FACULTY MEMBERS
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Faculty of Economy
Altin Hoti has a PhD in International Economy from the Faculty of Economy, St Petersburg State University. Altin has completed his postdoctoral studies in Development Economics from George Washington University. He holds a second level degree in Economics for foreign relations from St. Petersburg State Technical University. He has more than 12-year teaching experience in higher education institutions in Albania and abroad. Altin delivers subjects such as International Trade and Logistic, Management Information Systems. His research area is Development Economic, International Economy, Economic Relation and he has more than 20 scientific articles published. He has also received a number of reviews and one of them is also a senior researcher from European Union Research Center of Business School, The George Washington University.
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Enriko Ceko holds a Post Doctorate Diploma (2022-La Laguna University. Tenerife. Spain), Ph.D. diploma in Management (2005 – Faculty of Economy, Tirana University, Albania), graduated bachelor and master the Agronomy (1989–Agriculture University, Tirana), Economy (1996-Agriculture University, Tirana), Law (2002–Tirana University), MBA (2000-Tirana University & Nebraska Lincoln University), with about 33 years of working experience and about the same experience lecturing, specialized on about 45 training courses (Albania, USA, UK, Israel, Germany, Austria), Senator of World Business Angels and Investments Forum, Lecturer at WBAF Business School, and at LMC-London Metropolitan College, N.R.Macedonia, author of around 40 scientific articles, participating in more than 80 international scientific conferences, author of “Total Quality Management”, “Quality Management Tools”, “Planning, Organizing & Controlling Quality Tools”, “Managing Agribusiness Firms”, “Tourism and Hospitality Management”, “Academic writing”, “Business and Administrative communication”, “Small theatre, big theatre”, “Where Albanian economy is going”, “100 years of economic, trade and business relations between UK and Albania”, “100 years of diplomatic relations between UK and Albania” books, his work focuses on lecturing (mainly economics & managerial disciplines), public & private organizations consultancy, ISO Standards included, heading several NGO’s, as well as participating in civic society activities, etc.
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Eugen Musta graduated in “International Economic Relations” and specialized in “European Economic Integration” at the “University of National and World Economy” in Sofia, Bulgaria. He holds a Doctorate in Finance and for almost a decade now, he has been engaged as a lecturer in academia. His research work and interests reflected in scientific papers, national and international conferences, cover a range of topics: financial markets and institutions; corporate finance; Islamic finance and banking; public finance; welfare economics; growth and development; political economy, etc. He was a curriculum designer and trainer at ASPA and as a coordinator, trainer, and mentor in many programs supporting young entrepreneurs and the development of the startup ecosystem in Albania.
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Dr. Driton Sahiti is a seasoned professional with a remarkable academic background and extensive expertise in Marketing, Management, and Entrepreneurship. He holds an MBA (with Merit) in Services Marketing from City College, University of Sheffield, UK, and a PhD from the University of Glasgow’s Adam Smith Business School, focusing on the understanding and typology of value creation practices. His teaching experience includes lecturing at AAB Riinvest University and Staffordshire University, where he taught courses in Marketing, Strategic Management, and related subjects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His expertise extends to international marketing and sales management roles in Vienna’s vibrant cultural scene, including orchestral concert agencies.
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Edmira Cakrani has a PhD in Economics from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. Edmira has a Second Level Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana, and a 4-year degree in Business Administration where she was an Honor Student from Faculty of Economy, University of Vlora. She has a 17-year teaching experience in higher education institutions and delivers subjects such as Introduction to Economics, Microeconomics, International Economics, Managerial Economics, Statistics, and Calculus. Her research area is Open Economy Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Applied Economics, Behavioral Economics.
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Reis Mulita, holds a PhD/Doctor of Research from University of Trieste, Italy, a MSc in European Studies from University of Tirana as well as a Master of Second Level in History and Geography from “E.Cabej” University.
Prof. Mulita study and research activity is focused on Sustainable Development, Business Ethics, Circular Economy, Technology and Society. He is author of Sustainable Development courses in Bachelor and MSc. Prof. Mulita is member of experts group of the innovative courses on “Open Innovation” and “Circular Economy, under Long Life Learning and Erasmus+ EU programs. He is awarded with Doctoral scholarship from Italian Ministry of F.Affairs, the USAID-NDI Political Management Program and the Brain Gain program, of UNDP. Prof. Mulita, has backgrounds across Ministries of Transport- Public Works, Telecommunication, Labour-Social Affairs and Migration.
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Vasil Qano has a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Tirana, where he did his preparing phase at Surrey University and Swansea University, UK. He has a BA and MSc degree in Physics from the University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences. He has broad experience in teaching and leading in higher education, starting from 1971. From 1998 to 2001, Vasil was Director of the Minister’s Office, Ministry of Environment. Vasil has many published research papers and articles on Scientific Reviews and is the author of two books, respectively “Physics for compulsory education and gymnasiums” and “Astronomy for gymnasium.” The subjects he delivers are physics, photonics, mathematics, informatic systems management.
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Fabian Zhilla is a lecturer of Law in both Faculty of Economy and the Faculty of Engineering. Mr. Zhilla is also a senior advisor on criminal markets and organized crime to Global Initiative against Transnational Crime in Western Balkans. He also consults EU projects on the rule of law and has contributed to several studies on terrorism and cybercrime in Albania. Fabian is awarded both the Fulbright Scholarship and Chevening Scholarship for his postgraduate studies. In 2017 he was a visiting scholar at the Center for European Studies at Harvard University. He wrote his PhD in Law at Kings College London in 2012. Fabian also led a three years project on the study of organized crime in Albania under the auspices of Open Society Foundation, 2013-2017.
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Artur Jaupaj holds a PhD degree in American Studies from Hacettepe University, Turkey. He has been part of our academic staff since 2012. Has various academic working experience at CIT as Senior Lecturer, Director of Corporate Training and Continuing Education, Head of Business Administration and IT Department, and Dean of Faculty of Economy. His research interest span in the field of Education Sciences/ Education Management and Policy; Technology-Based Teaching and Learning; Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM); Leadership: Organizational, Educational, Strategic; Professional and Vocational Training; Higher Education (HE) and Curricula Development; In addition to his native Albanian language, he also speaks English and Turkish (Proficient), Italian (intermediate).
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Blendi Shima has a PhD and DBA in Business Administration from SMC Business School and University of Central Nicaragua. His collaborations span across the globe. He is part of various journal editorial boards, locally and internationally, conference proceedings, and articles for scientific journals. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the “Best Researcher” award for the conference paper “Sustainable Development by Means of Community-Centered Business Practices: The Tourism Industry in Context” at the 11th International Scientific Conference of Business Faculty, “Aleksander Moisiu” University. He also was a winner of the “New Central Europe I” Research Scholarship Program, granted by the EU and Hungary and coo financed by the European Social Fund.
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Oriola Musa studied a Major in Economics and Management, Finance, and a Minor in Public Relations and Communication; completed Master Studies in Economic Analysis & Policy; graduated “Cum Laude” at IAMM University of Montpellier, France, a QS ranked University, with triple accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA; completed another Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UET and obtained her PhD degree in Economics and Sustainable Development at UET. Her research interests are in the areas of Economic Growth, Circular Economy, Economic Sustainable Development, and Public Policy. She has published her work in research publications including the International Journal of Economics and Development Studies, Journal of Sustainable Economics and Management Studies.
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Ditila Ekmekciu has a PhD in Operations Research from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, 2019. She has an integrated Diploma in Business Information Technology from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. Ditila has vast experience in the financial sector and has published research papers such as: “Limited Agents Mix-Training in Operations – A Call Center Case” – IJSR, 2017, “Queuing Models – A Call Center Case” – IJSR, 2017, “Scheduling a Call Center utilizing a stochastic model” – JMEST, 2016, “Performance Indicators Analysis inside a Call Center Using a Simulation Program” 4-th International Conference on Information Systems and Security, UBT University, 2015
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Endrit Shabani is a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Politics from University of Oxford. He also holds a Master of Science in Education Policy from University of Oxford. He has experience as a lecturer and guest lecturer in Albanian universities and abroad. Endrit started his experience at CIT in 2021 and he delivers subjects such as Research Methods, Academic Writing and Reading. His research interest are in International Relations, Research Methods, Philosophy and Politics of Education. Endrit was also part of Open Society Foundation in Albania by leading several research projects and contributing to evidence-based policies in education, gender balance, law enforcement and civic engagement.
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Dr. Dritan Fino earned a PHD in finance and accounting from Kyushu Sangyo University in Japan.He is highly qualified in Public Accounting and Auditing in the private sector, both internationally and nationally. He has over 12 years of teaching experience in Albanian and international universities. He teaches subjects such as Financial Accounting, Finance-Bank. Apart from teaching, he has experience in public administration where he held positions such as Tax inspector, Financial Advisor and Director of Financial management and control, Public Accounting and Auditing at Ministry of Finance and Economy in Tirana. He recently joined CIT, as a lecturer in the Faculty of Economy.
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Altin Zefi holds a PHD degree in Monetary Economics from European University of Tirana and graduate and undergraduate studies in Business Management from “Luigj Gurakuqi” University in Shkodra. He has experience in Financial Management in the private sector internationally and nationally. Teaching experience include subjects such as Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting. Internationally he has teaching experience as a trainer of Finance and Accounting in Turkey. His research interest is focused on Macroeconomics, Finance and Monetary Economics with articles published in areas such as Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate Determinants.
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Erjona Deshati teaches business management courses including Strategic Management, Project Management, Principles of Management, and Marketing, at CIT since 2016. From 2018 she serves as CIT Review Journal Coordinator. She is also part of scientific editorial board and reviewer team member for many international academic journals in the field of management and marketing. Between May and November 2021. Mrs. Deshati was the Administrator of CIT. She received a BA and a MSc Degree in Business Administration and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration at UACS. Her current research looks at of the global business environment and how prompt strategic responses enable companies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
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Besarta Tafa has been a lecturer of Finance and Accounting at Canadian institute of technology since 2014. Graduated in Finance and Accounting, with an experience as financier in NGO. Holding a PhD diploma in Business Administration from Charisma University, United Kingdom. Research associated at EMAT laboratory, University de Moncton, Canada. Author of the book titled “Islamic Finance, an alternative solution to financial crisis”, published by LAP publishing house, Germany. Author of some journal articles.
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Ilir Ciko is an Albanian economist with considerable experience in private and public institutions, as well as developing and implementing large projects. His 24 years of working experience includes research for international organizations including USAID, DFID, UNDP, World Bank, EBRD, GIZ, UNICEF, Oxfam, ILO, etc. Mr. Ciko has been Albania’s non-political Deputy Minister of Economy (2003-2005) and key advisor chief of staff in the same Ministry (2009-2010). In 2008 he received affiliation by the Institute for Competitiveness and Strategy, offered as part of the global network Microeconomics of Competitiveness for the MBA program in Albania, transferred in 2014 at CIT in Tirana, where he is currently teaching courses for the MBA program.
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Klodiana Bllaci has been part of CIT since 2012. She graduated in 1997 from the University of Tirana, holding an MBA degree from the University of Tirana (in collaboration with the University of Nebraska). Experienced Certified Public Accountant with over 15 years of experience, more than 8 years experience as Finance Director and Manager, include local and international companies in a variety of sectors, including energy service, professional service, financial services, as well as non-profit organizations. From 2014, she has the title of Legal Auditor registered in IEKA. Her research interest and contribution are reflected in conference participation in the area of Auditing, Accounting, Business Planning, Management, Finance, and Tax Consulting.
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Egis Zaimaj is a seasoned lecturer in finance and econometrics, with extensive experience as a data analyst. Her research focuses on economic growth, econometrics, financial markets, volatility, risk, and the insurance industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Epoka University and pursued further studies at Lund University in Sweden. With a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Epoka University, she has dedicated six years to the academic community. In addition to academia, Egis has worked as an accountant and played a vital role in risk management at AFSA. Recently, she was appointed as an Advisor to the Minister of Finance, and a lecturer at the faculty of Economy at CIT.
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My initial interest to study Economy sparkled since I was still a child and experienced first-hand the political and economic unrest triggered by the collapse of communism. Therefore, assurance, teaching and economy are more than just a mere passion or job for me. They make me experience a deep love which leads to an integral fulfilling of both my mind and my heart.
Skilled at Auditing, Consulting and Teaching with a 6-year demonstrated experience. I am a self- motivated, highly organized professional who thrives under pressure. The outcomes of my projects have always been exceptional outperforming objectives due to my uncompromised love for this industry, gifted analytical and interpersonal skills, in-depth knowledge of IFRS, ISA and Legal and Tax Framework in Albania and solid work ethic. Specialised in challenging IFRS scenarios and FS Disclosure Review.
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Brisida Sefa graduated in English Teaching and Literature from South East University, North Macedonia. She majored in Foreign Languages, followed by a Master’s Degree in English Language Teaching. Brisida kept a keen interest in second language acquisition and completed the Post Graduate Certificate of TESOL from TAFE Adelaide, South Australia. Having kept in interest for other fields as well, she received a Diploma in Business Administration & Enterprises from the University of Caen, Basse-Normandie, France.
Apart from her interest in teaching, her research interests lie in the area of Teaching Approaches and Methodologies, Foreign Languages, Language and Literature as well as Lifelong Learning.
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MSc Christopher Tushaj graduated with a Master of Science in Comparative Literature and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Tirana’s Faculty of History and Philology focusing his thesis on the Albanian and Arbëresh Epics. Born and raised in New York, he has lived around the world for many years, including in Spain, Korea, Albania, Germany, Arizona, and California. He is a 6-time recipient of the U.S. Dept of State’s Title VIII Fellowship, studying three Critical
Languages (Albanian, Bosnian Serbo-Croatian, and Armenian) with the Critical Language Institute at Arizona State University’s Melikian Center, a center for advanced Russian, Eurasian, and East European Studies research, on the languages, societies, and geopolitics of the former Soviet Union. Christopher successfully completed the world’s most rigorous and intensive instruction of Ancient Greek (Attic, Doric with a focus on Ionic Homeric Greek) with the Brooklyn College’s Latin Greek Institute at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan, NY. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Foreign Languages at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, along with a study abroad in Seville, Spain during his junior year. He has studied over 12 languages with various academic settings around the world, including
Arabic, French, German, modern Greek, Italian, Korean, and Russian.
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Loreta Çiço is an accomplished economist and finance expert with a strong academic background. After graduating from Tirana University’s Economic Faculty, in her pursuit of knowledge and professional advancement, MSc. Çiço earned a Master’s Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln showcasing her dedication to a multidisciplinary approach to her career. Her professional journey began at the Bank of Albania, where she gained diverse experience across sectors. Notably, she has also made significant contributions to academia, currently serving as a lecturer at the Faculty of Economy at CIT. Throughout her career, Loreta Çiço has prioritized professional development, engaging in specialized training programs by esteemed institutions like the IMF and FEAS. Her dedication to staying current with industry advancements underscores her as a respected figure in economics, finance, and public administration, blending academic expertise with practical experience.
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