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

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

🎓 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

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