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

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

Scopus

🎓 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.

Benja Fagerland | Corporate Social Responsibility | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Benja Fagerland | Corporate Social Responsibility | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Benja Fagerland, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway

Prof. Benja Stig Fagerland is a globally award-winning strategist, system architect, and transformational thought leader in leadership, innovation, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). Renowned for reshaping governance structures and inspiring inclusive innovation across the globe, she is the visionary mind behind the Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR™) model and founder of SHEconomy®. Her groundbreaking IMSD Framework, co-developed with Stanford University, is now redefining ESG frameworks by integrating adaptive leadership and social sustainability. A dynamic keynote speaker, she has inspired global audiences at Stanford, UN Women, Google HQ, and more. With features in The New York Times, BBC, and Le Figaro, Benja stands as a prominent voice in future governance and gender equity worldwide. 🌍✨

👩‍💼 Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Prof. Fagerland has pursued rigorous academic training that mirrors her forward-thinking leadership style. She holds an Executive Master of Management from BI Norwegian Business School (2016), equipping her with strategic and leadership acumen. In 2019, she completed pedagogical training at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), earning credits in education in the digital era and assessment in higher education—reinforcing her commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching practices. 📚🎓

💼 Experience

With an illustrious career spanning academia, business, and global advisory roles, Prof. Fagerland currently serves as a Full-Time Associate Professor at the USN School of Business. She is also a board member at GoForIT and a researcher at Copenhagen Business School’s ESG Think Tank. Her previous academic positions include assistant professorships at OsloMet, BI Norwegian Business School, Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, and Campus Kristiania. In the corporate and policy spheres, she has held strategic roles at Oracle, Telenor, NHO, and MarkUp Consulting. As a trusted advisor, she has consulted for UN ILO, Nordic ministries, and international chambers of commerce, championing board diversity and gender equity. 🧠🌐

🔬 Research Interests

Prof. Fagerland’s research is deeply rooted in inclusive governance, sustainable transformation, gender equity, and ESG leadership. She is a pioneer in institutional foresight and systemic innovation, often working at the intersection of leadership education, DEIB strategy, and adaptive systems thinking. Her recent research efforts have focused on embedding inclusive leadership within institutional frameworks via projects like ST3AM, SUSTAIN-DI, and the IMSD Framework—driving resilient, people-centered change in education and policy. 🧭🔍

🏆 Awards & Honors

Prof. Fagerland’s groundbreaking work has earned her global acclaim and multiple prestigious recognitions. She was named “Woman Inspiring Europe” by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), and received the UN Women Global Shining Star award. Her advocacy has also garnered honors such as Highly Commended Campaigner of the Year (European Diversity Awards), Norway’s Most Impressive Women, and finalist positions for Society Builder of the Year and Norway’s Best Lecturer. Her voice and leadership are widely respected across the academic, policy, and corporate arenas. 🏅🌟

📄 Publication Top Notes

Leadership transformation through inclusive foresight frameworks. Journal of Inclusive Policy & Governance.

Embedding ESG in academic governance: A case study approach. International Journal of Educational Strategy,

Corporate Diversity Responsibility (CDR™): Rethinking equity in organizational leadership. European Review of Social Innovation,

Fagerland, B.S., & Johansen, M. (2021). The SHEconomy effect: Driving gender equity in policy and business. Journal of Gender Economics,