Doctoral Affairs
Dissertation Chairs for the Department of Global Education
Please see the available dissertation chairs for the Department of Global Education.
For advice on what to consider when selecting a chair, Click here (access with your @Westcliff.edu email).
Note: You will select two (2) options for chairs when completing the Dissertation Chair Selection Form.
Dr. Tala S. Abhussein
Educational background: PhD in Quality Management, MA in Business Administration and BA in Applied English
Subject matter expertise: quality management, entrepreneurship, business strategy, organizational behavior, organizational culture, human resource management, and leadership development.
Dissertation title: Quality Management Implementation in the Jordanian Higher Education Sector
Research Interests: entrepreneurship, leadership, organizational culture, employee psychological well-being, and cross-cultural and institutional dynamics.
Previous Publications
Zighan, S., Abuhussein, T., Alkalha, Z., & Omar, F. (2024). From order-qualifier to order-winner? Mapping the e-retailing competitive priorities. International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 42(2), 631–650
Magatef, S., Abuhussein, T., Ashour, L., Rehman, S. U., & Al-Okaily, M. (2024). A comparative analysis of COVID-19 pandemic effects on students’ academic performance in the higher education sector. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print)
Zighan, S., Abuhussein, T., Al-Zu’bi, Z., & Dwaikat, N. Y. (2023). A qualitative exploration of factors driving sustainable innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises in Jordan. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 18(2), 372–391
Abuhussein, T. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 on refugee women’s entrepreneurship in Jordan. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 17(4), 900–925
Abuhussein, T., & Magatef, S. (2022). Social marketing, social media and eudaimonic well-being: A qualitative exploration. Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, 15(4), 527–552
Abuhussein, T., Barham, H., & Al-Jaghoub, S. (2021). The effects of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises: Empirical evidence from Jordan. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 17(2), 334–357
Abuhussein, T., & Koburtay, T. (2021). Opportunities and constraints of women entrepreneurs in Jordan: An update of the 5Ms framework. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 27(6), 1448–1475
Abuhussein, T., Koburtay, T. and Syed, J. (2020), “A eudaimonic perspective on prejudice and female workers’ psychological well-being”, Gender in Management, 36(3),309-328.
Prior Work Experience
Currently, she acts as Chair/ Committee Member for the DBA program at Westcliff University, where she guides doctoral candidates through the research and dissertation process, ensuring academic rigor and scholarly excellence.
Dr. Abuhussein held the position of Associate Professor of Business and Management at the University of Petra (Jordan) until late 2024, where she contributed to program development, curriculum innovation, and undergraduate and postgraduate supervision. She also held the position of Vice Director of the SIQ Business Incubator, leading initiatives to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration between academia and industry.
Her earlier academic experience in the United Kingdom included positions as an Associate Lecturer at the London School of Contemporary Art and MBA for Executives Course Coordinator at the London School of Commerce.
Hamed Mubarak Al-Awidi
Educational background: Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (Instructional Technology) – University of North Texas, USA (1999)
M.S. in Foundations of Education – University of Jordan, Jordan (1993)
B.S. in Teaching & Learning – University of Jordan, Jordan (1990)
Subject matter expertise: Curriculum & Instruction, E-Learning, Teachers digital professional development, Educational technology, Teachers Education.
Dissertation title: Current and Future Trends in Computer Use in Elementary School Settings.
Research Interests: – Developing School Curriculum.
– Applications of Digital Technologies in Education.
– Digital Curriculum.
– Teaching and Learning strategies.
– Preservice Teachers’ preparations.
– Teachers’ professional development.
Previous Publications
Al-Awidi, H., & Al-Furaih, S.A.(2023). Teachers’ informal learning characteristics in using open educational resources in relation to their innovative work behavior. International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 40 (2), 113-129.
Al-Awidi, H. M., & Al-Mughrabi, A. M. (2022). Returning to Schools After COVID-19: Identifying Factors of Distance Learning Failure in Jordan from Parents’ Perspectives. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 12(4),
Al-Furaih, S., Al-Awidi, H. (2021). Fear of missing out (FoMO) among undergraduate students in relation to attention distraction and learning disengagement in lectures. Education and Information Technologies, 26(2),2355– 373.
Prior Work Experience
Regionally, Prof. Al-Awidi has held academic positions at the United Arab Emirates University (2008–2012), Kuwait University (2014–2020), Middle East University in Jordan (2020–2022), and the Arab Open University (2022–2023). In these roles, he taught graduate and undergraduate courses in instructional design, digital curriculum, and educational research, while also supervising numerous master’s and doctoral theses. He has been particularly active in guiding faculty transitions to e-learning, designing blended learning programs, and contributing to accreditation and curriculum reform initiatives.
Currently, as Professor of Educational Sciences at Yarmouk University, Prof. Al-Awidi continues to combine teaching, research, and consultation, with a strong focus on digital curriculum design, technology integration in education, and teacher professional development.
Dr. Rakan Aldmour
Educational background: PhD: Mobile Cloud Computing
MSc: Management Information Systems
BSc: Software Engineering
Subject matter expertise: Information Systems
Mobile cloud Computing
Business Analysis
IoT
Blockchain
Previous Publications
– Rehman, A.U., Farooq, M., Khan, F., Srivastava, G., Aldmour, R.A., Alturki, R. and Alshawi, B., 2024. FEDge-HAR: An Optimized Private Mobile Edge-Enabled IoT Paradigm for Privacy of Human Activity Recognition. IEEE Internet of Things Journal.
– Al-Zoubi, A., Aldmour, M., Sedky, M. and Aldmour, R., 2023, March. Blockchain Utilization in Cyber-Physical Laboratories for Engineering Education 4.0. In International Conference on Remote Engineering and Virtual Instrumentation (pp. 111-122). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
– Faiz, T., Aldmour, R., Ahmed, G., Alshurideh, M. and Paramaiah, C., 2023. Machine Learning Price Prediction During and Before COVID-19 and Consumer Buying Behavior. In The Effect of Information Technology on Business and Marketing Intelligence Systems (pp. 1845-1867). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
– Al-Zoubi, A., Dmour, M. and Aldmour, R., 2022. Blockchain as a Learning Management System for Laboratories 4.0. International Journal of Online & Biomedical Engineering, 18(12).
-Al-Zoubi, A., Aldmour, M. and Aldmour, R., 2022. Preserving Transparency and Integrity of Elections Utilising Blockchain Technology. Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, 10(4), pp.24-40.
– Aldmour, R., Yousef, S., Baker, T. and Benkhelifa, E., 2021. An approach for offloading in mobile cloud computing to optimize power consumption and processing time. Sustainable Computing: Informatics and Systems, 31, p.100562.
– Aldmour, R, Burnap, P., Lakoju, M. 2019, May. Risk Assessment Methods for Converged IoT And Scada Systems: Review and Recommendations. Conference on living IoT, PETRAS, London.
– Sarayreh, B., Mardawi, A. and Dmour, R., 2012. Comparative study: the Nonaka model of knowledge management. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 1(6), pp.45-48.
Prior Work Experience
Senior Lecturer: University of Staffordshire, UK
Research Fellow: Cardiff University, UK
Dr. Emerson G. Cabudol
Educational background: Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor in Sustainability (c), Master of Management in Business Management, BS in Accountancy, B. Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, Executive Program Certificate in Strategies for Accountable AI (Wharton Upenn)
Subject matter expertise: Business Administration, Finance and Economics, Accountancy, Operations Management, Strategic Management, Quality Management, Sustainability and AI, Business Education, Business Educational Technology
Dissertation Title: Proposed Project Risk Management Plan for Real Estate Companies in the Middle East
Research Interests: Emerging Technologies, Business, Education, Sustainability, AI
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Cabudol is a recipient of the Commission on Higher Education Scholarship for the Executive Program Certification in “Strategies in Accountable AI” at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton in 2025. His publications include several journal articles, such as “Strategic Plans on the Context of Business Excellence Models and Its Financial Impact” and “Determining Factors in Developing Quality Management Model in Public and Private Organizations in the Philippines”. He is also a Licensed Professional Teacher and a Certified Management Consultant (CMC®).
Raed Kareem Kanaan
Educational background: 1. PhD Degree in Information Systems from De Montfort University, 2009, UK, for the thesis entitled “Making Sense of E-government Implementation in Jordan: A Qualitative Investigation”.
2. MPhil Degree from De Montfort University, 2006, UK,
3. Master Degree in Information System from Arab Academy, 1998, Jordan.
4. Bachelor Degree in Finance and Banking from Yarmouk University, 1996, Jordan.
Subject matter expertise: Business Intelligence , AI in Business , E-business, E-commerce, Mobile Commerce, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing.
Dissertation Title: Making Sense of E-government Implementation in Jordan: A Qualitative Investigation
Research Interests: Business Intelligence , AI in Business , E-business, E-commerce, Mobile Commerce, Data Analysis.
Previous Publications
31. Kanaan, R., Obeidat, U., Al-Zu’bi, M., Abuhashesh, M., (2020). The Effect of Intellectual Capital on Competitive Advantage in the Jordanian Telecommunication Sector. Journal of Business & Management, 8(1), 2306-8043.
32. Alsaraireh, J., Shamaileh, N., Saraireh, S., Al-Azzam, M., Kanaan, R., Mohammad, A.,and Al-Hawary,S. (2022). The Impact of Online Reviews on Brand Equity. Information Sciences Letters, An International Journal, 11(6), 1-10.
33. Alshawabkeh, R., AL-Awamleh, H., Alkhawaldeh, M., Kanaan, R., Al-Hawary, S, Mohammad, A. and A. Alkhawaldah, R, (2022) The mediating role of supply chain management on the relationship between big data and supply chain performance using SCOR model. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, Vol,10. No, 3. 729–736.
34. Saleh, T., Kanaan, R., Alzubaidi, R., Kanaan, G & Nino, M. (2025). Factors affecting cybersecurity awareness: A qualitative study in Saudi Arabia.Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 13(4), 751-762.
35. Abdul-Al, T., Kanaan, R., Kanaan, G. (2026). Farming Ethical Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Issues and Regulatory Challenges. In: Alshehadeh, A.R., El-Qirem, I.A., Ghaleb Awad Elrefae, G.A. (eds) Artificial Intelligence in Business. SICB 2025. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1503. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-96631-6_29.
36. G. Kanaan, M. Dabaeen, R. K. Kanaan, G. Kanaan, S. Altrahat and I. Atoum, “Improving the Classification of Arabic Tweet Sentiment Using Word Embedding Models,” 2025 12th International Conference on Information Technology (ICIT), Amman, Jordan, 2025, pp. 349-352, doi: 10.1109/ICIT64950.2025.11049175.
Prior Work Experience
Prior to my current positions, I held a long tenure at Amman Arab University in Jordan, where I served as a Professor in the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department from April 2011 to August 2023. My academic career also includes earlier appointments as an Assistant Professor at the Arab International University in Syria (2010–2011) and at the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences (2009–2011). My professional foundation was built as a Computer Instructor in the Information Systems Department at Irbid College, Al-Balqa’ Applied University, where I taught from 1999 to 2005.
Beyond teaching, I have taken on significant administrative and leadership responsibilities. At Amman Arab University, I served as the Assistant President for Accreditation Affairs between 2019 and 2020, and earlier as the Director (2016–2020) and Deputy Director (2015–2016) of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Department. From 2015 to 2019, I also led the Academic Development Department, and in 2012–2013 I chaired the MIS Department. Additionally, I was an active member of the University’s Strategic Planning Committee (2018–2019) and contributed to numerous academic and institutional committees over the years.
My international experience is equally extensive. I played a key role in preparing Amman Arab University for eligibility in the QS World University Rankings, ensuring alignment with global standards and criteria.
Dr. Bassem E. Maamari
Educational background: Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Grenoble School of Management (France).
Subject matter expertise: – Leadership, Management
– Organizational behavior
– Emotional intelligence
– Corporate governance
Research Interests: – HR Management and Development in SMEs
– Motivation and Organizational behavior of information system users,
– Project & Performance Management
– Knowledge Creation and Transfer.
Previous Publications
1. Ahmad, Ghayur, & Maamari, B. E. (2025). Managing Chaos: Leadership in Uncertain Environments. Chaos Theory and Applications, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 138-145 https://doi.org/10.51537/chaos.1606633
2. Aldaaja, Yehia, Maamari, B. E., Islam, M. A., Sarihasan I., Imam, H., Alhur, M., & Fenyves, V. (2025). Exploring the Role of University, Environmental, and Government Support in Shaping Students’ Entrepreneurial Attitudes and Intentions: Evidence from Saudi Arabia. Educational Process: International Journal, Vol. 16, No. , pp.1-22, e2025203. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.16.203
3. Odeh, Mahmoud; Aldaaja, Yehia; Al-Ramahi, Nidal; Khanfar, Iyad; Flayyih, Najlaa; Tariq, Emad; Maamari, Bassem E. (2025). Quantifying the usage of creative technology to improve the quality assurance in developing countries higher education institutions. Applied Mathematics & Information Sciences, An International Journal, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp.25-33. https://doi.org/10.18576/amis/190103 https://www.naturalspublishing.com/Article.asp?ArtcID=29257
3. AlShahrani, Maram, Siddiqi Tahir, Harris, Maamari*, Bassem E. and McNally, Beverley Ann (2024). The Role of Transformational Leadership and Job Satisfaction in Change Readiness in Petrochemical Industry of Saudi Arabia. Arab Economic and Business Journal, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 50-64. https://doi.org/10.38039/2214-4625.1041
5. Fridan, Abdulrahman .A.A. and Maamari*, Bassem E. (2024). Impact of Organizational positive and negative Culture on Employee Performance. International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 32, No. 9, pp. 1850-1869. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-05-2023-3778
6. Romagnoli, Daniela Andrea, Pumphrey, David Lee, Maamari, Bassem E.* and Katergi, Elissa (2023). Sustaining management quality through stress management. The TQM Journal, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 249-263. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-03-2023-0090
Prior Work Experience
Larry S. Macatangay
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Commerce – Major in Management
Professional Teaching Certification
Master of Development Communication
Master of Business Administration
Master of Public Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development
Doctor of Business Administration (thesis final Defense in April 2026)
Doctor of Public Administration – Ongoing
Juris Doctor (Graduation April 2026)
Post Doctoral Program – Strategic Management & Leadership
Prior Work Experience
MBA professor at the graduate school of the Mindoro State University teaching Personnel Management, Theories & Practice of Business Administration, Human Behavior in Organization and Production & Operation Management. MPA professor teaching Public Administration, Public Fiscal Administration and Financial Management.
Adviser/Chairman for research for five different MBA graduating students.
Dr. Hilda Ghaleb Madanat
Educational background: Ph.D.: Business Administration
Master’s degree: Public Administration
Bachelor’s degree: Public Administration
Diploma Degree: Telecommunication Engineering
Subject matter expertise: Human Resource Management Practices
Total Quality Management Sales Management
Customers’ Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction
Organizational Leadership
Strategic Management
Decision making
Dissertation Title: The Impact of Total Quality Management Implementation on Human Resource Management Practices in the Banking Sector of Jordan from Employees’ Perspective
Research Interests: Human Resource Management Practices
Total Quality Management
Customers’ Loyalty and Customer Satisfaction
Organizational Leadership
Strategic Management
Decision making
Previous Publications
The use of integrated management approaches and their impact on customers’ satisfaction and business success, Cupos / Inder science/ Int. J. of Business Excellence , Int., Vol. 11, No. 1, 2017.
Level of Effectiveness of Human Resource Management Practices and Its Impact on Employees’ Satisfaction in the Banking Sector of Jordan, Journal of Organizational Culture, Communications and Conflict Volume 22, Issue 1, 2018.
The Impact of Total Quality Management Implementation on the Effectiveness of Human Resource Management in the Jordanian Banking Sector from Employees’ Perspective / Academy of Strategic Management Journal, Volume 16, Number 1, 2017.
My doctoral dissertation has been published, as a printed book, with one of the leading academic publishing houses in Germany (LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing).
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Shampa Nandi
Educational background: PhD: Mobile Cloud Computing
MSc: Management Information Systems
BSc: Software Engineering
Subject matter expertise: Dr. Nandi’s academic and research expertise spans Marketing, Analytics, Quantitative Techniques, and Data-Driven Decision-Making. She teaches advanced courses such as Predictive Modelling, Machine Learning through Python, Research Methodology, Principles of Marketing Management, and Case study in Marketing
Her expertise is supported by an extensive publication record in Scopus- and ABDC-indexed journals such as the Indian Journal of Marketing, European Economic Letters, and Journal of Management Studies (Wiley).
She is a recognized PhD guide under Mysore University and FPM guide at ISME, having supervised multiple doctoral scholars to successful completion. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous Best Paper and Best Case Study Awards
- Awarded Gold medal under the We- School Innovation award- Institute Category organized by AIMS (All India Management School) 35th Annual Convention 2025 on 23-25th February, 2025
- Awarded Silver medal under the JL Batra Research category organized by AIMS (All India Management School) 35th Annual Convention 2025 on 23-25th February, 2025.
- BEST CASE AWARD for “Case Study on CSR Activities and Brand Building of ITC” at Bimtech Compact Case Competition 2022 developed by my student Chelsy and me.
- Received BEST PAPER AWARD at ISME’s International Conference for the paper titled “A Study on Work Environment, Work-Life Balance and Burnout among health workers in Bangalore in Covid-Era” on 22-23 February 2021.
- Received ACADEMIA BEST INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 2020- Special
Mention Jury AWARD by NHRD at 9th HR Showcase 2020. - Received BEST PAPER AWARD in MARKCON 2020, 13th International Conference on Marketing at Indus Business Academy for the paper titled “Made in India as Determinant of Perceived Quality of Products” on 9-11 January 2020.
- Awarded GOLD MEDAL for “Best Case Award” in AIMS (All India Management School) Annual Management Education Convention 2018 at Infosys convention center on 30-31st August, 2018.
Dissertation Title: “Buying Behaviour of Young Adults – A Study of Mobile Phones”, awarded by IIT Dhanbad, India)
Research Interests: Dr. Nandi’s research interests lie at the intersection of consumer behavior, Interactive Marketing, Brand Management and consumer research. Her recent work explores topics such as:
• Customer Engagement Marketing and e-WOM Communication
• Quick Commerce and Last-Mile Delivery Models
• Nostalgia Branding and Consumer Identity
• Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being in the post-pandemic era
She is also deeply interested in the application of AI and analytics in higher education, the philosophy of sustainable and ethical leadership, and the evolving role of data in marketing strategy.
Previous Publications
2024 2 Digitalization of Unorganised Retail Outlets: A TOE Model Ms. Tanuja B, Dr. Shampa Nandi ISME Management Journal Explore, Vol. 3, Issue 2, December 2024, ISSN 2583-435X.
2024 3 Questionnaire-based Approach on Theoretical Framework for Digital Transformation and Technology Ecosystem in Enterprise Data Storage Organisations: Facilitating the Adoption of Emerging Technologies Mr. Kirnanshu Chakraborty, Dr. Shampa Nandi European Economic Letters, Vol. 14, No. 3 (2024), ABDC Indexed. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52783/eel.v14i3.1905
2024 4 Revival of the Aviation Industry in the Post-COVID Era – With Special Reference to Passenger Satisfaction in Domestic Airlines of India Dr. Shampa Nandi, Srujana, Rohit, Ravi International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Systems, Vol. 17, Issue 3, 2024. (Scopus Indexed)
2024 5 Customer Engagement Marketing and Firms’ Deliberation on E-Word of Mouth Communication on Online Platforms: A Study on Millennials and Zoomers Dr. Shampa Nandi, Dr. S. Shyam Prasad Indian Journal of Marketing, Vol. 54, Issue 1, January 2024. (Scopus Indexed)
2023 6 Effectiveness of 4A’s in Rural Marketing Mix with Reference to FMCG Products Ms. Tanuja B, Dr. Shampa Nandi European Chemical Bulletin, 2023, Vol. 12 (Special Issue 7), pp. 7129–7139. (Scopus In
Prior Work Experience
In India, she began her academic career as a Postgraduate Teacher at Ashok Hall Girls’ Residential School, later serving in leadership and teaching roles at RJS Institute of Management Studies, Krupanidhi College, and International School of Management Excellence (ISME), Bangalore.
At ISME, she currently serves as Assistant Dean (Academics), Principal of the PG Program, and Professor of Quantitative Techniques, Analytics, and Marketing. She has also led major institutional initiatives such as NBA, NIRF, and EQUIS–EFMD accreditation processes, curriculum development, and academic quality enhancement.
Her career also includes brief stints in the corporate sector with organizations such as Allianz Bajaj Life Insurance, Land Marvel Constructions, and Yalamanchili Consultancy Services, where she contributed to customer relations and technical writing.
Nadia Nasir
Educational background: 2018 The Superior College, Lahore.
– PhD. (Specialization in Business Administration)
– Title of Thesis: Interpersonal Mistreatments and Counterproductive Work Behavior in Job Holders: A Mediation and Moderation Model in the Context of Higher Educational Institutions in Pakistan
2006 The Superior College, Lahore.
– M.Phil. (Business Administration)
– Title of Thesis: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction with Organizational Stressors and its Job Outcomes: An Empirical Study from the Perspective of Higher Education Sector of Pakistan.
2006 University of the Punjab
– M.A Economics
2004 Superior Group of College
– MBA (Marketing&HRM)
2000 The Punjab College of Commerce
– BCom
1998 Govt. College for Women,Gulberg,Lahore.
– F.A.(English Literature,Psychology and Economics)
1996 Divisional Public School,Lahore.
– Matric(Science)
Subject matter expertise: 1. Javed, M., Nasir, N., Bashir, A., Mehmood, K., & Akhtar, H. (2025). Insights into CEO duality in corporate governance: a bibliometric and systematic analysis approach. Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, 25(4), 920-947
2. Abid, M. A., Mohsin, M., Nasir, N., & Rafique, T. (2025). Understanding the social capital–happiness link among online brand communities: influence of psychological well-being and membership duration. Kybernetes, 54(4), 2268-2289.
3. Sabir, E. D. M. R., Majid, M. B., Nasir, N., & Sohail, S. (2025). Empirical nexuses between leadership styles and deviant behavior in ostracized manner, moderating evidence of cynicism and lone wolf tendencies. Review Journal of Social Psychology & Social Works, 3(2), 1139-1164.
4. Rasheed, M. A., Elahi, N. S., Nisar, Q. A., & Nasir, N. (2025, January). Interplay between innovation-oriented HRM and leadership to promote intrapreneurial behavior for innovation performance in small-and medium-sized enterprises. In Evidence-based HRM: a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Dissertation Title: : Interpersonal Mistreatments and Counterproductive Work Behavior in Job Holders: A Mediation and Moderation Model in the Context of Higher Educational Institutions in Pakistan
Research Interests: My research interests are in the areas of quantitative data analysis, organizational behaviors, management & leadership, hospitality & tourism management, bigdata management and human resource management. I have several research publications in international well reputed (SSCI, ABS, ABDC, ESCI, and Scopus Indexed) journals. I published in reputed international journals, e.g. Journal of Enterprise Information Management (SSCI, IF 2.659), Asia Pacific Management Review (IF. 2.776,Scopus Q1, ABDC, HEC X), Current Psychology (SSCI, IF 4.297, ABS 1, HEC X, Springer ), Atlantic Journal of Communication,(Web of Science, Scopus, ABS, HEC Y), Multicultural education (Scopus, HEC X), Management Research Review (Web of Sciences, Scopus, HEC X), Kybernetes. (SSCI, IF 1.754, ABS 1, Scopus Q2, HEC W, Emerald), and others refereed journals. Moreover, I have Google Scholar (h-Index 10 and I-Index 10) with 226 citations.
Being the Quality Circle Head of Research, I have organized multiple annual conferences, symposia, training workshops on different statistical tools (Smart PLS, AMOS, SPSS, and NVivo) in different academic institutions of Pakistan. I feel myself suitable candidate for this position due to my expertise in quantitative and qualitative data analysis. I am also serving as “Reviewer” for the different well-reputed Journals, e.g. Kybernetes. (SSCI, IF 1.754), Sage Open (SSCI, IF 0.715), International Journal of Trade and Global Markets (Scopus), Psychology Research and Behavior Management (SSCI, IF 2.01), Asia Education and Development Studies (Scopus, Web of Science), Brazilian Journal of Business Management (Scopus), and other international reputed journals.
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
With more than 55 publications in impact factor journals, my research and teaching interests include research methods, innovation, leadership, strategic management, and business ethics in the digital era. I have also served in various academic leadership roles, including Director of PhD Programs, Principal, and Academic Incharge, where I have contributed to developing strong research cultures and academic excellence.
As a Dissertation Chair, my focus is on mentoring researchers to think critically, design methodologically sound studies, and produce work that meaningfully contributes to both theory and practice. I am also actively involved in research initiatives such as the “One PhD, One Solution” framework and the International Conference on Management Research (ICMR), which aim to strengthen the link between academia and industry through applied research.
Rasha Qawasmeh
Educational background: Ph.D. in Management, Girne American University, Cyprus (2016)
MBA, concentration in International Business, New York Institute of Technology, USA (2008)
Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of the People, USA (2023)
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan (2006)
Subject matter expertise: Business Management and Strategic Leadership
Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior
Emotional Intelligence and Sustainable Leadership
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Sustainability Practices (ESG) and Green Organizational Behavior
International Business and Cross-Cultural Management
Dissertation title: Role of the Brand Image of Boutique Hotel for Customers Choosing Accommodation, “LE CHATEAU LAMBOUSA” Case Study: North Cyprus
Research Interests: Sustainability practices (ESG) and their impact on business growth and performance; green organizational behavior and environmental awareness; emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness; servant and transformational leadership; organizational culture and employee innovation; business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR); digital transformation and strategic agility; and the integration of sustainability and leadership theories in emerging economies.
Previous Publications
- Qawasmeh, R., Helalat, A., Sharari, H., Al Ali, A., & Mahrakani, N. J. (2025). Servant Leadership and Employee Innovative Behavior: Understanding the Influence of Inequality Reduction Within High-power Distance Cultures. Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, 13(3).
- Sharari, H., Qawasmeh, R., Helalat, A., & Aljahmani, A. (2025). Enhancing Employee Sustainability Through Employee Quality of Life: The Role of Top Management Support. The TQM Journal, Emerald Publishing Limited, 37(5).
- Badran, O. N., Qawasmeh, R., Attal, M., Omeish, F., Joudeh, J. M. M., Uğurlu, E., & Alghizzawi, M. (2025). Analyzing External Barriers and Influence on Female Job Satisfaction: A Study of Diversity, Discrimination, and Career Challenges in the IT Sector. ICETIM’24 Conference, accepted.
- Alslaibi, N. A., Qawasmeh, R., Samara, H., & Abualrob, R. M. (2025). Key Drivers of Bank Financial Performance: Insights from the Arab Levant Region. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(2).
- Sharari, H., Qawasmeh, R., Ma’ani, L., & Halteh, K. (2025). ‘Blockchained’ Project Management: Exploring Potential Advancements. Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, 13(2).
- Al-Najdawi, M. K., & Qawasmeh, R. (2024). The Impact of Green Human Resource Management on Organizational Excellence in the Greater Amman Municipality. Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Study.
- Al-Ali, A., Alsmairat, M. A. K., Qawasmeh, R., Mahrakani, N. J., & Alhazzani, N. S. (2024). Exploring the Role of Digital Citizenship and Digital Empowerment to Enhance Academic Performance of Business Students. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8.
- Helalat, A., Sharari, H., Qawasmeh, R., Bani-Mustafa, A., & Alkhazali, Z. (2023). Revisiting the Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Employee Psychological Empowerment: A More Holistic View Using Organisational Culture. Cogent Business and Management, 10(3).
Prior Work Experience
In addition to her role at Westcliff, Dr. Qawasmeh is the Director of the Collaborative MBA Program between Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) and Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School. In this capacity, she oversees faculty recruitment, program coordination, academic quality assurance, and reporting, while ensuring alignment with international accreditation and academic standards.
Dr. Qawasmeh has also held several senior administrative positions, including Vice Dean for Quality Assurance and Accreditation and Head of the Business Administration Department at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. In these roles, she led institutional accreditation efforts, managed curriculum review processes, and supervised the implementation of quality and performance standards.
Throughout her academic career, she has taught and supervised at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, specializing in Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Business Ethics, and Research Methodology. Her experience combines academic leadership, quality assurance, and innovative teaching, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing educational excellence and student success in global higher education.
Paula Quijano-Peña
Educational background: Dr. Quijano, with honors (cum laude), holds a Doctorate in Comparative Literature and Literary Studies from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), where she was nominated for the Extraordinary PhD Award. She is a graduate in Translation and Interpreting Studies from the same institution, specializing in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Furthermore, Dr. Quijano completed a Master’s degree in Teaching and Language Education with a focus on German at the University of Salamanca (USAL). She also pursued both a Master’s degree and postgraduate studies in Literary Translation, concentrating on the English-Spanish and German-Spanish language pairs at ISTRAD. Currently, she is furthering her academic journey as a student of Philosophy at the National University of Distance Education (UNED).
Subject matter expertise: Language Teaching and Methodologies in Language Education
Translation Studies
Literature and Literary Analysis
Hermeneutics
Translation Didactics
Dissertation title: Diatopic Variation in German-Spanish Translation and Its Impact on Reading Comprehension: The Case of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Research Interests: Language Teaching and Methodologies in Language Education
Translation Studies
Literature and Literary Analysis
Hermeneutics
Translation Didactics
Previous Publications
- Qawasmeh, R., Helalat, A., Sharari, H., Al Ali, A., & Mahrakani, N. J. (2025). Servant Leadership and Employee Innovative Behavior: Understanding the Influence of Inequality Reduction Within High-power Distance Cultures. Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, 13(3).
- Sharari, H., Qawasmeh, R., Helalat, A., & Aljahmani, A. (2025). Enhancing Employee Sustainability Through Employee Quality of Life: The Role of Top Management Support. The TQM Journal, Emerald Publishing Limited, 37(5).
- Badran, O. N., Qawasmeh, R., Attal, M., Omeish, F., Joudeh, J. M. M., Uğurlu, E., & Alghizzawi, M. (2025). Analyzing External Barriers and Influence on Female Job Satisfaction: A Study of Diversity, Discrimination, and Career Challenges in the IT Sector. ICETIM’24 Conference, accepted.
- Alslaibi, N. A., Qawasmeh, R., Samara, H., & Abualrob, R. M. (2025). Key Drivers of Bank Financial Performance: Insights from the Arab Levant Region. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(2).
- Sharari, H., Qawasmeh, R., Ma’ani, L., & Halteh, K. (2025). ‘Blockchained’ Project Management: Exploring Potential Advancements. Humanities and Social Sciences Letters, 13(2).
- Al-Najdawi, M. K., & Qawasmeh, R. (2024). The Impact of Green Human Resource Management on Organizational Excellence in the Greater Amman Municipality. Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Study.
- Al-Ali, A., Alsmairat, M. A. K., Qawasmeh, R., Mahrakani, N. J., & Alhazzani, N. S. (2024). Exploring the Role of Digital Citizenship and Digital Empowerment to Enhance Academic Performance of Business Students. International Journal of Data and Network Science, 8.
- Helalat, A., Sharari, H., Qawasmeh, R., Bani-Mustafa, A., & Alkhazali, Z. (2023). Revisiting the Relationship Between Transformational Leadership and Employee Psychological Empowerment: A More Holistic View Using Organisational Culture. Cogent Business and Management, 10(3).
Prior Work Experience
In addition to her role at Westcliff, Dr. Qawasmeh is the Director of the Collaborative MBA Program between Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) and Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Business School. In this capacity, she oversees faculty recruitment, program coordination, academic quality assurance, and reporting, while ensuring alignment with international accreditation and academic standards.
Dr. Qawasmeh has also held several senior administrative positions, including Vice Dean for Quality Assurance and Accreditation and Head of the Business Administration Department at Al-Ahliyya Amman University. In these roles, she led institutional accreditation efforts, managed curriculum review processes, and supervised the implementation of quality and performance standards.
Throughout her academic career, she has taught and supervised at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, specializing in Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Business Ethics, and Research Methodology. Her experience combines academic leadership, quality assurance, and innovative teaching, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing educational excellence and student success in global higher education.
Haritha Sambatur
Educational background: I hold a Doctorate in Management from NITK, Surathkal, along with an MBA in Marketing and Finance (2009–2011) from the same institution, and a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from UVCE, Bangalore (2008).
Subject matter expertise: My subject matter expertise lies in Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, underpinned by both academic research and industry experience. Having worked with Flipkart in the areas of catalog management, merchandising, and sales planning, my industry exposure significantly shaped my research interests. My doctoral work at NITK, Surathkal, focused on assessing cognitive dissonance in online shopping, bridging theoretical understanding with real-world e-commerce dynamics.
Over the past eight years in academia, I have taught courses such as Marketing Management, Consumer Behaviour, and Marketing Communication and Brand Management, integrating industry insights into classroom learning to create a practice-oriented and research-informed teaching approach.
Research Interests: Consumer Behaviour, Ecommerce
Previous Publications
Paper titled “A Study of Factors Influencing Purchase Intention in the Context of Influencer Marketing” published in Xplore, vol 2, issue 1, June 2023, ISSN 2583 4355
Paper titled “Consequences of Cognitive Dissonance in Online Shopping among the Millennials in India” presented at 2019 IIM Indore-NASMEI Summer Marketing Information Systems Conference. Proceedings published in “Book of abstracts 2019 IIM Indore-NASMEI Summer Marketing Information Systems Conference”, an Emerald Publication; ISBN no – 978-1-78635-428-0
Paper titled “ Is Choice a Boon or Bane in the Online Shopping of Electronic Devices?” presented at 4th International Conference on Marketing, Technology & Society, IIM Kozhikode, 2020. ISBN: 978-93-5419-748-2
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Alexandra Solea
Educational background: PhD in History and Analysis of Musical Cultures, “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy (2012)
MA in Management of Artistic and Cultural Heritage, IULM University, Milan, Italy (2020)
MA in Music Management, “Santa Cecilia” Music Conservatoire, Rome, Italy (2013)
MA in Musicology, National University of Music Bucharest, Romania (2006)
BA in Musicology, “Santa Cecilia” Music Conservatoire, Rome, Italy (2010)
BA in Music Pedagogy (Specialization: Piano), National University of Music Bucharest, Romania (2005)
Postgraduate Certificate of Specialization in Management and Leadership, Harvard Business School (2026)
Postgraduate Certificate of Specialization in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Harvard Business School (2023)
Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University (2021)
Subject matter expertise: CCIs Management and Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Cultural Diplomacy, Higher Education Leadership, Global Cultural Policy, International Relations, Intercultural Communication, and Research Methodologies.
Dissertation title: Bartók–Eliot–Escher: For a Poetics of Symmetry “La Sapienza” University of Rome, Faculty of Letters and Philosophy
Research interests: CCIs Leadership and Management, International Relations, Cultural Diplomacy, Intercultural Dialogue, Education in the Arts, Global Arts Ecosystems, Innovation in Cultural Management, Project Management and Digital Transformation in the Arts Sector.
Previous Publications
Prezioso, G., Solea, A., & Mancini, V. (2022). L’industria culturale in Italia: L’impatto della pandemia e la svolta digitale. Rome Business School Research Centre.
Solea, A. (2015). Béla Bartók: A Logical Symbolic Modus Creandi. In M. Emmer, M. Abate, & M. Villarreal (Eds.), Imagine Maths 4: Between Culture and Mathematics. Bologna: U.M.I. Unione Matematica Italiana.
Solea, A. (2013). L’Oratorio S. Francesca Romana: Elementi Stilistici ed Estetici Barocchi. Ephemeris Daco-Romana, XV, 217–258.
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Solea has collaborated with leading institutions including UNESCO, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the European Music Council, and The Recording Academy (GRAMMYs). She is the Founder and CEO of Solèart Management, an international arts and culture consultancy based in Rome, and Solèart Education, an educational platform dedicated to cultivating future leaders in arts, culture, and the creative industries.
Her work extends across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, collaborating with organizations such as TRG Arts (USA) and the Talents Center (Saudi Arabia) to develop innovative initiatives in cultural leadership, arts management, and creative entrepreneurship.
Bridging academia and practice, Dr. Solea emphasizes intercultural understanding, global collaboration, entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation within the creative economy.
Dr. Mahwish Zafar
Educational background: Dr. Mahwish Zafar holds a PhD in Economics from Superior University, Lahore, where her doctoral research focused on the “Emerging Determinants of Poverty: A Moderating Role of Governance on the Relationship between Traditional Factors and Poverty.” She also possesses a strong academic foundation with prior degrees in economics and related disciplines. In addition, she has served as a visiting researcher at Oakland University, Michigan, USA, where she enhanced her expertise in action research under the U.S. Alumni Exchange Program (2022–2023). Her educational journey reflects a consistent commitment to academic excellence, economic research, and the application of evidence-based policy insights.
Subject matter expertise: As an academic deeply passionate about the discipline of Economics and Public Policy, my professional journey of over sixteen years has been dedicated to exploring how economic systems, governance structures, and policy interventions shape sustainable development. My PhD in Economics from Superior University, Lahore, focused on “Emerging Determinants of Poverty: A Moderating Role of Governance on the Relationship Between Traditional Factors and Poverty,” reflecting my long-standing commitment to addressing real-world socio-economic challenges through research-driven insights.
My expertise lies at the intersection of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Managerial Economics, Econometrics, and Public Policy, with a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Over the years, I have authored and co-authored 44 national and international publications, many of which are indexed in Scopus and the Web of Science, showcasing my credibility as a research scholar and policy analyst.
I have extensive experience in supervising MPhil and PhD scholars, guiding them in developing methodologically rigorous and practically relevant research that contributes to the academic and policy community. As the Head of the Policy Lab and Quality Circle Head of Economics at Superior University, I have encouraged data-driven policymaking and innovation-led economic thinking.
Beyond academia, I am a Public Policy Trainer and Policy Writer, known for transforming complex research findings into actionable policy briefs. My international exposure as a Visiting Researcher at Oakland University, Michigan, USA, and status as a U.S. Alumna, have broadened my global perspective on economic governance and institutional development.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in curiosity, analytical depth, and the application of theory to real-world contexts. I inspire learners to view economics not merely as a discipline, but as a transformative tool for societal progress.
Dissertation title: Emerging Determinants of Poverty: A Moderating Role of Governance on the Relationship Between Traditional Factors and Poverty
Research interests: My research interests are rooted in the dynamic interplay between economics, finance, and commerce, with a focus on how governance, innovation, and institutional frameworks influence sustainable economic growth. I am particularly intrigued by the emerging determinants of poverty, financial inclusion, and the role of governance in moderating economic outcomes—themes that formed the foundation of my doctoral research.
Over the years, my academic curiosity has evolved to explore how financial literacy, green technological innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems contribute to business sustainability and inclusive development. I am especially passionate about examining the micro and macroeconomic policies that shape the resilience of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their integration into global markets.
Another central strand of my research investigates the intersection of public policy and financial behavior—how informed policies can foster responsible financial practices, enhance institutional trust, and stimulate innovation-driven competitiveness. I also engage in studies related to managerial economics, behavioral finance, and development economics, exploring how individual and institutional decision-making affects broader economic and social outcomes.
My commitment to applied research is complemented by my experience as a policy writer and public policy trainer, where I translate research insights into actionable strategies for sustainable business and governance reform. I continue to collaborate with scholars and policymakers to design evidence-based economic policies that address pressing social and financial challenges in developing economies.
In the broader context of commerce and business education, I aim to bridge theoretical economics with real-world applications—encouraging students and researchers to pursue projects that integrate data analysis, innovation, and ethical economic leadership.
Previous Publications
Awan, A., Hussain, K., Zafar, M., & Yaghmour, S. (2025). Impact of Nations’ Green Behavior on Green Growth: Moderating Role of Environmental Policy Stringency. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal.
Awan, A., Hussain, K., Zafar, M., & Bajwa, S. U. (2024). Is Tourism Conducive to Green Growth? Leisure and Business Tourism in Sustainable Expansion. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights.
Zafar, M., Bashir, M. F., & Bukhari, A. A. A. (2024). Women’s Empowerment and Tourism: Emerging Determinants of Poverty in Low and Middle-Income Countries. International Social Science Journal, 74(251), 1–17.
Bukhari, W. A. A., Pervaiz, A., Zafar, M., & Sadiq, M. (2023). Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Consumption, Environmental Quality, and Average Temperature: Sustainable Development Assessment in South Korea. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 1–13.
Mata, P. N., Ali, S., Lucas, J. L., Martins, J. N., & Zafar, M. (2023). Impact of Stressful Living Environments and Extreme Weather Events on Youth Education: A Cross-Sectional ARDL Analysis. Economies, 11(6), 170.
Ma, B., Lin, S., Bashir, M. F., Sun, H., & Zafar, M. (2023). Revisiting Firm-Level Carbon Disclosure in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Gondwana Research.
Khan, N., Zafar, M., Okunlola, A. F., Zoltan, Z., & Robert, M. (2022). Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth, Poverty, and Sustainability: Evidence from G20 Countries. Sustainability, 14(19), 12688.
Zafar, M., Sabir, S. A., Manzoor, S., Isran, M. A., & Kousar, S. (2021). An Application of VECM to Investigate Socio-Economic Factors in Poverty: Evidence from Pakistan. Estudios de Economía Aplicada, 39(2), 14.
Prior Work Experience
Research Fellow: Cardiff University, UK