William Ben Gunawan | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Mr. William Ben Gunawan | Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

William Ben Gunawan | PPM School of Management | Indonesia

Mr. William Ben Gunawan, S.Gz, M.M, CFTR, is an emerging scholar and professional in management, finance, and business analysis, currently affiliated with INTI International University and Yayasan PPM in Jakarta, Indonesia. With a background in nutrition and a strong academic foundation in management and business administration, he combines analytical precision with strategic insight. He holds degrees in Accounting, Management, and Business Administration from Asia Cyber University, PPM School of Management, and INTI International University, achieving outstanding academic performance. Professionally, he has served as a Cash Management and Financing Intern at PT Pertamina Gas and as a Marketing Analyst Staff at Yayasan PPM, where he contributed to financial verification, strategic planning, and brand positioning projects. His research focuses on finance, investment, sustainability, and business strategy, with multiple publications in reputable journals covering topics such as capital structure, artificial intelligence, sustainable business practices, and financial performance analysis. Recognized for his scholarly excellence, he has received numerous national and international awards, including Best Paper and Best Presenter distinctions across academic conferences. He is also a recipient of the International Postgraduate 100% Scholarship and The Future Leader Award. Holding certifications such as Certified Fundamental Tax Reporting (CFTR), Registered Technical Analyst (RTA), and Green Digital Talent, Mr. Gunawan exemplifies intellectual rigor, leadership, and dedication to advancing sustainable and data-driven business practices.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Gunawan, W. B. (2025). The interlink between capital structure, sales growth, and sustainable growth rate: Comparative insights from IDX Growth and IDX Sharia Growth. Klabat Accounting Review, 6(2), 81–93.

2. Gunawan, W. B., & Tobing, A. C. I. L. (2025). Strategic digital transformation of Agradaya: A case study in Indonesian agriculture. Indonesian Journal of Public Management, 1(1).

3. Abadi, M. N. P., Basrowi, R. W., Gunawan, W. B., Arasy, M. P., Nurjihan, F., et al. (2025). Unraveling future trends in free school lunch and nutrition: Global insights for Indonesia from bibliometric approach and critical review. Nutrients, 17(17), 2777.

4. Gunawan, W. B. (2025). Cost of capital revisited: Trends and insights via bibliometric analysis and literature review. Klabat Journal of Management, 6(2), 135–150.

5. Gunawan, W. B. (2025). Elucidating Indonesia’s palm oil supply chain trends: A bibliometric approach. Journal of Sustainability, Society, and Eco-Welfare, 3(1), 1–20.*

Mr. Gunawan advances evidence-based, sustainable business practices by integrating financial analysis, strategic management, and data-driven insights. His work supports more resilient industries and informs policy and organizational decisions across Indonesia and beyond.

Prof. Mariano Luque Gallego | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mariano Luque Gallego | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor at Universidad de Málaga, Spain

Mariano Luque Gallego is a Full Professor at the University of Málaga with a distinguished academic background in Mathematics and Quantitative Economics. Since 1995, he has built a prolific research career, marked by over 60 peer-reviewed publications, most in high-impact journals (63% in Q1), and a strong citation record across Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar (h-index up to 27). He has led more than 30 research projects and collaborated extensively with industry, notably through Math-In and agreements with Repsol and CEPSA. His research focuses on multiobjective optimization and decision-making, with international recognition through partnerships with leading scholars and invited talks worldwide. He also contributes as an evaluator for national and international academic institutions. As a mentor and innovator, he has supervised PhD students and co-authored software with registered intellectual property. His work demonstrates a strong blend of academic excellence, applied impact, and international collaboration.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Mariano Luque Gallego holds a strong academic foundation in mathematics and economics. He earned his degree in Mathematics in 1995 with an impressive average score of 9 out of 10. He pursued advanced studies at the University of Málaga, obtaining a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 1997 and a Ph.D. in Quantitative Economics in 2000—both with the highest possible qualifications. His educational background reflects a deep commitment to analytical rigor and interdisciplinary integration, especially in the fields of mathematical modeling and economic decision-making. His early academic performance laid a solid groundwork for his future research career, combining theoretical depth with applied problem-solving capabilities. These qualifications have served as the cornerstone of his professional and research development, enabling him to contribute significantly to the intersection of applied mathematics and economics.

Professional Experience

Since 1995, Mariano Luque Gallego has been affiliated with the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Málaga. Over the years, he has demonstrated steady academic progression, culminating in his appointment as Full Professor in October 2015. He was accredited for this role in 2012, underscoring both his academic qualifications and institutional recognition. His career spans over two decades, marked by active participation in over 30 research projects, all led by him since 2010. In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, he has served as an evaluator for various academic and government bodies in Spain and internationally. His professional experience also includes collaborations with industries through research and development agreements, showcasing his capacity to bridge academic theory and real-world application. His long-standing presence in academia, combined with leadership roles in project management and evaluation, reflects a mature and well-rounded professional trajectory.

Research Interest

Mariano Luque Gallego’s primary research interests lie in multiobjective optimization, decision-making, and quantitative methods in economics. His work is particularly focused on Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Evolutionary Multiobjective Optimization (EMO), where he has contributed substantially through both theoretical advancements and practical applications. He has co-authored research with internationally renowned experts such as Kalyanmoy Deb, Kaisa Miettinen, and Ralph E. Steuer. His interest in applied mathematics also extends to collaborative industrial research, software development, and the integration of mathematical models in economic decision frameworks. As a principal investigator in numerous national and European research projects, he has consistently translated complex mathematical theories into tools for solving real-world economic problems. His interdisciplinary focus and consistent publication record (with a majority in Q1 journals) demonstrate a robust and evolving research agenda that continues to shape the field of applied quantitative economics.

Award and Honor

While no singular award title is listed, Mariano Luque Gallego’s career is decorated with a variety of significant academic honors and recognitions. He holds four recognized six-year research evaluation periods (sexenios) and one transfer period, granted by the Spanish national academic system—clear indicators of sustained research excellence. He has been invited to present at prestigious institutions and high-level academic meetings such as the Dagstuhl seminars on MCDM and EMO, which only select top researchers in the field. He has also served as an evaluator for leading academic institutions and national research agencies in Spain and abroad, including the University of Manchester and the Romanian National Council for Research. Additionally, his research collaborations with industry and contributions to registered software intellectual property reflect peer and institutional recognition of his innovative work. These cumulative distinctions affirm his high standing within both academic and professional research communities.

Conclusion

Mariano Luque Gallego stands out as a highly accomplished academic and researcher with deep expertise in mathematics and quantitative economics. His career reflects a seamless integration of advanced theoretical knowledge and real-world application, underpinned by a consistent track record of high-impact publications, successful research leadership, and meaningful collaborations with both academia and industry. His sustained output in top-tier journals, international partnerships, and commitment to mentoring emerging scholars underscore his influence in the field. With a strong foundation in education, decades of professional dedication, and well-defined research interests in multiobjective decision-making, he embodies the qualities of a leading researcher. While he already commands significant respect within academic circles, his ongoing contributions position him as an ideal candidate for top-level recognition such as the Best Researcher Award. His profile reflects not only past achievements but also continued promise for impactful future research and collaboration.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Evolutionary multi-objective optimization algorithms for fuzzy portfolio selection
    Authors: R. Saborido, A.B. Ruiz, J.D. Bermúdez, E. Vercher, M. Luque
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 152

  • Title: A preference-based evolutionary algorithm for multiobjective optimization: the weighting achievement scalarizing function genetic algorithm
    Authors: A.B. Ruiz, R. Saborido, M. Luque
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 151

  • Title: Incorporating preference information in interactive reference point methods for multiobjective optimization
    Authors: M. Luque, K. Miettinen, P. Eskelinen, F. Ruiz
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 145

  • Title: NAUTILUS method: An interactive technique in multiobjective optimization based on the nadir point
    Authors: K. Miettinen, P. Eskelinen, F. Ruiz, M. Luque
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 113

  • Title: Assessing global competitiveness under multi-criteria perspective
    Authors: S. Pérez-Moreno, B. Rodríguez, M. Luque
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 108

  • Title: An application of reference point techniques to the calculation of synthetic sustainability indicators
    Authors: F. Ruiz, J.M. Cabello, M. Luque
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 87

  • Title: Global formulation for interactive multiobjective optimization
    Authors: M. Luque, F. Ruiz, K. Miettinen
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 79

  • Title: Global WASF-GA: An evolutionary algorithm in multiobjective optimization to approximate the whole Pareto optimal front
    Authors: R. Saborido, A.B. Ruiz, M. Luque
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 74

  • Title: Optimization of the size of a solar thermal electricity plant by means of genetic algorithms
    Authors: J.M. Cabello, J.M. Cejudo, M. Luque, F. Ruiz, K. Deb, R. Tewari
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 73

  • Title: Using interactive multiobjective methods to solve DEA problems with value judgements
    Authors: B.Y.H. Wong, M. Luque, J.B. Yang
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 66

  • Title: A classification of the weighting schemes in reference point procedures for multiobjective programming
    Authors: F. Ruiz, M. Luque, J.M. Cabello
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 65

  • Title: Modified interactive Chebyshev algorithm (MICA) for convex multiobjective programming
    Authors: M. Luque, F. Ruiz, R.E. Steuer
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 42

  • Title: InDM2: Interactive dynamic multi-objective decision making using evolutionary algorithms
    Authors: A.J. Nebro, A.B. Ruiz, C. Barba-González, J. García-Nieto, M. Luque, et al.
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 41

  • Title: PROMOIN: an interactive system for multiobjective programming
    Authors: R. Caballero, M. Luque, J. Molina, F. Ruiz
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 39

  • Title: E-NAUTILUS: A decision support system for complex multiobjective optimization problems based on the NAUTILUS method
    Authors: A.B. Ruiz, K. Sindhya, K. Miettinen, F. Ruiz, M. Luque
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 38

 

Muhammad Imran | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Imran | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Muhammad Imran is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of management and business studies. With a career spanning multiple prestigious institutions, he has made significant contributions to research on SMEs, total quality management, entrepreneurial orientation, and Industry 4.0. Currently serving as an International Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, he has played a key role in shaping business education and research methodologies. His work is widely recognized for its impact on business performance and sustainability, particularly in emerging economies. Dr. Imran is also an active participant in administrative roles, further showcasing his leadership capabilities in academia.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Imran holds a Ph.D. in Management from Universiti Utara Malaysia (AACSB), where his research focused on total quality management, business networks, and SME export performance. Prior to that, he earned his MBA in Human Resource Management from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Power from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. His diverse academic background reflects a multidisciplinary approach to business and management studies. His education has provided him with a strong foundation in strategic management, operations, and research methodologies, which have significantly influenced his teaching and research career.

Professional Experience

With extensive experience in academia, Dr. Imran has held teaching and research positions at various institutions. Currently, he is an International Senior Lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, where he teaches Strategic Management and Research Methodology. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, and Iqra University, Karachi. His expertise in operations management, quantitative analysis, and strategic business practices has made him a sought-after educator and mentor for students. Additionally, he has taken on administrative responsibilities, including his role as Assistant Principal at INASIS SME, UUM, and as Manager at the Office of Occupational Safety and Health (OSAH) in Pakistan.

Research Interests

Dr. Imran’s research interests encompass SMEs, total quality management, entrepreneurship, Industry 4.0, and occupational safety and health. His work focuses on improving business performance through digital transformation, innovation, and strategic management. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, including Scopus and SSCI-indexed publications, covering topics such as firm performance, export market orientation, and digital leadership. His interdisciplinary research aims to bridge the gap between academic theories and real-world business challenges, offering practical insights into sustainable business growth and competitiveness.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Imran has been recognized for his contributions to academia and research through various awards and honors. His publications in top-tier journals have earned him significant recognition within the academic community. He has been invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences and has collaborated with scholars worldwide on impactful research projects. His contributions to SME growth, business sustainability, and digital innovation continue to influence both academia and industry, making him a strong candidate for prestigious research awards.

Conclusion

Muhammad Imran is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive publication record, international collaborations, and expertise in high-impact research areas. However, demonstrating leadership in research projects, securing significant grants, and engaging in policy or industry contributions could further solidify his standing. If the award prioritizes publication excellence and academic impact, he would be a strong contender.

Publications Top Noted

1. Journal Articles

  • Effects of Industry 4.0 technologies and servitization on firm performance: evidence from the Pakistani manufacturing sector

    • Authors: Imran, M., Mustafa, G., Rehman, S.U., & Susanto, P.

    • Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 0

  • The interplay of safety knowledge, attitude and health experience in adoption of protective pesticide behavior: evidence from Pakistani fruit and vegetable farmers

    • Authors: Imran, M., Mustafa, G., Rehman, S.U., & Yasri, Y.

    • Journal: Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 0

2. Conference Papers

  • The Impact of Tutor Quality on E-Learning Acceptance: A Mediating Effect of E-Assessment in Public Universities of Malaysia

    • Authors: Imran, M., Haque, A.U., & Kozlovski, E.

    • Conference: Not specified

    • Year: Not specified

    • Citations: 0

 

Kun Xu | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kun Xu | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China

Dr. Kun Xu is an Associate Professor of Finance at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE), where he also serves as the Director of the Institute of Banking and Corporate Finance Studies. His leadership within the Institute of Chinese Finance Studies at SWUFE supports the growth of academic excellence in finance, particularly through his focus on commercial banking and financial econometrics. Alongside his professorship, Dr. Xu is an MBA tutor at the School of Business Administration at SWUFE, guiding future finance professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education:

Dr. Xu holds a Ph.D. in Finance, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise to lead research in banking operations, econometrics, and finance management. His academic background is complemented by extensive experience in teaching and research within top finance institutions.

💼 Experience:

With a strong foundation in finance, Dr. Xu has built an impressive academic and professional profile, including his roles as Director at the Institute of Banking and Corporate Finance Studies and MBA Tutor at SWUFE. His teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering courses like “Monetary Finance,” “Financial Management and Wealth Management,” and “Financial Research Methods and Practice.”

🔍 Research Interests:

Dr. Xu’s research primarily explores commercial bank operation management and financial econometrics 📈. His work includes impactful studies on digital finance, SME lending, corporate innovation, and trade credit, often focusing on the financial structures within China.

🏆 Awards:

Throughout his career, Dr. Xu has been recognized for his contributions to finance and economics, with his research influencing financial policies, banking culture, and corporate finance. His published work has appeared in top journals, contributing to the field’s understanding of financial technology and policy.

Publications

Zhang, L., Xu, K., Zhang, L., & Feng, L. (2023). Financial Policy, Financial Technology and SME Loan. Statistical Research, 40(12), 50-61. Cited by articles

Xu, K., Liu, J., & Teng, Z. (2024). How digital finance impacts trade credit in supply chains: An analysis from Chinese A-share listed companies. The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, 1-23. Cited by articles

Xu, K., Liu, J., Teng, Z., & Wang, W. (2024). Risk Culture of Banks and Corporate Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies. International Review of Economics and Finance, 94, 103377. Cited by articles

Liu, J., Zhang, Q., & Xu, K. (2023). The influence of private large shareholders on the distribution of bank loan industry: Evidence from China. The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, 68, 102003. Cited by articles

Xu, K., & Liu, J. (2023). Public Development Finance and Enterprise Innovation. China Economic Quarterly, 23(06), 2454-2470. Cited by articles

Xu, K., Liu, J., & Li, J. (2023). Private capital holding, financial awareness of government, and steadying operation of banks: Evidence from China. Plos One, 18(5), 0285588. Cited by articles