Good day, Ahmad Hasan. I'm Arjun. I've had a look through your background and your professional record. I'm interested in hearing more about your work and how you see yourself fitting in here with our faculty. Ready to start?

Yeah. Thank you very much, Arjun for giving me an opportunity to introduce myself. Uh, as you already know, my name is Ahmad Hassan and I have recently been awarded with my PhD in Commerce with a specialization in finance. Prior to that, I have completed MBA in Financial Management and Bachelors in Commerce honors from Aligarh Muslim University. I have authored UH-5 research papers out of them. 2 are Scopus indexed and out of that one is ABDCC category and one is ABS one.

Please

Other research papers are either Scopus, INDICT or UGC care indexed. Well I have. I am currently I am working at an IT Business School Greater Noida. From last one year precisely to be from last 10 to 11 months, I have been taking courses of financial management, Financial market and institutions and security market analysis and portfolio management. Well, as a faculty at VIT Business School, I would like to contribute.

To this great institution by using my skills and expertise which I have in the area of financial management and finance and by using case based methods and the modern teaching philosophies which are being used globally which is required for the global accreditations at this point of time.

Thank you for sharing that, Professor. Could you elaborate on how your experience and methods align with fostering student engagement and deeper learning in the context of financial management? For example, how do you incorporate modern teaching philosophies or case-based methods in your current teaching?

We'll see. Modern teaching philosophies is a very important part of the modern teaching methods nowadays as the world is growing at a rapid pace and we are seeing rapid changing markets which requires modern teaching methods along with the cases which we have been gone through in the past and which will be. Uh, which will be one of the most important aspects how decisions will be taken under uncertainty by the students who will be financial leaders after our teaching. So the importance of modern teaching methods by using case based methods is one of the important aspects which we should cover upon in teaching methods and the teaching methods to the students which will impart it practically in the real.

All scenarios. So I use, uh, case based methods and, uh, the simulations and the market real, real world market, uh, starts, which are going online on the different platforms. To and to make understand the students, the more the real world scenarios of the market and the financial aspects which are there in the market along with the cases.

And the and the theoretical aspects which we have to cover in modern teaching methods.

Thank you for that explanation, Professor. With your emphasis on modern teaching methodologies and case-based approaches, how do you ensure that students grasp the foundational theories in finance while also preparing them for dynamic real-world scenarios? Specifically, could you give an example of how you've balanced these two aspects in a recent course?

Uh, see, uh, in modern teaching method, it is one of the most important aspect that how we, uh, distribute the time, which we have, uh, the how, how we distribute the time of teaching into modern, uh, case based methods along with the foundational theories of finance. So see, uh, as the, as the modern teaching philosophy goes on, we have.

A. We have a class in which we first discuss about the.

Foundational theories of the finance, and then we explain it with the cases which are related to those foundational theories and move over. Uh, nowadays we also adopt if there is certain. Recent case which which happened in a specific area of foundational theory which is related to that specific companies or firms which we go through through the news, news articles and other medium of news which we get. So we, I, I as a I as a teacher use these methods that I impart. First I go through the foundational theories of finance and I then I give us the examples from the cases. And then those cases are being given to the students and then we have a discussion on those cases and what are their point of view on those specific cases which they have gone through and what will be their decision in that particular situation. If they would have been in that situation and they would have been the manager or the authority to manage those situations which are there in the cases, what decision would have taken under those uncertainties or on those situations?

Which we have discussed in that case.

That’s a well-structured approach, Professor. Your focus on foundational theories, followed by case-based analysis and student discussions, seems like an effective way to blend theory with practice. How do you assess whether students have developed the required analytical skills to make sound decisions under uncertainty? Do you use specific metrics or evaluation techniques for this?

Uh, well, uh, evaluation of the teaching which we are imparting to students is one of the most important aspects. So, uh, well, when we are having a discussion regarding the cases which we have discussed with the students, we also have certain discussions and we evaluate what methods they have they will impart if they would have been in the situations when then we also have analysis regarding. Uh, the answers which students give us regarding that specific situations. And then we evaluate. And then we also, uh, uh, mod mod moderate, uh, the moderate the methods or the OR the solutions which students will give, whether they are applicable in the real world situations or not. So this is one of the part one another evaluation part of the, uh, teaching methods which we impart that we are evaluating the. Decision making process.

Of the students which they would have used if they they are in this in that specific situation. So it is one of the aspects of teaching that we evaluate and moderate and as a teacher in in this method of teaching, rather than being a teacher, I also act as a moderator and facilitator to be at the right decision according to the foundational financial theories and the real world market situations which. Require.

Less attention of the students and the most effective solution which they would have taken in that specific scenario.

Thank you, Professor, for detailing your evaluation approach. It’s evident that you focus on critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Building on this, how do you ensure inclusivity in your teaching methods, particularly for students who might grasp financial concepts at different paces or prefer different learning styles?

Well, uh, see, as I mentioned in my previous answers that, uh, there is always a discussion regarding the, each solution, which is students gives as we are having classroom discussion based upon the groups which we make, which usually we make, we make like groups in the classes. And, uh, it's, it's right. It's a very important question that different students will have different level of understanding and the pace of learning which they would go through.

So the group discussions and group discussions plays a very important role in in learning methods for the students. So we are having group discussions regarding the cases which we discussed so that we are able to let those students learn through peer learning and understand the concepts through peers. And moreover, we also have a discussion in which we directly intervene. Ask the students how they can better understand it. There may be certain understanding problems, there may be slow learners. So we have I, I myself make a different approach like I focus on those students who are a little slow learners to that they should understand it better and can have a another session on what their problems are, what they are not able to understand. So peer learning method. Special sessions for slow learners and the and some other method. Pathologies which?

I can use for certain other methodologies to those students who are having certain challenges. They may have challenges in understanding the analytical aspects of the financial foundation theories, or they may have language problems, so I may use those specific methods to improve their learning. In the class.

That's an admirable approach, Professor—actively addressing diverse learning needs while fostering peer collaboration and individualized attention. It shows genuine commitment to student development. Let’s pivot slightly: in guiding students through research or projects in finance, how do you ensure that they approach topics with academic rigor while also embedding real-world relevance? Could you share an example of how you've facilitated such guidance effectively?

Uh, yes. Uh, see if, uh, it is one of the very important and challenging part of the modern traditional, uh, teaching practices that we are imparting research and analysis and the students are learning in a very rigorous way that whatever we are teaching, they are getting it in the right way. For example, if we are teaching, uh, capital structure theories to the student, we'll start with the foundational theories, which are.

Income approach, net operating income approach, the traditional capital structure theories, then the Modi, Gilani Miller approach, and then the pecking order theories and the other relevant theories, foundational theories of the capital structure. Then further, after explaining the capital structural theories, foundational theories, I'll move on to the real world capital structures which companies are following, for example. The tech based companies which are existing in the Indian subcontinent, if we talked about India.

India, the tech based companies are having a different kind of capital structure as their capital needs are different as we do not require a lot of funds to invest in the manufacturing industry or setting up a plant or machinery. Rather they have a service based system so they are able to maintain their capital structure move with most of the They are most they are more funded by equity rather than acquiring debt. Moreover, if we go to the manufacturing.

Informs they require capital for expanding the plant and machinery to ramp up the production and which is a requirement of the competition in the market. So this is what I explained to the students that adequate capital structure is the one which increases the market value of a company, for example, increasing the value of market share of a specific company. That is the optimum capital structure. So this is the way I which.

By which I explains that the real world scenario is according to the requirement of which is an optimum optimum capital structure is the one which maximizes the form value. So I give examples directly from the real world, uh forms which are operating in the market so that they are able to gain it that different market, different business types may have a different optimum capital structure.

Thank you, Professor. That’s a strong example of blending theoretical rigor with practical, industry-relevant insights. Your use of real-world examples like tech-based and manufacturing firms provides students with a tangible way to interpret complex financial concepts. One final question on this topic: How do you encourage students to critically evaluate and question the applicability of foundational theories—such as Modigliani-Miller—when applied to specific industries or companies? This often requires challenging assumptions, which is critical in research. How do you foster such critical thinking?

Uh, Wells, uh, it is one of the very important questions which we have asked as Modi Gilani Miller approach itself is having certain assumptions which are not applicable in the real world. So these foundational theory gives you an understanding how the market works and how the capital structure of the companies should be and what are the things which, uh, as a decision maker, as a financial thinker or a. Or a future finance manager. Or a CEO of a company.

That what are the situations, what are the different assumptions which are there in a foundational theory and are they really applicable in the real world. So they have to critically examine the situations that up to what extent those assumptions which we have gone, we have learned in the foundational theories are applicable in the world, up to and what extent they are applicable. And the decisions should be taken accordingly, as you know.

Real world situations are different that the capital market is never perfect so accordingly they have to take decisions by critically examining the assumptions and the real world situations which are there in the market and similarly their decisions under that specific situation should be. Taken considering the real world situation and real world assumptions and the real world scenarios which are there regarding.

The assumptions which we have gone through in the Modi, Gilani, Miller theory.

Thank you for your explanation, Professor. It’s clear that you encourage students to scrutinize theoretical models in the context of real-world imperfections, fostering critical thinking and practical application—a commendable balance. Let’s now move toward verifying the breadth and depth of your expertise. I'll focus on specific financial and pedagogical skills essential for this role. Let's proceed. Please elaborate on your approach to guiding student projects or research, particularly when they encounter ambiguity or lack clarity in their direction or objectives. How do you intervene effectively?

Uh, important and most, uh, use method is to 1st understand and listen to the challenges which students are facing in guide in understanding the problem and understanding the understanding the aspects of that project which students are going through. So it is one of the most important thing that I should go through the challenges which students are facing. And upon those challenges, I will wait that what are the most, uh, important challenges? I will.

See if the students are having ambiguity and they are not able to understand well the most.

I'll read that which are the challenges which students are facing the most. So I'll give situations accordingly that if they are having ambiguity, I'll give clarity regarding the challenges which they are facing. For example, if they are having certain challenges in understanding, I'll give them a way out and I'll let them explore that. These are the methods by which you can. Reduce your ambiguity or clear your ambiguity regarding the projects which you are working upon.

And I'll inform the methods by which they can. They can with the method which they can apply to reduce the ambiguity and the problems which they are facing in executing the projects or research work which they are applying. I'll tell different methodologies. For example, if they are having certain certain problems in understanding the concept and applicability, I'll explain that they have a method to go through the existing literature to understand that.

What are the applicability of the specific problem? What are the foundational theories? And then I'll again. Ask them to come back and seek a feedback that what an up to and how much extent their ambiguity and challenges have been resolved. And if there are further any, I'll keep on following up and will motivate them to further find out the solution by my by themselves if still there is some time constraints regarding the project completion.

I will myself intervene in the challenges and the ambiguity which they are having and will solve them by collaborating with them.

Thank you, Professor. Your thoughtful approach in addressing student ambiguity through listening, exploring methodologies, and iterative feedback reflects your dedication to fostering research skills and project clarity. These qualities are valuable in nurturing future financial professionals. Let’s move to another critical aspect of this role. Research publications are a key marker of academic rigor for a Finance Professor. Could you summarize your experiences in publishing research in reputed journals, particularly highlighting any work related to financial analytics or financial management?

Yes, surely. See, I mentioned in my introduction that I have published 5 research papers and out of them.

Two of them are Scopus indexed and one is uh ABDCC category and one is ABS one and others are UH. Scopus is indexed in Scopus. So one of the paper in which I have used financial analytics is UH.

Uh, the deco uh, I have published that it is one of the decoding the complex relationship between.

Uh, financial management and carbon emissions. So in this, it is a bibliometric study. I have analyzed all the researches which have focused upon the carbon financial development causing carbon emissions and I have focused upon the emerging economies. So this was one of the aspects in which I have used uh, financial development causing.

Carbon emissions. Apart from that, I have another empirical, uh, study in which I have focused upon finding out the determinants of venture capital investments in emerging economies. So it is also, uh, scoped in index. So I have, uh, uh, selected the emerging economies and have worked upon using, uh, different statistical tools and have used panel data analysis and have extracted data data regarding the venture.

Capital investments in Southeast Asian economies and have find out what are the basic determinants and what are the determinants of venture capital investments in that specific countries.

Well, if we talk about the policy in emerging economies as, uh, if you believe India is one of the most emerging economy in the world and we are facing one of the deadliest challenges, which is a carbon emissions and the, the research which we focused upon, uh, bibliometric analysis on financial development and carbon emission focus that there is a considerable amount of carbon emission which is caused due to the financial.

Thank you for sharing, Professor. Your publications demonstrate a strong focus on key aspects of financial analytics, such as the intersection of financial development and environmental impact, as well as determinants of venture capital investments in emerging economies. Both topics highlight real-world applicability and academic depth. Continuing with your research experience: how do you ensure that your work contributes to both academic advancement and practical relevance for industry or policy-making? For instance, the bibliometric study on carbon emissions—how do you envision its findings informing industry practices or policymaking in emerging economies?

Financial.

Using the carbon emissions in the country which is our one of the sustainable development goals and it is one of the most important aspect that we should keep focus upon and it is very relevant for policy making in the current scenario as we will be facing several very deeper challenges if we are not making any policy regarding the carbon emissions and financial development. So this work is very relevant for the policy making in our country itself.

Inclusion So there is a very important aspect which we should consider and we should take action upon. Considering that there should be more focus upon the sustainable finance as as India is having one of the largest population. So to cope up with the population and density challenges, our focus should be more upon the sustainable finance policies as it will definitely lead to.

Thank you, Professor, for emphasizing the link between financial development, sustainability, and policy considerations. The focus on sustainable finance and its alignment with India's development goals underscores the importance of your work in addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges. Now, let us turn to your experience with teaching courses. Can you provide a concise overview of how you structure your course syllabi to balance theoretical depth and practical application? Specifically, could you use one of your previously taught courses, such as "Security Market Analysis and Portfolio Management," as an example?

Well, uh, I take, uh, foundational financial theories along with the cases and the real world situations. If I also go through the real world situation which are going at particular time of particular time in which I am teaching and I, uh, take real world examples, case methods and the foundational theories and structure it in the number of lectures which I would be taking to a specific course.

Understood, Professor. Your combination of foundational theories, real-world examples, and case-based teaching ensures students gain both academic and practical perspectives. In structuring "Security Market Analysis and Portfolio Management," how do you allocate time between teaching theoretical frameworks—like CAPM or Efficient Market Hypothesis—and practical sessions involving simulations or real-time portfolio analysis? How do you ensure students grasp both essential aspects effectively?

Our scheduled time for the interview is now up. Before we conclude, do you have any questions related to the role or the company?

Uh, no other rules and uh, description of the company is already being defined and mentioned to us. I do not, uh, require information from your side. Thank you very much.

Yes, yes, I, I, I was left with one of the questions which you have asked and I even forgot that I as you asked something else.

Thank you, Professor. I appreciate the insights you've shared throughout the interview regarding your teaching philosophies, research work, and contributions to the field of finance. It was a pleasure speaking with you. If you're ready to conclude the interview, can you confirm that we may now end the session?

Uh, well, can you please repeat the last question which you have asked?

Noted, Professor. If you'd like, you can address the question now, or clarify anything further before we end the session. Let me know how you'd prefer to proceed.

Certainly, Professor. The last question was: In structuring "Security Market Analysis and Portfolio Management," how do you allocate time between teaching theoretical frameworks—such as CAPM or the Efficient Market Hypothesis—and practical sessions involving simulations or real-time portfolio analysis? How do you ensure students effectively grasp both aspects?

Uh, we'll see, uh, my eye structure the class into three parts. For example, if I am having a class of 90 minutes, I'll take 30 minutes to explain the foundational theories and then I'll explain, uh, the real world examples which are going through. For example, if I am having, if I am explaining the security, uh, cap capital asset pricing model, I'll first go through the.

Website of National Stock Exchange and will select and stock and then I'll explain how they can calculate the expected rate of return towards a specific asset which is listed on the National Stock Exchange or the Bombay Stock Exchange. And then the half hour I have explained theory half hour, I'll go through that this part and the last part, the last 30 hours will be for the discussion which the case I have already shared to them.

A day before, uh, for that specific case which we are going to discuss, I'll distribute it in this manner.

Thank you for clarifying, Professor. Your structured approach—balancing theory, real-world application using tools like stock exchange platforms, and case-based discussions—provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. It’s an effective way to blend academic rigor with practical relevance. If there’s nothing further you’d like to address, shall we proceed to conclude the interview?

Yes, please proceed to conclude the interview.