Economics

Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI was born on June 19, 1990, in Viti. He completed his primary education at the “Hasan Aliu” school in the village of Remnik, and his secondary education at the “Kuvendi i Lezhës” school in Viti. In 2012, he graduated from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Prishtina, in the direction of “Management and Informatics”, earning the title of Bachelor in Management and Informatics (BSc.) (https://uni-pr.edu/). In 2014, he completed his postgraduate studies at the same institution and in the same field, obtaining the title Master of Economic Sciences in Management and Informatics (MSc.). Whereas, he completed his doctoral studies in 2021 at the public University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje (https://ukim.edu.mk/), where he earned the title of Doctor of Organizational and Management Sciences (Management) (Dr. Sc.).

The academic and professional journey of Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI as a teacher in the field of higher education began in 2016, when he was hired as a teaching assistant at the University “Kadri Zeka” in Gjilan (https://uni-gjilan.net/). During this period, until 2020, he contributed to the development of the learning process by leading practical exercises and assisting in lectures on several important subjects from the field of management, such as: Strategic Management, Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Management of SMEs, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. In 2022, he joined AAB College in Prishtina, a well-known higher education institution in Kosovo (https://aab-edu.net/). In this institution, in addition to his engagement as a lecturer, he also earned the academic title of Assistant Professor (Prof. Ass. Dr.), affirming himself as a professional and researcher with potential in the field of management and organizational sciences.

From 2022 until today, Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI continues to contribute to the teaching process at AAB College, where he teaches a number of subjects at the bachelor’s and master’s level. The courses he lectures include: Scientific Research Methodology (MSc), Master’s Thesis Preparatory Seminar (MSc), Entrepreneurship and SMEs (BSc), Human Resource Management (BSc). During this time, he has shown special dedication to the application of contemporary teaching methods and to transmitting practical and theoretical knowledge to students. Through his continuous academic experience in the teaching process, Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI continues to make an important contribution to the professional and scientific preparation of students.

In the framework of his continuous professional development and his contribution to the
advancement of the field of management, Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI carries a rich scientific baggage, which he enriches and deepens every day through active engagements in scientific research. He has published a significant number of papers in prestigious international journals, published by world-renowned publishing houses such as Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Emerald, Sage, etc. His research activity is not limited to publications, but also extends to regular participation in international and national scientific conferences, as well as in scientific workshops of applied and theoretical nature, where he has shared the results of his studies and collaborated with researchers from different countries. The contribution of Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI to science is documented with a number of publications in journals indexed in well-known and credible scientific databases, such as Web of Science and Scopus, proving the value and high quality of his research papers. Among his best-known scientific works and articles include:

SCHOLARLY WORK:

• Doctoral thesis: The Relation between Human Resource Management Practices, Supply Chain
Management Practices and Competitive Strategy as Strategic Instruments and their Impact
on Organizational Performance in Manufacturing Industry.
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12188/16201

• Master’s thesis: The Role and Importance of Changes in Business Success: The Study Based in
the Region of Anamorava.

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS/ ARTICLES:

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2025). When and How Does Innovation Augment the Effect of HRM
on SME Performance? Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies,
11(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1177/23939575241301477

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2024). Human-Artificial Intelligence in Management Functions: A
Synergistic Symbiosis Relationship. Applied Artificial Intelligence, 38(1), 1-44.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08839514.2024.2439615

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2024). Do training and development, internal communication and
information sharing, and job design boost the innovation of SMEs? Cogent Business &
Management, 11(1), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2413912

• Mulolli, E., Islami, Xh., & Hashani, M. (2024). Enhancing SME Performance through
Innovation: Evidence from a transition economy – Kosovo. Business, Management and
Economics Engineering, 22(2), 401-420. https://doi.org/10.3846/bmee.2024.21800

• Abduraimi, P. B., Bilalli, M., Islami, Xh., Maçani. F. (2024). Does Internal Organization
Communication Enhance Employee Engagement? Economic Studies (Ikonomicheski
Izsledvania), 33(3), 144-165. https://www.iki.bas.bg/Journals/EconomicStudies/2024/2024-
3/09_Xhavit-Islami.pdf

• Islami, Xh., Mustafa, N. (2023). The role of internal human resource orchestration on firm
performance. Journal of Information and Organizational Sciences, 47(1), 39-63.
https://doi.org/10.31341/jios.47.1.3

• Islami, Xh., Latkovikj, M. T., Drakulevski, L., & Popovska, M. B. (2023). Does competitive
strategy moderate the linkage between HRM practices and firm performance? Management:
Journal of Contemporary Management Issues, 28(1), 45-63.
https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.28.1.4.

• Bilalli Abduraimi, P., Mustafi, M., & Islami, Xh. (2023). The role of organizational culture on
employee engagement. Business: Theory and Practice, 24(1), 109–122.
https://doi.org/10.3846/btp.2023.17241

• Islami, Xh. (2023). Lean manufacturing and firms’ financial performance: the role of strategic
supplier partnership and information sharing. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 30(9), 2809-2831. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-02-2022-0084

• Mustafa, N., Bajrami, A., Islami, Xh. (2022). Electronic services management in local governance – evidence from a transitional economy. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 17(2), 615-621. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.170226

• Islami, Xh., Latkovikj, M. T. (2022). There is Time to be Integrated: The relationship between SCM practices and Organizational Performance – The Moderated Role of Competitive Strategy. Cogent Business & Management, 9(1), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2021.2010305

• Islami, Xh. (2021). How to Integrate Organizational Instruments? The Mediation of HRM practices Effect on Organizational Performance by SCM practices. Production & Manufacturing Research, 9(1), 206-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/21693277.2021.1978007

• Islami, Xh., Latkovikj, M. T., Drakulevski, L., & Popovska, M. B. (2020). Does differentiation
strategy model matter? Designation of organizational performance using differentiation
strategy instruments – an empirical analysis. Business: Theory and Practice, 21(1), 158-177. https://doi.org/10.3846/btp.2020.11648

• Islami, Xh., Mustafa, N., & Latkovikj, M. T. (2020). Linking Porter’s generic strategies to firm
performance. Future Business Journal, 6(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-020-00091

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2020). A conceptual framework of transformational leadership as an
influential tool in the team performance. European Journal of Management Issues, 28(1-2), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.15421/192002

• Mulolli, E., Boskovska, D., & Islami, Xh. (2020). The competitive role of human resource
management strategies on SMEs in a transitional economy. International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Current Research, 8 (4), 521-529. http://ijmcr.com/the-competitive-
role-of-human-resource-management-strategies-on-smes-in-a-transitional-economy/|

• Islami, Xh., Islami, V., Latkovikj M. T., & Mulolli, E. (2019). Barriers hindering the entry of new firms to the competitive market and profitability of incumbents. Management: Journal of Contemporary Management Issues, 24 (2), 121-143. https://doi.org/10.30924/mjcmi.24.2.9

• Islami, Xh., & Islami, V. (2019). Performance appraisal and the quality of working life. European Journal of Management Issues, 27(1-2), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.15421/191902

• Mustafa, N., Nakov, L., & Islami, Xh. (2019). The impact of organizational changes on increasing SMEs competitiveness. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica (Business Administration and Business Economics), 15 (2), 104-128. http://journals.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/oeconomica/article/view/5230

• Islami, Xh., Mulolli, E., & Mustafa, N. (2018). The Effect of Factors Industrial and Internal to the Firm’s Performance. Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica (Business Administration and Business Economics), 14 (5), 154-166. http://journals.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/oeconomica/article/view/4895

• Islami, Xh., Mulolli, E., & Mustafa, N. (2018). Using Management by Objectives as a performance appraisal tool for employee satisfaction. Future Business Journal, 4(1), 94-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbj.2018.01.001

• Mulolli, E., Islami, Xh., & Skenderi, N. (2017). Business Incubators as a Factor for the Development of SMEs in Kosovo. International Journal of Management, Accounting and Economics, 4 (6), 659-666. https://www.ijmae.com/article_115030.html

• Skenderi, N., Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2017). The Impact of Informal Economy in the Development of SMEs-Evidence from Kosovo (2008-2012). International Journal of Management, Accounting and Economics, 4 (5), 554-564. https://www.ijmae.com/article_115021.html

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2016). Does the Economy Size Affect FDI?-Evidence from Western Balkan Countries (2005-2014). Global Journal of Management and Business Research: B Economics and Commerce, 16 (4), 16 26. https://journalofbusiness.org/index.php/GJMBR/article/view/2014

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2016). Do the Governmental Grants Influence in Breaching Free- market Competition? – The Data of SMEs Taken in Kosovo. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7 (3), 80-88. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n3p80

• Islami, Xh., Mulolli, E., & Skenderi, N. (2016). Relationship in Between FDI Inflow and Economic Growth in Kosovo. European Journal of Economics and Business Studies, 4(1), 49- 56. https://doi.org/10.26417/ejes.v4i1.p50-57

• Skenderi, N., Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2016). The Influence of Macroeconomic Factors in the Failure of Returning the Bank Credits in Kosovo. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7 (1), 320-327. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1p320

• Mulolli, E., Islami, Xh., & Skenderi, N. (2015). Human Resource Management Practices and SMEs Performance: Study Based In Kosovo. International Review of Management and Business Research 4 (4), 1171-1179.
https://www.irmbrjournal.com/paper_details.php?id=497

• Islami, Xh. (2015). The Process and Techniques to overcome the Resistance of Change Research based in the Eastern Part of Kosovo. International Journal of Multidisciplinary and Current Research, 3 (6), 1122-1130. http://ijmcr.com/the-process-and-techniques-to-overcome-the-resistance-of-change-research-based-in-the-eastern-part-of-kosovo/

• Islami, Xh., Mulolli, E., & Skenderi, N. (2015). The Role of the Environment in the Organizational Change of the SME-s Research Based in the Eastern Part of Kosovo.
International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Research, 2 (9),1763-1766.
http://www.ijramr.com/issue/role-environment-organizational-change-sme-s-research- based-eastern-part-kosovo

MONOGRAPHS:

• Islami, Xh. (2022). BEYOND STRATEGIC TOOLS: The integration of HRM, SCM and competitive strategy as new challenge on organizational strategic approach. Olymp, ISBN: 978-9951-795-23-4, Prishtina. Monograph.

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS:

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2024, October). The relationship between HRM practices and SME performance in light of competitive strategies: evidence from a transition economy. International Conference of Prishtina Management & Entrepreneurship-PRIME. Kosova Academy of Sciences and Arts.

• Islami, Xh., Mulolli, E. (2021, June). Linking HRM practices to operational performance in the emerging economy. Presented in “FEB Zagreb 12th International Odyssey Conference on Economics and Business”, hosted by Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Zagreb, Šibenik, Croatia, 9-12 June 2021.

• Islami, Xh. (2020, March). Relationship between Supply Chain Management Practices and Competitive Strategies. Presented in: Seventh International Conference on: “Social and Natural Sciences – Global Challenge 2020”. Organized by: International Institute for Private, Commercial, and Competition Law (Austria) in Partnership with: Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Keiser University (USA), Institute of History and Political Science of the University of Białystok (Poland), School of American Law (Greece).

• Islami, Xh., Mulolli, E., & Skenderi, N. (2016, March). Relationship in Between FDI Inflow and Economic Growth in Kosovo. Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Social Sciences, European Center for Science Education and Research, Sofia.

• Islami, Xh., & Mulolli, E. (2016, March). Drejtimi i politikave qeveritare në mbështetjen e NVM-ve në Kosovë. Paper presented at the IVth Conference Regional of Science (Kosovo, Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro). On the topic: Changes in society through reforms, with particular emphasis on education, justice and the economy. Kosovo.

• Mulolli, E., Islami, Xh., Skenderi, N. (2016, March). Inkubatorët e biznesit si faktor për zhvillimin e NVM-ve në Kosovë. Paper presented at the third International Conference on: Interdisciplinary Studies. International Institute for Private, Commercial and Competition Law.
Tirana.

• Skenderi, N., Mulolli, E., Islami, Xh. (2016, March). Ndikimi i ekonomisë informale në zhvillimin e NVM-ve në Kosovë. Paper presented at the third International Conference on:
Interdisciplinary Studies. International Institute for Private, Commercial and Competition Law. Tirana.

WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS

• Islami, Xh. (2020, September). Does the relationship between HRM practices, SCM practices, and competitive strategy as strategic instruments improve the organizational performance? Presented in: The workshop of the Central, East, and South-East European PhD Network (CESEENet) in Economics, Management and Finance. At “Aristotle University of Thessaloniki”, September, 17-18, 2020, in Thessaloniki, Greece.

• Mulolli, E., & Islami, Xh. (2021, September). The impact of human resource management practice on financial and non-financial performance of SME-s. Presented in: The workshop of the Central, East, and South-East European PhD Network (CESEENet) in Economics, Management and Finance. At “Odessa National Economic University”, September, 16-17, 2021, in Odessa, Ukraine.

• Rrudhani, F., Islami, Xh., & Jusufi, A. K. (2021, September). Role of Micro-Financing on Women’s Empowerment: Study Based in Kosovo. Presented in: The workshop of the Central, East, and South-East European PhD Network (CESEENet) in Economics, Management and Finance. At “Odessa National Economic University”, September, 16-17, 2021, in Odessa, Ukraine.

It is worth noting that, in addition to his significant scientific contribution through publications and presentations at conferences, Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI also plays an important role in supporting and developing the scientific research of other researchers. He actively contributes to the process of increasing the quality of scientific work by assisting various authors in publishing their research in well-known international journals with high impact factor. In this context, Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI serves as a reviewer of scientific manuscripts in several prestigious international journals. His engagement in these journals testifies to the recognition and appreciation he enjoys as an expert in the field of management and organizational sciences.

He contributes as a scientific reviewer to journals as follows:

• Future Business Journal. Indexed in Web of Science. https://fbj.springeropen.com/submission-guidelines/aims-and-scope

• Business: Theory and Practice. Indexed in Scopus. https://journals.vgtu.lt/index.php/BTP/aimsandscope

• Book reviewer – at the publisher “Taylor & Francis Group”, subsidiary of “Routledge”.

• Academy of Management. Indexed in Web of Science. https://aom.org/

• Business Perspectives and Research. Publisher: SAGE. https://journals.sagepub.com/home/bpr

• Evidence-based HRM. Publisher: Emerald Publishing. https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/ebhrm?id=ebhrm#indexing-and-
rankings

• Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal. Publisher: Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tscf20

• International Journal of Business Performance Management. Publisher: Inderscience Publishers. https://www.inderscience.com/jhome.php?jcode=ijbpm &
https://indersciencesubmissions.com/index.php

• Cogent Business & Management. Publisher: Publisher: Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/oabm20

• Journal of East-West Business. Publisher: Taylor & Francis Online.

https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/wjeb20

• Journal of Management & Organization. Publisher: Cambridge Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-management-and-organization

• Journal of Strategy and Management. Publisher: Emerald Publishing. https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/journal/jsma

• International Journal of Production Research. Publisher: Taylor & Francis Online. https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/tprs20/about-this-journal#journal-metrics

• The Learning Organization. Publisher: Emerald Publishing. https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tlo

This commitment not only helps to improve the quality of scientific publications, but also contributes to the advancement of management discipline globally, reinforcing the importance of integrity and high academic standards in scientific research.

Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI has continuously invested in his professional development, attending a series of specialized trainings and seminars which have aimed at deepening his knowledge and advancing his academic and research skills. Through active participation in these programs, he has been certified by recognized local and international institutions, which provide training in various areas of management, scientific research methodology and professional development of academic staff. In this regard, he has been certified for the participation and successful completion of professional trainings and seminars and has received:

• Certificate in Project Management with MS Project.
• Certificate as a Micro Business Game Coach (MBG).
• Certificate from the European Union (Kosovo Erasmus + Office) for participation in the Technical Assistance Mission seminar “Integration of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Higher Education” on 26 and 27 June 2025.

Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI is present and active in some of the most important electronic scientific databases and academic social platforms, where you can find his published papers,research activities and professional information. These include:

➢ Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=xhavit+islami&btnG=

➢ Publons: https://publons.com/researcher/2916748/xhavit-a-islami/

➢ ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Xhavit-Islami

➢ Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57214916569

➢ ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6653-4166

➢ SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2573700

➢ ACADEMIA: https://ukim.academia.edu/XhavitIslami

➢ Linkedin: https://al.linkedin.com/in/xhavit-islami-91a98665

SKILLS AND SOCIAL COMPETENCIES:

The native language of Prof. Ass. Dr. Xhavit ISLAMI is Albanian. In addition to his mother tongue, he has an excellent command of the English language. During the years of study and work he has developed advanced skills in the use of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, SPSS, AMOS, Microsoft Accounting, QuickBooks, and other similar programs. He is equipped with a driver’s license of categories B1, B, M, L and T. In his personal life, he is married and has two children. He currently lives and works in Prishtina.

Eriona Ajvazi was born in Prishtina, Kosovo. She completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in English Language and Literature at AAB College in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Between February and July 2017, she participated in an academic exchange program through Erasmus+ at the University of Łódź in Poland , within the Faculty of Philology.

She is currently a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Graz (Austria) , focusing on Critical Discourse Analysis in English related to the Kosovo–Serbia Dialogue. Since 2019, her activities have included representation at the European Y-FED Model in Strasbourg, training and certification in digital marketing and SEO, presentations at international conferences on linguistics, education, and human rights, as well as numerous Erasmus+ trainings in countries such as France, the Netherlands, Austria, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Slovakia.

In 2025, she participated in interdisciplinary PhD workshops and seminars in Italy, Croatia, Austria, and Albania, focusing on linguistics, research methods, area studies, human rights, and sustainable education. These experiences have significantly enriched her academic and professional development, providing her with in-depth knowledge, international networking opportunities, and new interdisciplinary perspectives.

Since 2016, she has been part of the staff at AAB College as a translator, and since 2021, she has also been a lecturer in the Faculty of English Language. In parallel, since 2023, she has held the position of Quality Assurance Coordinator. She has also served as Deputy Curator at Global Shapers Prishtina (2020–2021) and as Public Relations Officer at the International Theatre Festival in Prishtina (2017–2019). She has worked as a translator in various contexts including KFOR, trainings, lectures, and camps.

Eriona Ajvazi has been actively involved in international academic and professional programs such as Erasmus+, workshops, conferences, and seminars across various countries including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia, and more.

She holds certifications in research methodology, human rights, higher education for adults, and competency-based assessment.

She possesses advanced knowledge of English and intermediate proficiency in German and Spanish.

She is an active member of the Western Balkans Alumni Association and has previously been involved with youth and civic organizations such as JEF Kosova and Global Shapers Prishtina, where she contributed to the promotion of democratic values and youth participation in decision-making. In terms of projects, she currently serves as a member of the Advisory Group of the ReLOaD3 project in Kosovo, supported by UNDP, which aims to strengthen local democracy in the Western Balkans. In 2020, she managed the project for Kosovo’s accession to CERN and was involved in the “Unconditional Basic Income” project, contributing to the promotion of innovative policies for social welfare and scientific development.

Her academic interests lie in interdisciplinary fields primarily related to linguistics, critical discourse analysis, linguistic landscapes, and sociolinguistics, with a particular focus on how language shapes identity, ideology, and power relations in political and social contexts.

She is recognized for her commitment to academic quality, continuous professional development, and for linking education with democratic processes, youth engagement, and sustainable development at the regional and European level.

Qëndresa Kukaj Prelvukaj has experience in managing projects and programs in higher education in Kosovo. She is currently a PhD candidate in Economics at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) in Hungary, focusing on the transition of youth from education to the labor market.

She completed her Master’s degree in Economics at Vanderbilt University in the USA as a scholar of the Transformative Leadership program funded by USAID. She also holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the “Haxhi Zeka” University in Peja.

Professional Experience

Ms. Kukaj holds the position of Lecturer and Teaching Coordinator at the Faculty of Economics at AAB College, where she is engaged in overseeing academic processes as well as the development and accreditation of study programs. She is also a researcher in the international EDULAB project funded by Horizon Europe, which aims to study the transition from education to the labor market for European youth. Additionally, she is involved as a researcher in the HUMLIT project, also funded by Horizon Europe, which focuses on studying how humor is produced, distributed, and accepted in Europe.

Her previous experiences include serving as Chairperson of the Temporary Board of Directors at KRU Hidrodrini in Peja, the role of Project Officer and Lecturer at AAB College, Lecturer and Program Coordinator for the University of London/London School of Economics programs at Riinvest College, Lecturer and Project Specialist at Universum College, as well as developer and coordinator of projects in the NGOs Play2Educate, Anibar, and Lens, where she was engaged in coordinating programs for youth empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and training for civil society organizations.

Research and Publications

Her research focuses on higher education and the transition from education to the labor market. Some of her recent research includes:

• Kukaj, Q., Hashani, M. (2024) Emerging Trends in Post-Secondary Education: The Impact of Digital Technologies on Access, Delivery, and Credentialing, 2024 ICONBEST, University of Skopje

• Vértesy, L.; Kukaj, Q. (2024) “Micro-credentials: Navigating New Frontiers for Skill Acquisition and Lifelong Learning”; Intellectual Potential of Society in the Context of Permanent Social Changes: Ways of Retaining and Development.

• Kukaj, Q.; Boros, A.; Bislimi, K. (2023) “The impact of ownership type on the quality of study programs in higher education in Kosovo: a comparative analysis”, Prizren Social Science Journal, 7:2

• Laszlo, V; Kukaj, Q.; Boros, A. (2023) “The legal framework for higher education and maintainers rights in Hungary and Kosovo”, DE IURISPRUDENTIA ET IURE PUBLICO: JOURNAL OF LAW AND POLITICAL SCIENCE 14:2 pp. 88-109

• Ruxho, F., Dervishaj, V., Kukaj, Q. (2021) “Effects of gender and year of study on digital teaching performance in higher education in Kosovo during the Covid-19 pandemic,” 76th International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development – “Building Resilient Society,” Zagreb, Croatia

• Dervishaj, V., Kukaj, Q. (2021) “Economic impact of government measures to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in developing countries: the case of Kosovo,” International Online Conference on Economics & Social Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

• Kukaj Q. (2020) “Analysis of factors influencing youth choices for higher education: the case of Kosovo,” 4th International Conference Towards Sustainable Development (TSD2020), Skopje, North Macedonia

• Zhubi D., Kukaj Q. (2018) “Free Data?”, Lens, Pristina

Trainings and Awards

Throughout her career, Qëndresa has participated in initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and professional development of women in society. In 2019, she was selected as a mentor in the “Womentorship for Dialogue” program by OSCE, providing guidance to young girls in Kosovo for their personal and professional development. The same year, due to her involvement in the NGO Play2EDUCATE, which uses play and dialogue as tools to combat extremism, she was awarded the title “Volunteer of the Year for Community Impact” by USAID and Citizens Corps.

She is also a recipient of two full academic scholarships. In 2021, she won the “Stipendium Hungaricum” scholarship for doctoral studies in Hungary, while in 2016, she was selected as a scholar of the Transformative Leadership Program, which enabled her to pursue her master’s studies in the USA, funded by USAID and the Government of Kosovo.

Language and Computer Skills

Qëndresa’s native language is Albanian. She also speaks English (C2), Spanish (B2), and Serbian (A2).

Her computer skills include proficiency in MS Office and statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, and R.