A master’s thesis titled “The Role of Public Relations in Shaping Public Attitudes Toward the Electronic Services of the Iraqi Ministry of Trade: A Field Study on Baghdad Residents” was discussed at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad, by researcher Ayat Hatem Hussein.
The examination committee was chaired by Prof. Jaafar Shaheed Hashem, with Prof. Ali Jabbar Al-Shammari serving as supervisor. The committee also included Assistant Prof. Riya Qahtan Ahmed and Assistant Prof. Laith Sabar Jaber as an external member.
The study aimed to explore the functional roles of public relations within the digital environment, particularly at the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, in shaping public perceptions and attitudes toward newly introduced electronic services.
The findings revealed strong positive attitudes among the public toward digital transformation, as respondents viewed these services as an effective means of reducing effort and addressing administrative corruption.
The study recommended launching intensive awareness campaigns through social media platforms to introduce the public to electronic services, in addition to simplifying guidance materials through short explanatory videos illustrating application procedures.
The outcomes of the study align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions, as well as Goal 12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
