SIMS Annual International Research Conference, 14-16 December, 2017

Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Pune inaugurated its 8th Annual International Research Conference (SIMSARC) on 14th December 2017. The theme for SIMSARC 2017 is “Government Initiatives for Transforming India: Implications on Business and Society”.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Hon'ble Vice Chairman, NITI Ayog, the Chief Guest for the inaugural function wished SIMS on its 8th Successful SIMSARC Conference and added that he wishes the young research minds to contribute in transforming India through Govt. Initiatives by means of any suggestions or Ideas. He said Niti Ayog serves as an open action funnel with its mouth opened towards Society that takes Suggestions and ideas from the society and includes all relevant ideas into the system. He said that any research that can be practically implied in the making of country is a powerful research.

Dr. S. B. Mujumdar Hon’ble Chancellor, Symbiosis International Deemed University presiding the event said “If you want to know what Pune thinks tomorrow; you should know what Symbiosis thinks today” He was very impressed by the topic that was chosen for the conference. He said “This shows how vibrant and active is symbiosis for having organised such event. He further added that in order to uplift the country, Govt. and private has to come together and only then the change is possible. We also need to tap the Indian youths as these are Ignited minds that are going to be policy makers for tomorrow.

Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar - Pro Chancellor Symbiosis International Deemed University graced the occasion and while addressing to the audience said “SIMSARC is one of the most prestigious research conference of Symbiosis International Deemed University. This is the 8th year and it has been continuously improving by the quality of research presentations and papers each year”. She talked about the brightest lot of students that come to Symbiosis through Snap entrance test and highlighted the importance for the Government to work with youngsters in Government Initiatives as these young Minds come from different Culture, background and region and in order to make the Govt initiatives successful it is imperative that we have a blend of Govt. and academics. She said “We now endeavour to connect with Govt. Initiatives”

Dr Rajani Gupte Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International Deemed University graced the occasion and highlighted the Importance of research especially in uplifting Rural India.

Brig. (Dr.) Rajiv Divekar, Director, SIMS; the conference Chairperson said “You need to transform yourself to transform India. If every Individual citizen transforms oneself India will be transformed and we will get a country, we dream about and want”. He further added “India is poised to transform into a greater better cleaner digital and better governed country through the various Govt. Initiatives taking place”

Dr. Arti Chandani, faculty SIMS and the Conference Convener said “The student Managers at SIMS are highly interested in Research and we as faculty while teaching them also highlight the Importance of research and the impact that they would have if their thoughts will be supported by evidences that they find through research.”

The government has launched an array of initiatives which are aimed at making India a better country to live in. These initiatives are in different fields and the focus of these initiatives is to bring the lower strata of society into the main stream of India It would also foster the growth and development in the business world in terms of: increase in speed, improve in governance and ease of doing business through various technology and techniques. These initiatives present a plethora of opportunities but it comes with a host of challenges and SIMSARC’17 will serve as the platform where the opportunities, challenges and the solutions to meet these challenges will be discussed by the delegates and dignitaries through their research papers publications and case studies.

The objective is to provide a special forum to present and discuss management of business under the umbrella of the 'Government Initiatives for Transforming India' and to facilitate sharing of multidisciplinary research based knowledge amongst researchers, academicians and students. Over 151 papers were reviewed by the double blind peer review out of which 102 papers have been shortlisted to be presented over these 2 days of research meeting.

The two day deliberations are divided into four sub themes revolving around the central theme of the conference. These sub themes are specially selected as they have maximum impact on business and society namely: Energy & Environment, Rural India: Prospects and Challenges, Sustainable Infrastructure: Impetus for Growth, Capacity Building: the future is now.

To give a holistic perspective on each of these sub themes an array of experts from Industry, Govt. , Society and academics such as Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Hon'ble Vice Chairman, NITI Ayog, Mr. Debasish Mallick, DMD, EXIM bank, Dr. Kishore Kulkarni, Metropolitan State university of Denever, USA, Dr. Rajendra Khandekar, Metropolitan State university of Denever, USA, Dr. Ravi Seethamraju, University of Sydney, Australia, Mr. Vinayak Pandit, CEO, PAKO Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Popat Rao Pawar, Hiware Bazar, Shri Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, NSDC, Shri Rajendra Jagtap, CEO, Pune Smart City, Mr. Pradeep Lokhande, Founder & CEO, Rural Relations, Shiv Kumar Shukla, Assistant Director, FICCI, will be sharing their knowledge and experience.