Daniel Soper | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Daniel Soper | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Daniel Soper, California State University, Fullerton, United States

Dr. Daniel S. Soper is a seasoned academic leader and professor in the Department of Information Systems and Decision Sciences at California State University, Fullerton. With a distinguished career marked by early promotion to full professor in 2019, he also serves as Vice-Chair of the department and Director of the MS in Information Technology program. A U.S. citizen, Dr. Soper’s academic journey has taken him from NASA and USDA to top-tier university appointments. He holds extensive expertise in data science, AI, and information systems. Known for his commitment to academic excellence and leadership in higher education, he has held roles such as Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Programs. His scholarly work explores the intersections of technology, economics, and culture, especially in emerging societies. A graduate of Arizona State University, he is also recognized for his online presence as a statistics educator, author, and innovator in digital learning.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Daniel S. Soper earned his Ph.D. in Information Systems from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University in 2008. His dissertation investigated the economic, political, and cultural impacts of ICT investments in emerging societies. Prior to that, he completed a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Colorado State University in 2004, preceded by a Bachelor of Science from the same institution in 2001, where he majored in Computer Information Systems with a second major in Sociology. His educational pursuits reflect a solid foundation in both technology and the social sciences. He has further enhanced his academic qualifications through professional development programs, including Microsoft’s Professional Programs in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and university-level certificates in leadership, teaching, and online education. Dr. Soper’s interdisciplinary academic training supports his impactful research and dynamic teaching across both technical and managerial domains.

💼 Experience

 

Dr. Soper has over two decades of progressive academic and industry experience. He currently serves as Professor, Vice-Chair, and Director of MS in IT at CSU Fullerton. Since joining CSU Fullerton in 2008, he has held roles as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor (with tenure in 2014), and Director of the MS in Information Systems program. He was promoted early to Full Professor in 2019 and also served as Associate Dean and Director of MBA and Graduate Programs. Prior to academia, he worked as a Software Engineer and Database Administrator at NASA’s Center for Engineering Infrastructure and Sciences in Space and later as an Information Systems Analyst at the USDA’s National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation. His teaching and research roots began at Arizona State University as a Research and Teaching Assistant. His career reflects a blend of academic leadership, research innovation, and industry expertise in IT systems.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Soper has received numerous recognitions that highlight his academic and professional excellence. Most notably, he achieved early promotion to Full Professor at CSU Fullerton in June 2019, a rare accomplishment acknowledging exceptional scholarly contributions and service. He has been a delegate to the Cambridge Summer Institute at the University of Cambridge, reflecting international recognition of his academic potential. Additionally, he has completed Microsoft Professional Programs in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, underlining his commitment to cutting-edge skill development. His contributions to teaching excellence are evident through completion of the University Teaching Certificate Program, Online Course Evaluation Certificate Program, and Inclusive Leadership Certificate. These achievements demonstrate his dedication not only to scholarship but also to inclusive, high-quality education and leadership in business and information systems. His work is widely respected in academic and practitioner circles alike, and he is also a sought-after speaker and consultant.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Daniel S. Soper’s research bridges the fields of information systems, data science, and artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on the economic, political, and cultural effects of ICT in emerging societies. His Ph.D. dissertation reflects this macro-level focus, while his ongoing work continues to explore technology adoption, decision science, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. He is widely known for developing open-source statistical tools, contributing significantly to academic instruction and online education. His research also covers predictive analytics, enterprise systems, and technology-enabled business transformation. With an applied, interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Soper is committed to advancing both the theoretical understanding and practical implementation of information technologies. He often collaborates with industry and academic peers to drive innovation in tech-driven business strategies. His scholarly output and tools have been adopted worldwide by students, educators, and professionals alike, making him an influential figure in modern information systems scholarship.

📚 Publications

📘 A Longitudinal Assessment of the Economic, Political, and Cultural Impacts of Information and Communication Technology Investments in Emerging Societies
📘 A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Predicting User Satisfaction in Web Portals
📘 Trust and Risk in Information Systems Adoption: An Integrated Model
📘 The Impact of Organizational Culture on Knowledge Management Success
📘 Exploring the Role of AI and Big Data in Financial Decision Making
📘 An Empirical Study of Social Media Influence on Consumer Decision Behavior
📘 The Relationship Between IT Capabilities and Firm Performance in Competitive Markets
📘 Digital Transformation in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities
📘 Design and Development of a Web-based Statistical Calculator for Academic Use
📘 A Machine Learning Framework for Predicting Student Performance in Online Courses

Mazen Aldubai | Management and Accounting | Best Research Article Award

Mazen Aldubai | Management and Accounting | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Mazen Aldubai, MEDIU uni, Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr. Mazen Mohammed Farea Aldubai is a seasoned academic and expert in Business Management, currently serving at the Faculty of Finance and Administrative Sciences, MEDIU, Malaysia. With over 10 years of experience in teaching, academic leadership, and curriculum development, Dr. Mazen has played pivotal roles including Dean, Deputy Dean, and MBA Program Coordinator. His academic journey spans across Yemen and Malaysia, holding a Ph.D. in Business Management and an MBA. Known for his dynamic involvement in both national and international conferences, he is also a sought-after trainer and external examiner. In addition to his academic duties, he actively contributes as a consultant in training, development, and business management program design. Dr. Mazen’s expertise lies in Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership. He is passionate about guiding the next generation of business professionals and is committed to advancing academic excellence and impactful research in management sciences.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Mazen Mohammed Farea Aldubai holds a robust academic foundation in business and finance. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Management from Al-Madinah International University (MEDIU), Malaysia, in 2017, with a focus on strategic and leadership management practices. Prior to his doctorate, he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College in 2011, where he gained strong analytical and managerial capabilities essential for academic and business leadership. His undergraduate studies were in Accounting, completed at the University of Science and Technology in Sana’a, Yemen, in 2005. This comprehensive education trajectory has equipped him with a holistic understanding of business operations, research methodologies, and academic governance. His interdisciplinary academic training provides a solid base for his work as an educator, consultant, and researcher, bridging theoretical foundations with practical implications in business education and professional development.

Experience

Dr. Mazen’s professional journey spans academic, managerial, and consultancy roles. He is currently an Associate Professor at MEDIU University, where he also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Finance and Administrative Sciences (2024–present). Previously, he was Deputy Dean (2018–2023) and Assistant Professor (2017–2020) at the same faculty. His roles involve teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and academic administration. From 2009–2013, he served as Head of Human Resources at Saba SDN BHD, Malaysia, handling strategic planning and coordination. He also worked in project management at Azal Al Yemen Company (2005–2008). As a professional trainer at London Premier Centre since 2022, he has delivered training in Business, Marketing, and Hospitality Management. His consultancy engagements include partnerships with DAHIA Academy and Intelligent Education Technology (IET), contributing to training and academic development. His diverse roles reflect a deep commitment to leadership, education, and applied business practices.

Awards and Honors 

While Dr. Mazen’s biography does not list specific individual awards, his professional recognition is reflected in his numerous prestigious roles and academic honors. He has been appointed as an External Examiner for multiple institutions including USIM, University Utara Malaysia, Limkokwing University, and Swiss School of Management International, Rome—demonstrating trust in his academic evaluation expertise. His chairmanship at high-profile conferences such as the 1st Global Business Technology and Islamic Finance Conference (BTIF 2024), and leadership roles in IEEE-supported events, speak to his recognized stature in the academic community. Furthermore, his involvement in academic curriculum design at the BBA, MBA, and PhD levels underlines his scholarly influence. Through these appointments, he has contributed significantly to educational quality assurance, program development, and international academic collaborations—earning the respect and acknowledgment of peers across institutions and countries.

Research Focus

Dr. Mazen’s research interests are deeply rooted in Business Management with specific focus areas including Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Human Resource Management. His scholarly work emphasizes developing effective leadership styles, innovation in business education, and enhancing strategic planning for organizational success. He is also engaged in interdisciplinary studies that bridge business theories with Islamic finance principles, reflecting Malaysia’s unique academic ecosystem. His research is geared towards providing actionable insights for emerging businesses, start-ups, and higher education institutions aiming for sustainable growth. Moreover, Dr. Mazen integrates modern tools like SEM, SPSS, and meta-analysis in his work, enabling robust data-driven conclusions. He actively supervises Master’s and Ph.D. students in these areas, fostering new academic inquiry and capacity building. His commitment to continuous learning and scholarly excellence is also evident from his participation in global research conferences and academic publishing.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📖 Leadership Styles and Their Influence on Organizational Innovation in SMEs.

  • 📖 Strategic Planning in Higher Education Institutions: A Framework for Curriculum Development.

  • 📖 Entrepreneurial Orientation and Business Performance in Emerging Markets.

  • 📖 The Impact of Islamic Work Ethics on Employee Performance in the Finance Sector.

  • 📖 Digital Transformation and Its Strategic Role in Business Management Education.

  • 📖 A Comparative Study on Leadership Styles in Public vs. Private Universities.

  • 📖 The Role of Academic Leadership in Fostering Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration.

  • 📖 Business Communication Competencies for the 21st-Century Workforce.

  • 📖 Hospitality Management Trends Post-COVID: A Strategic Perspective.

  • 📖 Integrating ICT in Business Curriculum: Challenges and Solutions in Malaysian Universities.

Muhammad Imran | Management and Accounting | Best Research Article Award

Muhammad Imran | Management and Accounting | Best Research Article Award

Dr muhammad imran, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Muhammad Imran is a distinguished academic in the field of Management, currently serving as an International Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia. With over six years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Imran has built a reputation for academic excellence, particularly in SMEs, TQM, and Industry 4.0. He has contributed significantly to top-tier journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science and has served as a reviewer for various prestigious international publications. His leadership in research supervision and collaborative projects highlights his commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. Dr. Imran is also a recipient of multiple research grants and academic awards. His proactive engagement with the academic community through teaching, mentoring, and publishing places him among the influential scholars in his domain. Based in Malaysia, he continues to shape future leaders through dynamic teaching and cutting-edge research.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Muhammad Imran holds a Ph.D. in Management from Universiti Utara Malaysia (2015–2018), where his doctoral research focused on Total Quality Management, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Business Networks, and SMEs’ Export Performance. His thesis provided valuable insights into enhancing SME competitiveness in international markets. He earned his MBA from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan (2010–2014), achieving a commendable CGPA of 3.28/4.0. His academic background blends rigorous theoretical frameworks with practical business insights. Dr. Imran’s education laid the foundation for his scholarly achievements and international academic career. His exposure to diverse academic environments in Pakistan and Malaysia equipped him with global perspectives, essential for today’s interconnected research and teaching landscapes. This educational trajectory has been instrumental in shaping his expertise in strategic management, research methodologies, and innovation in organizational contexts.

Experience

Dr. Muhammad Imran brings over six years of teaching and research experience across leading universities in Pakistan and Malaysia. Currently, he is an International Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), teaching Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, and Research Methodology. Prior to UUM, he served as an Assistant Professor at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (2019–2022), where he taught Operations Management and Advanced Quantitative Analysis. He also worked briefly at Iqra University, Karachi, teaching Fundamentals of Management. Throughout his career, Dr. Imran has supervised numerous postgraduate theses, collaborated on multidisciplinary research projects, and reviewed papers for top-tier journals. His international academic exposure, combined with subject versatility, makes him a valuable contributor to institutional growth and student development. His roles demonstrate his passion for academic excellence, mentorship, and impactful research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Muhammad Imran has been recognized with several prestigious research grants and awards for his impactful contributions to management science. His academic excellence earned him recognition through university-funded research grants that support innovation in SMEs, TQM, and Industry 4.0. He has also been honored for his peer-review contributions to top-ranked journals. At Universiti Utara Malaysia, he is celebrated for his dedication to student mentorship and scholarly productivity. Additionally, his publications have consistently ranked in Q1/Q2 journals, gaining accolades from academic communities. He was acknowledged for his research quality in conferences and symposia, particularly for studies related to Industry 4.0 and environmental sustainability. These honors reflect his commitment to academic leadership, research rigor, and international collaboration, reinforcing his reputation as an influential voice in management education and research.

Research Focus

Dr. Muhammad Imran’s research centers on advancing organizational performance through strategic and operational lenses. His key focus areas include Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Total Quality Management (TQM), Entrepreneurship, Industry 4.0 technologies, and Occupational Safety & Health. He is particularly interested in how digital transformation and innovation affect business growth and sustainability. His work integrates quantitative methods to examine firm performance, export competitiveness, servitization, and leadership dynamics in emerging markets. Dr. Imran also explores behavioral dimensions such as emotional intelligence, employee creativity, and environmental consciousness. Through multidisciplinary approaches, he contributes to theoretical development and practical applications in public and private sectors. His studies are aimed at enhancing policy formulation and managerial practices to foster sustainable economic development. With numerous Scopus and Web of Science-indexed publications, his research has global reach and societal impact.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📊 Exploring Triad Influence of Service Innovation, Service Quality, and Customer Orientation between Big Data Analytics and Hotel Performance

  • 🌐 Driving SME Growth Through Digital Leadership: Exploring Tenure and Transformation Dynamics

  • 🌱 Empirical Insights into Resilience-Based Strategies for Addressing Haze Pollution: Enhancing Green Infrastructure and Urban Resilience

  • 🏭 Effects of Industry 4.0 Technologies and Servitization on Firm Performance: Evidence from the Pakistani Manufacturing Sector

  • 🍎 The Interplay of Safety Knowledge, Attitude and Health Experience in Adoption of Protective Pesticide Behavior

  • 🏗️ Assessment of Risk Factors and Project Success in the Construction Industry

  • 🏛️ Empirical Investigation of Public Service Performance Improvement Factors

  • 💚 Greenwash and Green Purchase Behavior: An Environmentally Sustainable Perspective

  • 🥗 Health Consciousness, Food Safety Concern, and Consumer Purchase Intentions Toward Organic Food

  • 📱 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Agenda Setting: A Study of Social Media

  • 💡 Sustainable Leadership and Employee Innovative Behavior: Discussing the Mediating Role of Creative Self-Efficacy

  • 🧪 Resource and Information Access for SME Sustainability in the Era of IR 4.0

  • ⚠️ Influence of Risk Factors on Construction Firm Project Success in Pakistan

  • 🚚 The Contributing Factors Towards E-Logistic Customer Satisfaction

  • 🖥️ Remedies of Low Performance Among Pakistani E-Logistic Companies: Role of IT Capability and ICT

  • 🚗 Determinants of Firm’s Export Performance in China’s Automobile Industry

  • 📋 Performance Appraisal Politics and Employee’ Performance in Distinctive Economies

  • 🧵 Influence of the Industry 4.0 on Production and Service Sectors in Pakistan

Sherine Farouk | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Sherine Farouk | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Prof Sherine Farouk, Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates

Prof. Sherine Farouk is a distinguished academic leader and researcher in managerial accounting and internationalization. 📊 With a Ph.D. from London Metropolitan University, she has played a pivotal role in advancing global engagement at Abu Dhabi University as the Associate Provost for Internationalization. 🌍 Her work spans strategic university partnerships, international conferences, and student exchange programs, significantly enhancing ADU’s global standing. 🔍 Prof. Farouk has an extensive research portfolio covering decarbonization, job security, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. She has received numerous grants, awards, and honors, including the Times Higher Education Best International Strategy Award and The Environmental Geotechnics Prize 2023. 🏅 Her contributions extend to editorial boards, academic rankings, and consultancy roles with business councils. Prof. Farouk’s impact on managerial accounting, sustainability, and innovation has cemented her reputation as a thought leader in academia and industry alike. 📚✨

Publication Profile

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Education

  • Ph.D. in Accounting, Managerial Accounting (2006) – London Metropolitan University, UK 🇬🇧
    • Thesis: “An Evaluation of the Management Accounting Practices as a Strategic Accounting Tool for Egyptian Manufacturing Organizations”
  • MBA in Managerial Accounting (1999) – Arab Academy for Science & Technology 🇪🇬
    • Grade: Excellent 🎖️
    • Thesis: “Developing a Methodological Framework for Inventory Management Benchmarking”
  • B.Com. in Accounting (1992) – King Saud University, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
    • Grade: Excellent with Honor

Experience

  • Associate Provost for Internationalization, Abu Dhabi University (2022 – Present) 🇦🇪
    • Organized ICASF 2023 & 2024 conferences with 600+ attendees from 90+ countries 🌏
    • Led the launch of ADU’s Internationalization Website & Study Abroad Program ✈️
    • Developed strategic partnerships with top global universities and consulates 🤝
    • Advanced ADU’s rankings (QS, THE) and global academic standing 📈
  • Faculty Member & Researcher, Abu Dhabi University 🎓
    • Published extensively on sustainability, managerial accounting, job performance 📝
    • Secured 22 research grants (AED 815,810) for high-impact studies 💰
  • Consultant for Business & Academic Institutions 🏢
    • Worked with Emirates Business Women Council & Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council

Awards & Honors

  • 2023: Best Paper Award – The Environmental Geotechnics Prize 🏆
  • 2023: Times Higher Education (THE) Best International Strategy of the Year 🌍
  • 2017: Honor Plaque – Abu Dhabi Businesswomen & Emirates Business Women Council 🏅
  • 2017: Abu Dhabi University Ambassador Award for exceptional contributions 🏆
  • 2016: University Distinguished Faculty Award for academic excellence 📚
  • 2016: WASC International Accreditation Honor Plaque 🏛️
  • 2015: Collegiality Award – Abu Dhabi University 🤝

Internal Grants 

Prof. Sherine Farouk has led multiple research projects in the UAE, focusing on leadership, innovation, and corporate social responsibility 🌍📊. As PI, she secured a Faculty Research Incentive Grant (AED 43,750) to explore authentic leadership and social innovation in the public sector 💡🏛️. Her studies on ethical climate and CSR’s impact on organizational performance received AED 20,000 📈🤝. She also examined SMEs’ international entrepreneurial orientation (AED 28,000) and ICT’s role in economic growth and sustainability (AED 28,560) 📡🌱. Additionally, she co-led a CSR study amid COVID-19 (AED 20,000) to assess its effects on company performance 🏢📉.

Presentations 

Dr. S. Farouk is a distinguished researcher contributing to leadership, sustainability, and business ethics 🌍📊. His work spans diverse topics, including nomination committees’ role in Indian firms (ICASF 2024) 🏢, servant leadership’s impact on knowledge sharing (ICASF 2023) 🤝, and robotic service quality in customer acceptance (EURAM 2023) 🤖. He explores inclusive leadership’s influence on innovation (ICOM 2023) 💡 and ethical business climates (AMA 2019) ⚖️. His studies on UAE’s sustainability strategies (2018) 🌱 and water resource management (WRE 2018) 💧 further showcase his impact. His expertise extends to large-scale infrastructure projects like the Dubai-Fujairah Highway (ICOM 2017) 🏗️.

Research Focus

Prof. Sherine Farouk’s research bridges managerial accounting, sustainability, corporate responsibility, and organizational performance 📊. Her work explores the impact of decarbonization on waste management, job security’s effect on performance, and total quality management’s role in sustainable development 🌱. She has published on ethical climate, leadership, innovation, and digital transformation in high-ranking journals 📚. Her studies on corporate social responsibility amid COVID-19 provided key insights into business resilience 🔍. Prof. Farouk’s recent research delves into green innovation, employee well-being, and ICT’s impact on economic growth. Through 22 funded research projects, she has influenced global policy and academic advancements 💡. Her contributions shape future business strategies, internationalization efforts, and academic collaboration worldwide

Publication Top Notes

  • Decarbonization of the Waste Industry in U.S.A. and the EU (2024) ♻️
  • Employee Job Security & Performance: Well-being & Psychological Capital (2024) 🏢
  • Cultural Intelligence & Proactive Service: Leader’s Role & Emotional Labor (2023) 🤝
  • TQM & Corporate Sustainability: Mediating Role of Green Innovation (2023) 🌍
  • Determinants of Organizational Performance: A Proposed Framework (2016) 📈
  • Knowledge Sharing & Firm Innovation Capability (2016) 💡
  • HRM Practices & Performance in UAE Banking: The Role of Innovation (2016) 🏦
  • Green Accounting for Sustainable Manufacturing in Developing Countries (2012) 🌿
  • Ethical Climate, CSR & Organizational Performance: UAE Public Sector 📊