Research and Consulting Club
January 25, 2024 2025-07-23 14:52Research and Consulting Club
Driving the rich legacy of SIMSREE pedagogy ahead and with synergies of SIMSREE’s formerly existing research wing (SMR) and consulting wing (SIMCON) coming together, SIMSREE Research and Consulting club (RECON) is established in the year 2018. The club aims to promote research activities of business students and make them equipped with relevant skillset required to work effectively in consulting firms. In coherence with the objective of the club, RECON arranges several guest lectures for students and thereby promotes Industry Institute Interaction. To promote literary and research work in students, RECON publishes its own research journal and annual magazine. It hosts annual events like Convergence, Asia Pacific International Conference, Paraamarsh and Literathon. Let it be competition related to solving industrial case study, presenting a book review on renowned business books, battling to become a “Bizsquad of the Year” by showing guesstimate skills or presenting research work in international conference, these events substantiate the wide scope and sui generis nature of working of the RECON club.
Email: researchandconsulting@simsree.org
Reports & Insights 2025
12th Asia Pacific International Conference (APIC) 2025: A Convergence of Research, Innovation, and Leadership
The Research and Consulting Club of Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) successfully organized the 12th Asia Pacific International Conference (APIC 2025) on March 10-11, 2025. The two-day event brought together distinguished academicians, industry leaders, and research scholars to discuss pressing global challenges and emerging trends in business, technology, and sustainability.
The conference commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Justin Paul, Provost & Dean at NMIMS, Mumbai, who spoke on “Managing People and Businesses in the Era of Digital Transformation: Synergies and Strategies.” His session highlighted the evolving role of technology in business operations and workforce management. Following this, research scholars presented their latest studies during the Research Papers Presentation, showcasing innovative perspectives on the theme “Changing Business Practices in the Current Environment”. The day concluded with an International Guest Lecture by Prof. Sanjit Roy, Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Research Fellow and Professor of Marketing & Service Science at Edith Cowan University, Australia. He provided valuable insights on “Integrating AI for Enhanced Relationship Marketing Strategies,” shedding light on how artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer interactions and business relationships.
The second day of the conference featured “The Vision Conclave”, a high-profile panel discussion on “ESG in Emerging Markets – Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Leadership and Growth.” The panel comprised industry experts whose discussion provided thought-provoking perspectives on integrating sustainability into business models, regulatory challenges, and the evolving role of ESG in corporate leadership. Another key highlight was “EnerVision 2.0”, the final round of the case study competition themed “#Tech2Treasure: Innovating for a Greener Future.” Finalists presented strategic solutions addressing the growing concern of smartphone e-waste, proposing sustainable solutions to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, online research sessions were conducted by eminent resource persons, equipping participants with enhanced research methodologies and analytical skills.
APIC 2025 successfully fostered meaningful dialogue, bridging academia and industry, and reaffirming its position as a premier platform for research excellence, thought leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
ReCon Club’s Convergence’24: A Unique Business Simulation Competition
In the realm of business acumen and strategic prowess, ReCon Club’s Convergence ’24 stood out as a dynamic arena for aspiring strategists and business enthusiasts to tackle real-time business challenges. The event, organized in collaboration with Cesim, offered participants a unique platform to engage in a business simulation competition, fostering an environment where innovative solutions and strategic insight were paramount.
The competition unfolded in two riveting rounds, the first one being the Micro-Simulation which kicked off on November 15, 2024, and concluded on November 16, 2024. Participants delved into Cesim’s online simulation platform, navigating through intricate business scenarios in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. This phase provided an invaluable opportunity for individuals and teams to make decisions,analyze outcomes, and refine their solutions iteratively.
The Final Simulation, the pinnacle of Convergence ’24, kicked off on November 16, 2024, and reached its climax on November 18, 2024. As participants continued to navigate the dynamic business landscape on Cesim’s platform, their strategic acumen and problem-solving skills were put to the ultimate test.
The competition was more than just a test of intellect; it was a transformative experience of learning, growth and creative expression. Participants embraced the opportunity to navigate diverse scenarios, continuously adjusting their strategies to the dynamic simulation landscape. This iterative approach not only honed their decision-making skills but also provided a realistic glimpse into the complexities of real-world business challenges.
Among the triumphant participants, “Team Supreme” comprising Sumant Patil and Shraddha Kale from Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMSREE) clinched the coveted 1st Place. The 2nd Place was secured by Team “Ritika.Patnaik2023” comprising Ritika Patnaik from Symbiosis Institute of International Business and the 3rd Place was secured by “Team Solver” comprising Rohit Bibwe from SIMSREE, showcasing their remarkable abilities in navigating the simulation landscape.
Convergence ’24 was more than a competition — it was a showcase of strategic insight, problem-solving prowess, and creative innovation. The event offered participants a stage to demonstrate their skills while earning exciting rewards and well- deserved recognition. As Convergence ’24 came to an end, it left behind a legacy of excellence, highlighting the strength of collaborative thinking in addressing complex business challenges.
REPORT: LEAN SIX SIGMA GREEN BELT COURSE BY KPMG
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Hridayankur Dev Sarma
The ReCon Club at SIMSREE conducted the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course in association with KPMG under the guidance of Mr. Hridayankur Dev Sarma, Associate Director at KPMG India Management Consulting. It was a five-day long course covering 35 hours of collaborative and practical learning where 90 students participated. The program, aimed at equipping participants with process improvement methodologies, took place over an intensive week, covering both theoretical concepts and practical applications.
The course introduced the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology, statistical tools, and real-world case studies to enhance problem-solving skills. Mr. Sarma provided deep insights into process optimization, waste reduction, and efficiency improvement, emphasizing data-driven decision-making. Interactive sessions, group discussions, and hands-on exercises helped participants grasp core Lean Six Sigma principles. Key topics included root cause analysis, hypothesis testing, statistical process control, and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA).
Participants engaged in practical exercises using Minitab software, ensuring a strong understanding of data analytics in process improvement.
The training concluded with an assessment, certifying successful candidates as Lean Six Sigma Green Belts. Overall, the course was highly beneficial, equipping attendees with valuable skills to drive operational excellence in various industries.
Report on Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Research Enrichment
The Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Research Enrichment, organized by the Research Cell at the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies Research Education and Entrepreneurship (SIMSREE), Mumbai, was conducted with the objective of enhancing the research acumen of participants. Held from October 5 to November 30, 2024, the FDP consisted of ten meticulously designed sessions and saw the active participation of 93 academicians and researchers from diverse domains.
The programme was facilitated by eminent experts in their respective fields. Dr. Smita Shukla, Director at Alkesh Dinesh Modi Institute of Management, laid the foundation by introducing key concepts of research. Dr. Manish Verma, Associate Professor and Head Academics at MIE-SPPU, Doha, Qatar, provided insights on effective approaches to research. Dr. Bernadette D’Silva, Director at Allana Institute of Management Studies, focused on qualitative research methodologies, while Mr. Parth Salunke, Doctoral Scholar at MICA and Visiting Scholar at the University of Washington, USA, elaborated on systematic literature reviews.
Dr. Nirmala Joshi, Head Research at MET SEVA, MET Institute of Management, highlighted advanced data analysis techniques, and Dr. Sandeep Bhanot, Director I/C at SIES College of Management Studies, explored statistical tests in research. Dr. Jaspreet Kaur, Professor at the Delhi School of Business and EFPM Scholar at IIM Lucknow, introduced NVivo for qualitative data analysis. Dr. Deepika Pandita, Associate Professor at Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, discussed effective research paper writing techniques. Dr. Ashish Pawaskar, Associate Professor at SIMSREE, and Dr. Pande, Associate Professor at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, shared best practices for publication processes and research report preparation.
The FDP adopted a balanced approach, integrating theoretical insights with practical applications to foster critical competencies in data analysis, academic writing, and publication. The programme not only strengthened participants’ research skills but also promoted collaboration and innovation aligned with global academic standards. This Online FDP was seamlessly conducted by RECON SIMSREE. It was meticulously designed by Dr. Patil, Head Research SIMSREE, with robust support from Dr. Ubale and Dr. Pawaskar, under the visionary guidance and encouragement of Dr. Dhure, Director SIMSREE.
The Diplomat 2025 – Report
The Research and Consulting Club of SIMSREE successfully organized “The Diplomat” as part of “Simerations 2025”, the institute’s annual festival. This event aimed to test participants on their geopolitical acumen, diplomatic skills, and ability to navigate complex international affairs. With a blend of strategic thinking, high-pressure discussions, and in-depth case analysis, it provided a platform for students to step into the roles of global leaders and represent nations with precision and passion.
The competition was structured into three rounds. The first round, an online geopolitical quiz, tested participants’ knowledge of current global affairs. With 20 questions to be answered in 15 minutes, this round served as the initial screening process, ensuring that only the most well-informed teams progressed to the next stage.
In the second round, the shortlisted teams tackled a case study on “Unlocking India’s Semiconductor Potential: Building a Self-Reliant Chip Industry for Economic & Strategic Growth.” Participants were required to submit a two-slide presentation covering industry potential, challenges, trade strategy, investment roadmap, and India’s global role. This round tested their ability to craft a well-researched action plan, with the top six teams advancing to the final round.
The third and final round was a country-specific geopolitical discussion conducted on 23rd February 2025 at SIMSREE Campus. Each team represented a different nation—USA, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, France, and India—and debated on the theme “Military, Economic, and Technological Imperialism: Resurgence of Global Power Struggles.” Teams navigated the fine line between national interests and global stability, defending their assigned country’s stance before an expert panel of judges, Dr. Sangeeta Pandit Ma’am and Mr. Mohammed Virani Sir whose expertise and guidance played a crucial role in making the event a truly enriching experience. This round tested their ability to engage in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations, framing global strategies within the complex web of modern geopolitics.
After intense deliberations and thought-provoking discussions, Team Phantom Syndicate from SIMSREE, representing the USA, emerged as the winners, showcasing exceptional diplomatic and strategic prowess. The runner-up position was secured by Team Policy Pundits from Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), representing France.
The event was a resounding success, drawing participation from some of the brightest minds and fostering insightful debates on contemporary global challenges. “The Diplomat” not only enhanced participants’ understanding of international affairs but also honed their decision-making and negotiation skills. The event truly embodied the essence of global leadership, leaving a lasting impact on all.
Reports & Insights 2024
The 11th APIC: Legacy of Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
Introduction
The 11th edition of the Asia Pacific International Conference (APIC) was held on March 2nd and 3rd, 2024, at
the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies Research Education and Entrepreneurship (SIMSREE) in Mumbai,
India. The conference attracted global participation. A rigorous selection process resulted in the selection
of over 40 high-quality research papers for presentation, demonstrating the diverse range of perspectives
and valuable insights brought to the event.
Theme and Objectives
The conference theme, “Changing Business Practices in the Current Environment,” aimed to provide a platform
for exploring the ever-evolving landscape of business practices in a rapidly changing world.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- The “Vision Conclave” panel discussion organised by ReCon during APIC 2024 on 3rd March 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.
The ReCon club organised International Guest lecture by Mr. Vibhor Saxena, product manager at Meta, at the 11th APIC on 2nd March 2024 wherein he joined in live from Zurich , Switzerland connecting to the 200+audience gathered together comprising of researchers, prominent faculties and students digitally on the big screen in SIMSREE auditorium . Being personally engaged to bring metaverse to life, 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. A super engaging and interesting doubt session on the future of metaverse in business and its use in research discovering all its possibilities concluded the session.
Successful Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program
2024 arranged by Research & Consulting Club of SIMSREE
The Research Consulting Club at SIMSREE recently organized a highly successful Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Certification program in collaboration with KPMG. Held from 12th to 16th February 2024, the 35+ hour program
attracted over 60 enthusiastic students from various specializations.
The intensive workshop comprised 6+ modules, delving into industry-valuable Lean and Six Sigma tools,
methodologies, and their applications in the cutting-edge Industry 4.0. KPMG consultants conducted live
case-based demonstrations, guiding students through practical applications of these tools. Active team
participation in activities and continuous self-assessment through engaging quizzes enhanced the learning
experience.
To facilitate deeper understanding, additional exposure and detailed study materials were provided on the
KPMG Learning Management System (LMS). The program culminated in a final assessment test, and those who
successfully passed were awarded the prestigious Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.
Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and successful completion of the program, contributing to the club’s mission of fostering excellence in research and consulting.
The Diplomat: Red Sea Crisis Debate
Introduction:
The Research and Consulting Club at SIMSREE organized “The Diplomat” as part of the
Simerations Festival, offering students a platform to engage in diplomatic discussions and showcase their
geopolitical understanding. The event centered around the Red Sea Crisis; wherein participating teams
represented different nations affected by the crisis.
Event Overview:
“The Diplomat” unfolded in three rounds, testing participants’ knowledge, analytical skills, and diplomatic
finesse:
Round 1: Geopolitical Online Quiz
Participants faced 20 questions within 15 minutes, focusing on current global geopolitics.
Round 2: Case Study Submission
Selected teams received a case study related to the Blue Economy, preparing and submitting presentations
from
the point of view of India and its stance and proposed solutions.
Round 3: Country-Specific Geopolitical Discussion (25th February 2024)
Teams representing Iran, Russia, India, China, Saudi Arabia, USA, and Egypt engaged in impromptu debates on
the Red Sea Crisis. Each team presented their opening statements, followed by a constructive 20-minute
discussion. Judges Dr. Sangeeta Pandit and Prof. Bharat Nadkarni provided insights and constructive
criticisms throughout.
Results:
Winner: Team ‘Shantidoots’ representing the USA (Aditya Durge and Dheeraj Shukla)
Runner-up: Team ‘Slayers’ representing Saudi Arabia (Shraddha Kale and Anushka Tare)
Second Runner-up: Team ‘Corporate Mavericks’ representing Egypt (Neha Nachanolkar, Vedanti Palaskar,
Udit Pevekar)
Third Runner-Up: Team ‘Angad’ representing Russia ( Shreyas Bompilwar and Tejas Gandhi)
Key Observations:
The event showcased diverse perspectives and diplomatic acumen among participants.
Teams demonstrated deep understanding and innovative solutions regarding the Red Sea Crisis.
Judges provided valuable feedback, fostering learning and growth among participants.
“The Diplomat” provided a platform for students to immerse themselves in international diplomacy and
strategic thinking. Congratulations to the winners and all participants for their exemplary performance and
dedication to diplomatic discourse.
Title: ReCon Club’s Convergence ’23: A Unique Business simulation
competition
In the realm of business acumen and strategic prowess, ReCon Club’s Convergence ’23 emerged as a beacon for
bright minds eager to tackle real-time business challenges. The event, organized in collaboration with
Cesim, offered participants a unique platform to engage in a business simulation competition, fostering an
environment where innovative solutions and strategic thinking took center stage.
The competition unfolded in two riveting rounds, beginning with the Micro simulation on November 18, 2023,
and concluding on November 20, 2023. Participants delved into Cesim’s online simulation platform, navigating
through intricate business scenarios in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. This
phase provided an invaluable opportunity for individuals and teams to make decisions, analyze outcomes, and
refine their solutions iteratively.
The Final simulation, the pinnacle of Convergence ’23, kicked off on November 22, 2023, and reached its
climax on November 23, 2023. As participants continued to navigate the dynamic business landscape on Cesim’s
platform, their strategic acumen and problem-solving skills were put to the ultimate test.
The competition was not merely a battleground of intellect; it was a journey of
learning, growth, and
showcasing creativity. Participants seized the chance to explore various scenarios, adapting their
strategies to the ever-evolving simulation environment. This iterative approach not only honed their
decision-making skills but also provided a realistic glimpse into the complexities of real-world business
challenges.
Among the triumphant participants, Team “The Wise Fools” comprising Akash Rathi and Nikhil Nainan George
from Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMSREE) clinched the coveted 1st Place. The 2nd Place was
secured by Team “Shubhanshu Jaiswar and Girish Mahajan” from Indian Institute of Management Amritsar,
showcasing their remarkable abilities in navigating the simulation landscape.
Convergence ’23 was not just a competition; it was a celebration of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and
innovation. The event not only provided a platform for participants to test their abilities but also
rewarded them with exciting prizes and recognition. As the curtains closed on Convergence ’23, it left
behind a legacy of excellence and a testament to the power of collaborative intellect in the face of complex
business challenges.
In keeping with the rich Sydenham tradition of imparting high quality education, the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) was founded in the year 1983.
