Industry, academia meet on Managing in Recovering Markets at MDI Gurgaon

New Delhi: MDI Gurgaon, one of the top Business schools in India, wrapped up its fifth Global Conference on the theme of “Managing in Recovering Markets” from 11th to 13th March, 2015. The three-day conference provided a sturdy platform for research papers, views and discussions from some of the most eminent researchers, media persons, business practitioners, academicians, entrepreneurs and policy-makers of the country. The event saw 200 delegates attend the myriad presentations, panel discussion and research workshop with participation of more than 50 Indian and international premier academic institutions.

Welcomed by Prof. C P Shrimali, Director MDI, the conference was inaugurated on 11th March by Chairman, MDI, Mr. Malay Mukherjee. In line with the successful series of conferences conducted so far, the fifth edition saw overwhelming participation from industry as well as academia delving in to crucial questions that challenge the evolving environment today. The occasion saw noted speakers like Prof. Jagdeep Chhokar, Former Professor Dean at IIM, Ahmadabad and now founder member of Association for Democratic Reforms and Mr. D. Shivakumar, CEO of Pepsico India hold forth on the role of education and the importance of adapting oneself to the unending changes respectively. Prof. Rajen Gupta, Professor of Organizational Behaviour and Conference Chairperson was also seen encouraging participants to make the most of the opportunity to interact with researchers across geographies.

The research symposium on March 12th that explored the ‘Paradigms and methods for innovative research’ witnessed an enriching exchange of thoughts between management disciplines on the scope of research. It gave a platform for young research scholars from MDI to sharpen their skills. The CXO panel discussion moderated by Prof. Rajen Gupta held on the same day on the topic, ‘Building bridges between industry and academia’ was insightful, dignified by representatives from multiple industry segments. The conference ended amidst great enthusiasm and spirited conversation with a cultural show by Dr.Shukla and troupe, followed by dinner.

The valedictory session of the conference was held on March 13, 2015. Eminent guests at the session were Prof. Sushil, Professor at IIT-Delhi and Mr. Anurag Batra, Chairman, GBN Media and Business World.

Gracing the session, Mr Anurag Batra said, “India is a cynosure of global industry. The expectations from India have resulted in the increase in opportunity for the budding entrepreneurs here. Today India has an ecosystem where everyone can become planned entrepreneurs and utilize the opportunity with the predictive behaviour”

Prof. Sushil advised the researchers to adapt to the dynamic ecosystem and be flexible to the changes around them.

The event ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Rajen Gupta highlighting MDI as thought leaders and change masters. He expressed his gratitude towards the director, conference committee, administration and the scholars for the successful conference.

Over 120 research papers were chosen as part of the proceedings with 60 papers presented by over 125 participants. ‘Finance for 21st century markets’, ‘Banking Post the Financial Meltdown’, and ‘Sectoral growth issues in recovering markets’ were the themes for paper presentations on the first day. The consequent day played host to research papers on ‘Talent Acquisition and Management’, ‘Managing Human Capital-I’, ‘Investors and Investments in recovering markets’, ‘Green Marketing and Strategy’, ‘Employee engagement and learning’ etc. The last day ended the presentation series with topics covered in the form of ‘Risk management for recovering markets’, ‘Service sector management’, ‘Strategic human resource management and leadership’, ‘Consumer behaviour’ and ‘Insurance and Micro-Finance’.

Exquisitely-designed in accordance with the current scenario and aimed at providing a cutting-edge platform for sharing new ideas and opinions on burning topics, the fifth Global Conference by MDI provided ample opportunities for business networking and collaborations among Indian and International institutions including an ice-breaking session for delegates and researchers. It fostered intriguing and stimulating discussions that paved the way for fresh and innovative views from thought leaders.