Ghaith Al-Abdallah | Factors Affecting Students | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ghaith Al-Abdallah | Factors Affecting Students | Best Researcher Award

Marketing at University of Kurdistan Hewler, Iraq

Dr. Ghaith M. Al-Abdallah is a distinguished academic and professional in the field of marketing and business, currently serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief of Academics at Catholic University in Erbil (CUE). With an extensive career spanning multiple prestigious institutions, he has made significant contributions to academia and industry. He is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and Editor-in-Chief of The Postgraduate Chronicle. His expertise in marketing, business strategy, and higher education leadership has positioned him as a key figure in shaping academic excellence and research advancements.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Al-Abdallah holds advanced degrees in marketing and business administration. His academic journey has been marked by rigorous research, pedagogical expertise, and a commitment to enhancing higher education. His qualifications have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive academic and institutional growth, enabling him to lead postgraduate initiatives and mentor aspiring scholars in business and marketing disciplines.

Experience

With over two decades of academic and professional experience, Dr. Al-Abdallah has held leadership roles at several esteemed institutions. At the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH), he serves as Director of Graduate Studies, contributing to postgraduate program development and university marketing strategies. Previously, he held professorial and administrative positions at the American University of Madaba (AUM), Applied Science University (ASU), and Fahad Bin Sultan University (FBSU). He has also provided academic services as an external examiner and adjunct instructor at institutions worldwide, demonstrating his broad impact on global education.

Research Interests

Dr. Al-Abdallah’s research focuses on consumer behavior, social media marketing, brand equity, corporate governance, and digital transformation. His studies have provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly in the Middle East and global contexts. His work frequently explores the intersection of technology and consumer engagement, analyzing how digital tools influence purchasing behaviors and market strategies.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Al-Abdallah has received multiple awards and research grants for his academic excellence. He was honored with the Highest Google Scholar Citations Award at ASU in 2019, recognizing his significant contributions to scholarly research. He has also secured special research funds at UKH (2023) and was awarded various research grants at AUM and ASU, supporting his continued exploration of marketing dynamics. His leadership in academic accreditation and postgraduate program development has earned him respect and recognition in the higher education sector.

Selected Publications

Al-Abdallah, G., Ismael, M., & Attieh, L. (2024). Social Media Marketing and Restaurants’ Brand Equity After COVID-19: A Revitalizing Model. Journal of Vacation Marketing. (Scopus, Q1, Web of Science Core Collection, ABS, ABDC A).

Al-Abdallah, G., Maaroof, S., & Al Haj Eid, M. (2024). Unveiling the TikTok Sponsored Content Effect in Iraq: The Mediating Role of Source Credibility. Journal of Marketing Communications. (Scopus, Q1, ABS, ABDC B).

Al Haj Eid, M. & Al-Abbdallah, G. (2024). Sustainable Development Through Biomimicry: Enhancing Circular Economy Practices. Sustainable Development, 32(6), 6045-6056. (Scopus, Q1, Web of Science Core Collection, ABDC).

Al-Abdallah, G., Barzani, R., Dandis, A., & Al Haj Eid, M. (2024). Social Media Marketing Strategy: Impact on Customer-Based Brand Equity in Retail Industry. Journal of Marketing Communication. (Scopus, Q1, ABS, ABDC B).

Al-Abdallah, G., & Ababakr, J. (2023). Brand Experience and Customer Loyalty in Dentistry: Role of Perceived Brand Authenticity. International Journal of Dentistry, 2023, 1-16. (Scopus, Q2, Web of Science, PubMed Central).

Al-Abdallah, G., Dandis, A., & Al Haj Eid, M. (2022). The Impact of Instagram Utilization on Brand Management in Restaurants. Journal of Foodservice Business Research. (Scopus, Q2, ABS, ABDC).

Al-Abdallah, G., & Al-Salim, M.I. (2021). Green Product Innovation and Competitive Advantage: An Empirical Study. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 28(8), 2542-2560. (Scopus, Q1, Web of Science Core Collection, ABS).

Conclusion

Dr. Ghaith M. Al-Abdallah is a leading academic and industry expert whose contributions to marketing, business strategy, and higher education have left a lasting impact. His extensive research, leadership roles, and commitment to academic excellence continue to shape the future of marketing education and professional practice. With a dynamic career spanning teaching, administration, and research, he remains an influential voice in the academic and business communities, fostering innovation and knowledge dissemination globally.

Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Research Associate |University of the Aegean | Greece

Dr. Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica is a distinguished academic and researcher with over a decade of experience in education and technology-enhanced learning. Her career reflects a steadfast dedication to advancing innovative pedagogies, digital systems, and emerging technologies in education. As a researcher and tutor, she has contributed to numerous European and national projects, specializing in e-learning, immersive technologies, and digital transformation in education. With a rich portfolio of collaborative work and a strong academic foundation, she has established herself as a leader in her field, garnering accolades and recognition for her contributions to educational research and innovation.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Ilona holds a Ph.D. in Education Sciences from the European University Cyprus (2016–2022), achieved through a full scholarship, where she focused on pioneering advancements in educational technology. She also earned an MSc in Technology Education and Digital Systems with a specialization in e-Learning from the University of Piraeus, achieving an outstanding academic record (9.69/10). Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Systems, also at the University of Piraeus, where she laid the groundwork for her specialization in technology and education. Her education reflects a strong commitment to bridging the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering innovative practices in learning.

Professional Experience

With over 14 years of professional experience, Ilona has been at the forefront of European and national research initiatives. She has served as a tutor and research associate across institutions, including the University of the Aegean and the University of Piraeus. Her portfolio includes significant projects like “Metaverse Civic Education,” “Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy,” and “Pedagogical Alliance for XR Technologies in Education.” Her expertise extends to designing digital innovation hubs, cultural development policies, and sustainable education systems. Her roles have also included consulting, teaching, and leading interdisciplinary teams to implement cutting-edge educational strategies.

Research Interests

Ilona’s research interests encompass e-learning, immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and their applications in education and training. She is deeply invested in exploring the intersections of technology, pedagogy, and inclusivity. Her work emphasizes creating equitable learning environments and leveraging digital tools to enhance educational outcomes. She also explores themes such as teacher professional development, STEM education, and the integration of emerging technologies in diverse educational contexts.

Awards

Ilona’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the Emerging Scholar Award in e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies in 2023 and the Research Publication Award by the Laureate Network Office in 2016. Additionally, her academic pursuits were supported by competitive scholarships, including a Ph.D. scholarship from the European University of Cyprus (2016–2022) and an MSc scholarship from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) (2010–2012). These accolades underscore her contributions to the advancement of education and technology.

Publications

Ilona has contributed significantly to academic literature, with key publications addressing the role of emerging technologies in education.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Advances in Augmented and Mixed Reality in Education

    • Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

Augmented reality in lower secondary education: A teacher professional development program in Cyprus and Greece

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 27

Enlivened Laboratories within STEM Education (EL-STEM): A Case Study of Augmented Reality in Secondary Education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Mavrotheris, E., Dimopoulos, C., Tiniakos, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Empowering Teachers to Augment Students’ Reading Experience: The Living Book Project Approach

    • Authors: Mavrotheris, M.M., Charalambous, C., Mavrou, K., Stylianidou, N., Vasou, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Engineering attractiveness in the European educational environment: Can distance education approaches make a difference?

    • Authors: Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 12

Augmented reality in laboratory-based education: Could it change the way students decide about their future studies?

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 7

Research challenges in future laboratory-based STEM education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 7

Implementing a social networking educational system for teachers’ training

    • Authors: Pitsikalis, S., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 0

Learning out of the class: Creating e-courses for mobile devices

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Stavros, P.
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 3

Conclusion

Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of education and technology when combined. Her pioneering research, professional expertise, and dedication to innovation have significantly influenced the landscape of educational technology. With a commitment to fostering inclusive and future-ready learning environments, she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of educators and learners.