Prof Kuan-Chen Chen | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Prof Kuan-Chen Chen | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Professor Kuan-Chen Chen embarked on his academic journey with a profound interest in the intricate dynamics of finance and its intersection with health care systems. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from National Chengchi University, one of Taiwan’s most prestigious institutions known for excellence in business and social sciences. During his doctoral studies, Professor Chen exhibited a keen aptitude for analytical reasoning, quantitative modeling, and an interest in macro and micro-level financial systems. This formative academic experience laid the foundation for a career that would eventually bridge the worlds of finance and healthcare management—a rare and essential confluence in today’s complex health economies.

His early academic work reflected a deep engagement with both theoretical models and empirical data, which allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of how financial principles could be applied to optimize healthcare operations. These academic roots inspired him to explore the evolving financial challenges of healthcare institutions and to delve into research that could influence not only academic scholarship but also real-world practices.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently a Professor in the Department of Health Care Management at the National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences (NTUNHS), Professor Chen brings years of academic rigor and practical insight into the classroom and research laboratory. At NTUNHS, he is deeply involved in teaching, research, and academic leadership, offering specialized courses such as financial management, healthcare management, and hospital performance evaluation. These courses are designed not only to impart knowledge but to cultivate critical thinking among future healthcare managers and policymakers.

In parallel with his academic role, Professor Chen has successfully led multiple government-funded research projects, showcasing his ability to secure competitive grants and apply findings to public policy and institutional reforms. He maintains close ties with the healthcare industry, acting as a collaborative partner and advisor, which reinforces the relevance and applicability of his research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor Chen’s research portfolio reflects a rich blend of finance, healthcare systems, and policy evaluation. His scholarly work has notably explored working capital management, agency costs, economies of scope, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) within hospital settings.

One of his notable research projects, funded by Taiwan’s National Science Council, titled “The Impact of Working Capital Management on Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from Hospitals in Taiwan”, addressed critical concerns surrounding liquidity and resource allocation in healthcare institutions. By empirically assessing how hospitals manage their short-term financial assets and liabilities, this study provided strategic insights into improving financial efficiency and service delivery.

Another significant project, “Agency Costs, Economies of Scope, and Corporate Social Responsibility in Hospitals,” reflects his forward-thinking approach toward integrating CSR into the operational fabric of healthcare organizations. This research explores how broader social objectives can coexist with fiscal accountability and institutional efficiency.

His citation metrics further affirm his scholarly influence:

  • Total Citations: 506

  • Citations since 2020: 309

  • h-index: 13 (10 since 2020)

  • i10-index: 15 (12 since 2020)

These figures highlight the continued relevance and reach of his research across academic and policy-making communities.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While Professor Chen’s career is marked by impactful research and educational contributions, he has also received recognition for his academic leadership and policy relevance. Being entrusted with multiple government-backed projects is a testament to his credibility and the confidence that both academia and public institutions place in his expertise. His role as a principal investigator in projects that examine the financial underpinnings of Taiwan’s hospital system has further established him as a thought leader in health finance.

Moreover, his active engagement with the healthcare industry reflects not just theoretical depth but also practical understanding—an invaluable combination that places him in demand as a consultant, advisor, and speaker.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Professor Chen’s work resonates not just within Taiwan but also has implications for the global discourse on healthcare economics and management. By addressing the dual imperatives of financial sustainability and quality patient care, his research contributes to international conversations on how healthcare systems can navigate the challenges of limited resources, aging populations, and rising costs.

His insights into CSR in hospitals underscore the evolving expectations of healthcare institutions—not merely as providers of clinical services but as socially responsible entities accountable to a wider array of stakeholders, including communities, regulators, and investors.

Through teaching and mentorship, Professor Chen has also cultivated a new generation of scholars and practitioners, many of whom go on to apply his models and methods in diverse institutional settings, thereby multiplying the reach of his impact.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a respected academic and a prolific researcher, Professor Kuan-Chen Chen is poised to continue his influential work at the nexus of healthcare and financial management. His future research is likely to further explore the digital transformation of healthcare finance, value-based care models, and the role of data analytics in improving hospital performance.

With Taiwan and other nations grappling with health financing reforms, Professor Chen’s work will undoubtedly remain central to shaping policy decisions and institutional strategies. His balanced approach—grounded in rigorous analysis yet attentive to real-world application—ensures that his legacy will not only be scholarly but also deeply practical and socially relevant.

Looking ahead, he is set to expand his collaborations, possibly leading cross-national studies, and contributing to global best practices in hospital financial governance. His journey exemplifies how academic excellence, when combined with a sense of purpose, can leave an enduring imprint on both institutions and society at large. 🌟

📝Notable Publications

Healthcare utilization and costs for patients with Parkinson’s disease in Taiwan

Authors: Kuan-Chen Chen, Li-Jung Elizabeth Ku, Ya-Hui Hu, Yu Sun, Alexis Elbaz, Pei-Chen Lee

Journal: BMC Neurology

Year: 2025

Mr. Benjamin Tran-Performance Management-Young scientist Award 

Mr. Benjamin Tran-Performance Management-Young scientist Award 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix-United States

Author profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Benjamin Tran's academic journey began with a strong foundation in engineering, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from The University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2021. This background provided him with a unique perspective, combining technical expertise with a passion for medical research and patient care.

Professional Endeavors

Tran's transition into the medical field has been marked by significant achievements and contributions. As a Research Assistant at the Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine, his focus on Glioblastoma MRI AI Segmentation reflects his commitment to cutting-edge medical technology and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Furthermore, his work as a Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) Mentor and Medical Scribe Trainer showcases his dedication to mentoring future healthcare professionals and optimizing healthcare delivery processes.

Contributions and Research Focus

Tran's research endeavors have spanned various areas, from developing nomograms for prostate cancer risk assessment to implementing Non-Operating Room Anesthesia Workflow (NORA) in interventional radiology settings. His publications and conference presentations underscore his contributions to advancing medical knowledge and improving clinical practices.

Additionally, his involvement in multiple case studies addressing critical medical conditions demonstrates his keen interest in exploring diverse aspects of healthcare, from procedural complications to complex syndromes.

Accolades and Recognition

Tran's academic and research achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Short-Term Research Experiences Advancing Medical Students (STREAMS) NIH T35 Funded Research Grant, recognizing his potential and dedication to medical research.

His presentations at prestigious conferences such as the Radiological Society of North America and Medical Student Research Day at the University of Alabama at Birmingham highlight his ability to disseminate research findings and engage with the medical community.

Performance management is a strategic approach that involves setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, evaluating performance, and developing plans for improvement. It encompasses the processes and systems used by organizations to ensure that employees are effectively contributing to the achievement of organizational goals. This includes defining key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting performance appraisals, identifying areas for development, and implementing performance improvement plans when necessary.

Impact and Influence on Performance Management

Tran's work has had a tangible impact on both academic and clinical realms. His research in AI segmentation for glioblastoma MRI contributes to advancing diagnostic capabilities in neurology, potentially leading to more accurate and timely diagnoses for patients.

His efforts in optimizing anesthesia workflows and addressing postoperative complications through case studies demonstrate his commitment to enhancing healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Tran progresses through his medical education and career, his legacy is poised to be one of innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care. His multidisciplinary background in engineering and medicine equips him with a unique skill set to tackle complex healthcare challenges and drive meaningful advancements in medical technology and practice.

Looking ahead, Tran's future contributions are likely to encompass continued research excellence, mentorship of aspiring healthcare professionals, and active involvement in professional organizations to promote continuous learning and innovation in healthcare delivery.

In summary, Benjamin Tran's journey from engineering to medicine is characterized by a strong academic foundation, impactful research contributions, and a passion for improving patient care. His diverse experiences and achievements position him as a promising leader in the medical field, with a legacy built on innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare for all.

Effective performance management is essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and maximizing employee potential. It involves regular communication between managers and employees, goal alignment with organizational objectives, recognition of achievements, and support for professional growth and development. By implementing robust performance management practices, organizations can enhance productivity, employee engagement, and overall organizational performance.

Notable publications 

Mrs Elahe Pourahmadi-Performance Management-Global Leadership Impact Award

Mrs Elahe Pourahmadi-Performance Management-Global Leadership Impact Award

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences-Iran 

Author profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Elahe Pourahamdi embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Payame Noor University (PNU), focusing on core subjects such as Econometrics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics. This laid the foundation for her keen interest in economic evaluations and statistical analysis. Subsequently, she pursued a Masters's in Health Economics from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, delving into Applied Microeconomics, Data Analysis, and Clinical Trials. Her academic achievements reflect a commitment to mastering a diverse set of skills, from technical economic terminology to advanced data analysis techniques.

Professional Endeavors

Pourahamdi's professional career is marked by a rich tapestry of research, economic evaluations, and statistical analyses. She served as a Research Specialist at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, contributing significantly to projects related to health economics, economic burden, and pay-for-performance initiatives. Her role involved extensive statistical analysis, showcasing her proficiency in tools like Stata, SPSS, R, Eviews, EndNote, and Excel.

Contributions and Research Focus

Pourahamdi's research portfolio is impressive, encompassing a spectrum of topics such as economic evaluations, epidemiology, and cost analyses. Noteworthy publications include studies on willingness to pay for improved healthcare services, economic burden of depression, and cost-effectiveness analyses of various medical interventions. Her research output has been disseminated in reputable journals, contributing valuable insights to the healthcare community.

Accolades and Recognition:

Her dedication and contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. Pourahamdi received recognition for her work, including the publication of her research in esteemed journals. Notably, she was acknowledged with awards like the "Best Researcher Award," underscoring her impact on the academic and research landscape.

Performance leadership is a dynamic and multifaceted approach that involves guiding and inspiring a team to achieve exceptional results. Effective performance leaders are not only adept at setting clear goals and expectations but also excel in fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. They understand the unique strengths of each team member, harnessing these capabilities to drive collective success. Performance leaders prioritize open communication, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing achievements, thereby motivating their teams to reach new heights. By cultivating a positive and empowering work environment, performance leaders instill a sense of ownership and accountability among team members, resulting in sustained high performance and organizational success.

Impact and Influence

Pourahamdi's work has left a lasting impact on health economics, particularly in Iran. Her studies on cost-effectiveness, economic burden, and evaluation of healthcare services have practical implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers. By combining rigorous statistical methods with a deep understanding of health economics, she has contributed to evidence-based decision-making in the healthcare sector.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a seasoned researcher and analyst, Pourahamdi's legacy is characterized by a commitment to advancing knowledge in health economics. Her multidimensional approach, spanning economic evaluations, statistical modeling, and impactful publications, positions her as a thought leader in the field. Looking ahead, Pourahamdi is poised to continue shaping the discourse in health economics, contributing to innovative solutions and evidence-driven policies.

In summary, Elahe Pourahamdi's academic journey, professional contributions, accolades, and future prospects collectively paint a picture of a distinguished researcher and analyst who has significantly influenced the landscape of health economics in Iran.

At its core, performance leadership is about strategic vision, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Leaders in performance management actively engage with their teams, addressing challenges head-on and ensuring that everyone is aligned with organizational objectives. They leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions, adapting strategies as needed to navigate evolving landscapes. Effective performance leaders also foster a growth mindset, encouraging learning and development at both individual and team levels. Through a combination of strategic thinking, motivational skills, and a dedication to continuous improvement, performance leaders play a pivotal role in steering their teams toward success in a competitive and dynamic business environment.

Notable Publications