Accounting Faculty Nermeen Shehata Receives Abdul Hameed Shoman Arab Researchers Award

“I believe that as a qualified scholar, a faculty member should have an impact and engage in the theoretical debate about contemporary issues that are of interest to academics, practitioners and policymakers,” said Nermeen Shehata, associate professor of accounting and director of El-Khazindar Business Research and Case Center (KCC).

Shehata has recently received the Abdul Hameed Shoman Arab Researchers Award in the Economics and Administration Sciences category on the topic “Financial Solutions and Creative Innovations in Emerging Markets” for her research on corporate governance and its impact on the development of capital markets, especially in emerging economies.

Established in 1982 by the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, the Shoman Award aims to support and highlight scientific research throughout the Arab world and is awarded in recognition of distinguished scientific outcome of both scientific and social value. This year, 13 Arab researchers were awarded among 477 candidates within the award’s six fields: medical and health sciences, engineering sciences, communication systems engineering, arts, humanities, social and educational sciences, technological and agricultural sciences, and economic and administration sciences.

In her research, Shehata highlights that accounting practices in a given country play a central role in developing its economy through various means, one of which is influencing the quality of information disclosed by firms. By disclosing relevant and transparent information about firms, the development of financial markets is supported, enhancing international trade and foreign investments between countries, and positively influencing the economy at large.

“I am extremely honored and proud to receive the prestigious Abdul Hameed Shoman Arab Researchers Award in the Economics and Administration Sciences category. I have particular interest in corporate governance, as it is a multidisciplinary topic that can have an impact on corporate disclosure practices, financial reporting and financial performance,” said Shehata. “Corporate governance will, in turn, affect the development of capital markets, especially in emerging markets.”

Shehata focuses on two important pillars of corporate governance; financial and non-financial disclosure, and board diversity. She’s also keen on studying developing countries, especially in the MENA region, where she believes there is a “dearth of research” that addresses developing versus developed countries.

Shehata holds a PhD in Management (Accounting concentration) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from Aston University, UK, and MSc and BSc (highest honors) in Accounting from the Faculty of Commerce, English section, Cairo University, Egypt. She is a certified trainer by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for SME Governance and Women on Boards and in Business Leadership, and a certified corporate director by the Egyptian Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), as well as a Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE) by the Chartered Association of Business Schools, UK.