Covid implications for business: MBA dept holds international conference

The MBA department of St Aloysius College (Deemed to be University), AIMIT, Mangalore, hosted its 6th international conference on ‘Covid-19- Implications on Business’ on June 08. The chief guest of the function was Dr Sanjeev Rai, chief of research, Fr Muller’s Medical College, Mangalore.

The chief guest Dr Sanjeev Rai, in his inaugural address drew the attention of the participants to the impact of Covid-19 on society. He opined that the pandemic could be considered both a boon and a bane. “A bane as it resulted in lakhs of lives and livelihoods lost, and a boon because it created a billionaire every 33 hours,” he said. He stated that the pandemic also helped us adapt quickly, become flexible in our approach and adopt new methods of learning and business.

Rector of St Aloysius institutions, Fr. Melwin J. Pinto SJ in his presidential address highlighted the fact that with the onset of the pandemic, individual differences were set aside to pave way for a common goal namely, universal safety and security. He invited the management students to be proactive and engage in active research and discussions that would create a sustainable environment.

A comprehensive view of the international conference was given by the dean, Dr Rajani Suresh, where she emphasised that the new focus would be sustainable and inclusive business growth. “Out of 54 research papers received from across the globe, top 25 papers were selected for presentation. Some of the themes for presentation were impact of Covid-19 in sustainable development, revival strategies during covid-19, international entrepreneurship, impact of Covid-19 on SMEs, MSMEs and role of digitalisation in the survival of economies during the pandemic,” she said.

The Key note address was delivered by Dr Michael Joseph, programme lead, Research, Innovate and Emerge, Brunel University, London, UK.

Two technical experts of international repute – Mr Ryan D’Souza and Mr Jain Jose addressed the participants. Mr Ryan D’Souza, Global Market Data Analyst, Global Marketing and Innovation, France, addressed the participants on the essentials of data driven decision making, while Mr Jain Jose, Warehouse and Logistics coordinator, NTN Bearings Corporation, Canada, highlighted the effects of Covid on supply chain and logistics which resulted in escalating shipment costs coupled with dwindling labour force.

The post lunch session included the presentation of research papers from industrialists, academicians and students in seven parallel tracks.

The convenor of the programme Dr Nagendra S proposed the vote of thanks. The host for the inauguration was Ms Daphnie D’Souza.

A total of 55 papers were presented.