The Institute of Management, Nirma University hosted the 27th Nirma International Conference on Management (NICOM – 2024) from January 4th to 6th, 2024. The central theme of the conference was “Business in Uncertain Times: Strategies and Capabilities to Manage Disruption and Growth”. The international conference aim was to provide a platform to understand and discuss the strategies and capabilities essential for managing disruption and fostering growth in today’s dynamic business landscape.
The Day 1 of NICOM-2024 began with the inaugural ceremony. The Chief Guest of the function was Shri Ramesh G lyer, Vice Chairman & MD, Mahindra Finance, and Guest of Honour Shri Adika Ratna Shekhar, Chairman & MD, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. The guests shared insights on strategies, adaptability and capabilities amongst uncertainty. The ceremony was presided by Dr. Karsanbhai K. Patel, President, Nirma University. Shri K. K. Patel, Vice-President, Nirma University, Dr. Anup K. Singh, Director General, Nirma University, and Dr. Ashwini Awasthi, Director, Institute of Management & Dean, Faculty of Management, Nirma University were also graced the occasion.
Echoing Warren Buffet’s wisdom, Mr. lyer stated: “It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Mr. Adika Ratna Shekhar emphasized uncertainty as a source of innovation and business growth, highlighting Industry 4.0, a growth mindset, and resilience amid disruptions. Additionally, workshops led by Prof. Gordhan K. Saini and Dr. Vinita Saroha delved into mastering Management Journal Publications, aiming to enhance participants’ skills in writing and publishing research papers in management journals.
On Day 2 of NICOM-2024, Keynote speakers emphasized the need to adapt to changing business models and embrace Industry 4.0, stressing the importance of managing disruption and fostering relationships with customers. The plenary sessions featured industry experts sharing insights on marketing in uncertain times, the start-up culture in India, and social innovation and technopreneurship.
Mr. Manish Bhatt, Founder and CEO of Scarecrow Communications Ltd, delivered a compelling session on marketing in uncertain times, emphasizing the need for problem-solving skills and creativity. He advised, “Training that we receive during uncertain times helps one prepare to be a problem solver.” Dr. Nikhil Agarwal highlighted the transformative social innovations and the significance of creating a positive impact on society, by bringing home the value of self-reliance.
The third day of NICOM-2024 commenced with six parallel track sessions featuring the presentation of research papers across diverse management disciplines. Following that, Dr. Nisha Pandey, Director of the Gujarat Institute of Development Research in Ahmedabad, delivered the plenary address. Concerning technopreneurship and social innovation, she imparted her invaluable insights on the topic. NICOM 2024 concluded with a valedictory ceremony. Shri M Anna Durai, Executive Director and State Head of the Gujarat State Office of Indian Oil Corporation Limited was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. Students gained a broader understanding as a result of his insight into how to navigate periods of uncertainty in the business world. Shri S Raja Ram, Managing Director of Erhardt+ Leimer (India) Pvt. Ltd. Was also present during the ceremony and presented the award for the best paper in the student and faculty categories.
In the faculty category, the best paper award was given to Dr. Mredu Goyal, Manipal University, Jaipur, for the paper titled “Neuro-Marketing Strategies Amid Disruption: A Bibliometric Analysis”. The best paper in the student category was awarded to Miss. Shubhangi Rajawat, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipiur. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to each of the student committees that contributed significantly to the proceedings during the three-day conference.
The track sessions covered a wide range of topics where 200+ research papers were presented. Two workshops organized during the conference focused on publishing in management journals, strategies for improving research productivity, and navigating the pathways of publishing in high-quality journals.
The Title sponsor for the NICOM-2024 was Indian Oil Corporation. Erhardt+Leimer sponsored the best paper awards.