Prof. Dr. Shkëlqim Fortuzi is the current Rector of Universiteti "Aleksandër Moisiu," Durrës, one of Albania's most rapidly growing academic institutions, located on the Adriatic coast. His appointment as Rector in 2024 was officially decreed by the President of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Bajram Begaj, during a ceremonial event held at the Presidential Palace, marking a significant moment in his esteemed academic career. Prof. Dr. Fortuzi's journey in academia began over a decade ago. Since 2013, he has been a Doctoral Professor at the Department of Finance and Accounting at Universiteti "Aleksandër Moisiu," Durrës, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the department’s academic and research excellence. From 2020 to 2024, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Business, where he was instrumental in modernizing the faculty's curricula, fostering partnerships with European institutions, and ensuring that business programs met the highest educational standards. Prof. Dr. Fortuzi’s research spans several core areas within the fields of Cost Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Fiscality. He is widely regarded for his expertise in cost analysis, particularly his work on analyzing both finished and semi-finished products using traditional costing methods as well as the more contemporary Activity-Based Costing (ABC) system. This dual approach allows for a more granular understanding of cost drivers at different stages of production, offering businesses valuable insights into improving efficiency and profitability. His research also delves into cost-volume-profit analysis, a critical area for businesses aiming to understand how changes in costs and volume affect profitability. His work on critical point (break-even) analysis has been applied in both academic and practical contexts, providing businesses with tools to forecast profitability thresholds and optimize operational decisions. Another key area of his expertise is the plan-implementation-control-action scheme in financial and operational planning systems. His research in this area provides strategic frameworks for organizations to plan, execute, monitor, and refine their business strategies to ensure sustainable success. In addition to his research, Prof. Dr. Fortuzi has made significant contributions to the international academic community. He has been invited as a guest lecturer at universities in Kosovo, North Macedonia, Germany and Poland. His international teaching experience has allowed him to exchange knowledge and research practices with academic institutions across Europe, particularly through the Erasmus program, where he lectured at the University of Lublin in Poland. These engagements have bolstered his reputation as a respected academic and thought leader in his field. Prof. Dr. Fortuzi's dedication to academia is matched by his extensive body of published work. His scholarly articles and conference presentations cover a wide array of topics that are vital to both academic research and practical financial decision-making. He has contributed significantly to discussions on fiscal policies in Albania, exploring issues such as tax performance, the pervasive problem of informality in the Albanian economy, and the challenges facing the country's banking sector. His research extends to the broader realms of public and personal finance, where he analyzes issues that affect both national economic policies and individual financial well-being. Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Fortuzi has demonstrated a commitment not only to advancing academic knowledge but also to improving the practical application of financial and managerial principles in both public and private sectors. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between economic policies and their real-world impacts. His leadership at Universiteti "Aleksandër Moisiu," Durrës is expected to further elevate the institution's role as a center for academic excellence and research innovation. Under his stewardship, the university is poised to continue its trajectory as a hub of higher education in Albania, contributing to both the academic growth of students and the socio-economic development of the region. Prof. Dr. Fortuzi’s vision for the university includes strengthening its international collaborations, expanding research opportunities, and enhancing the quality of education provided across all faculties.
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Azeta Tartaraj is a full-time lecturer at the Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business, at the University "Aleksandër Moisiu" Durrës since 2008, with a rich academic background in marketing and management. She served as the Head of the Marketing Department at UAMD for 8 years and later led the Faculty of Business as Dean from 2016 to 2020, providing visionary and strategic leadership. Throughout her academic career, she has been the leader and coordinator of various national and international scientific research projects, funded by UAMD, AKKSHI, the EU, and others, contributing to sustainable development and innovation in diverse cultural and international settings.
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Azeta Tartaraj completed her doctoral studies at UAMD in the field of Marketing, with a thesis titled "Territorial Marketing and Social Cohesion." In 2015, she was awarded the title of Associate Professor. She has actively participated in a significant number of national and international scientific conferences and has published numerous scientific articles, many of which have been published in journals with impact factors such as Scopus, WoS, and others. She is also a member of several scientific boards of international journals and conferences.
She has contributed as a co-author to the publication of several textbooks for students in the field of marketing, such as: "Marketing Management," "Marketing Basics," "Integrated Marketing Communication," etc..
She has held leadership positions in private businesses, including that of General Director and Marketing Director at one of the most important Albanian media outlets, Telenorba Shqiptare. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the National Chamber of Mediators, a position she has held since its founding to the present day.
Prof. As. Dr. Suela Kastrati is a lecturer at the Department of Albanian Language at the University "Aleksandër Moisiu" in Durrës. For nearly 8 years, she has served as the head of this department. Previously, she held the position of Albanian Language Teacher at the "Nikollë Zagorjani" High School in Shkodër. She has also worked at the "Gjergj Kastrioti" International Library in Cosenza, Italy.
Prof. As. Dr. Suela Kastrati is the author and co-author of several textbooks and more than 35 publications in scientific journals and regional, national, and international conferences.