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. 🌟