The 11th ISDSI International Conference concluded on December 30, 2017, with a valedictory function at IIM Trichy campus. S Ganesh Mani, Senior Vice President, Hyundai Motor India Limited and Kewyn George, Executive Partner, Gartner India were the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively. The function was presided over by Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Trichy.
In his introductory speech, Prof. Godwin Tennyson, Co-Chair of ISDSI 2017, presented the report of the conference. He spoke on how the conference brought together eminent academicians, business and industry heads and research scholars from across the world ‘to discuss, deliberate and share their insights on making efficient decisions and achieving performance excellence, which is among the most sought-after arenas in today’s competitive world.’
Of the 800 submissions received, around 650 research papers were selected and presented by authors from 18 countries. These papers were presented in 104 technical sessions, spread across four days. In addition to this, seven different workshops, in various domains of management, were conducted.
Growing digitally
In his address, Gartner India’s Kewyn George predicted that ‘companies having a sound base of products and platforms will be able to displace service-based companies and might go on to breach the market capitalisation of $1 trillion.’ He also said that despite the buzz of job losses due to disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, block chain and cloud computing, about 2.3 million jobs will be generated by these three technology trends by 2020. However, technology professionals need to upgrade their skills to be relevant in this competitive market. “Artificial intelligence also has the ability to detect and remove falsified digital information, which can be a big menace in 2022,” he added and emphasised on the fact that the key to success in the digital world of transformations was not just digital technologies, but the people who would learn the relevant skills and drive the digital transformation.
Speaking on the occasion, Hyundai’s S Ganesh Mani said that “all research should be aimed towards benefiting and giving back to the society at large.” He also introduced the audience to Industry 4.0 — a transformation occurring across industries, leveraging on increased efficiency, adaptability and productivity by making use of artificial intelligence. He said: “Digital transformation is a key area of study for research scholars. For example the digital transformation through the increased penetration of electronics in automobiles.” Mani spoke of seven sought-after skill sets to be used in this world of disruptions
First-of-its-kind The Doctoral Consortium acted as a platform for doctoral students to interact with experts from various domains, such as marketing, human resources, strategy, and the like, and gain valuable insights on enhancing the quality of their research work. During the International Week , a first-of-its-kind initiative at IIM Trichy offered 10 elective courses from 10 distinguished guest faculty from reputed foreign Universities.
The Arts exhibition, organised by Elixir, IIM Trichy’s CSR club, enthralled the audience with some exquisite works of rural artisans of Tamil Nadu which included the likes of coconut shell and grass crafts, bronze statues, wooden carvings, Tanjore paintings, and Kalamkari purses. The most outstanding feature of the expo was the display of eco-friendly products made by rural women and special children.
The 12th ISDSI will be held at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research in Mumbai.