Omar Farooque | Accounting and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Omar Farooque | Accounting and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of New England, Australia

Associate Professor Omar Al Farooque is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of accounting and finance, with a career spanning over three decades across Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Japan. He currently serves at the UNE Business School, University of New England, Australia. Renowned for his expertise in corporate governance, financial performance, and sustainability reporting, Dr. Farooque has published extensively in high-ranking peer-reviewed journals and actively contributes to editorial boards of international publications. He is a dedicated research supervisor, having guided numerous PhD and Master’s candidates to successful completion. His leadership extends to academic governance, curriculum design, and professional program accreditation. A Fellow of CPA Australia, IPA, and IAAER, he also plays a key role in academic promotion and disciplinary panels. His contributions to research, teaching excellence, and institutional service have earned him significant recognition, including the 2023 EMCR Research Excellence Award, solidifying his reputation as a global thought leader.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Omar Al Farooque holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, where his dissertation focused on the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance. He was awarded a prestigious Targeted PhD Scholarship during his study. He also earned a Master of Economics from Osaka City University, Japan, supported by a Japanese Government Scholarship, where he specialized in capital market development with an emphasis on the Japanese Main Bank System. Prior to that, he completed both his Bachelor of Commerce (with Honours) and Master of Commerce from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, graduating with First Class honors and high academic distinction—ranking 1st and 2nd in order of merit, respectively. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his extensive global academic and research career. His diverse educational background across Asia and Oceania adds significant depth to his interdisciplinary and international research approach.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Omar Al Farooque has over 30 years of academic and professional experience, currently serving as Associate Professor of Accounting at the UNE Business School, University of New England, Australia. His career has included previous academic roles at the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Dhaka, where he held positions ranging from Lecturer to tenured Associate Professor. His leadership roles have spanned program coordination, department head, and committee chair positions, contributing to curriculum reform, professional accreditation, and research development. Beyond academia, he served as an executive officer in the corporate sector during the early stages of his career. His professional affiliations with CPA Australia, IPA, and CA ANZ reflect his strong integration of academic theory with practical relevance. He has also served as a CPA Disciplinary Tribunal Member and external examiner for universities abroad, showcasing his influence in shaping accounting education and governance internationally.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Farooque’s research interests are wide-ranging and deeply interdisciplinary, with a core focus on corporate governance, financial reporting quality, sustainability/CSR disclosure, executive compensation, and audit quality. He also explores emerging domains such as circular economy, institutional quality, public policy, and business ethics. His work investigates how board dynamics, ownership structures, and institutional environments impact financial outcomes and organizational transparency. He is especially known for empirical studies drawing on international data, offering comparative insights across developed and emerging economies. His recent work examines post-merger firm value, the role of CSR in crisis contexts, and executive behavior under regulatory frameworks. He has published in leading journals like Journal of Cleaner Production, Emerging Markets Review, and Public Administration Quarterly. Dr. Farooque’s integrative research approach helps bridge academia, industry, and public policy, offering significant contributions to both scholarly advancement and practical application in global financial and governance systems.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Omar Al Farooque has received multiple accolades in recognition of his excellence in research and teaching. Notably, he was awarded the 2023 Dean’s Early-Mid Career Research Excellence Award by the Faculty of SABL at the University of New England. His commitment to innovative pedagogy has earned him several UNE Business School Excellence in Teaching Awards, including commendations for his work in financial accounting. Earlier in his academic journey, he received prestigious scholarships such as the Japanese Government Scholarship for his Master’s in Japan and the Targeted PhD Scholarship from Victoria University of Wellington. He also held the title of Honorary Professor at Shandong Institute of Business and Technology, China. His extensive service in editorial roles and as a disciplinary tribunal member with CPA Australia further reflect the professional esteem he commands. These honors underline his dual impact as a leading researcher and an influential academic leader.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Farooque possesses a strong and comprehensive research skill set, evidenced by his prolific publication record in ABDC and SJR-ranked journals. He is adept in quantitative research methodologies, regression analysis, and panel data econometrics, often employing cross-country datasets to examine corporate governance and financial transparency issues. His ability to develop theoretical frameworks and apply them to real-world policy and business questions demonstrates academic depth and practical relevance. He has strong skills in manuscript editing, peer review, and collaborative interdisciplinary work. As an editorial board member and associate editor for multiple journals, he critically evaluates research across various accounting and finance domains. His extensive experience supervising PhD and Master’s theses has further refined his mentoring and research training capabilities. Additionally, he is well-versed in contemporary research tools, citation databases, and ethical publication practices. His analytical rigor, combined with leadership in research training committees, confirms his exceptional research capability and mentorship effectiveness.

Conclusion💡

Associate Professor Omar Al Farooque is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in fields related to corporate governance, accounting, finance, and sustainability research. His academic longevity, supervisory success, leadership in research administration, and strong publication record position him as an outstanding candidate. Minor enhancements in showcasing public engagement, citation metrics, and funding achievements would further elevate his profile.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Comprehensive board diversity and quality of corporate social responsibility disclosure: Evidence from an emerging market
    Authors: N. Katmon, Z.Z. Mohamad, N.M. Norwani, O.A. Farooque
    Year: 2019
    Cited by: 674

  • Title: The governance, risk-taking, and performance of Islamic banks
    Authors: S. Mollah, M.K. Hassan, O. Al Farooque, A. Mobarek
    Year: 2017
    Cited by: 494

  • Title: Board, audit committee, ownership and financial performance – emerging trends from Thailand
    Authors: O. Al Farooque, W. Buachoom, L. Sun
    Year: 2020
    Cited by: 370

  • Title: Corporate governance in Bangladesh: Link between ownership and financial performance
    Authors: O. Farooque, T. Van Zijl, K. Dunstan, A.K.M. Karim
    Year: 2007
    Cited by: 364

  • Title: CSR disclosure, corporate governance and firm value: a study on GCC Islamic banks
    Authors: M.S. Harun, K. Hussainey, K.A. Mohd Kharuddin, O.A. Farooque
    Year: 2020
    Cited by: 313

  • Title: Exploring the impact of internal corporate governance on the relation between disclosure quality and earnings management in the UK listed companies
    Authors: N. Katmon, O.A. Farooque
    Year: 2017
    Cited by: 241

  • Title: Ownership structure, corporate governance and firm performance: Evidence from an African emerging market
    Authors: S. Mollah, O. Al Farooque, W. Karim
    Year: 2012
    Cited by: 180

  • Title: Ownership structure and corporate performance: Evidence from Bangladesh
    Authors: O.A. Farooque, T. van Zijl, K. Dunstan, A.K.M.W. Karim
    Year: 2007
    Cited by: 172

  • Title: Towards a circular economy for sustainable development: An application of full cost accounting to municipal waste recyclables
    Authors: M. Abou Taleb, O. Al Farooque
    Year: 2021
    Cited by: 114

  • Title: Women in the boardroom and their impact on climate change related disclosure
    Authors: M. Hossain, O.A. Farooque, M.A. Momin, O. Almotairy
    Year: 2017
    Cited by: 98

  • Title: Determinants of social and economic reportings: evidence from Australia, the UK and South African multinational enterprises
    Authors: O. Al Farooque, H. Ahulu
    Year: 2017
    Cited by: 93

  • Title: Do governance mechanisms deter earnings management and promote corporate social responsibility?
    Authors: E. Suyono, O.A. Farooque
    Year: 2018
    Cited by: 89

  • Title: Interactive effects of executive compensation, firm performance and corporate governance: Evidence from an Asian market
    Authors: O. Al Farooque, W. Buachoom, N. Hoang
    Year: 2019
    Cited by: 86

  • Title: Insider-trading, discretionary accruals and information asymmetry
    Authors: A. Chowdhury, S. Mollah, O. Al Farooque
    Year: 2018
    Cited by: 77

Sarmad Ejaz | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sarmad Ejaz | Business, Management and Accounting | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of Okara, Pakistan

Sarmad Ejaz is a dedicated and methodical researcher and educator from Pakistan with a strong academic background, holding a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of the Punjab. He currently serves as a Research Assistant in Finance at the University of Okara and as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Management Sciences at the same institution. Sarmad has an impressive track record of published research in high-impact journals, focusing on topics such as sustainability, Islamic work ethics, and green behavior. He has presented his research at multiple international conferences, demonstrating his commitment to both academic growth and global collaboration. His work is characterized by a collaborative approach, with several co-authored papers alongside international scholars. With a passion for teaching and research, Sarmad continues to develop professionally, contributing significantly to his field.

Professional Profile

Education

Sarmad Ejaz completed his higher education at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, where he earned a Master of Commerce (M.Com) with honors, achieving a CGPA of 3.2. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) with honors, securing a CGPA of 3.12. Throughout his academic journey, Sarmad has focused on the fields of commerce, finance, and management, building a solid foundation in business studies that has supported his research and professional endeavors. His education, combined with practical experience, has enabled him to make meaningful contributions to both academia and industry.

Professional Experience

Sarmad Ejaz has a diverse professional background that spans research, teaching, and administration. He currently works as a Research Assistant in Finance at the University of Okara, where he contributes to academic research and supports the development of financial studies. Additionally, Sarmad serves as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Management Sciences at the same university, where he imparts knowledge in business and management disciplines to students. Before his academic roles, he gained experience as an Office Assistant at International Electroplating (PVT) Limited from 2014 to 2019, where he handled administrative responsibilities. His work experience reflects a strong commitment to both research and education, along with the ability to adapt and excel in various professional settings.

Research Interest

Sarmad Ejaz’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of finance, business management, and sustainability. His work explores topics such as green human resource management, sustainable business practices, and the impact of Islamic work ethics on organizational behavior. He is particularly interested in examining how sustainability practices influence firm performance and how environmental strategies can be integrated into business operations. Sarmad also investigates the intersection of corporate social responsibility, employee behavior, and organizational outcomes, focusing on the role of green behavior and leadership in driving environmental performance. His research aims to contribute to both academic knowledge and practical solutions for sustainable business development.

Award and Honor

While Sarmad Ejaz’s profile does not explicitly mention specific awards or honors, his notable achievements in academia, including a robust publication record in high-impact journals and presentations at international conferences, demonstrate his recognition and respect within the academic community. His contributions to research in sustainability, business management, and green practices have positioned him as a promising scholar in his field. His active involvement in various workshops, professional organizations like the American Marketing Association and the American Management Association, and successful collaborative efforts with international researchers also highlight his commitment to professional excellence, further solidifying his reputation as an emerging expert in his areas of research.

Conclusion

Sarmad Ejaz shows substantial potential for the Best Researcher Award based on his strong publication record, commitment to research and education, and active participation in academic communities. His contributions to sustainability, environmental , and business ethics are particularly noteworthy. With further emphasis on increasing his impact through higher-tier journal publications and enhancing citation metrics, he could solidify his standing as a leading researcher in his field. Therefore, he is a promising candidate for this award, with significant achievements already and ample room for growth.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: How Stock Prices Behave in Response to Institutional Development: A Four-Factor Asset Pricing Model
    Authors: Hafeez, A., Jagirani, T.S., Hunt, A.K., Ejaz, S., Ejaz, F.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Leveraging Loss Aversion and Self-Efficacy: The Role of Water Pricing and Risk in Driving Individual Innovation for Sustainable Water Consumption
    Authors: Sohu, J.M., Tian, H., Kherazi, F.Z., Ejaz, S., Hossain, M.B.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Social media usage and sustainable performance in manufacturing supply chains: exploring dynamic capabilities
    Authors: Basit, A., Javed, A., Ejaz, S., Ridwan, A.-R., Ahmed, S.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence from N11 Countries
    Authors: Raza, A., Khokhar, M., Ejaz, S., Júlia, F.Z., Hossain, M.B.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Title: A Firm’s Market Performance: How Does Sustainability Practice Influence It?
    Authors: Babu, M.A., Ejaz, F., Lina, F.T., Hassan, M.K., Hossain, M.B.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Examining pro-environmental behavior through green human resource management and green innovation moderating role of environmental strategy
    Authors: Esponda Perez, J.A., Galindo, S.M., Farooq, M., Ahmed, S., Ejaz, F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Supply chain integration and supply chain performance: evidence from the textile industry
    Authors: Junejo, I., Hossain, M.B., Abid, S., Ejaz, S., Vasa, L.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Factors Affecting on Environmental Strategy in SMEs manufacturing Firms of a developing country: Mediating role of Green Employee Behavior
    Authors: Junejo, I., Saraih, U.N., Perez, J.A.E., Ejaz, F., Hossain, M.B.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Green synergy: unveiling the nexus of green supply chain practices, training and innovation for sustainable manufacturing
    Authors: Javed, A., Li, Q., Ejaz, S., Zita Júlia, F., Hossain, M.B.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Title: Examining the impact of Islamic work ethics on employee voice behavior: mediating effect of felt obligation for constructive change and moderating role of sanctification of work
    Authors: Rubbab, U.-E., Irshad, M., Abid, S., Ejaz, F., Hossain, M.B.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0