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

Dr. Sher Bano | Management science | Best Research Article Award

Student, Taiyuan University of Technology, China

Sher Bano is a dedicated PhD scholar at Taiyuan University of Technology, currently pursuing research in the field of management science and engineering with a focus on Human Resource Management. Her academic journey spans a variety of disciplines, from a Bachelor’s in Commerce to an MBA, and now a PhD. With over three years of hands-on experience in HR, Sher is deeply committed to researching leadership’s role in organizational outcomes, particularly in non-profit sectors. Her research has contributed valuable insights into ethical leadership and psychological safety, advancing knowledge in the field of human resource management.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

Sher Bano’s research focuses on the intersection of ethical leadership, job performance, and psychological safety, particularly in non-profit organizations operating in conflict-affected areas of Pakistan. This niche focus, combined with her work on ethical leadership’s role in enhancing organizational outcomes under challenging conditions, provides her research with strong practical implications for NGOs and other sectors in developing regions. She has demonstrated consistent productivity as the first author on several research papers, indicating strong research leadership and contribution. Her work on the mediating role of psychological safety in high-stakes environments highlights its potential to transform workplace culture and management practices.

Areas for Improvement:

While Sher Bano has significant research contributions, particularly in leadership and human resource management, the absence of a citation index and consultancy or industry projects may limit the immediate visibility and impact of her research. Engaging in collaborations with industry or other research institutions could broaden the scope of her work. Additionally, while her research publications are noteworthy, further recognition in higher-impact journals and increasing her presence in professional memberships or editorial appointments would further enhance her academic profile.

Education:

Sher Bano’s academic background is diverse, starting with her early education in science, followed by a Bachelor’s in Commerce. She further pursued a Master’s in Business Administration, which laid the foundation for her current PhD studies in Management Science and Engineering at Taiyuan University of Technology. Her strong educational background has enabled her to bridge the gap between commerce and HR management, with a focus on leadership in organizational settings.

Experience:

Sher has accumulated more than three years of experience in Human Resource Management, where she has applied her research insights to real-world HR practices. Her professional journey has enriched her academic perspective, providing her with practical knowledge of how leadership styles impact employee performance. She has worked across various organizations, gaining expertise in managing HR dynamics and applying ethical leadership strategies to improve workplace environments.

Research Interest:

Sher’s primary research interests lie in ethical leadership, job performance, and psychological safety, particularly in challenging environments such as non-profit organizations in conflict-affected regions. Her studies focus on how leadership impacts employee performance and organizational commitment, with a special interest in the role of psychological safety as a mediator. She is also exploring sustainable leadership and its influence on green employee behavior, which contributes to broader sustainability goals in organizations.

Awards:

Sher Bano is aiming to secure recognition for her innovative research through awards such as the “Best Research Article Award.” Her work on ethical leadership, employee performance, and organizational commitment positions her as a strong contender for awards that honor outstanding contributions to HR management and leadership studies.

Publications:

“Relationship Between Ethical Leadership and Job Performance in Non-Profit Organizations of Pakistan: Mediating Role of Psychological Safety”, Public Integrity, September 2024.

“Towards Sustainable Leadership: Investigating Self-serving Leadership’s Effect on Employee Green Behavior”, International Journal of Organizational Leadership, May 2024.

“Leadership Style and Organizational Culture on Organizational and Affective Commitment”, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024.

“A Study on Job Stress and Employee Performance in Afghanistan’s Banking Sector”, Zenodo, August 2021.

Conclusion:

Sher Bano is a promising researcher whose work addresses crucial issues in human resource management and leadership, particularly in challenging environments. Her research offers valuable insights into how ethical leadership can be leveraged to enhance organizational performance, making her a strong candidate for the “Best Research Article Award.” With continued focus on expanding the reach and impact of her work, she is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the field of management science and engineering.

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