ICMS Celebrates Faculty Excellence with Scholarship and Research Grants

Image (from left): Dr Ahmad Usman Shahid, Betul Sekendiz, Dora Kelaiditis.

Recognising the value of research in shaping education and industry practices, ICMS presented the most recent scholarship grant recipients during the  Faculty Forum in May.  

The scholarship grants support contributions to academic knowledge and practical applications, reinforcing ICMS’s commitment to active scholarship, educational excellence and student success through impactful research by academic staff. 

“We are proud to announce the recipients of the Scholarly Practice Grants for Trimester 1, 2025,” said Associate Professor Betul Sekendiz, Associate Dean (Scholarship). 

“These competitive grants are offered three times a year, providing faculty members with regular opportunities to plan and apply for support towards their scholarship goals. 

“While not every application may be awarded, this program encourages proactive engagement with scholarly activities, empowering our educators to continue advancing their fields and enriching the student experience.” 

Dr Ahmad Usman Shahid, ICMS Program Manager (Business and Accounting)

Dr Shahid was awarded a grant to present at the Asia-Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting (APIRA) Conference in Adelaide this July. 

His research explores how accountability and environmental awareness influence investment decisions in companies accused of environmental misconduct. By bringing diverse cultural perspectives to accounting, his findings aim to enrich the ICMS curriculum with the latest trends in sustainable and responsible investing. 

Reflecting on the grant and his upcoming presentation, Dr Shahid said, “First of all, I want to thank ICMS and the team for supporting my Scholarly Practice Grant application. 

“My research focuses on perceived accountability and how being aware of our responsibility impacts our decisions. It’s about investing in socially responsible ways, decisions that benefit both society and the environment. 

“By understanding and teaching concepts like environmental and social accounting, we can encourage more sustainable practices.” 

Dr Feras Orekat, ICMS Lecturer (Hospitality and Tourism)

Dr Orekat received support for his research presentation at the 2nd Globe Summit 2025   on field excursions in hospitality and tourism education. 

Alongside co-researchers Jen Lee and Fifita Evans, his work highlights the value of culturally inclusive field trips in creating hands-on, student-centered learning. 

“Excursions are vital for students to connect what they’ve learned in class to real-world experiences,” Jen Lee, explained. 

“When students from different backgrounds step out of the classroom and into settings like the Hunter Valley, they not only engage with the industry but also with each other. 

“This mingling encourages collaboration and cultural exchange, breaking down barriers that often exist in the classroom. It’s inspiring to see students energised by these experiences, which boost their participation and teamwork when they return to their studies. 

“We’re grateful for the support in making these excursions possible every semester, as they truly enhance the student experience beyond the classroom.” 

This research, which started with a Scholarship Seed Funding grant awarded in 2023, offers practical tools for making higher education more engaging and effective. 

Dora Kelaiditis, ICMS and ISCA Lecturer (High Performance and Sports)

Lecturer Dora Kelaiditis has also been awarded a grant after a Targeted Call for Scholarship on the topic of Peer-Assisted Learning Service (PALS), a service provided by the ICMS Student Success Centre. 

Her project, in partnership with the Student Success Centre, will examine how peer-assisted learning affects academic performance, student motivation, and overall experiences. Findings from this study will help improve and sustain the PALS program, ensuring it continues to benefit future students as much as it has current ones. 

Reflecting on the program, Dora shared, “I’m inspired by my own experience as a student benefiting from a peer-assisted program. 

“It’s fascinating to see how such initiatives contribute to student success, both academically and from a personal growth perspective. 

“I’m excited to explore how these programs help students overcome challenges with course content and assessments while fostering collaboration and support. 

“This research is not just about helping students succeed but also about ensuring their voices shape the learning experience.” 

Driving Innovation and Excellence in Education

ICMS is proud to reward innovative research every trimester through its Scholarship and Research Grants. 

These projects not only enhance learning at the institution but also contribute to advancements in education and industry practices. 

By supporting our faculty’s dedication to exploration and excellence, ICMS ensures its students are always learning from expert leaders in their fields.