust research portfolio of 355 citations by 307 documents, an h-index of 11, and authorship across 43 documents, he continues to drive knowledge advancement in sustainability and strategic management while building collaborative partnerships and innovative solutions for a greener future. His work reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, effective communication, and transformative leadership across sectors.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications:   

Kumar, R. (2025). Which ownership structure will sustain sustainability? An empirical examination of ESG disclosure. International Journal of Disclosure and Governance.

Kumar, R. (2025). Beyond greenwashing: How politics shapes firms’ ESG strategies and their financial fortunes. European Business Review.

Kumar, R. (2025). Metaverse advertising and promotional effectiveness: The route from immersion to joy. Decision Support Systems.

Qinyuan Zhang | Supply Chain Management | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Qinyuan Zhang | Supply Chain Management | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Qinyuan Zhang, City university of Macau, China.

Dr. Zhang Qinyuan is an emerging scholar and practitioner in the field of Green Supply Chain Management, currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at the City University of Macau. With a strong academic foundation and international exposure, Zhang brings a unique blend of theoretical insights and practical expertise in sustainable operations, corporate responsibility, and digital transformation. Her academic journey has taken her through prestigious institutions like RMIT University in Australia and Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China, with notable research collaborations and project experiences across Taiwan and Mainland China. Zhang is recognized for her analytical thinking, proficiency in advanced methodologies such as fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), and dedication to driving environmental accountability in business processes. She contributes actively as a teaching assistant and researcher, with multiple high-impact journal submissions already under her belt 📘🌍.

👩‍🎓 Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr.  Zhang Qinyuan’s academic pathway exemplifies a steadfast commitment to business innovation and sustainable enterprise. She is currently completing her Doctor of Business Administration (2022–2025) at the City University of Macau, where her research focuses on green supply chains and corporate responsibility. Prior to this, she earned a Master’s in Project Management from RMIT University, Australia (2019–2021), gaining expertise in international project delivery and risk optimization. Her undergraduate studies were in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation (2014–2018) at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, grounding her in engineering fundamentals. Additionally, Zhang expanded her global perspective as an exchange student at National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan (2015–2016), and through the Zhejiang University International Program (2021). 📚🌏

 Experience 🧑‍💼

Dr. Zhang’s professional and academic experiences reveal her evolution as a capable leader in research and consulting. She served as a teaching assistant in Management Consulting Systems (2023–2024) and Operations Management (2024–2025) at the City University of Macau, facilitating coursework and mentoring peers. She actively contributes to the Macao Foundation-funded project on green supply chains in the hospitality sector of the Greater Bay Area, handling data analysis and report drafting. Her project history includes academic exchanges with Zhejiang University and hands-on training in various analytical tools. Zhang’s research involvement demonstrates a balance of conceptual strength and technical skills in QCA, policy evaluation, and sustainability metrics, equipping her to support both academic and industry initiatives. 💼📊

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zhang’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainability, business transformation, and policy analysis. She is particularly focused on Green Supply Chain Management, exploring its driving factors across industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, and automotive sectors. Her work also delves into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the digital transformation of enterprises, reflecting a systems-based perspective on organizational change. Using qualitative and quantitative tools like QCA, SPSS, and Nvivo, Zhang bridges theoretical rigor with practical application. Her methodological fluency enables her to model cross-case dynamics and identify pathways to sustainable innovation. Zhang’s vision is to advance academic frameworks that empower businesses to reduce ecological footprints while maximizing stakeholder value. 🌱🔍

Awards and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Zhang Qinyuan has already gained recognition through competitive research project funding from the Macao Foundation (MF2309). Her role in the funded study — investigating green supply chain implementation in the hospitality industry — positions her as a promising researcher in environmental business studies. She has also been selected for academic exchange programs in Taiwan and at Zhejiang University, reflecting her cross-border collaboration potential. Her contributions to scholarly writing and peer-reviewed publications under top-tier supervision further establish her as a future thought leader. Zhang is poised to earn recognition through upcoming journal publications, thanks to her consistent record of excellence and strong mentorship. 🏅📈

Publication Top Notes 📚

Multi-factor Driving Paths of Green Supply Chain Management Implementation in Leading Manufacturers: A Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Exploring the Driving Factors for the Implementation of Green Supply Chain Management in the Hotel Industry

Simulation Analysis of “Old for New” Remanufacturing Closed-loop Supply Chain under Dual Uncertainties


Exploring the Co-evolution Mechanism of Green Supply Chain Management Implementation: A Multi-driver Perspective

How to Improve the Sustainability of End-of-life Vehicles (ELVs): Exploring Extended Producer Responsibility in the Chinese Automobile Industry

Conclusion

Dr. Zhang Qinyuan exemplifies the next generation of scholars committed to sustainable industrial transformation. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation and rigorous methodological training, she has developed a focused research agenda addressing pressing global issues like environmental responsibility, supply chain greening, and enterprise innovation. Her commitment to cross-sectoral analysis and data-driven inquiry stands out, as does her collaboration with top-tier supervisors and institutions. Her research is timely, impactful, and aligned with policy and industry needs. Zhang’s growing portfolio of SSCI-indexed journal submissions, along with her proactive role in funded research, make her a promising candidate for academic distinction and awards in sustainability and business innovation. 🌐🌟

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

Google Scholar

🎓 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

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

Ubaldo Comite | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ubaldo Comite | Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Ubaldo Comite, University “Giustino Fortunato”, Italy

Prof. Dr. Ubaldo Comite is a distinguished Italian academic and researcher with a multifaceted background in economics, law, and public administration. Born in Cosenza 🇮🇹 on June 14, 1971, he has built a remarkable career that blends rigorous scholarship with practical expertise. He holds multiple degrees, including Law ⚖️, Economics and Commerce 💼, Banking Economics 🏦, and Statistics 📊. His academic journey is complemented by advanced Masters’ degrees in Healthcare Management 🏥 and Business Administration 📈, showcasing a commitment to interdisciplinary learning. As a Professor at Università della Calabria 🎓, he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and public administration consulting. His work emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in public and non-profit sectors 🌍. Prof. Comite’s blend of deep theoretical knowledge and real-world impact underscores his status as a leading figure in economic and managerial sciences. 🏆

Profile 👨‍🏫🌟

Scopus

Education 🎓📖🧑‍🎓

Prof. Dr. Comite’s educational path is distinguished by excellence and diversity. He graduated with top honors from Liceo Ginnasio B. Telesio 🏫 with a High School Diploma in Classics, scoring 60/60 🏅. He earned degrees in Law ⚖️, Economics and Commerce 💼, Banking Economics 🏦, and Statistics 📊, all from the Università degli Studi di Messina. His postgraduate journey includes two Masters’ degrees in Management of Healthcare Authorities 🏥 and Business Administration 📈 from the prestigious FOR.COM Consortium in Rome, both with highest marks (110/110 with honors). He also holds a specialized Master’s in Sustainable Development Economics 🌱 from Università Magna Graecia. His continuous pursuit of knowledge is marked by advanced training courses and summer schools in regulatory economics, cooperative enterprises, and public accounting 🧾. This robust academic foundation enables him to tackle complex economic and managerial challenges with a holistic approach. 📚

Experience 💼🏛️📊

Prof. Dr. Ubaldo Comite has accumulated extensive experience in academia, research, and public administration. Since 2002, he has actively contributed to research projects focused on management control in public sectors, especially airports and healthcare authorities 🛫🏥. His PhD research on municipal unions examined development strategies and economic efficiency for local governments 🏙️. He has been awarded significant research grants and bursaries, including projects on local authority budget reforms and fundraising in non-profit organizations 🤝. Currently, he collaborates with the Research Institute of Certified Accountants in Rome and is a member of international research networks such as ATINER in Athens 🇬🇷. His roles extend beyond teaching to impactful consultancy and knowledge dissemination in economic governance and public financial management 🏛️. His work consistently bridges theory with policy application, contributing to better governance and public resource optimization. 🔍

Research Interests 🔬📈🌍

Prof. Dr. Comite’s research interests lie at the intersection of public administration, economics, and sustainable development. He focuses on management control systems 🛠️, performance measurement in public entities, and economic reform of local government finance 🏛️💰. Another key area is the nonprofit sector’s fundraising systems and organizational efficiency 🤲. He explores innovative governance models, such as municipal unions and cooperative enterprises, aiming for enhanced social cohesion and economic sustainability 🌿. His interdisciplinary approach includes regulatory economics, public accounting, and human resource integration in public institutions 👥. Sustainability economics and environmental regulatory frameworks also form a core part of his inquiry, reflecting a commitment to balancing economic growth with social responsibility 🌎. This breadth of interests positions Prof. Comite as a forward-thinking scholar influencing public sector reform globally. 🌐

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️🎓

Prof. Dr. Comite has earned several prestigious recognitions throughout his career. His outstanding academic performance in multiple Masters’ programs with top marks (110/110 with honors) highlights his intellectual excellence 🎓🏅. He received a significant research grant in 2005 for pioneering work on local authority budget reforms 💼💡 and was awarded a bursary in 2008/09 for impactful research on fundraising in non-profits 🤝. His membership in leading research institutions like ATINER and collaboration with the Research Institute of Certified Accountants underscores his respected status in the academic community 🌍📜. Moreover, his participation in high-level training seminars and summer schools in economics and public management reflects continuous professional development and recognition of his expertise. These accolades attest to his dedication to advancing knowledge and practical improvements in public administration and economic governance. 🏅

Publications 📚📝🔗

Does green entrepreneurial orientation impact entrepreneurial success through green innovation capability in the manufacturing and services sector of emerging economies?

Beyond the Surface: Navigating Sustainability Disclosure in European Union Ports

Healing leaders: Altruism and psychological safety as antidotes to burnout in health care settings