15th South Asian Management Forum
Challenges of Inclusive Growth and Sustainability: The South Asian Context
September 27 – 29, 2019
South Asian Management Forum (SAMF) is a biennial conference organized by the Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA) by rotation in all the South Asian (SAARC) countries. The key objective of the conference is to explore the main issues allied with economic & social growth and development of the South Asian region. The conference provides a platform for scholars, thinkers, researchers, academicians, practitioners, and business leaders to share their philosophical thoughts, the conceptualization of ideas and empirical evidence.
The 15th SAMF was hosted in Pakistan on September 27 – 29, 2019 by Sukkur IBA University (SIBAU), Association of Management Development Institutions in Pakistan (AMDIP) and University of Management and Technology (UMT). The theme of the forum was “Challenges of Inclusive Growth and Sustainability: The South Asian Context”. South Asian populace needs the management intellect to address the issues and problems that fall around the intersect of inclusive growth and sustainability. All three dimensions of inclusive growth: economic, institutional and social with a direct focus on sustainable development goals were addressed.
On the above mentioned theme, papers and cases were called from all across South Asia and other countries of the world. In response, a total of 179 manuscripts including 165 papers and 14 cases were received from 67 universities across Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, China, Egypt, UAE, and Thailand. All manuscripts went through the double-blind review process and finally, 68 papers and cases were presented. More than 45 Ph.D. faculty members, expert in their respective fields, contributed in the review process. In addition to that, around 60 speakers, panelists, discussants, session chairs and moderators were invited. Collectively 15th SAMF was a gathering of around 250 vice chancellors, deans, directors, senior academicians, research scholars, faculty members, students, and industry representatives.
Opening ceremony of 15th SAMF was graced with the presence of Honorable Former Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala, (Former President AMDISA, President Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka), Dr. Ishrat Hussain, (Advisor to Prime Minister of Pakistan on Institutional Reforms and Austerity, Former President AMDIP), Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, (Chairman National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan), and Mr. Talib S. Karim, (President IoBM, Karachi).
Ms. Memoona Zareen, Manager 15th SAMF opened the forum with the kind approval of Chair 15th SAMF, Prof. Nisar Ahmad Siddiqui (Vice President AMDISA, President AMDIP, and Vice-Chancellor Sukkur IBA University). Prof. Lakshman, on behalf of AMDISA, thanked Prof. Siddiqui for organizing the event and made the announcement of the selection of Prof. Nisar Ahmad Siddiqui as President of AMDISA for the next term. The addresses of dignitaries were followed by Memorial Lecture of Prof. Dr. Dharni Sinha (Founder of AMDISA) delivered by Dr. Abdur Rub (Vice-Chancellor International University of Business Agriculture and Technology, Bangladesh) and Memorial Lecture of Dr. Hassan Sohaib Murad (Founder of AMDIP, Past Vice President of AMDISA) delivered by Dr. Ishrat Hussain. Both scholars highlighted the role and contributions of each personality and their work for the development of management education in the regions.
The Vice-Chancellor Forum held after the opening ceremony on the theme of “Inclusive Growth, Business education, Institutional Collaborations: Role of AMDIP and AMDISA”. It was chaired by Prof. Nisar Siddiqui and moderated by Ms. Memoona Zareen. Panelists of VC Forum included Prof. Lakshman Watawala, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Dr. Attaullah Shah (Vice-Chancellor Karakoram International University, Gilgit & President of AMDIP, Gilgit Chapter), Dr. Irfan Hyder (Rector Institute of Business Management, Karachi), Dr. Naukhez Sarwar (Dean NUST Business School, President of AMDIP, Islamabad Chapter), Dr. Jan Mohammad (Professor University of Baluchistan and Former President of AMDIP, Quetta Chapter), Dr. Mohamad Adil (Deputy Vice-Rector Villa College, Maldives), Dr. Daniel on behalf of Dr. Wasim Qazi (Vice-Chancellor Iqra University, Karachi) and Mr. Feroz Khan (Industry Expert).
During the 15th SAMF, five keynote speeches were delivered on sub-themes. Dr. Farukh Iqbal (Chairman NBEAC, HEC, Pakistan) delivered the keynote speech on “Inclusive Growth in Pakistan: Conceptual and Empirical Considerations”, Dr. Tughral Yamin (Associate Dean of CIPS, NUST, Pakistan) delivered his speech on “Regional Peace and Inclusive Growth, & Sustainability: Importance and Implications”, Ms. Khadheeja Jameela (Direct General of Human Capital Development Division of the Civil Service Commission of Maldives) highlighted her views on “Building HR Intangibles for Sustainable High-Performance Work Systems”, Engr. Zahid Hussain Khand (Registrar Sukkur IBA University) shared his remarks on “Inclusive Growth in Connection with the 4th Industrial Revolution”. Mr. Trilochan Pokharel (Director of Studies, NASC, Nepal) delivered the speech through a video link on “Remaking Governance: Key Takeaway from Governance Survey of the Youngest Federal Democratic Republic Nepal”.
The forum also had five panel discussion sessions. One panel discussion was held on the theme of “Inclusive Growth and Sustainability Agenda: Response of Management Schools in South Asia”. It was moderated by Dr. Samantha Rathnayake, (Faculty Member, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka), and panelists were Dr. Usman Raja, (Professor, Brock University, Canada), Dr. Huma Baqai, (Associate Dean, IBA Karachi), Dr. Khalid Ahmed, (Associate Professor, Sukkur IBA University) and Dr. Umer Azeem (Director PhD Program, HOD Management, University of Management and Technology, Lahore).
Second panel discussion on “South Asian Quality Assurance System (SAQS): Significance, Opportunities, and Experiences” was moderated by Dr. Naveda Kitchlew, (Mentor SAQS, Associate Dean Academics, UMT, Lahore, President AMDIP Lahore Chapter), and panelist were Mr. Ravi Bamunusinghe, (Management Consultant PIM, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka), Dr. Mohammad Nishat, (Mentor SAQS, Associate Dean and Professor, IBA Karachi), Dr. Muhammad Zaki Rashidi, (Associate Dean Accreditations, Iqra University, Karachi), and Dr. Mir Muhammad Shah, (Professor & Director Accreditation, Sukkur IBA University).
Third panel discussion on the theme of Inclusive Growth, Financial Inclusion and the Role of Islamic Finance was moderated by Dr. Shabeer Khan, (Assistant Professor, Sukkur IBA University), whereas the panelists included Dr. Ziyaad Mohamed, (Associate Dean & Director, International Center for Education in Islamic Finance, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Dr. Zaheer Anwer, (Assistant Professor, Lahore Business School, University of Lahore, Pakistan), Dr. Zahoor Khan, (Assistant Professor, Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar), and Dr. Irum Saba, Director Finance Department, IBA Karachi).
Fourth panel discussion held on “Local Entrepreneurship: A key to Inclusive Growth and Sustainability – Opportunity to Prosperity” was moderated by Mr. Ikhtiar Ahmed Khoso, (Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership & Incubation, Sukkur IBA University). Panelists were Mr. Dittal Kalhoro, (CEO, Sindh Rural Support Organization SARSO), Dr. Jawaid Qureshi, (Associate Professor, SZABIST, Karachi), and Mr. Muhammad Aslam Shaikh, (CEO, Taj Corporations Ltd).
Fifth Panel Discussion was on the theme of “Technological Transformation and Sustainable Development”. It was moderated by Dr. Niaz Ahmed, (HOD, Sukkur IBA University) and panelists were
Dr. Naeem – uz – Zafar, (Chief Economist, Planning & Development Department, Sindh), Dr. Noreen Mujahid, (Associate Dean, University of Karachi), Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder, Rector, Institute of Business Management, Karachi), and Mr. Rizwan Dalia, (Company Secretary, Karachi Electric).
During the 15th SAMF, a book launch ceremony was held. Dr. Ishrat Hussain talked about his recently published book; The Economy of Modern Sindh: Opportunities Lost and Lessons for the Future. Free copies of the book were distributed among the participants.
Welcome dinner was held on September 26th, where guests enjoyed continental food and light music it was a good networking opportunity for the participants of 15th SAMF. On the evening of September 27th, Cultural Show and Gala dinner were organized. Where Pakistan's traditional food was served, and students of Sukkur IBA University represented the culture, clothes, and customs of South Asian Countries. Also, local folk music was arranged for guests.
To support researchers and promote research culture in the region, five best papers and three best cases were awarded cash prizes. Best papers and cases were selected on the bases of the reviewers’ recommendation and ranking during the double-blind review. A cash award of PKR 20,000 was given to the first author of each paper and case along with the certificate.
In the closing ceremony, Dr. Waqar Akram highlighted the food insecurity and the role of management and business institutions in South Asia. Following that, all of the guests and participants were thanked, and souvenirs, certificates, and awards were distributed. In the end, Prof. Siddiqui delivered his closing remarks and invited business schools and universities on the platforms of AMDISA and AMDIP for institutional collaborations to support and standardize business and management education in the region and to address the agenda of Inclusive Growth and Sustainability. Finally, Ms. Memoona Zareen closed the forum.
The 3rd day was dedicated for a trip to Mohen jo Daro (The Oldest Civilization of Sindh), Sight Seeing and Shopping Spree. All the participants visited the historical places and bought souvenirs and gifts for their friends and family from the markets of Sukkur.
The organizing partners of 15th SAMF were AMDISA, AMDIP, Sukkur IBA University and University of Management and Technology. Whereas Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Allied Bank Limited (ABL), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), Meezan Bank and Continental Biscuits Limited (LU – CBL) were the sponsors. Publishing partners include Emerald Publishing and five journals recognized by HEC Pakistan. These are Pakistan Business Review (PBR), International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies (IJELCS), Sukkur IBA Journal of Management and Business (SIJMB), Geist Science, and Journal of Management Research.
15th South Asian Management Forum left an impact to count. It was a platform for researchers to interact with the gurus of academia and to ponder on the plausible solutions for the development of South Asian region. It also explored a future chance of collaborations for the institutions and share knowledge at the national and international levels.