Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), Pune, organized its 15th Annual International Research Conference, SIMSARC’24 on 16th-18th December, 2024. The conference theme, “Technology and Beyond: Business Solutions for One World, One Future,” highlighted the pivotal role of technology in fostering sustainable business solutions that address global challenges and transcend boundaries. It underscored the importance of leveraging innovation to create inclusive opportunities aligned with the vision of a unified global future. Technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and green innovations are reshaping industries, promoting efficient resource use, and driving collaborative growth. These advancements also provide effective tools for tackling pressing issues such as climate change, health disparities, and inequality. To build a resilient global economy, a balance between progress and equity needs to be achieved by integrating technological innovation with ethical practices and adopting a people-centered approach. Collectively embracing technology and responsibility will pave the way for shared prosperity and a harmonious future for all.The conference provided a platform to faculty, doctoral scholars and students to gain knowledge and experience on issues related to the theme.
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Rohit Bakshi
Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Rohit Bakshi is the Director of Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies. He is a distinguished veteran of the Indian Army, having served the nation for 36 years. He serves as an Executive Director at SIS India Ltd., oversaw Quality and Operations across Central India. He holds PhD in Higher Education Transformation from Jiwaji University. He is M.Phil in Management from Devi Ahilya Bai University, and M.Sc in Defence Studies. He is Masters in Military Defence & Strategic Studies from University of Madras, and Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital Administration from University of Pune. He is also a Certified Independent Director from IICA, Delhi and an alumnus of the Strategic leadership program at IIM Indore. His distinguished career spans high?tech air defence operations, disaster management, simulator training, strategic acquisitions, and manpower audits. He has been awarded multiple Chief of Army Staff and Army Commander Commendations for Exceptional service in disaster relief, leadership and innovation in defence training and simulation.
Dr. Komal Chopra
Dr. Komal Chopra is an Associate Professor of Marketing at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India. He has more than 16 years of experience in academics. Dr. Komal Chopra has taught subjects such as Retail Management, Consumer Behaviour, and Essentials of Marketing to post-graduate students. He has conducted management development programmes for Godrej & Boyce, Wipro, John Deere, Cognizant and Directorate General of Resettlement, Government of India. He has also delivered guest sessions at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, and Kathmandu University. He has done research and consultancy projects for Ministry of Corporate Affairs, ICSSR, Tata Motors, Springer Nature and Bilcare Research. He has published many research papers in ABDC and Scopus ranked journals and is a reviewer for Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, International Journal of Emerging Markets, Sage OPEN, Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Foresight and Health Education. He has also won the best research paper award at international conferences. He is a PhD guide at Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and PhD referee at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. He is an ISO 9001:2015 certified auditor and Co-Convener of SIMS Annual Research Conference.
Dr. Smita Mehendale
Dr. Smita Mehendale is an Assistant Professor with Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune She has 18+ years of experience in diverse functions like finance, marketing and HR and across industries and educational institutions. She has worked in manufacturing, service sector and consultancy before stepping into academics. She has done her PhD from SPPU, Pune in online retailing. She teaches Research Methodology, Retail Management and Marketing Research at SIMS. She is passionate about training and has conducted sessions for FMCG, healthcare, financial services and educational institutions like Cargill, L&T, Nikita Distributers, SVM, St. Mira’s, BMCC, SVIMS. She has presented numerous papers in international conferences and won best paper awards. She has conducted Faculty Development Programmes and is the co-convener of SIMSARC22.
Dr. Pravin Dange
Dr Pravin Dange is an associate professor at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies in the area of Marketing and Strategy. An agricultural engineer and Ph.D. from BIT Mesra, he brings along more than 30 years of experience in Academics and Industry. In the past he has handled several profiles including teaching, academic administration, consultancy. He has several research papers and project assignments to his credit. He has been recognised for his teaching contribution at the 17th Dewang Mehta B-School Awards and Higher Education forum. His research interests include Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Higher Education.
Dr. Pravin Kumar Bhoyar
Dr. Pravin Kumar Bhoyar is a Professor and Deputy Director at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), Pune, for the last 17 years. His educational qualifications include BE (Production), an MBA and PhD. He has had 27 research papers published in national and international journals, including ABDC and Scopus. He, along with other researchers, has completed five research projects sponsored by the National Foundation for Corporate Governance (NFCG) over the last five years. His book, ‘Effectiveness of FMCG Distribution Channels’, was published in LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Germany (2013 edition). Also, a case study — ‘Millennium Company Ltd: Overcoming Tough Times’ — was published in Emerald Markets Case Studies in 2014.
