This theme resonated with the current global situation, highlighting the need for businesses to adapt and innovate in the face of new challenges and opportunities. The primary objective of the conference was to create a unique platform for the presentation and discussion of research on this critical topic. This facilitated the exchange of knowledge and fostered collaboration between academicians and practitioners, fostering a richer understanding of contemporary business practices.

Organizers and Attendance

The successful organization of the conference was attributed to the dedication and efforts of the ReCon Club (SIMSREE’s research and consulting club). The club, under the expert guidance of Dr. Shriniwas Dhure (Director, SIMSREE) and Dr. Pavan Patil (Research Head, SIMSREE), ensured the smooth running of the event from the planning stages to the execution. The conference witnessed a remarkable turnout, with over 200 individuals joining the discourse. This included:

• Researchers: Eminent researchers, contributing their expertise and knowledge to the conference.
• Faculty Members: Representing various esteemed academic institutions, enriching the discussions with diverse perspectives.
• Industry Experts: Providing valuable insights from their real-world experience, serving as panelists and judges.
• Students: Talented students from renowned institutions like SIMSREE, SJMSOM (IIT-B) and XIMR, participating actively and enhancing the learning environment.

Conference Activities

The two-day event was meticulously planned to offer a diverse range of activities, catering to the varied interests and needs of the attendees.

Day 1: Opening Ceremony:

• The inaugural ceremony commenced with a traditional invocation to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and learning, seeking blessings for wisdom and understanding throughout the conference.
• Dr. Shriniwas Dhure, Director of SIMSREE, delivered a warm welcome address, expressing his appreciation for the participation of the diverse audience and highlighting the importance of the conference theme in the current business landscape.
• The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Dhananjay Kalbande, a prominent figure in the fields of education, research, and entrepreneurship. Mr. Kalbande’s thought-provoking lecture focused on the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, sparking insightful discussions about their potential impact on future business practices.

Research Paper Presentations:

• The heart of the conference, the research paper presentations, were held across three dedicated research tracks (2 Offline and 1 Online). These tracks covered a wide range of topics related to the theme of “Changing Business Practices in the Current Environment,” including:
  • Re-envisioning Financial Services
  • Redefining Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Information System and Digital Business
  • Reimagining Marketing Practices
  • Rethinking the Core: A General Management Perspective
  • Reconceptualizing HR Practices
• Each research track was chaired by esteemed academicians and industry practitioners such as Dr. Tejashree Deshmukh ( Director at PTVA’s Institite of Management, Head-PhD Centre at PTVAIM), Dr. Bernadette D’Silva ( Director, Allana Institute of Management Studies), Dr Manish Verma (Associate Professor and Head Academics at MIE-SPPU Doha Qatar), and many more academicians from prestigious institutes such as SIMSREE, JBIMS, PTVAIM, SNDT, who ensured a high standard of presentations and facilitated productive discussions among participants.
• The presentations were delivered by a talented pool of participants, including researchers, faculty members, PhD scholars, and students from various backgrounds. Their diverse perspectives enriched the conference and provided valuable insights into different aspects of changing business practices.
• To recognize outstanding contributions, the conference awarded prizes to the best papers presented.

International Guest Lecture:

• Mr. Vibhor Saxena, bringing his expertise as a product manager at Meta, a company at the forefront of technological innovation, delivered a captivating international guest lecture at the 11th APIC. His lecture, titled “Metaverse: The Internet of Experiences,” provided participants with a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of technology and its potential impact on various aspects of business and society.

Day 2: Panel Discussion:

• The “Vision Conclave” panel discussion served as a platform for bringing together a distinguished panel of experts from diverse backgrounds to discuss the theme of “Envisioning the Future of Transition in Energy and Sustainable Mobility in India and the World.”
• The panel comprised of:
  • Mr. Manish Agarwal, an Independent Director, Co-founder of AskHow India, and Partner-Leader at Pwc India, serving as the moderator.
  • Mr. Prassann Daphal, CEO of Recycle Karo India and Assistant Vice President at Genpact, sharing insights from the waste management and recycling industry.
  • Mr. Harsh Poddar, Partner at Incremento Business Advisors, offering perspectives on business strategy and development.
  • Ms. Tasneem Doola, Consultant at EY, providing valuable insights from a sustainability and environmental policy perspective.
• The diverse perspectives shared by the panelists sparked insightful discussions and provided the audience with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to transitioning towards a sustainable future for energy and mobility.

Online Research Sessions:

• Research-focused sessions aimed at enhancing research skills were conducted by multiple resource persons like Dr. Shobana Vasudevan, Dr D. P. Singh, Dr Manish Verma and Dr. Nirmala Joshi. The topics included:
  • Redefining research in social sciences and humanities within a digital environment.
  • Research methodology and data analysis techniques.
  • Selecting research topics effectively.
  • Data analysis using JASP software.

EnerVison 1.0: The case study competition:

• The 11th APIC also featured a stimulating case study competition titled “EnerVison 1.0.” This competition, aligned with the conference theme, focused on the evolving electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India.
• The case study, themed “#LithiumRush: Navigating the New Frontier of Indian EVs Ecosystem,” presented a captivating challenge for participating students. It tasked them with devising comprehensive strategies for a leading Indian conglomerate seeking to expand its presence in the rapidly growing EV market.
• After two rounds of meticulous evaluation, the top eight teams were selected to present their devised strategies to a distinguished panel of judges. The panel comprised industry veterans: Mr. Sameeran Karpe (Senior Executive, Global Procurement & Logistics at Unilever) and Ms. Krupali Sanghavi (Head of Operations, Marketing and Business Development at Cosmosoft Ventures).
• Participants, representing esteemed management institutes like SIMSREE, SJMSOM (IIT-B), and XIMR, delved into the complexities of the EV sector demonstrating exceptional analytical and innovative skills, tackling the complex challenges presented by the case study.

Closing Ceremony:

The day concluded with the announcement of the case study competition winners and closing remarks by Dr. Pavan Patil, Prof. Rohan Ahale and Dr. Ashish Pawaskar, expressing gratitude to participants and emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration in building a sustainable future.