Dongzhi Chen | Business | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dongzhi Chen | Business | Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor | Tianjin University of Finance and Economics | China

Dr. Dongzhi Chen is a researcher at the China Tourism Academy / Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Beijing, specializing in tourism analytics, digital platforms, and consumer behavior within the hospitality sector. His research focuses on peer-to-peer accommodation, platform-based trust mechanisms, and the evolving dynamics of traveler–host interactions. Dr. Chen has produced 11 scholarly publications, which have collectively earned 146 citations and an h-index of 6, demonstrating both his academic productivity and the rising impact of his work. His recent article, “Hosts’ Facial Affinity in Peer-to-Peer Platforms: Scale Development and Validation”, reflects his expertise in developing behavioral scales, applying robust empirical methods, and exploring nuanced dimensions of digital hospitality engagement. Over the course of his research career, Dr. Chen has collaborated with 19 co-authors, contributing to multidisciplinary studies that address tourism experience quality, service personalization, consumer perception modeling, and data-driven strategic planning. His research has been cited in studies related to digital consumer psychology, platform governance, tourism marketing, and service innovation, underscoring its relevance to both industry practitioners and academic scholars. Dr. Chen’s work also plays an important societal and policy role by offering evidence-based insights that enhance cultural tourism development, inform government decision-making, and support the sustainable growth of China’s tourism ecosystem. With a strong commitment to methodological rigor and applied research, he aims to advance the global understanding of tourism behavior while promoting innovative approaches that improve service standards, strengthen the competitiveness of tourism industries, and contribute positively to the broader field of hospitality and tourism management.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Chen, D., Zhang, W., Lian, M., Ma, P., & Xu, J. (2025). Hosts’ facial affinity in peer‑to‑peer platforms: Scale development and validation. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2025.101339 

Chen, D., Zhang, W., Bi, J.-W., Qiu, H., & Lyu, J. (2024). Hosts’ online affinities and their impacts on the number of online reviews on peer-to-peer platforms. Tourism Management, 100, 104817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2023.104817 ScienceDirect+1

Qiu, H., Chen, D., Yang, J., Zhang, K., & Liu, T. (2024). Tourism collaboration evaluation and research directions. Tourism Recreation Research, 49(2), 431–438. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2021.2023838 Taylor & Francis Online+1

Chen, D., & Bi, J.-W. (2022). Cue congruence effects of attribute performance and hosts’ service quality attributes on room sales on peer-to-peer accommodation platforms. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-10-2021-1275 ResearchGate+1

Qiu, H., Chen, D., Lyu, J., He, H., & Li, C. (2021). Affinity-seeking strategies of homestay hosts: Scale development and validation. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.09.008

Laith Tashtoush | Business Administration | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Laith Tashtoush | Business Administration | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Near East University | Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Laith Tashtoush is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Business Administration, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Near East University, Cyprus. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration (2020) from Near East University, following a Master’s (2008) from Al-Albayt University and a Bachelor’s (2003) from Mu’tah University, Jordan. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in human resource management, organizational behavior, leadership studies, and innovation management. Dr. Tashtoush has guided numerous master’s students on topics ranging from artificial intelligence in marketing, sustainability, ethical leadership, to globalization and entrepreneurship, demonstrating his mentorship and leadership in academic research. His scholarly contributions include several publications in SSCI and Scopus-indexed journals, such as Sustainability, SAGE Open, and the South African Journal of Business Management, where he explores themes like servant leadership, organizational trust, human capital, and relationship marketing. His research interests focus on linking strategic HR practices, innovation capability, and organizational performance, integrating both theoretical and applied perspectives. Skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analytics, and conceptual model development, he effectively bridges academic inquiry with managerial practice. Dr. Tashtoush’s dedication to research excellence has earned him recognition within the international scholarly community. His career reflects a pursuit of impactful, interdisciplinary scholarship that advances sustainable organizational development and global management practices—positioning him as a dynamic and influential voice in contemporary business research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • Eyupoglu, S. Z., & Tashtoush, L. (2020). The relationship between human resource management practices and organisational citizenship behaviour. South African Journal of Business Management, 51(1), 1–11. Cited by: 31

  • Tashtoush, L. (2021). The role of information systems capabilities as a driving force in enhancing organizational performance. Journal of Information Systems and Informatics, 3(2), 303–328.  Cited by: 23

  • Tashtoush, L. (2021). The effect of social media on consumer buying behavior in commercial banks. Saudi Journal of Business and Management Studies, 6(2), 28–38. Cited by: 23

  • Harb, H. K., Eyupoglu, S. Z., & Tashtoush, L. (2023). The relationship between administrative empowerment and organizational commitment: The mediating role of job satisfaction amongst academic staff in higher education. SAGE Open, 13(4), 21582440231218229. Cited by: 9

  • Tashtoush, L. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between supply chain strategy and organizational performance. Asian Journal of Economics, Finance and Management, 7(1), 1–17. Cited by: 3

Maria dos Santos | Management | Excellence in Research

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maria dos Santos | Management | Excellence in Research

Assistant Professor | University of Coimbra | Portugal

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maria do Céu Colaço dos Santos is an accomplished academic and researcher at the University of Coimbra, where she serves as Assistant Professor in Public-Private Administration within the Faculty of Law and as a researcher at CeBER – Centre for Business and Economics Research. She holds a Ph.D. in Management from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Coimbra and a postdoctoral degree in Public Administration from the University of Lisbon (ISCSP). At the Faculty of Law, she teaches across both undergraduate and master’s programs in public-private administration, bringing academic rigor and applied expertise to her courses. Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Dr. Santos has developed recognized expertise in organizational studies, with particular emphasis on emotional intelligence, creativity, innovation, organizational change, contract breach, and public sector excellence. Her teaching and research are complemented by active participation in international conferences and collaborations that bridge theory and practice in governance and management. She has published extensively in prestigious outlets such as Innovation: Organization & Management, International Journal of Organizational Analysis, European Management Review, and the Boletim de Ciências Económicas, with her work indexed in Scopus and widely recognized for advancing understanding of employee creativity, task conflict, role stress, and self-efficacy in high-tech firms. Her research skills include advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis, cross-cultural collaboration, and the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives into innovative organizational models. Dr. Santos has been invited to present at international forums, contribute to policy-oriented research projects, and mentor young scholars, underscoring her role as both a thought leader and community contributor. She is also an active member of academic and professional associations, strengthening her research visibility and professional networks. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and innovation, Dr. Maria do Céu Colaço dos Santos continues to make impactful contributions to organizational research, leadership development, and the global academic community—making her a deserving candidate for recognition and awards.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Santos, M. C. C., Coelho, F., Sousa, C. M. P., & Evanschitzky, H. (2025, March 9). Emotional intelligence and employee creativity in high-tech firms. Innovation: Organization & Management.

  2. Santos, M. C. C., Coelho, F., & Gomes, J. F. S. (2023, January 24). Competitive psychological climate, conflict and psychological contract breach. European Management Review, 20(3), 561-575.

  3. Santos, M. C. C. (2024). Gestão da Qualidade Total, qualidade do serviço público e modelos de excelência. Boletim de Ciências Económicas, Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Coimbra.

  4. Santos, M. C. C., & Martins, L. L. (2023). Cidades sustentáveis, verdes, inteligentes, criativas e circulares: metodologias para avaliar a sustentabilidade da cidade. Revista do Centro de Estudos em Direito do Ordenamento, Urbanismo e do Ambiente (CEDOUA), Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Coimbra, 47, 44-57.

  5. dos Santos, M. C. C., & Martins, L. L. (2021). A execução de políticas públicas sociais no novo regime da contratação pública da União Europeia: em especial a relevância das organizações do Terceiro Sector / The implementation of social public policies in the new public procurement regime in the European Union: the relevance of Third Sector organizations. Brazilian Journal of Business, 3(1), 579-591.

Aspasia Chita | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Aspasia Chita | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Head of Civilian Personnel Office of Hellenic Police in Thessaly at International hellenic university, Greece

Mrs. Aspasia Chita is an accomplished professional with expertise in human resource management, public administration, and communication. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the International Hellenic University, an MA in International Journalism, and a BA in Journalism, Film, and Broadcasting from Cardiff University. With extensive experience in personnel management at the Hellenic Ministry of Citizen Protection and past roles in journalism, communication consulting, and asylum case evaluation, she combines analytical research with practical governance insights. Aspasia has presented academic work on public sector innovation and institutional communication at international conferences, reflecting her commitment to research and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, she holds certifications in mentoring, HR development, and training. Recognized for her analytical skills, organizational expertise, and research contributions, she continues to bridge academia and practice in public administration. Her dedication to innovation and communication in governance makes her a valuable asset in both academic and professional circles.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mrs. Aspasia Chita has a strong academic background with degrees and certifications spanning journalism, public administration, and human resource management. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the International Hellenic University and a Master of Arts in International Journalism from the University of Wales, Cardiff. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Journalism, Film, and Broadcasting from Cardiff University. To further enhance her expertise, she has obtained specialized certifications, including Human Resource Development Consulting, Mentoring in Public Administration, and Training of Trainers from the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government in Greece. Her educational journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning, blending media and communication expertise with public sector administration and human resource development. This diverse educational foundation equips her with the necessary skills to analyze, manage, and innovate within complex organizational structures, making her a highly knowledgeable professional in her field.

Professional Experience

Mrs. Aspasia Chita has extensive professional experience in human resource management, public administration, journalism, and communication. Since 2014, she has served as the Head of the Civilian Personnel Office at the Hellenic Ministry of Citizen Protection, overseeing personnel management for multiple police directorates in Thessaly. Previously, she worked as an International Protection Case Officer at the Asylum Service, conducting interviews and research on asylum applications. Her experience also includes roles as an Administrative & Financial Officer at the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization, where she acted as a journalist and communication consultant, and as a Journalism Instructor at IEK AKMI. Additionally, she has taught English and served as a faculty member at the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government. Her career reflects a dynamic blend of administrative leadership, policy research, and media expertise, making her a well-rounded professional with a strong impact in both governance and communication.

Research Interest

Mrs. Aspasia Chita’s research interests lie at the intersection of public administration, institutional communication, human resource management, and innovation in governance. She is particularly focused on exploring how digital transformation and communication channels can enhance efficiency, adaptability, and transparency in public sector organizations. Her recent research examines the role of organizational culture in fostering innovation, advocating for a human-centered approach to public administration reform. Additionally, she has a strong interest in policy development, personnel management strategies, and leadership in public institutions, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in decision-making processes. Her academic work, including a refereed conference paper on digital innovation in public administration, demonstrates her commitment to bridging theory with practical governance solutions. By integrating media, technology, and management studies, she aims to contribute to the modernization of public institutions and enhance their responsiveness to contemporary challenges in administration and policy implementation.

Award and Honor

Mrs. Aspasia Chita has been recognized for her contributions to public administration, communication, and human resource management through various academic and professional achievements. She has received endorsements from esteemed scholars, including Professor Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, who praised her analytical skills, dedication to research, and expertise in international journalism and public administration. Her work has been acknowledged through her participation in prestigious academic conferences, such as the 1st International Conference on Public Administration, where she presented a refereed paper on digital innovation in governance. Additionally, her role as a faculty member at the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government highlights her influence in shaping public sector training and development. While formal awards are not explicitly mentioned in her profile, her academic credentials, leadership roles, and research contributions demonstrate a high level of professional recognition and respect in her field, reinforcing her status as a distinguished researcher and public administrator.

Research Skill

Mrs. Aspasia Chita possesses strong research skills in the fields of public administration, human resource management, and institutional communication. She has demonstrated expertise in policy analysis, qualitative research, and data interpretation, particularly in examining organizational culture and digital innovation in governance. Her ability to conduct in-depth research is evident in her work as an International Protection Case Officer, where she performed Country of Origin Information (COI) research and drafted asylum application reports. Additionally, her academic contributions, including a refereed conference paper on innovation in public administration, showcase her proficiency in critical analysis, academic writing, and knowledge dissemination. Aspasia’s multidisciplinary background in journalism and public administration enables her to integrate diverse research methodologies, enhancing the practical impact of her studies. Her ability to synthesize complex information, develop strategic insights, and present findings effectively makes her a highly skilled researcher in both academic and professional settings.

Conclusion

Aspasia Chita demonstrates strong research capabilities in public administration, communication, and human resource management. Her academic background, professional experience, and conference contributions indicate a well-rounded researcher with practical impact. However, to solidify her position as a leading researcher, she may need to expand her published work and participate in more international collaborations.

Publications Top Noted

  • Author: Chita, Aspasia
  • Year: 2025
  • Title: The Digital Revolution at the Service of Public Action: Managing by Creating Communication Channels of Innovation
  • Publication Type: Conference paper
  • Date of Publication: March 5, 2025
  • DOI: 10.3390/proceedings2024111011
  • Conference: 1st International Conference on Public Administration
  • Research Focus: Innovation in public administration through digital communication channels.

 

Chengjie Yang | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chengjie Yang | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Student at China University of Petroleum East China – Qingdao Campus, China

Dr. Chengjie Yang is a distinguished researcher with a robust academic foundation, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the China University of Petroleum (East China), a Master’s in International Trade and Finance from Becket University, UK, and a Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering from the China University of Petroleum. Currently a lecturer at Qingdao Huanghai University, he has also served as Vice Minister of the Risk Department at Shandong Xintai Rural Commercial Bank. Dr. Yang has published extensively in finance and management, including high-impact articles on inclusive finance, cross-border e-commerce, and digital financial sequence analysis using advanced algorithms, with notable recognition in Finance Research Letters. His expertise extends to econometrics, financial forecasting, and asset management. With multiple national awards, certifications in finance, and advanced technical proficiency, Dr. Yang combines academic excellence with practical insights, positioning him as a leader in financial research and education.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Chengjie Yang possesses a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational background that underpins his expertise in finance and management. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the China University of Petroleum (East China), where he demonstrated exceptional academic performance, earning the title of “Outstanding Graduate.” He further pursued a Master’s degree in International Trade and Finance at Becket University in Leeds, UK, gaining global exposure and deepening his understanding of international financial systems. To advance his academic journey, Dr. Yang completed his Ph.D. in Management Science and Engineering at the China University of Petroleum, focusing on innovative approaches to finance and management. Throughout his studies, he excelled in courses such as Financial Accounting, Econometrics, International Trade, and International Financial Management, building a strong theoretical and practical foundation. His education reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and an ability to integrate diverse disciplines into his research and professional endeavors.

Professional Experience

Dr. Chengjie Yang has a rich and diverse professional background that bridges academia and the financial industry. He currently serves as a lecturer at Qingdao Huanghai University, where he imparts knowledge in finance, management, and related disciplines, fostering the next generation of professionals and researchers. Previously, he held the role of Vice Minister of the Risk Department at Shandong Xintai Rural Commercial Bank, where he gained extensive experience in risk management, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making. This dual exposure to academic and practical environments has equipped Dr. Yang with a unique perspective, enabling him to translate complex theoretical concepts into real-world applications. His expertise spans areas such as inclusive finance, digital financial forecasting, and enterprise earnings management, which he has explored through various high-impact research publications. Dr. Yang’s professional journey exemplifies his ability to combine scholarly achievements with practical financial insights, enhancing his contributions to both fields.

Research Interest

Dr. Chengjie Yang’s research interests lie at the intersection of finance, management science, and digital innovation. He is deeply engaged in exploring inclusive finance, digital financial forecasting, and cross-border e-commerce, with a particular focus on leveraging advanced algorithms like LSTM for sequence analysis. Dr. Yang’s work also delves into the dynamics of real estate and construction economics, asset injection, and enterprise earnings management, reflecting his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in financial systems. His research emphasizes the practical application of econometric models and digital tools to optimize financial decision-making and risk management. With a strong focus on the integration of technology in financial systems, he seeks to contribute to the evolution of sustainable and efficient financial practices. Through his studies, Dr. Yang aims to bridge theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, fostering innovation and resilience in the rapidly evolving financial and economic landscape.

Award and Honor

Dr. Chengjie Yang has been recognized for his outstanding academic and professional achievements through various awards and honors. As a testament to his academic excellence, he was conferred the prestigious title of “Outstanding Graduate” by the China University of Petroleum (East China) during his undergraduate studies. His research contributions have also earned him accolades, including a national award in 2022 for his insightful analysis of the real estate economy and construction economics. These honors highlight his dedication to addressing critical issues in finance and management science. Additionally, his participation in prestigious scientific research competitions and publication of high-impact articles have further solidified his reputation as a leading scholar. Dr. Yang’s awards not only underscore his intellectual rigor but also reflect his commitment to innovation and excellence, making him a prominent figure in the fields of finance and management research.

Conclusion

Chengjie Yang is a well-rounded researcher with significant accomplishments in finance and management science. His robust educational background, impressive research output, technical skills, and professional experience make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While focusing on specialized research themes and expanding international collaborations could elevate his profile, his current achievements already demonstrate remarkable potential and expertise.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Asset injection and enterprise earnings management
    Authors: Tan, Y., Yang, C., Qian, K., Jiang, C.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Research on Digital Financial Sequence Analysis and Forecasting Based on LSTM Algorithm Optimization
    Authors: Yang, C.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0