Dr Karim Mualla

Associate Professor

School/Department: Computing and Mathematic Sciences, School of

Profile

I am an Associate Professor at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. I was the Director of Education for both the School of Informatics, and the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences from 2019 to 2023. I was also the senior tutor for the school from 2017 to 2019.

I have a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Cloud Computing Sustainability and Decision-making from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh; A Masters of Science (MSc) in Management Information Systems from Royal Holloway, University of London; And a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Computer Science (Informatics) from Damascus University. I have a rooted connection with industry after working as a senior project manager at a leading Software Ecommerce company, Digital Boutique, with over £5 Million of Software Ecommerce projects delivered.

My current research is focused on developing and managing Adaptive Learning Systems for Management Information Systems. My focus is on Cloud Computing Complex Decision-Making and Technology Innovation Management.

I provide leadership and support for teaching and learning at the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and the University of Leicester, and my teaching is focused on Information Systems Management, Cyber Security, Technology and Innovation Management, Software Engineering, Project Management, Databases and Domain Modelling, Cloud Computing, Programming, Computer Networks and Advanced Web Technologies.

Research

Recent Publications

Book Chapter - (Springer Nature, Switzerland): K, Mualla, W., Mualla, K.J. (2024). “Adaptive Digital Transformation in Higher Education: A Review of Effectiveness, Barriers, and Solutions for Developing Countries”. Springer, Cham. (Scheduled - September, 2024).
Conference Paper: K, Mualla. W, Mualla. (2023). “Adaptive Digital Transformation in Higher Education: A Review of Effectiveness, Barriers, and Solutions for Developing Countries”. 21st Annual International Conference - Academy of Sciences “Digital Transformation in Higher Education. (Scheduled - November, 2023).
Book Chapter - (Springer Nature, Switzerland): K, Mualla, W, Mualla. (2023). “Interactive and Collaborative Distance Learning Approaches: A Decision-making Framework for Higher Education in Developing Countries”. Higher Education in the Arab World: E-Learning and Distance Education Springer, Cham.
- The Book can be accessed here: Springer Book,
- Or, Book Chapter Only.

Conference Paper: K, Mualla. W, Mualla. (2022). "Interactive and Collaborative Distance Learning Approaches: A Decision-making Framework for Higher Education in Developing Countries". 20th annual International Conference of the Arab Academy of Sciences “Higher Education in the Arab World: E-Learning and Distance Education.
Book Chapter - (Springer Nature, Switzerland): Mualla, W., Mualla, K.J. (2022). Higher Education in Syria Post-war and Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities. In: Badran, A., Baydoun, E., Mesmar, J. (eds) Higher Education in the Arab World. Springer, Cham.
- The Book can be accessed here: Springer Book,
- Springer Chapter Only. Or from Barnes & Nobles.
Journal Paper: K, Mualla. S, Puri. K, Raithatha. (2021). "Evaluating the Impact of Regulations and Alliances on the Sixth Generation of Technology and Innovation Management". International Journal of Digital Information and Wireless Communications (IJDIWC) 11(1): 1-11. The Society of Digital Information and Wireless Communications, 2021 ISSN: 2225-658X (Online); ISSN 2412-6551 (Print).
Conference Paper: K, Mualla. W, Mualla. (2021). "Higher Education in Syria Post-War and Pandemic, Challenges and Opportunities". International Conference on Higher Education in the Arab World. University of Petra.
Journal Paper: K, Mualla. (2020). "Standardizing Adaptive Learning through Cloud Computing: A Decision-making Framework for Higher Education". The International Journal of E-Learning and Educational Technologies in the Digital Media (IJEETDM). Vol. 5, No. 4. Pages: 122-133.

Article Paper: K, Mualla. (2020). “The Impact of Covid-19 on Ecommerce in the UK”. Article at DB Ecommerce. London, UK.
Article Paper: K, Mualla. (2019). "The Real-time Check-Point System: A Case Study for HE Assessments". The Higher Education Academy.
Article Paper: K, Mualla. (2019). “Ecommerce in the Sport’s Industry”. Article at DB Ecommerce. London, UK.

Journal Paper: K, Mualla. (2018). “The Growing Effect of Cloud Computing on Technological Innovation: A Decision-Making Framework for Hybrid Managers”. International Journal of New Computer Architectures and their Applications (IJNCAA) Vol.8 issue 4

Journal Paper: K, Mualla. G, Pender. D, Jenkins. (2017). "Standardizing Sustainability Benefits of Cloud Computing for Non-Expert Decision-Makers". International Journal of Digital Information and Wireless Communications. Vol. 6, No. 2.

Journal Paper: K, Mualla. G, Pender. D, Jenkins. (2016). "Evaluating Cloud Computing Challenges for Non-Expert Decision-Makers". International Journal of Digital Information and Wireless Communications (IJDIWC). Vol. 5, No. 4.

Journal Paper: K, Mualla. (2016). "Cloud-computing Strategies for Sustainable ICT Utilization: a Decision-making Framework for Non-expert Smart Building Managers". Computer Science, Business. Paper ID: 52881898.

Conference Paper: K, Mualla. D, Jenkins. (2015). "Evaluating Cloud Computing Management Challenges for Non-Expert Clients". The Second International Conference on Data Mining, Internet Computing, and Big Data, Reduit, Mauritius.

Current Research: My current research is focused on developing and managing Adaptive Learning Methods for Management Information Systems. My other ongoing research is focused on Cloud Computing Complex Decision-Making and Technology Innovation Management.

Teaching

Education-focused: Technology and Innovation Management, Databases and Domain Modelling, Computer Networks, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering and Project Management.

CO7215: Advanced Web Technologies (Blockchain & IS Security)
CO3103: Technology and Innovation Management
CO7215: Network Technologies (Advanced Web Technologies)
CO2102: Databases and Domain Modelling
CO7103: Information Technology Management
CO1105: Object Oriented Programming
CO1019: Web Interfaces
CO7101: Java and Databases for Bioinformatics
MA7904: SQL for Maths (Structured Query Language)
CO1101: Computing Fundamentals (Web Technologies)
Android App Design & Programming
MSc & BSc Individual Project Supervision (CO3015 & CA7201)
Developing the new (MIS) Management Information Systems, BSc & MSc degrees.
Collaborated with the School of Criminology to develop a new module in Cyber Crime.

Activities

Implemented the One-Year-Later Module Student-Staff initiative with Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Creative Computing students. Positive feedback with successful implementation have been recorded. CMS, University of Leicester, 2024.
Became a University of Leicester mentor for the Postgraduate Certificate of Academic and Professional Practice (PGCAPP), 2024.
Became a representative for CMS-Computer Science Programmes for the Research-Teaching Nexus (RIE forum). UK, 2024.
Featured in The Citizen's Newsletter for the ‘AI for Higher Education’ university-wide talk as part of the Teach with Tech" series. View Article. University of Leicester, 2024.
Active member of a new University of Leicester AI Policy Group; with a core aim to design and outline a new university-wide policy for the use of AI for staff and students in relation to teaching, learning and assessment, 2024.
Invited to give the keynote at the Medical AI and Virtual Reality symposium at the National University of Science and Technology, Oman. March, 2024.
Delivered a seminar / workshop as part of the "Teach with Tech" seminar series, titled: ‘Leveraging AI for Higher Education’ for the Digital Learning Institute. University of Leicester, 2024.
Active member of a College working-group for Staff Recruitment improvements, to increase the number and quality of applications the university receives. University of Leicester, 2024.
Invited as a Visiting Faculty Position by American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. 2024.
Presented at the 2023 ELG: Education Leadership Group. Title: Leveraging AI in Higher Education. University of Leicester, 2023.
Volunteered to become a trustee at New College Leicester (board of trustees). The goal is to engage with a college in challenging circumstances (DfE definition) to truly make a difference to young people from disadvantaged communities in Leicester. 2023.
Invited to participate in the national collaborative enhancement project to support the wider higher education sector (Funding proposal of up to £10,000). Title: "Meeting the challenges and opportunities of engaging with generative artificial intelligence (AI)", 2023 - 2024.
Founding group-member for the design and development of the new Science Building for the College of Science and Engineering, University of Leicester, 2023.
Founding member of the AI and Academic Integrity Group for the University of Leicester Education Services, 2023.
Delivered a Taster Lecture on Information Security at the 2023 Summer Open-Day for the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, 2023.
Participated in the Education for Sustainable Development Subject Workshop for Subject Benchmark Statements. University of Leicester, 2023.
Delivered a University-wide Talk titled: “How To Design Anti-ChatGPT Assessment For Higher Education: Knowing The Unknowables.” University of Leicester, 2023.
Participated in an HE workshop on “Personalised Learning & Adaptive Teaching” at The University of Edinburgh, 2023.
Attended The 7th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education, Teaching and Learning (ARETL 2023), Berlin, Germany, 2023.
Delivered a College-wide Talk (CSE - College of Science and Engineering) for faculty staff, titled: "Tips & Effective Approaches to Incentivise Learning Engagement and Attendance: The Checkpoint System". University of Leicester, 2023.
Participated in the Study-Well Workshop: Introduction to the Study Well programme. Part of the Annual Education Leadership Group. University of Leicester, 2023.
Delivered a College-wide Talk at King's College, London. Title: "How to Design Anti-ChatGPT Assessment for Higher Education: Knowing the Unknowables". King's College, London. 2023.
Delivered a College-wide Talk (CSE - College of Science and Engineering) for all faculty staff, titled: "Quick Wins, Cool Tips and Effective Approaches for HE Teaching, Learning and Assessment". University of Leicester, 2023.
Delivered a talk and a workshop at Ohio State University, USA. The visit included a workshop on Embedded Learning for Computer Science Large HE Classes, 2023.
Workshop with UCL on Block-Teaching for Intensive MSc Programmes for Industry Professionals: Transformational Leadership and Technology Strategy. UCL, 2022.
Initiated and Designed the Teaching Enhancement Series for the College of Science and Engineering CSE, University of Leicester. 2022.
Founding member of ULEA: University of Leicester Education Academy, 2022. Providing a focal point for all activities that support the development of expertise in education and the enhancement of learning and teaching.
Organised and delivered a School-wide Teaching and Learning Awayday for the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Themes: Active and Blended Learning for large Classes; Plagiarism Detection vs Prevention; And Research-Inspired Education. University of Leicester, 2022.
Attended the University of Edinburgh Learning & Teaching Conference, organised by the Institute of Academic Development, 2022.
Project with the 20th annual International Conference of the Arab Academy of Sciences “Higher Education in the Arab World: E-Learning and Distance Education”. UOP.EDU, 2022.
Open-Day: Presented a Taster Lecture on Internet Security for the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, 2022.
Workshop on Applying Smart Learning Platforms for CS topics: With special focus on Accessibility, Integration, and Support. Zybooks vs Blackboard for Computer Science Teaching and Learning. University of Leicester, 2022.
Workshop with Wiley Solutions on Smart Learning Environments and Adaptive Materials. University of Leicester, 2022.
Collaborated at the 2021 Education Leadership Group forum. Special focus on: "Research-Inspired Education Strategy: Delivery and Planning". University of Leicester, 2021.
Collaborated at the 2021 College of Science and Engineering Leadership Group. Special focus on: "Embedding Academic Induction; E&D in recruitment; & Embedding the 3i (values/ culture change)". University of Leicester, 2021.
Presented at the 2021 International Conference on Higher Education in the Arab World, University of Petra. Paper titled: "Higher Education in Syria Post-War and Pandemic, Challenges and Opportunities".
Workshop on ‘Advance HE Collaborative Project; Adding Value through Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Education in Higher Education’ University of Leicester in partnership with SFEDI Solutions, 2021.
A series of Workshops (Roadmap and Strategy) for teaching & learning processes regarding the Re-Shaping/Merger of Informatics (Major improvements and changes to both BSc & MSc Programmes), University of Leicester, 2021.
Joined the UoL Programme Portfolio Development Group (PPDG), University of Leicester, 2021.
Virtual Teaching & Learning Awayday. Organised and delivered for all academic staff at the School of Informatics, University of Leicester, 2021.
MIRA Technology Institute: Plans to integrate and offer Foundations of Artificial intelligence at MTI with Informatics, University of Leicester, 2021.
Blended Learning Content & Video Producer/Presenter released for Ignite Dual Teaching Delivery Homepage, 2020. (Link)
Covid-19 Tracking website (Supervisor and Project Leader), 2020. .
Informatics-University School's representative for Academic Transitions during COVID-19 situation, 2020.
Closing the Gap at Leicester Workshop, organised by the VC, Prof Nishan Canagarajah, and the Students' Union, 2020.
Consulted on 3 major e-commerce projects (names will remain anonymous until the implementation stage is finished), 2020.
Worked on research proposals for Space Park - Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Studentship Scheme, as part of SCIFERS, 2020.
Presented at The Education Excellence Leadership Group Workshop, University of Leicester, 2020.
Invited by The United Nations to present at the ESCWA-Workshop on Open Government and Emerging Technologies - UN, 2019.
Workshop on Innovative Adaptive Learning & knowledge exchange, Ohio State University - CS Department, 2019.
Discovering Teaching Excellence Conference: Achieving Student Engagement. Leicester Learning Institute, LLI, 2019.
VITAL Leadership Programme: Training and Workshops. And a CSE Teaching & Learning Group Workshop on cross-departmental strategies for learning, teaching and assessment. University of Leicester, 2019.
Workshop on Student Experience and Interventions Co-Ordination, University of Leicester, 2018. And workshop on Supportive Learning Environment, Assessment & Feedback, and Student Engagement, at the University of Leicester, 2018.
College Teaching Innovation Showcase in collaboration with the departments of Chemistry and Physics, and Peer Enhancement workshop on teaching quality, impact evaluation, and assessment for learning, University of Leicester, 2018.
Workshop on computer science novel coursework testing, marking and plagiarism avoidance, and workshop on Personal Tutoring Enhancement, University of Leicester, 2018.
Workshop on Blended Learning with Royal Holloway, University of London in collaboration with EPFL, Switzerland, 2017.

Awards

University Distinguished Teaching Fellowship - (UDTF), 2021.
'Highly Commended Lecturer' Award, University of Leicester SU Superstar Awards, 2020.
Best Lecturer Nominee, University of Leicester SU Superstar Awards, 2020.
Teaching and Research Staff Merit, University of Leicester, 2020.
Discovering Excellence Staff Award Nominee, in the category of Teaching Excellence, University of Leicester, 2019.
Teaching and Research Staff Merit, University of Leicester, 2019.
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK (SFHEA), 2019.

Interests

Previous & Current Work/Roles

Associate Professor in Computer Science and Management Information Systems, in the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (Current).
Director of Learning and Teaching: The School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (2019 - 2023).
Director of Learning and Teaching: The School of Informatics (2019).
Senior Personal Tutor (2017).
Deputy Director of Students' Personal Support (2018).
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK (SFHEA)
Informatics Induction Week Tutor
Informatics - University Representative for Academic Transitions
Athena Swan Member
Program committee member at ICH CyberLife.
Reviewer at IEEE Access
Reviewer at Springer Nature ICT Journal
Reviewer at Peer-to-Peer Networking and Applications

Previous Positions and Interests

Former Senior Project Manager, Digital Boutique London/Edinburgh (Over 5 million pounds worth of e-commerce projects delivered).
Former Database Administrator.
Former Networking Administrator (CCNA, MCSE).
Former Software Analyst.
Former Software and Web Developer.

Former TV/Radio Presenter, and Music Producer.
Certified Tennis and Fitness Instructor.
Former Pro Tennis Player (ITF).

Watch my latest video on Blended Learning at Computer Science here.

Qualifications

Doctorate (PhD) from Heriot-Watt University in Cloud Computing Management, Sustainability, and Decision-making.
Masters of Science (MSc) from Royal Holloway, University of London in Management Information Systems.
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) in Informatics, with Masters in Computer Networks, from Damascus University.
Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK (SFHEA).
University Distinguished Teaching Fellowship - (UDTF).