Research

Working papers

Enhancing Consumers’ Financial Accessibility with Blockchain-Powered Credit Scoring: A Decentralized Method for Approval of Personal Loans

Joint with Hadiur Hamim, Shohan Joy, Sanjidul Shahin, Ashraful Islam, Sanzar Alam, [Paper Submitted for ICEIS 2025 ]

Abstract: Credit allowance to individuals who are seeking financial opportunities is vital for their growth and sustainability. Traditional credit scoring systems don’t allow them the privilege of getting personal loans, since individuals lack collateral or have a limited financial history. This paper approaches a novel solution that makes use of blockchain technology to overcome these issues and improve individuals' access to financing. The basic benefits of blockchain technology—transparency, security, and decentralization—have the potential to completely transform the credit rating system. By leveraging blockchain, we aim to develop a decentralized credit scoring system that incorporates a wide range of parameters including transaction history, social reputation, and other relevant factors. Moreover, the decentralized credit scoring system ensures data integrity and security, reducing the risk of fraud and manipulation in the credit scoring process.

Adoption of DevOps in Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Joint with Farzana Sadia and Mahady Hasan, PhD [On Going from June 2024]

Abstract: The adoption of DevOps within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) has gained attention as businesses strive to enhance software development efficiency and operational agility.This paper investigates the challenges, methodologies, and outcomes of implementing DevOps practices in SMEs, providing a comprehensive analysis drawn from a mixed-methods approach. By integrating qualitative insights from case studies and interviews, alongside quantitative survey data, the research highlights key strategies SMEs use to overcome barriers in adopting DevOps. The findings reveal the significant role of automation and collaboration in enabling frequent and reliable system updates, while also pointing out common challenges, such as the steep learning curve for staff and the integration of toolchains to accelerate delivery. The study further explores the intersection of structured service management frameworks, such as ITIL, with Agile and Lean practices, and how these facilitate smoother transitions to DevOps in highly structured environments. Ultimately, this research offers practical recommendations for SMEs on how to effectively embrace DevOps, emphasizing the importance of team ownership, flexible methodologies, and the ability to scale DevOps practices according to organizational needs . By shedding light on both the potential benefits and hurdles of DevOps adoption, this paper aims to contribute valuable insights for both industry practitioners and academics focusing on software development in SMEs.