Md Abu Hasnat | Business Administration | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Md Abu Hasnat | Business Administration | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor, University of Scholars, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Abu Hasnat is a dynamic academic and researcher, currently serving as a Senior Assistant Professor of Business Administration and Additional Director of Research and Collaboration at the University of Scholars, Bangladesh. With an international academic trajectory, Dr. Hasnat earned his Ph.D. in Finance from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), Turkey, and a Master’s in Islamic Finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). He is known for his work on investor behavior, sustainable finance, and Islamic financial systems. Dr. Hasnat has received several accolades, including the Distinguished Student Research Award (USA) and the Turkish Government Burslari Scholarship. He has collaborated with leading institutions in Turkey, Afghanistan, the USA, and Australia. A prolific scholar, his work appears in high-impact journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. His leadership in research and global collaboration continues to bridge academic theory with economic and financial development initiatives.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Abu Hasnat has an impressive academic background with a global orientation. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from Karadeniz Technical University (KTU), Turkey (2018–2023), focusing on the financial behavioral tendencies of individual investors in the Dhaka Stock Exchange. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s degree in Islamic Finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) between 2015–2017, where his thesis analyzed the investment of Employee Provident Funds in Islamic and conventional unit trusts in Malaysia. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC), Bangladesh (2008–2012). Throughout his education, Dr. Hasnat participated in numerous research workshops and seminars, and he received the prestigious Turkish Burslari Government Scholarship. His multidisciplinary academic training positions him as a thought leader in Islamic finance, investor psychology, and cross-cultural economic systems.

💼 Experience

Dr. Md. Abu Hasnat has accumulated diverse academic and instructional experience across international settings. From 2018 to 2022, he served as a Commerce Lecturer at multiple Anadolu Government Colleges in Turkey through the Karadeniz International Student Association (KULDER). Since April 2024, he has been serving as a Senior Assistant Professor in Business Administration at the University of Scholars, Bangladesh. In addition, since March 2025, he has held the role of Additional Director of Research and Collaboration at the same institution, where he spearheads interdisciplinary and international academic partnerships. Dr. Hasnat is also an active peer reviewer for reputed journals, including Emerald’s International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management and Cogent Economics & Finance. His teaching and research portfolio emphasizes finance, behavioral economics, and Islamic economic models, and he remains a committed mentor and research collaborator globally.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Md. Abu Hasnat has received several prestigious awards and fellowships for his academic excellence and global research contributions. In 2023, he earned the Distinguished Student Research Award from the Institute for Global Business Research in New Orleans, USA. He was awarded the Turkish Burslari Government Scholarship in 2017 to pursue his Ph.D. in Turkey. He also served as a Research Assistant at Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, he was accepted as a researcher under the Erasmus+ Program at Napoli University, Italy, in 2020. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Research Assistant at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). His dedication to multidisciplinary and international research has also earned him collaborative opportunities with institutions like Charles Darwin University (Australia), Parwan University (Afghanistan), and the University of Alabama (USA), making him a recognized scholar in global financial research networks.

🧪 Research Focus

Dr. Md. Abu Hasnat’s research is anchored in behavioral finance, Islamic financial systems, investment psychology, and interdisciplinary financial analysis. His Ph.D. thesis focused on the financial behavioral tendencies of individual investors in the Dhaka Stock Exchange, shedding light on psychological and systemic factors influencing market decisions. He has conducted techno-economic analyses in collaboration with global institutions, contributing to studies on sustainable finance and Islamic financial practices. His master’s work explored behavioral preferences in Employee Provident Fund investments between Islamic and conventional systems in Malaysia. Dr. Hasnat’s ongoing research includes papers under review and submission to Q1 and Q2 indexed journals, including topics on investor behavior, financial development, and Islamic finance ethics. His participation in international conferences and workshops underscores his commitment to bridging theory with practice. He envisions research as a transformative tool for policy, practice, and economic equity across diverse cultural and financial ecosystems.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Mudharabah and Musharakah from the Accounting Perspective by Referring to AAOIFI, IFRS and MFRS
Journal: International Organization of Scientific Research, Vol. 18(7), pp. 67–72 (2016)
Author(s): M.R. Mia, M.A. Hasnat, W. Mahjabeen
Summary: This study analyzes how Islamic partnership contracts—Mudharabah and Musharakah—are accounted for under AAOIFI, IFRS, and MFRS standards. It identifies the key similarities and differences, highlighting the need for standardization to strengthen Islamic finance reporting.

 The Implementation of Kafalah in Islamic Banking and Finance Organizations in Malaysia
Journal: International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Vol. 7(7), pp. 768–777 (2017)
Author(s): M.A. Hasnat, S. Alom
Summary: This paper investigates the application of Kafalah (guarantee) in Malaysia’s Islamic financial institutions, examining its legal framework, practical implementation, and relevance to Shariah principles. The study provides policy suggestions to enhance its effectiveness in risk mitigation.

 Comparative Analysis on EPF Investors’ Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviour Towards Investing in Islamic and Conventional Unit Trusts: The Case of Malaysia
Journal: Journal of Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance, Vol. 14(1), pp. 124–145 (2018)
Author(s): M.A. Hasnat, M.C.M. Salleh
Summary: This research assesses Malaysian EPF investors’ knowledge, experience, and behavioral tendencies when choosing between Islamic and conventional unit trusts. The findings show a strong link between religious inclination, financial literacy, and investment choices.

 Applications of Hesitant Fuzzy Sets and FTA for Selecting the Best Risk-Based Strategy for Green Manufacturing in GSC
Journal: International Journal of Grid and Distributed Computing, Vol. 13(2), pp. 220–234 (2020)
Author(s): F. Yildirim, S. Ghorbani, K.I. Talukder, M.A. Hasnat, A.R. Nayeem
Summary: The paper proposes a hybrid model using hesitant fuzzy sets and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to identify effective risk-based strategies for green manufacturing in global supply chains (GSC), aiming to support sustainable industrial decision-making.

 A Correlation Analysis of Knowledge, Experience, Religious Belief, and Behavior of Malaysian EPF Investors Towards Investing in Islamic and Conventional Unit Trusts
Journal: Turkish Journal of Islamic Economics, Vol. 11(1), pp. 101–123 (2024)
Author(s): M.A. Hasnat, M.M. Islam, Z. Rahimi, H. Dağlı
Summary: This study uses statistical correlation methods to analyze how investors’ knowledge, experience, and religious beliefs affect their behavior in choosing Islamic versus conventional unit trusts. Results underline the influence of religiosity on investment preferences.

Conclusion

Dr. Md. Abu Hasnat is an emerging academic leader in the fields of Islamic finance, behavioral economics, and financial investment analysis. With a strong educational foundation across Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Turkey, he has built a rich portfolio of teaching, research, and global collaboration. His scholarly work is marked by numerous publications in high-impact Q1 and Q2 journals and active participation in international conferences. Recognized by prestigious awards such as the Distinguished Student Research Award (USA) and the Turkish Burslari Government Scholarship, Dr. Hasnat continues to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on sustainable and ethical financial systems. His roles as Senior Assistant Professor and Additional Director of Research and Collaboration at the University of Scholars underscore his dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and multidisciplinary engagement. His vision, grounded in ethical finance and investor behavior, aligns with global development goals and academic best practices, making him a valuable contributor to contemporary financial scholarship.

 

Maurice Steinhoff | Entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maurice Steinhoff | Entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maurice Steinhoff, HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Germany

Dr. Maurice M. Steinhoff is a prominent figure in the field of entrepreneurship, currently serving as the Head of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. With a PhD in Strategic Entrepreneurship, Dr. Steinhoff has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. As Co-Founder and Managing Director of HHL DIGITAL SPACE, he leads initiatives that foster innovation and digital transformation. His career is marked by a strong focus on corporate venturing, entrepreneurship, and business model innovation, particularly within SMEs. Dr. Steinhoff’s work bridges the gap between academic research and practical applications, making him a key player in the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems. His extensive experience in consulting, incubation management, and teaching, along with his active involvement in research, positions him as a leader in the field of strategic entrepreneurship.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Leadership in Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Dr. Steinhoff’s role as Head of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management highlights his leadership and ability to foster innovation. His experience in guiding and managing entrepreneurial initiatives is a significant strength.
  2. Academic and Professional Background: Dr. Steinhoff’s PhD in Strategic Entrepreneurship and extensive experience in entrepreneurship and digital space management demonstrate his deep expertise in these fields. His academic achievements and roles in academia bolster his qualifications.
  3. Research Contributions: Dr. Steinhoff has a strong research background with publications in reputable journals, including studies on corporate venturing, business model innovation, and digitization in SMEs. His research is relevant, timely, and contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurship in a digital age.
  4. Teaching and Mentorship: His involvement in teaching and mentorship, particularly in entrepreneurship and problem-solving, reflects his commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and researchers. His work in the HHL DIGITAL SPACE Incubation Program is especially noteworthy.
  5. Industry Engagement: Dr. Steinhoff’s professional experience, including his time as a consultant and his role in managing digital ventures, shows his ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry, which is crucial for impactful research.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Publication Volume: While Dr. Steinhoff has published several impactful papers, increasing the volume of publications in high-impact journals could further strengthen his research portfolio.
  2. Broader Recognition: Expanding his research impact beyond Germany and gaining broader international recognition could enhance his profile for global awards.
  3. Diversification of Research: Although Dr. Steinhoff’s research focuses on relevant areas like corporate venturing and digitization, exploring additional emerging topics in entrepreneurship, such as sustainability or AI-driven business models, could diversify his research contributions.

Education 

Dr. Maurice M. Steinhoff’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to the study of entrepreneurship and management. He earned his PhD in Strategic Entrepreneurship from HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management in 2022, where his research focused on entrepreneurial actions and business model innovation. Prior to that, he completed an M.A. in Management with a specialization in Strategic Management and Organizations from Europa University, Flensburg, Germany, in 2018. His foundation in the field was laid with a B.Sc. in Information Systems from the University of Applied Sciences, Flensburg, Germany, in 2016. Additionally, Dr. Steinhoff broadened his global perspective by participating in the DAAD Exchange Program in 2014, attending a Spring School on Business Models, IT, and Logistics in Douala, Cameroon. His educational background equips him with a robust understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship and strategic management.

Experience

Dr. Maurice M. Steinhoff brings a wealth of professional experience to his role as Head of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. Since 2022, he has also served as Co-Founder and Managing Director of HHL DIGITAL SPACE, where he oversees digital transformation initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures. Previously, from 2020 to 2022, Dr. Steinhoff was the Lead Incubation Manager at HHL DIGITAL SPACE, where he guided startups through critical early stages of development. His experience also includes a tenure as a Research Associate at the Chair of Strategy & Digital Entrepreneurship at HHL, where he contributed to cutting-edge research in digital entrepreneurship. Dr. Steinhoff’s career began in the industry as a Consultant at MAC IT-Solutions in Flensburg, Germany, from 2014 to 2018, and as a Founder of Project Interactive from 2012 to 2014, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit from an early stage.

Research Focus 

Dr. Maurice M. Steinhoff’s research is centered on the intersection of corporate venturing, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. His work explores how businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), can innovate and adapt in the digital age. A significant part of his research focuses on business model innovation, investigating how companies can evolve their strategies to remain competitive in rapidly changing markets. Dr. Steinhoff is particularly interested in the success metrics of corporate venturing, aiming to develop frameworks that help organizations measure and enhance their entrepreneurial activities. His research also delves into the entrepreneurial actions of both novice and experienced entrepreneurs, offering insights into the different approaches taken at various stages of venture creation. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications, Dr. Steinhoff’s research contributes to the broader understanding of strategic entrepreneurship and its role in driving innovation and growth in the digital economy.

Publication Top Notes

📊 Digitalisierung im sächsischen Mittelstand – Status Quo, Bedarfe und Ableitungen (2019)

📈 Measuring the success of corporate venturing: Integrating three decades of research (2021)

🌐 Facebook and the creation of the metaverse: Radical business model innovation or incremental transformation? (2022)

🏨 A Framework for Business Model Innovation in the Tourism Industry (2022)

🚀 Acting beyond concepts: A comparative study of entrepreneurial actions between novice and experienced entrepreneurs in early-stage venture creation (2024)

Conclusion:

Dr. Maurice M. Steinhoff is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his leadership in entrepreneurship, significant research contributions, and active role in both academic and industry settings. While he has areas where further development could be beneficial, such as increasing his publication volume and broadening his research focus, his current achievements make him a compelling contender for this recognition.