ASBM University Hosts IMCon’25: Global Experts Discuss Sustainable Management Strategies
22nd February, 2025 – Bhubaneswar, India: The School of Business, ASBM University, organized the International Management Conference (IMCon’25) on 21st and 22nd February 2025, focusing on the transformative theme, “Navigating the Future: Management Strategies for Sustainable Transformation.” The event was graced by Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan, Hon’ble Minister of Law, Works, and Excise, Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest; Prof. Douglas J Gilbert, Fulbright Scholar at Vilnius University and Founder of EduPartners.coop, USA, as the Keynote Speaker; and other dignitaries. Prof. (Dr.) Biswajeet Pattanayak, Founder & President of ASBM University, presided over the Conference.
The two-day conference brought together scholars, industry experts, policymakers, and students to deliberate on sustainable strategies across various domains, including Human Resources, Technology, Finance, and Marketing. A highlight of the conference was the presentation of 104 research papers on various aspects of sustainability.
Inaugural Session
The conference opened with an engaging inaugural session where Chief Guest Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan emphasized the government’s role in driving sustainable transformations. He highlighted the steps taken by the Government of Odisha for sustainable transformation across all sectors.
Prof. Douglas J Gilbert delivered the keynote address, offering global perspectives on the conference theme. He outlined the sustainability movement over the last four generations and highlighted the predicted extreme impact of climate change on our lifestyles, biology, and survival possibilities.
Prof. (Dr.) Biswajeet Pattanayak introduced the conference theme, emphasizing the urgent need for management strategies that balance sustainability with growth. He noted how climate change and global warming have reshaped global agendas, while much of the business sector remains resistant to change. He identified three key factors for sustainable transformation: bold leadership, effective sustainable execution, and aligned stakeholders. Citing examples from companies like Unilever, Starbucks, and Renault, he illustrated how sustainable practices can drive profitability while safeguarding societal and ecological interests.
The inaugural session also featured virtual addresses from:
- Prof. NTT Sang, International University, Vietnam
- Prof. Budi Suprapto, Dean, Faculty of Business & Economics, Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Prof. Irina Leonova, Professor for International Affairs, Lobachevsky University, Russia
The welcome address was delivered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ranjan Kumar Bal, while the first day concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Smaraki Pattanayak, Conference Chair.
Technical Sessions & Research Presentations
Throughout the two days, technical sessions were held under specialized subthemes, each guided by distinguished chairs and co-chairs.
Eminent speakers and session chairs included:
- Dr. Niranjan Sahu, IAS (Retd.), Former Hon’ble Member of OPSC
- Dr. Bhabani Shankar Chayani, OAS (Retd.), Former Collector & District Magistrate, Cuttack
- Prof. Subrat Mohanty, Former Executive Director of NALCO
- Mr. Dilip Ranjan Panda, Delivery Head, Oracle BFSI, Australia & New Zealand, TCS
- Prof. Shakti Ranjan Mohapatra, Dean of Management at BPUT
- Dr. D. N. Mishra, Principal of DSBM
- Prof. Surjya Kumar Mishra, Former Dean of BPUT
- Mr. Sanjay Gour, General Manager (Advt.) at Sambad
These sessions sparked dynamic discussions with the presentation of research papers by researchers from India, USA, Vietnam, Indonesia, Spain, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan.
Research Publications Released
Three research publications were released during the conference:
- A book published by Bloomsbury
- A Compendium
- A special issue of ASBM Journal of Management containing selected research papers
Valedictory Session
The conference culminated in a Valedictory Session featuring Prof. Bibhuti Bhusan Biswal, Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Technology and Research, as the Chief Guest. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences, he reflected on the versatile nature of management and its crucial role in driving sustainable transformations. He asserted that “when everything fails, management starts working,” highlighting its resilience and importance in navigating challenges.
Shri Pradeep Ghosal, Head of CSR at TPCODL, emphasized that besides effective management, collaboration, and capital, success in sustainability endeavors depends on innovation. He also highlighted the critical role of corporate social responsibility in driving sustainable growth.
Prof. (Dr.) Kalyan Shankar Ray, Vice-President of the University, summed up the conference deliberations, seamlessly blending modern management concepts with ancient Indian principles and practices in promoting sustainability.
Best Paper Award
The Best Paper Award was presented to Dr. Priyabrata Satpathy, PG Department of Economics, SKCG (Autonomous) College, Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, for his paper titled ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Practices for an Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.’
Closing Ceremony
The Valedictory session opened with an introduction by Dr. Emily Pandey, Conference Convenor, while Prof. Priya Sharma, Conference Co-Convenor, proposed the Vote of Thanks. The program was attended by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Phalgu Niranjana, delegates from India and abroad, faculty members, and students.