Welcome to the Pramaan International Conference on the theme, “Leadership in the Digital Age”. This two day on-campus event, on August 27 and 28, 2026, will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore contemporary challenges in business management. Day 1 features intensive workshops on qualitative and quantitative research methods, led by experts from top institutions. Day 2 includes keynote addresses, an editors’ panel on the conference theme, and paper and poster presentations.
Pramaan 2026 is designed as a vibrant forum to discuss emerging research, spark academic inquiry, and build collaborations for the future of business and management research. We invite you to join Pramaan 2026 on our campus in Hyderabad, India. Engage with experts, contribute your research, and help shape the dialogue on leadership in the digital age.
In addition, participants will benefit from a range of initiatives designed to enhance their academic and professional journey. Read on to know more!
Prof. Davide Sola
Professor, Strategy and Entrepreneurship, ESCP Business School
CEO and Co-Founder, Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS
Keynote Speech
Prof. Davide Sola is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School as well as the CEO at Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS, the leading Strategy as a Service solution provider. Davide is Italian, graduated from ESCP Business School (formerly ESCP-EAP) and the University of Turin. He has earned a PhD in enterprise economics from the University of Turin. Davide Sola is full Professor at ESCP Business School and Visiting in other leading business Schools such as Judge Business School in Cambridge, AALTO Business School in Helsinki and Cotrugli Business School in Zagreb.
Davide has 20+ years experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, 3H Partners and 3HORIZONS covering a wide range of industries ranging from Food and Beverage to Healthcare to Energy to Technology to Government and Financial Services. Davide with his colleague Prof. Giovanni Scarso Borioli is the creator of Strategy in Action, the first AI-enable Enterprise Software for Strategy that is used by leadership teams of corporations worldwide to develop, execute and adapt their corporate, business and functional strategies.
He is author of numerous articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and presents regularly at international research conferences. His book “How to think Strategically. Your roadmap to Innovation and results” (co-authored with J. Couturier) published by the Financial Times was nominated for the prestigious Management book of the Year award by the CMI and British Library. Most recently the Harvard Business Review (January-February 2023 edition) published a seminal work of Prof. Sola (co-authored with Prof. Rayport of Harvard Business School) a paper on scaling organisations “The Overlooked Key to successful Scale Ups”.
Sola speaks fluently four languages (French, English, German and Italian). He lives in London with his wife Stella and his three children Lorenzo Alexander, Edoardo Maximillian and Allegra Grace Sophia
Presenters and participants would benefit in several other ways, as explained below:
Direct entry to Mahindra University School of Management Faculty Research Seminar: Select PhD Scholars in their advanced stage of PhD journey would be assessed during their conference paper presentation by the Mahindra University School of Management faculty. Based on their feedback, the candidate will be directly invited for a faculty research seminar.
Publication Opportunities: Select manuscripts will be sent to the journals for expedite review and for potential publication with our publication partners. These submissions will proceed according to the respective journal’s review policy. Additionally, the abstract proceedings will be released as an ISBN book
![[WoS (Q1) Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (A)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WoS_Q1-Scopus-Yes-ABS-2-ABDC-A.webp?resize=537%2C768&ssl=1)
[WoS (Q1) Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (A)]
![[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (B)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WoS-Q3-Scopus-Yes-ABS-2-ABDC-B.webp?resize=537%2C768&ssl=1)
[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (B)]
![[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WoS-Q3-Scopus-Yes-ABS-1.webp?resize=537%2C768&ssl=1)
[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1)]
![[WoS (Q2), Scopus (Yes)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WoS-Q2-Scopus-Yes.webp?resize=537%2C768&ssl=1)
[WoS (Q2), Scopus (Yes)]
![[WoS (Q1), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1), ABDC (C)]](https://i0.wp.com/www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WoS-Q1-Scopus-Yes-ABS-1-ABDC-C.webp?resize=537%2C768&ssl=1)
[WoS (Q1), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1), ABDC (C)]
Complimentary Workshops: The pre-conference workshops will cover both qualitative and quantitative research designs, led by experienced academics with a proven track record of expertise. The workshop is specifically designed to benefit early-career researchers for publishing in top-tier journals.
Reviews and Personalized Feedback on Submissions: Each presented paper will be given detailed feedback by one or two subject-matter expert(s), along with generous Q&A time during presentation.
Best Paper Awards: One best paper presented in each conference track will be awarded a certificate of best paper, along with a cash prize of INR 10,000.
Editors’ Insights: In addition to the Editors’ insights during the panel discussion, an exclusive question-and-answer session will be held. Participants can take this opportunity to have their questions related to the journal paper review procedures answered by the Editors themselves.
Ramoji Film City Tour: This tour is complimentary and is exclusively available to students registered for the conference. It will take a complete day of August 29, 2026. The objective of this tour is to develop and strengthen the bonding among the delegates. They will be invited to join this complimentary Ramoji Film City tour in Hyderabad. Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University for Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spanning 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City presents a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema, along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights. On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Networking Opportunities: The participants will have the benefit of interacting not only with the track chairs, editors, workshop resource persons, but also with their peers and the faculty members of Mahindra University School of Management.
Gala Dinner: The conference will include a complimentary gala dinner, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Conference Track Chairs
Submission Guidelines and Link
| Submission format | Submission Link |
|---|---|
| Extended Abstract: Limit your abstract to 750-1000 words maximum, excluding references. Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).” For detailed guidelines, please refer to the submission guidelines. (on the submission guidelines, link this https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Submission-Guidelines-PDF.pdf )
Full Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages consecutively. Refer to this APA guideline document for details. (on the “document” link this https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf ) |
Coming soon… |
The pre-conference workshops are designed especially for early-career researchers on August 27, 2026.
Identifying Research Gaps, Collecting Data, and Ethics of Inductive Qualitative Method
This one-hour session is designed to introduce participants to key aspects of inductive qualitative research, with a focus on identifying research gaps, collecting rich data, and navigating ethical considerations. Participants will learn practical strategies for spotting areas where theory and knowledge are lacking, designing effective qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observations, and ensuring trustworthiness in their work.
Dr. Professor E S Srinivas superannuated from the services of IIM Bangalore in 2024. His research interests include Leadership, Mindfulness, Happiness, Proactive Behaviours, Indian Psychology, and Positive Psychology. He designed and delivered executive education programs for over 60 leading organizations in India and outside India. He has published widely, and his publications have appeared in top-tier journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of International Business Studies, Organizational Behaviour & Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology.
Grounded Theory and Case Research
During this one-hour session, participants will be introduced to the philosophical foundations and core principles of grounded theory and case study research. The workshop will explore the similarities and differences between these approaches and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for a given research question. In addition, the instructor will share practical insights from his own experience in publishing a qualitative paper in a top-tier journal, offering valuable tips for successfully navigating the publication process.
Dr. S. Ramakrishna Velamuri is Visiting Faculty at Mahindra University, specializing in Entrepreneurship. His research spans opportunity recognition, resource mobilization, business model innovation, firm growth, and business ethics. He has published extensively in top-tier journals including Journal of Management Studies, and MIT Sloan Management Review, and has authored several award-winning business cases. His work is widely cited and presented across academic and industry platforms.
Quantitative Research Design for Robust Causal Inferences
This two-hour workshop, led by Dr. Amit Shankar, introduces participants to the principles and techniques of designing quantitative research that enables credible and rigorous causal inferences. Participants will explore key concepts such as experimental and quasi-experimental designs, control of confounding variables, validity and reliability, and methods for strengthening causal claims. Through interactive discussions and illustrative examples, the workshop will emphasize how to align research questions, data collection, and analytical strategies to ensure robustness and reproducibility. The session is ideal for early-career researchers and doctoral students seeking to enhance the methodological rigour of their empirical studies.
Dr. Amit Shankar is the Dean (Research), PhD Chair, and Associate Professor at IIM Visakhapatnam. His teaching spans Digital & Social Media Marketing, Marketing Analytics, and Marketing Research. An IIT Kharagpur PhD., his research lies at the intersection of marketing and technology, with publications in coveted marketing journals such as Journal of Service Marketing, Psychology & Marketing, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Retailing & Consumer Services. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the South Asian Journal of Business Studies and as a Guest Editor for the Australasian Journal of Information Systems.
Big Data Analytics
This one-hour workshop on Big Data Analytics by Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti will introduce participants to the fundamentals of analysing large and complex data sets to generate meaningful business insights. The session will cover key concepts such as data collection, storage, processing, and the use of analytical tools and techniques like machine learning, predictive modelling, and data visualization. Participants will learn how organizations leverage big data to make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Through practical examples and discussions, the workshop aims to build an understanding of how big data transforms raw information into strategic value across industries.
Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti is Professor of Practice at the School of Management, with over 38 years of industry experience. A renowned expert in Supply Chain Consulting, he has worked with global firms including Deloitte, leading transformation initiatives and global strategy. He has also served as visiting faculty at top business schools, teaching Supply Chain and Business Analytics.
The second day, on August 28, 2026, is packed with Keynote Speeches, Editors’ Panel Discussion, Paper Presentations, and valedictory session.
Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines
This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will encompass perspectives from various areas of management, highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in shaping digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment.
Sushanta Kumar Mishra is a Professor at IIM Bangalore. He is also Chairperson, Centre for Teaching & Learning and Research & Publication. Chairperson, Case Centre. He is Editor-in-Chief, IIMB Management Review and Past President, Indian Academy of Management. His research work has appeared in top-tier journals including Journal of Management Studies and Journal of Organizational Behaviour.
Dr. Sachin Mangla Kumar, a full Prof. of Operations & Supply Chain Management and Vice-Dean of International Research Network, works in the field of Green and Sustainable Supply Chain & Operations, Circular Economy, Decision Making and Simulation. He has an impressive track-record of publications in reputed UTD24/FT50/ABS 4/ABDC A* journals and has been involved in several editorial positions in top tier journals.
Dr. Pradeep Racherla is Professor and Associate Dean and HoD(Digital Technologies) at Mahindra University School of Management. He is a Digital Transformation/Strategy consultant and trainer and worked with several multi-national firms and start-ups in India and the United States. His research articles have appeared in the top-tier journals.
Paper Presentations
Papers will be presented in seven conference tracks as given below:
Track: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence
Track: Organizational Behavior, Culture & Change Management
Track: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing
Track: Operations & Emerging Technology Management
Track: Finance, Accounting, and Economics
Track: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy
Track: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
For details, please refer to the “CALL FOR PAPERS” section.
Valedictory Session
The Best Paper Award ceremony and certificate distribution will be held.
| Category | Domestic Participant Fee (INR) | International Participant Fee (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-bird | Late | Early-bird | Late | |
| Ph.D. Students | 4,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Faculty Members | 8,000 | 9,000 | 200 | 250 |
| Others | 12,000 | 13,000 | 250 | 300 |
Payment Link/Register Now : Click here
Registration fee includes Meals on the two conference days, Complementary access to pre-conference workshops, limited shared rooms (double occupancy) accommodation are available and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Guest houses will be provided on request (chargeable basis).
Cancellation requests must be made in writing by email to Pramaan 2026 conference committee at pramaanic@mahindrauniversity.edu.in. Requests received on or before the registration deadline shall be reimbursed 50% of registration fee as per original receipt within one week after the conference. In the unlikely event of our conference being postponed, registrations shall be transferred to the new conference schedule. The conference organizing committee does not cover any additional expenses incurred for travel, visa, or lodging towards the conference.
Steering Committee
Organizing Committee Chair
Organizing Committee Co-Chair
Finance Committee
Nidhin Mathath, Mahindra University | Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University | Vismaya Gangadharan, Mahindra University | Rajesh Gaurav, Mahindra University
Logistics Committee
Kirit Ghosh, Mahindra University | Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University| Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University| Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University | Vishwanatha Saragur Ramanna, Mahindra University
Media Committee
Gayathri Janapati, Mahindra University | Jose Manu M A, Mahindra University | Nilanjan Banik, Mahindra University | Pradeep Racherla, Mahindra University | Ravikanth Vazrapu, Mahindra University | Sumit Saxena, Mahindra University | Vanita Yadav, Mahindra University
Pre-conference Workshop
Anjali Rajan, Mahindra University | Janani Rangan, Mahindra University | Praharshita Krishna, Mahindra University
Publications Committee
Muneer Shaik, Mahindra University | Sarthak Mohapatra, Mahindra University | Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University | Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Sessions Committee and Review Board
Janani Rangan, Mahindra University | Keerti Pendyal, Mahindra University | Pranjal Chandrakar, Mahindra University | Sandhya Bala Venkata Banda, Mahindra University | Sindhu Vasireddy, Mahindra University | Shipra Shukla, Mahindra University | Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
Sponsorship Committee
Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University | Rajesh Balarama, Mahindra University | Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Welcome to the Pramaan International Conference on the theme, “Leadership in the Digital Age”. This two day on-campus event, on August 27 and 28, 2026, will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore contemporary challenges in business management. Day 1 features intensive workshops on qualitative and quantitative research methods, led by experts from top institutions. Day 2 includes keynote addresses, an editors’ panel on the conference theme, and paper and poster presentations.
Pramaan 2026 is designed as a vibrant forum to discuss emerging research, spark academic inquiry, and build collaborations for the future of business and management research. We invite you to join Pramaan 2026 on our campus in Hyderabad, India. Engage with experts, contribute your research, and help shape the dialogue on leadership in the digital age.
In addition, participants will benefit from a range of initiatives designed to enhance their academic and professional journey. Read on to know more!
Keynote Speech
Prof. Davide Sola is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School as well as the CEO at Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS, the leading Strategy as a Service solution provider. Davide is Italian, graduated from ESCP Business School (formerly ESCP-EAP) and the University of Turin. He has earned a PhD in enterprise economics from the University of Turin. Davide Sola is full Professor at ESCP Business School and Visiting in other leading business Schools such as Judge Business School in Cambridge, AALTO Business School in Helsinki and Cotrugli Business School in Zagreb.
Davide has 20+ years experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, 3H Partners and 3HORIZONS covering a wide range of industries ranging from Food and Beverage to Healthcare to Energy to Technology to Government and Financial Services. Davide with his colleague Prof. Giovanni Scarso Borioli is the creator of Strategy in Action, the first AI-enable Enterprise Software for Strategy that is used by leadership teams of corporations worldwide to develop, execute and adapt their corporate, business and functional strategies.
He is author of numerous articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and presents regularly at international research conferences. His book “How to think Strategically. Your roadmap to Innovation and results” (co-authored with J. Couturier) published by the Financial Times was nominated for the prestigious Management book of the Year award by the CMI and British Library. Most recently the Harvard Business Review (January-February 2023 edition) published a seminal work of Prof. Sola (co-authored with Prof. Rayport of Harvard Business School) a paper on scaling organisations “The Overlooked Key to successful Scale Ups”.
Sola speaks fluently four languages (French, English, German and Italian). He lives in London with his wife Stella and his three children Lorenzo Alexander, Edoardo Maximillian and Allegra Grace Sophia
Presenters and participants would benefit in several other ways, as explained below:
Direct entry to Mahindra University School of Management Faculty Research Seminar: Select PhD Scholars in their advanced stage of PhD journey would be assessed during their conference paper presentation by the Mahindra University School of Management faculty. Based on their feedback, the candidate will be directly invited for a faculty research seminar.
Publication Opportunities: Select manuscripts will be sent to the journals for expedite review and for potential publication with our publication partners. These submissions will proceed according to the respective journal’s review policy. Additionally, the abstract proceedings will be released as an ISBN book
Complimentary Workshops: The pre-conference workshops will cover both qualitative and quantitative research designs, led by experienced academics with a proven track record of expertise. The workshop is specifically designed to benefit early-career researchers for publishing in top-tier journals.
Reviews and Personalized Feedback on Submissions: Each presented paper will be given detailed feedback by one or two subject-matter expert(s), along with generous Q&A time during presentation.
Best Paper Awards: One best paper presented in each conference track will be awarded a certificate of best paper, along with a cash prize of INR 10,000.
Editors’ Insights: In addition to the Editors’ insights during the panel discussion, an exclusive question-and-answer session will be held. Participants can take this opportunity to have their questions related to the journal paper review procedures answered by the Editors themselves.
Ramoji Film City Tour: This tour is complimentary and is exclusively available to students registered for the conference. It will take a complete day of August 29, 2026. The objective of this tour is to develop and strengthen the bonding among the delegates. They will be invited to join this complimentary Ramoji Film City tour in Hyderabad. Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University for Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spanning 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City presents a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema, along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights. On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Networking Opportunities: The participants will have the benefit of interacting not only with the track chairs, editors, workshop resource persons, but also with their peers and the faculty members of Mahindra University School of Management.
Gala Dinner: The conference will include a complimentary gala dinner, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Conference Track Chairs
Submission Guidelines and Link
| Submission format | Submission Link |
|---|---|
| Extended Abstract: Limit your abstract to 750-1000 words maximum, excluding references. Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).” For detailed guidelines, please refer to the submission guidelines. (on the submission guidelines, link this https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Submission-Guidelines-PDF.pdf )
Full Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages consecutively. Refer to this APA guideline document for details. (on the “document” link this https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf ) |
Coming soon… |
The pre-conference workshops are designed especially for early-career researchers on August 27, 2026.
Identifying Research Gaps, Collecting Data, and Ethics of Inductive Qualitative Method
This one-hour session is designed to introduce participants to key aspects of inductive qualitative research, with a focus on identifying research gaps, collecting rich data, and navigating ethical considerations. Participants will learn practical strategies for spotting areas where theory and knowledge are lacking, designing effective qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observations, and ensuring trustworthiness in their work.
Dr. Professor E S Srinivas superannuated from the services of IIM Bangalore in 2024. His research interests include Leadership, Mindfulness, Happiness, Proactive Behaviours, Indian Psychology, and Positive Psychology. He designed and delivered executive education programs for over 60 leading organizations in India and outside India. He has published widely, and his publications have appeared in top-tier journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of International Business Studies, Organizational Behaviour & Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology.
Grounded Theory and Case Research
During this one-hour session, participants will be introduced to the philosophical foundations and core principles of grounded theory and case study research. The workshop will explore the similarities and differences between these approaches and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for a given research question. In addition, the instructor will share practical insights from his own experience in publishing a qualitative paper in a top-tier journal, offering valuable tips for successfully navigating the publication process.
Dr. S. Ramakrishna Velamuri is Visiting Faculty at Mahindra University, specializing in Entrepreneurship. His research spans opportunity recognition, resource mobilization, business model innovation, firm growth, and business ethics. He has published extensively in top-tier journals including Journal of Management Studies, and MIT Sloan Management Review, and has authored several award-winning business cases. His work is widely cited and presented across academic and industry platforms.
Quantitative Research Design for Robust Causal Inferences
This two-hour workshop, led by Dr. Amit Shankar, introduces participants to the principles and techniques of designing quantitative research that enables credible and rigorous causal inferences. Participants will explore key concepts such as experimental and quasi-experimental designs, control of confounding variables, validity and reliability, and methods for strengthening causal claims. Through interactive discussions and illustrative examples, the workshop will emphasize how to align research questions, data collection, and analytical strategies to ensure robustness and reproducibility. The session is ideal for early-career researchers and doctoral students seeking to enhance the methodological rigour of their empirical studies.
Dr. Amit Shankar is the Dean (Research), PhD Chair, and Associate Professor at IIM Visakhapatnam. His teaching spans Digital & Social Media Marketing, Marketing Analytics, and Marketing Research. An IIT Kharagpur PhD., his research lies at the intersection of marketing and technology, with publications in coveted marketing journals such as Journal of Service Marketing, Psychology & Marketing, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Retailing & Consumer Services. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the South Asian Journal of Business Studies and as a Guest Editor for the Australasian Journal of Information Systems.
Big Data Analytics
This one-hour workshop on Big Data Analytics by Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti will introduce participants to the fundamentals of analysing large and complex data sets to generate meaningful business insights. The session will cover key concepts such as data collection, storage, processing, and the use of analytical tools and techniques like machine learning, predictive modelling, and data visualization. Participants will learn how organizations leverage big data to make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Through practical examples and discussions, the workshop aims to build an understanding of how big data transforms raw information into strategic value across industries.
Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti is Professor of Practice at the School of Management, with over 38 years of industry experience. A renowned expert in Supply Chain Consulting, he has worked with global firms including Deloitte, leading transformation initiatives and global strategy. He has also served as visiting faculty at top business schools, teaching Supply Chain and Business Analytics.
The second day, on August 28, 2026, is packed with Keynote Speeches, Editors’ Panel Discussion, Paper Presentations, and valedictory session. Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will encompass perspectives from various areas of management, highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in shaping digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment.
Sushanta Kumar Mishra is a Professor at IIM Bangalore. He is also Chairperson, Centre for Teaching & Learning and Research & Publication. Chairperson, Case Centre. He is Editor-in-Chief, IIMB Management Review and Past President, Indian Academy of Management. His research work has appeared in top-tier journals including Journal of Management Studies and Journal of Organizational Behaviour.
Dr. Sachin Mangla Kumar, a full Prof. of Operations & Supply Chain Management and Vice-Dean of International Research Network, works in the field of Green and Sustainable Supply Chain & Operations, Circular Economy, Decision Making and Simulation. He has an impressive track-record of publications in reputed UTD24/FT50/ABS 4/ABDC A* journals and has been involved in several editorial positions in top tier journals.
Dr. Pradeep Racherla is Professor and Associate Dean and HoD(Digital Technologies) at Mahindra University School of Management. He is a Digital Transformation/Strategy consultant and trainer and worked with several multi-national firms and start-ups in India and the United States. His research articles have appeared in the top-tier journals.
Paper Presentations Papers will be presented in seven conference tracks as given below: Track: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence Track: Organizational Behavior, Culture & Change Management Track: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing Track: Operations & Emerging Technology Management Track: Finance, Accounting, and Economics Track: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy Track: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship For details, please refer to the “CALL FOR PAPERS” section. Valedictory Session The Best Paper Award ceremony and certificate distribution will be held.
| Category | Domestic Participant Fee (INR) | International Participant Fee (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-bird | Late | Early-bird | Late | |
| Ph.D. Students | 4,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Faculty Members | 8,000 | 9,000 | 200 | 250 |
| Others | 12,000 | 13,000 | 250 | 300 |
Payment Link/Register Now : Click here
Registration fee includes Meals on the two conference days, Complementary access to pre-conference workshops, limited shared rooms (double occupancy) accommodation are available and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Guest houses will be provided on request (chargeable basis).
Cancellation requests must be made in writing by email to Pramaan 2026 conference committee at pramaanic@mahindrauniversity.edu.in. Requests received on or before the registration deadline shall be reimbursed 50% of registration fee as per original receipt within one week after the conference. In the unlikely event of our conference being postponed, registrations shall be transferred to the new conference schedule. The conference organizing committee does not cover any additional expenses incurred for travel, visa, or lodging towards the conference.
Steering Committee
Organizing Committee Chair
Organizing Committee Co-Chair
Finance Committee
Nidhin Mathath, Mahindra University | Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University | Vismaya Gangadharan, Mahindra University | Rajesh Gaurav, Mahindra University
Logistics Committee
Kirit Ghosh, Mahindra University | Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University| Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University| Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University | Vishwanatha Saragur Ramanna, Mahindra University
Media Committee
Gayathri Janapati, Mahindra University | Jose Manu M A, Mahindra University | Nilanjan Banik, Mahindra University | Pradeep Racherla, Mahindra University | Ravikanth Vazrapu, Mahindra University | Sumit Saxena, Mahindra University | Vanita Yadav, Mahindra University
Pre-conference Workshop
Anjali Rajan, Mahindra University | Janani Rangan, Mahindra University | Praharshita Krishna, Mahindra University
Publications Committee
Muneer Shaik, Mahindra University | Sarthak Mohapatra, Mahindra University | Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University | Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Sessions Committee and Review Board
Janani Rangan, Mahindra University | Keerti Pendyal, Mahindra University | Pranjal Chandrakar, Mahindra University | Sandhya Bala Venkata Banda, Mahindra University | Sindhu Vasireddy, Mahindra University | Shipra Shukla, Mahindra University | Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
Sponsorship Committee
Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University | Rajesh Balarama, Mahindra University | Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Contact Us
Address: Mahindra University, Survey No: 62/1A, Bahadurpally, Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana 500043
- Maps to reach the University from the Airport and the nearest Railway Station
- Mahindra University is well-connected to major transport hubs in Hyderabad. It is located about 30–35 km from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (around 40–60 minutes by road), approximately 20–25 km from Secunderabad Railway Station (30–45 minutes), and about 25–30 km from key city bus stations such as MGBS and Jubilee Bus Station. Travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
For any queries regarding the conference, please reach out to: Ishika Prasad pramaanic@mahindrauniversity.edu.in
Welcome to the Pramaan International Conference on the theme, “Leadership in the Digital Age”. This two-day on-campus event, on August 27 and 28, 2026, will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore contemporary challenges in business management. Pramaan 2026 is designed as a vibrant forum to discuss emerging research, spark academic inquiry, and build collaborations for the future of business and management research. We invite you to join Pramaan 2026 on our campus in Hyderabad, India. Engage with experts, contribute your research, and be part of shaping the dialogue on leadership in the digital age.
Day 1: The first day would include pre-conference workshops on qualitative and quantitative research methods. This five-hour intense workshop will bring together experts from different institutes to deliver research designs and techniques as required by top-tier management journals.
Day 2: The next day of the conference will include keynote addresses in the inaugural ceremony, followed by an editors’ panel discussion on the conference theme, and paper and poster presentations.
In addition, participants will benefit from a range of initiatives designed to enhance their academic and professional journey, such as best paper awards, ISBN book of abstracts, journal publication opportunities, meet the editors, industry insights, direct entry to the MUSOM faculty recruitment seminar1, trip to Ramoji film city2, and more!
1Only for Ph.D. students in advance stages
2Complementary for registered students only.
Prof. Davide Sola is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School as well as the CEO at Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS, the leading Strategy as a Service solution provider. Davide is Italian, graduated from ESCP Business School (formerly ESCP-EAP) and the University of Turin. He has earned a PhD in enterprise economics from the University of Turin. Davide Sola is full Professor at ESCP Business School and Visiting in other leading business Schools such as Judge Business School in Cambridge, AALTO Business School in Helsinki and Cotrugli Business School in Zagreb.
Davide has 20+ years experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, 3H Partners and 3HORIZONS covering a wide range of industries ranging from Food and Beverage to Healthcare to Energy to Technology to Government and Financial Services. Davide with his colleague Prof. Giovanni Scarso Borioli is the creator of Strategy in Action, the first AI-enable Enterprise Software for Strategy that is used by leadership teams of corporations worldwide to develop, execute and adapt their corporate, business and functional strategies.
He is author of numerous articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and presents regularly at international research conferences. His book “How to think Strategically. Your roadmap to Innovation and results” (co-authored with J. Couturier) published by the Financial Times was nominated for the prestigious Management book of the Year award by the CMI and British Library. Most recently the Harvard Business Review (January-February 2023 edition) published a seminal work of Prof. Sola (co-authored with Prof. Rayport of Harvard Business School) a paper on scaling organisations “The Overlooked Key to successful Scale Ups”.
Sola speaks fluently four languages (French, English, German and Italian). He lives in London with his wife Stella and his three children Lorenzo Alexander, Edoardo Maximillian and Allegra Grace Sophia
[GJ1]@Soumya Singh shall we cut it short?
Presenters and participants would benefit in several other ways, as explained below:
Direct entry to Mahindra University School of Management Faculty Research Seminar: Select PhD Scholars in their advanced stage of PhD journey would be assessed during their conference paper presentation by the Mahindra University School of Management faculty. Based on their feedback, the candidate will be directly invited for a faculty research seminar.
Publication Opportunities: Select manuscripts will be sent to the journals for expedite review and for potential publication with our publication partners. These submissions will proceed according to the respective journal’s review policy. Additionally, the abstract proceedings will be released as an ISBN book
Prof. Davide Sola is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School as well as the CEO at Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS, the leading Strategy as a Service solution provider. Davide is Italian, graduated from ESCP Business School (formerly ESCP-EAP) and the University of Turin. He has earned a PhD in enterprise economics from the University of Turin. Davide Sola is full Professor at ESCP Business School and Visiting in other leading business Schools such as Judge Business School in Cambridge, AALTO Business School in Helsinki and Cotrugli Business School in Zagreb.
Davide has 20+ years experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, 3H Partners and 3HORIZONS covering a wide range of industries ranging from Food and Beverage to Healthcare to Energy to Technology to Government and Financial Services. Davide with his colleague Prof. Giovanni Scarso Borioli is the creator of Strategy in Action, the first AI-enable Enterprise Software for Strategy that is used by leadership teams of corporations worldwide to develop, execute and adapt their corporate, business and functional strategies.
He is author of numerous articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and presents regularly at international research conferences. His book “How to think Strategically. Your roadmap to Innovation and results” (co-authored with J. Couturier) published by the Financial Times was nominated for the prestigious Management book of the Year award by the CMI and British Library. Most recently the Harvard Business Review (January-February 2023 edition) published a seminal work of Prof. Sola (co-authored with Prof. Rayport of Harvard Business School) a paper on scaling organisations “The Overlooked Key to successful Scale Ups”.
Sola speaks fluently four languages (French, English, German and Italian). He lives in London with his wife Stella and his three children Lorenzo Alexander, Edoardo Maximillian and Allegra Grace Sophia
[GJ1]@Soumya Singh shall we cut it short?
We invite submissions from academics, researchers, doctoral students, policymakers, and industry professionals addressing theoretical and empirical issues across different fields as given below:
Track Titles
| Track 1: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship | The Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship track invites theoretical, conceptual and empirical contributions from researchers, industry professionals and policymakers, focusing on emerging issues in strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship in a global economy that is increasingly getting digital.
Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 2: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence | Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 3: Organizational Behaviour, Culture & Change Management | This track invites papers that explore the evolving role of leadership in cultivating adaptive, digitally fluent organizational cultures. As workplaces shift toward hybrid and virtual models, leaders are increasingly called upon to navigate complex transitions, foster engagement, and reimagine organizational design. The digital age demands not only technological competence but also emotional intelligence, strategic foresight, and inclusive leadership. From managing resistance to change to designing agile systems that support innovation and well-being, this track seeks to surface insights that bridge theory and practice.
Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 4: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing | This track invites submissions that examine the theoretical and empirical asepects of how markets, firms, and consumers interact in a digitally mediated world. Contemporary marketing scholarship highlights several convergent priorities: the centrality of AI and analytics for decision-making; the tension between personalization and privacy/trust; the changing role of platforms, creators, and networks in shaping demand; and the growing importance of purpose and sustainability as drivers of consumer choice. We seek work that interrogates both the opportunities and the frictions created by data, platforms, and automation—especially studies that balance methodological rigor with managerial relevance. We welcome submissions that move beyond descriptive accounts to offer explanations, boundary conditions, and actionable implications for marketers and policy makers Both conceptual and empirical studies using traditional and novel methods (e.g., field experiments, large-scale digital data, machine learning, mixed methods) are encouraged.
Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 5: Operations & Emerging Technology Management | This track aims to serve as a forum for exchanging ideas and advancing knowledge on operations, supply chains, and information systems in an era of rapid digital transformation. Submissions of both conceptual and empirical studies employing innovative methodologies are strongly encouraged. Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 6: Finance, Accounting, and Economics | This track aims to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas on financial markets, governance, and economic systems in a rapidly evolving digital age. Both conceptual and empirical studies using innovative methodologies are encouraged. Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 7: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy | Click here for more potential topics |
Submission Guidelines and Link
| Submission format | Submission Link |
| Extended Abstract: Limit your abstract to 750-1000 words maximum, excluding references. Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).” For detailed guidelines, please refer to https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Submission-Guidelines-PDF.pdf Full Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages consecutively. Refer to this APA guideline document for details: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf |
Coming soon… |
Key Dates
| Particulars | Date |
| Extended Abstract Submission Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Notification of acceptance | February 28, 2026 |
| Early-bird registration deadline | May 30, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | June 15, 2026 |
| Full paper submission deadline | June 30, 2026 |
Note: One author of every submission must register by the registration deadline. Failure to register by then will result in the removal of the paper/abstract from the conference program.
The pre-conference workshop is designed especially for early-career researchers.
| AUGUST 27, 2026 | |
| Prof. Srinivas Ekkirala (Superannuated Professor, IIM Bangalore) | Identifying Research Gaps, Collecting Data, and Ethics of Inductive Qualitative Method: This one-hour session is designed to introduce participants to key aspects of inductive qualitative research, with a focus on identifying research gaps, collecting rich data, and navigating ethical considerations. Participants will learn practical strategies for spotting areas where theory and knowledge are lacking, designing effective qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observations, and ensuring trustworthiness in their work. |
| Prof. S. Ramakrishna Velamuri (Visiting Professor, Mahindra University) | Grounded Theory and Case Research: During this one-hour session, participants will be introduced to the philosophical foundations and core principles of grounded theory and case study research. The workshop will explore the similarities and differences between these approaches and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for a given research question. In addition, the instructor will share practical insights from his own experience in publishing a qualitative paper in a top-tier journal, offering valuable tips for successfully navigating the publication process. |
| Prof. Amit Shankar (IIM Vizag) | Quantitative Research Design for Robust Causal Inferences: This two-hour workshop introduces participants to the principles and techniques of designing quantitative research that enables credible and rigorous causal inferences. Participants will explore key concepts such as experimental and quasi-experimental designs, control of confounding variables, validity and reliability, and methods for strengthening causal claims. Through interactive discussions and illustrative examples, the workshop will emphasize how to align research questions, data collection, and analytical strategies to ensure robustness and reproducibility. The session is ideal for early-career researchers and doctoral students seeking to enhance the methodological rigour of their empirical studies. |
| Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti | Bid Data Analytics: |
This day will include several engagements.
| AUGUST 28, 2026 | |
| Keynote 1 by Prof. Davide Sola (Professor, ESCP Business School London campus) | |
| Keynote 2 by Mr. Sunil Jose (President-Workday, India) | |
| Editors’ Panel Discussion | Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will span perspectives from different areas of management highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in guiding digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment. |
| Paper Presentations | Papers to be presented in the below seven conference tracks.
Track 1: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Track 2: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence Track 3: Organizational Behaviour, Culture & Change Management Track 4: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing Track 5: Operations & Emerging Technology Management Track 6: Finance, Accounting, and Economics Track 7: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy |
| Valedictory | Best paper award ceremony and certificate distribution. |
| Category | Domestic Participant Fee (INR) | International Participant Fee (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-bird | Late | Early-bird | Late | |
| Ph.D. Students | 4,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Faculty Members | 8,000 | 9,000 | 200 | 250 |
| Others | 12,000 | 13,000 | 250 | 300 |
Payment Link/Register Now Here: will be updated soon!
Registration fee includes Meals on the two conference days, Complementary access to pre-conference workshops, limited shared rooms (double occupancy) accommodation are available and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Guest houses will be provided on request (chargeable basis).
Note: Cancellations or refund requests must be made in writing by email to Pramaan 2026 conference committee at pramaanic@mahindrauniversity.edu.in . Fifty percent (50%) refund of the amount, as stated in the original receipt, will be given to cancellations received on or before the registration deadline (India Time). No refund will be given for cancellations received afterwards. The refund will be processed only after the conference. In the unlikely event of the Pramaan 2026 being postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, the registration fee will be transferred to the newly scheduled conference dates. However, the conference Organizing Committee does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses incurred for travel, visa or lodging arrangements.
Steering Committee
- Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, India
- Anadi Saran Pande, Dean, School of Management, Mahindra University
- Pradeep Racherla, Associate Dean, School of Management, Mahindra University
Finance Committee Chair
- Vismaya Gangadharan, Mahindra University
- Nidhin Mathath, Mahindra University
- Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University
- Sessions Committee and Review Board
- Pranjal Chandrakar, Mahindra University
- Keerti Pendyal, Mahindra University
- Sandhya Bala Venkata Banda, Mahindra University
- Janani Rangan, Mahindra University
- Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
- Shipra Shukla, Mahindra University
- Publications Committee
- Muneer Shaik, Mahindra University
- Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
- Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University
- Sarthak Mohapatra, Mahindra University
Organizing Committee Chair
- Manish Gupta, Mahindra University
- Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University
Organizing Committee Co-Chair
- Neeraj Katewa, Mahindra University
- Athi Karthick, Mahindra University
- Soumya Singh, Mahindra University
Pre-conference Workshop Chairs
- Praharshita Krishna, Mahindra University
- Anjali Rajan, Mahindra University
- Janani Rangan, Mahindra University
Logistics Committee Chair
- Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University
- Kirit Ghosh, Mahindra University
- Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University
- Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
Sponsorship Committee Chairs
- Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University
- Rajesh Balarama, Mahindra University
- Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Media Committee Chairs
- Pradeep Racherla, Mahindra University
- Nilanjan Banik, Mahindra University
- Ravikanth Vazrapu, Mahindra University
- Sumit Saxena, Mahindra University
- Jose Manu M A, Mahindra University
- Gayathri Janapati, Mahindra University
- Vanita Yadav, Mahindra University
Welcome to the Pramaan International Conference on the theme, “Leadership in the Digital Age”. This two-day on-campus event, on August 27 and 28, 2026, will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore contemporary challenges in business management. Pramaan 2026 is designed as a vibrant forum to discuss emerging research, spark academic inquiry, and build collaborations for the future of business and management research. We invite you to join Pramaan 2026 on our campus in Hyderabad, India. Engage with experts, contribute your research, and be part of shaping the dialogue on leadership in the digital age.
Day 1: The first day would include pre-conference workshops on qualitative and quantitative research methods. This five-hour intense workshop will bring together experts from different institutes to deliver research designs and techniques as required by top-tier management journals.
Day 2: The next day of the conference will include keynote addresses in the inaugural ceremony, followed by an editors’ panel discussion on the conference theme, and paper and poster presentations.
In addition, participants will benefit from a range of initiatives designed to enhance their academic and professional journey, such as best paper awards, ISBN book of abstracts, journal publication opportunities, meet the editors, industry insights, direct entry to the MUSOM faculty recruitment seminar1, trip to Ramoji film city2, and more!
1Only for Ph.D. students in advance stages
2Complementary for registered students only.
Pramaan International Conference would benefit the presenters and participants in several ways as explained below:
Direct entry to Mahindra University School of Management Faculty Research Seminar: Select PhD Scholars in their advanced stage of PhD journey would be assessed during their conference paper presentation by the Mahindra University School of Management faculty. Based on their feedback, the candidate will be directly invited for a faculty research seminar.
Publication Opportunities: One of the conference objectives is to recommend select manuscripts for potential publication with our publication partners. These partner journals are in ABDC/ABS/Scopus/WoS. Additionally, the abstract proceedings will be released as an ISBN book.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Note: The best quality papers could be recommended to the journals below, however, all recommended submissions would proceed as per respective journal review policy.
Complementary Workshops: The pre-conference workshops would cover both qualitative and quantitative research designs by experienced academicians with proven track record of expertise. The workshop is specifically designed to benefit early-career researchers for publishing in top-tier journals.
Reviews and Personalized Feedback on Submissions: Each presented paper will be given detailed feedback by one or two subject-matter expert(s) along with generous Q&A time during presentation.
Best Paper Awards: One best paper presented in each conference track would be awarded a certificate of best paper award along with a cash prize of INR 10,000.
Keynote Speakers’ Inputs: There will be keynote addresses from both, academia and industry by experts that would not only provide necessary research directions but also points for practical relevance of the research.
Editors’ Insights: Along with the Editors’ insights in the panel discussion, there will be exclusive question and answer session. Participants can take this opportunity to get their questions relating to the journal paper reviewing procedures answered from the Editors themselves.
Ramoji Film City Tour: This tour is complementary and is exclusively for the students registered in the conference. It will take a complete day of August 29, 2026. The objective of this tour is to develop and strengthen the bonding among the delegates. They will be invited to avail this complementary Ramoji Film City tour in Hyderabad. Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University for Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spread over 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights. On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Networking Opportunities: The participants will have the benefit of interacting not only with the track chairs, editors, workshop resource persons, but also with their peers and the faculty members of Mahindra University School of Management.
Gala Dinner: The conference will include a complementary gala dinner with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Track Titles
| Track 1: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship | The Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship track invites theoretical, conceptual and empirical contributions from researchers, industry professionals and policymakers, focusing on emerging issues in strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship in a global economy that is increasingly getting digital.
Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 2: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence | Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 3: Organizational Behaviour, Culture & Change Management | This track invites papers that explore the evolving role of leadership in cultivating adaptive, digitally fluent organizational cultures. As workplaces shift toward hybrid and virtual models, leaders are increasingly called upon to navigate complex transitions, foster engagement, and reimagine organizational design. The digital age demands not only technological competence but also emotional intelligence, strategic foresight, and inclusive leadership. From managing resistance to change to designing agile systems that support innovation and well-being, this track seeks to surface insights that bridge theory and practice.
Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 4: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing | This track invites submissions that examine the theoretical and empirical asepects of how markets, firms, and consumers interact in a digitally mediated world. Contemporary marketing scholarship highlights several convergent priorities: the centrality of AI and analytics for decision-making; the tension between personalization and privacy/trust; the changing role of platforms, creators, and networks in shaping demand; and the growing importance of purpose and sustainability as drivers of consumer choice. We seek work that interrogates both the opportunities and the frictions created by data, platforms, and automation—especially studies that balance methodological rigor with managerial relevance. We welcome submissions that move beyond descriptive accounts to offer explanations, boundary conditions, and actionable implications for marketers and policy makers Both conceptual and empirical studies using traditional and novel methods (e.g., field experiments, large-scale digital data, machine learning, mixed methods) are encouraged.
Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 5: Operations & Emerging Technology Management | This track aims to serve as a forum for exchanging ideas and advancing knowledge on operations, supply chains, and information systems in an era of rapid digital transformation. Submissions of both conceptual and empirical studies employing innovative methodologies are strongly encouraged. Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 6: Finance, Accounting, and Economics | This track aims to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas on financial markets, governance, and economic systems in a rapidly evolving digital age. Both conceptual and empirical studies using innovative methodologies are encouraged. Click here for more potential topics |
| Track 7: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy | Click here for more potential topics |
Submission Guidelines and Link
| Submission format | Submission Link |
| Extended Abstract: Limit your abstract to 750-1000 words maximum, excluding references. Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).” For detailed guidelines, please refer to https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Submission-Guidelines-PDF.pdf Full Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages consecutively. Refer to this APA guideline document for details: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf |
Coming soon… |
Key Dates
| Particulars | Date |
| Extended Abstract Submission Deadline | January 31, 2026 |
| Notification of acceptance | February 28, 2026 |
| Early-bird registration deadline | May 30, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | June 15, 2026 |
| Full paper submission deadline | June 30, 2026 |
Note: One author of every submission must register by the registration deadline. Failure to register by then will result in the removal of the paper/abstract from the conference program.
| AUGUST 27, 2026 | |
| Prof. Srinivas Ekkirala (Superannuated Professor, IIM Bangalore) | Identifying Research Gaps, Collecting Data, and Ethics of Inductive Qualitative Method: This one-hour session is designed to introduce participants to key aspects of inductive qualitative research, with a focus on identifying research gaps, collecting rich data, and navigating ethical considerations. Participants will learn practical strategies for spotting areas where theory and knowledge are lacking, designing effective qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observations, and ensuring trustworthiness in their work. |
| Prof. S. Ramakrishna Velamuri (Visiting Professor, Mahindra University) | Grounded Theory and Case Research: During this one-hour session, participants will be introduced to the philosophical foundations and core principles of grounded theory and case study research. The workshop will explore the similarities and differences between these approaches and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for a given research question. In addition, the instructor will share practical insights from his own experience in publishing a qualitative paper in a top-tier journal, offering valuable tips for successfully navigating the publication process. |
| Prof. Amit Shankar (IIM Vizag) | Quantitative Research Design for Robust Causal Inferences: This two-hour workshop introduces participants to the principles and techniques of designing quantitative research that enables credible and rigorous causal inferences. Participants will explore key concepts such as experimental and quasi-experimental designs, control of confounding variables, validity and reliability, and methods for strengthening causal claims. Through interactive discussions and illustrative examples, the workshop will emphasize how to align research questions, data collection, and analytical strategies to ensure robustness and reproducibility. The session is ideal for early-career researchers and doctoral students seeking to enhance the methodological rigour of their empirical studies. |
| Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti | Bid Data Analytics: |
| AUGUST 28, 2026 | |
| Keynote 1 by Prof. Davide Sola (Professor, ESCP Business School London campus) | |
| Keynote 2 by Mr. Sunil Jose (President-Workday, India) | |
| Editors’ Panel Discussion | Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will span perspectives from different areas of management highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in guiding digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment. |
| Paper Presentations | Papers to be presented in the below seven conference tracks.
Track 1: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Track 2: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence Track 3: Organizational Behaviour, Culture & Change Management Track 4: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing Track 5: Operations & Emerging Technology Management Track 6: Finance, Accounting, and Economics Track 7: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy |
| Valedictory | Best paper award ceremony and certificate distribution. |
| Category | Domestic Participant Fee (INR) | International Participant Fee (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-bird | Late | Early-bird | Late | |
| Ph.D. Students | 4,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Faculty Members | 8,000 | 9,000 | 200 | 250 |
| Others | 12,000 | 13,000 | 250 | 300 |
Payment Link/Register Now Here: will be updated soon!
Registration fee includes Meals on the two conference days, Complementary access to pre-conference workshops, limited shared rooms (double occupancy) accommodation are available and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Guest houses will be provided on request (chargeable basis).
Note: Cancellations or refund requests must be made in writing by email to Pramaan 2026 conference committee at pramaanic@mahindrauniversity.edu.in . Fifty percent (50%) refund of the amount, as stated in the original receipt, will be given to cancellations received on or before the registration deadline (India Time). No refund will be given for cancellations received afterwards. The refund will be processed only after the conference. In the unlikely event of the Pramaan 2026 being postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, the registration fee will be transferred to the newly scheduled conference dates. However, the conference Organizing Committee does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses incurred for travel, visa or lodging arrangements.
Dr. Davide Sola is Full Professor of Strategy and former Director of ESCP Business School London campus. His teaching is in the strategy and Entrepreneurship area – in particular he teaches business strategy, Transformation and Entrepreneurship with a focus on Scale Ups to both graduate and post-graduate courses. Born in Italy Dr. Sola is a graduate of ESCP Business School and University of Turin (1998). He holds a Master’s in European Management, the Diplom Kaufmann, the Diplôme des Grandes Ecoles and the Laurea in Economia from Universita’ di Torino. He earned his doctorate in Enterprise Economics from the University of Torino with a thesis on “Organisational transformation”. Following graduation he became involved in several technology Start-ups, first in Oxford through the Oxford Centre for Innovation, then in London under the umbrella of a number of venture capital and private equity firms. Subsequently he moved to join the Hartley Investment Trust, a private equity firm based in London specialised in corporate restructuring and investment in fast growing organisations – there he worked as Head of New Ventures. In 2003 Professor Sola returned to Italy to join McKinsey & – Co. where he held the position of Engagement Manager in charge of several projects ranging from post-merger integration to turnaround of state-owned companies. Also in 2003, Dr. Sola was part of the team headed by Dr. Quaglia responsible for setting up the fifth ESCP Business School campus, in Torino, Italy. Professor Sola then held the position of Vice-President of the Board of the school’s Italian campus till 2010. Early in 2007, after a sabbatical year away from McKinsey & – Co. and spent at the London Campus, he joined ESCP Business School as a permanent member of faculty. Dr. Sola’s research interests are in corporate transformation, strategic renewal, entrepreneurship with a focus on the exponential phase of growth, the so called “Scale Up”. He is author of articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and papers presented at international research conferences (Academy of Management, SMS, EIASM, etc.). Prof. Sola is the London lead for the Jean-Baptiste Say Institute for Entrepreneurship as well as the Co-Director (with Prof. Olivier Saulpic) of the HMI – Health Management Innovation research center.
Mr. Sunil Jose is currently President at Workday – India. He is a business leader, an industry veteran, and technologist with three decades in the Tech industry, associated with senior leadership roles in large Global Tech companies and late-stage startups like Salesforce, IBM, Oracle, Teradata, Sybase (SAP), Americal Power Conversion (Schneider), BrowserStack & now with Workday. With over twenty years of general management experience leading high-performance teams in the industry, encompassing enterprise technology GTM, field operations, ecosystem, and marketing proficiency, and collaborating and leading global technology organizations to explore the best available eco-system in India to enhance innovation, productivity, and speed to deliver for customers. During this time, I have witnessed and navigated the shift from the mainframe era to the cloud era, with technologies such as social, mobile, artificial intelligence, and connected devices leading the way and empowering organizations to drive meaningful engagement in this new digital world. Journey in the software industry spans over two decades, and a significant milestone was a decade ago when I had the opportunity to set up a cloud team for Oracle. This experience, combined with my expertise in new market identification, P&L management, and building large teams, has shaped my ability to drive practical business models while building on the larger vision. As an articulate and results-oriented leader with 30 years of industry experience in Domestic (India & APAC /Japan) and international markets, I have led effective business strategy, operations, and cross-functional teams supporting large global multi-billion-dollar $ organizations. An effective communicator who leverages true passion and commitment to excellence builds and leads high-performance teams with continuous innovation, navigates complex business challenges, and sustains success in challenging markets. With a rich tapestry of executive roles, my journey is marked by a dedication to innovation, customer-centric strategy, and transformative leadership. My approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the global technology landscape, fuelling our mission to optimize every customer interaction and enhance the experience.
Dr. Apurva Sanaria is currently working as Assistant Professor at IIM Bangalore. He has more than 20 years of rich experience across corporate, consulting, and academics including ICICI Group, Future Group, Kantar Group, and T.V. Rao Learning Systems (TVRLS). He has also been a visiting faculty at reputed institutes including XLRI, TISS, and MICA. Apurva Sanaria completed PhD in Organizational Behaviour from XLRI-Jamshedpur. He has contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of various organizations by providing consulting services including Leadership Development, Career & Succession Planning, Competency Mapping, Assessment & Development Centers (ADCs), and Designing Performance Management Systems (PMS). He has also conducted corporate trainings for numerous organizations. He has published papers in top journals (including FT50 journals). His research papers have been selected for presentation at international conferences in India, China, and USA
Dr. S. Ramakrishna Velamuriis a visiting faculty at Mahindra University. He has primary expertise is Entrepreneurship. His research focuses on entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and evaluation, entrepreneurial resource mobilization, business model innovation, firm growth, entrepreneurial teams, business ethics including stakeholder theory and ethical decision making. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed academic journals and his research is highly cited. His works have appeared in top-tier outlets ranked in the Financial Times 50 list and ABDC A* such as Journal of Management Studies, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Journal of Business Ethics, MIT Sloan Management Review, and Organizational Research Methods. Professor Velamuri has written several award-winning business cases in addition to making business presentations in academic and industrial settings.
Dr. Sudhakar Reddy
Dr. Sachin Mangla
Dr. S. Arunachalam
Swanand J. Deodhar is an Associate Professor of Information Systems at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He is also a member of the marketing area, given his research and teaching interests traverse the two fields. He specializes in technology management, industrial automation, digital transformation, and digital platforms. With a wealth of experience in executive education, Swanand has trained senior personnel from a diverse range of leading organizations, including Airtel, Tata Projects, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, Crompton, TVS Motors, SIDBI, Naval War College, and The CIO Klub. Further, he has conducted sessions in open-enrollment executive education programs of IIMA, such as Salesforce Transformation, B2B Marketing, Effective CIO Leadership, and IT Project Management. Lastly, he is also involved in training executives as part of the Blended Learning Programs such as the Senior Management Program (SMP), General Management Program (Dubai campus), and Accelerated General Management Program (AGMP), which he is currently co-chairing. Swanand actively publishes in leading academic journals. His recent work has appeared in leading journals in management and information systems journals, such as Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, Journal of International Business Studies, Decision Support Systems, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Strategic Information Systems. He was also the recipient of IIMA Outstanding Researcher Award for the year 2022-2023. Currently, Swanand is serving IIMA in several administrative capacities as well. He is the Chairperson for Research and Publications and a member of the executive committee for the Doctoral Program and Computer Services Committee. Swanand was awarded his Ph.D. in Business Administration from Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. He is also a Fellow of the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon. Furthermore, he holds an MBA in Information Technology from Symbiosis International University, preceded by his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mumbai University.
Former Dean of IFMR GSB, Professor G Balasubramanian has over three decades of experience in executive training, teaching, consulting and research in Accounting, Finance and Information Technology. He has trained more than 1000 executives across multiple organisations, spanning both the private and public sectors. Some of his most sought-after courses include Finance for Managers and Financial Modeling. Currently serving as a Visiting Faculty in Finance and Information Technology in several African countries, under the sponsorship of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Professor G Balasubramanian has also collaborated with Indian Institute of Management, Indore, IIM Trichy, Great Lakes Institute of Management and LIBA. He serves as the Managing Editor of the Journal of Emerging Market Finance, an IFMR GSB’s Journal published by Sage Publications.
Dr. Amit Shankar is faculty in the area of marketing at IIM Visakhapatnam. Prior to joining IIM Visakhapatnam, he was associated with IMT, Ghaziabad as Assistant Professor. He has obtained his Ph.D. in Marketing from Vinod Gupta School of Management, IIT Kharagpur. He has academic experience of 5 years working with renowned Institutes. He has contributed his work in the leading international journals. He taught various course like Sales & Distribution Management, Marketing Analytics, Business Research Methods, Customer Experience Management, Digital marketing, and Social Media Marketing. He has organised several FDPs and MDPs on business analytics and consumer satisfaction. In addition, he has conducted several workshops on Marketing analytics, SPSS, Amos, SmartPLS, Advanced Excel, and Process Macro in premier institutes of India.
Professor E S Srinivas superannuated from the services of IIM Bangalore on 30th June 2024. Prof. Srinivas joined the Institute as a Professor in the OB & HRM Area on 01st May 2018. Prof. Srinivas’s research interests include Leadership, Mindfulness, Happiness, Proactive Behaviors, Indian Psychology, and Positive Psychology. Prof. Srinivas was a well-regarded teacher and taught core courses such as Organisation Behaviour and Managing People and Performance in Organisations, and an elective course on “Learning to Lead: Challenges & Competencies” in the institute. At both XLRI and IIMB, he contributed significantly to the Executive Education Programme. He designed and delivered executive education programs for over 60 leading organizations in India and outside India. He has published widely, and his publications have appeared in top-tier journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of International Business Studies, Organizational Behavior & Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology. He served on Editorial Boards of many journals and as a reviewer for top journals.
Steering Committee
- Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, India
- Anadi Saran Pande, Dean, School of Management, Mahindra University
- Pradeep Racherla, Associate Dean, School of Management, Mahindra University
Finance Committee Chair
- Vismaya Gangadharan, Mahindra University
- Nidhin Mathath, Mahindra University
- Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University
- Sessions Committee and Review Board
- Pranjal Chandrakar, Mahindra University
- Keerti Pendyal, Mahindra University
- Sandhya Bala Venkata Banda, Mahindra University
- Janani Rangan, Mahindra University
- Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
- Shipra Shukla, Mahindra University
- Publications Committee
- Muneer Shaik, Mahindra University
- Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
- Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University
- Sarthak Mohapatra, Mahindra University
Organizing Committee Chair
- Manish Gupta, Mahindra University
- Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University
Organizing Committee Co-Chair
- Neeraj Katewa, Mahindra University
- Athi Karthick, Mahindra University
- Soumya Singh, Mahindra University
Pre-conference Workshop Chairs
- Praharshita Krishna, Mahindra University
- Anjali Rajan, Mahindra University
- Janani Rangan, Mahindra University
Logistics Committee Chair
- Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University
- Kirit Ghosh, Mahindra University
- Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University
- Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
Sponsorship Committee Chairs
- Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University
- Rajesh Balarama, Mahindra University
- Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Media Committee Chairs
- Pradeep Racherla, Mahindra University
- Nilanjan Banik, Mahindra University
- Ravikanth Vazrapu, Mahindra University
- Sumit Saxena, Mahindra University
- Jose Manu M A, Mahindra University
- Gayathri Janapati, Mahindra University
- Vanita Yadav, Mahindra University
Event venue Address: Mahindra University, Survey: 62/1A, Bahadurpally (Near Tech Mahindra), Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Pin: 500043.
Access from Major Transport Hubs:
- Mahindra University is approximately 30–35 kilometers away from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, depending on the specific route you take. The drive usually takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- It is about 20–25 kilometers away from Secunderabad Railway Station. The travel time can vary, but it generally takes around 30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
- It is around 25–30 kilometers away from the main bus stations in Hyderabad, such as the MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station)or Jubilee Bus Station.
Welcome to the PRAMAAN International Conference on the theme, “Leadership in the Digital Age,”. This two-day event, on August 27th and 28th, 2026, will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore contemporary challenges in business management.
On day 1, the pre-conference workshops will include interactive workshops on research methods. Day 2 is the much-awaited conference with keynote addresses in the inaugural ceremony, followed by an editors’ panel discussion on the conference theme, and paper and poster presentations.
In addition, participants will benefit from a range of initiatives designed to enhance their academic and professional journey, such as Best Paper Awards, Souvenir of Accepted Abstracts, MUSOM Brown Bag Entry, ISBN Publication, Journal Publication Opportunities, Meet the Editors, Industry Insights, and more!
PRAMAAN 2026 is designed as a vibrant forum to discuss emerging research, spark academic inquiry, and build collaborations for the future of business and management research.
We invite you to join PRAMAAN 2026. Engage with experts, contribute your research, and be part of shaping the dialogue on leadership in the digital age.
Please note. The extended abstract submission deadline is January 31, 2026
Doctoral scholars and early career researchers are encouraged to attend pre-conference workshops.
- Workshop on Qualitative Research Methods
(Resource Person: To be announced)This workshop will cover foundational principles and practical applications of qualitative research. It will focus on research design, data collection techniques, coding, thematic analysis, and ethical considerations. Participants are expected to develop the skills needed to design and conduct rigorous qualitative studies. They will also learn how to interpret and present qualitative data effectively.
- Workshop on Analytics in Management Research
(Resource Person: To be announced)This workshop will focus on the use of data analytics tools and techniques in academic and applied research. The workshop typically covers key concepts such as data preparation, statistical analysis, data visualization, and the use of software for analyzing research data. The workshop also emphasizes the role of analytics in enhancing the validity and impact of research.
- An exciting Panel Discussion on the topic “Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines” awaits you.
Panel Members: (Yet to be disclosed) Stay excited…
This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will span perspectives from different areas of management, highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in guiding digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment.
Day 2: Conference Details KEY DATES
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline (extended abstract) | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | February 28, 2026 |
| Early-bird registration deadline | May 30, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | June 15, 2026 |
| Full paper submission deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Note: One author of every submission must register by the registration deadline. Failure to register by then will result in the removal of the paper/abstract from the conference program. | |
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit your papers, extended abstracts, or/and teaching cases here: Link coming soon…
- Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages
consecutively. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf
Extended Abstracts: Limit your abstract to 750 words to 1000 words maximum, excluding references. Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).”
For detailed guidelines, please refer to Submission Guidelines_Pramaan 2026.pdf
We invite submitters to explore the central question: What defines effective leadership in the digital age?
Examples of possible fields the submissions are expected to include:
Track 1: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
How are digital technologies reshaping corporate and entrepreneurial strategies in dynamic markets? What leadership approaches best foster innovation in digitally driven organizations? How can entrepreneurs leverage emerging technologies to build resilient and scalable business models?
Track 2: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence
What leadership capabilities are essential for driving successful digital transformation initiatives? How are FinTech and AI innovations redefining financial services, and what role do leaders play in enabling this change? What are the governance and ethical implications of leading in tech-disrupted financial ecosystems?
Track 3: Organizational Behaviour, Culture & Change Management
How can leaders cultivate adaptive, digitally fluent organizational cultures? What are the most effective change management strategies for leading digital transitions? How do leadership styles influence employee engagement and behavior in virtual or hybrid workplaces?
Track 4: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing
How are data-driven insights transforming marketing leadership and decision-making? What role do leaders play in ensuring ethical and responsible use of consumer analytics? How can organizations personalize customer experiences while maintaining trust and transparency?
Track 5: Operations & Emerging Technology Management
How can leaders strategically integrate emerging technologies into core operations? What operational challenges and opportunities arise from automation, AI, and IoT? How should leadership evolve to manage tech-driven supply chains and production systems?
Track 6: Finance, Accounting, and Economics
How is the rise of platform-based work changing traditional leadership and workforce management? What policies or strategies can leaders adopt to ensure fair and sustainable gig work practices? How can organizations attract and retain talent in a decentralized, gig-oriented labor market?
Track 7: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy
How can leaders embed ESG principles into digital strategies and innovation? What leadership models best drive sustainability and long-term stakeholder value in tech-enabled enterprises? How can digital tools and analytics enhance ESG reporting and accountability?
| Category | Domestic Participant Fee (INR) | International Participant Fee (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-bird | Late | Early-bird | Late | |
| PhD Students | 4,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Faculty Members | 8,000 | 9,000 | 200 | 250 |
| Others | 12,000 | 13,000 | 250 | 300 |
Payment Link/Register Now Here: will be updated soon!
Registration fee includes the following:
- Meals on the two conference days
- Complementary access to pre-conference workshops
- Shared room (double) accommodation is available on a limited basis and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. More details to follow!
Please Note:
- Cancellations or refund requests must be made in writing by email to Pramaan 2026 conference committee at Nidhin Mathath mathath@mahindrauniversity.edu.in.
- Fifty percent (50%) refund of the amount, as stated in the original receipt, will be given to cancellations received on or before the registration deadline (India Time). No refund will be given for cancellations received afterwards. The refund will be processed only after the conference.
- In the unlikely event of the Pramaan 2026 being postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, the registration fee will be transferred to the newly scheduled conference dates. However, the conference Organizing Committee does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses incurred for travel, visa or lodging arrangements.
One day COMPLIMENTARY EXCURSION will be arranged.
Mahindra University to Ramoji Film City
Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University and transferred to Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spread over 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights.
On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking.
Following a curated lunch within the Film City premises, delegates can enjoy cultural programs, the Bird Park and Butterfly Garden, and other leisure experiences designed to showcase both cinematic and natural beauty.
In the evening, delegates will witness the Grand Carnival Parade and illumination show, a spectacular display of lights, music, and performances that capture the vibrant spirit of Indian cinema. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Event venue Address: Mahindra University, Survey: 62/1A, Bahadurpally (Near Tech Mahindra), Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Pin: 500043.
Access from Major Transport Hubs:
- Mahindra University is approximately 30–35 kilometers away from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, depending on the specific route you take. The drive usually takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- It is about 20–25 kilometers away from Secunderabad Railway Station. The travel time can vary, but it generally takes around 30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
- It is around 25–30 kilometers away from the main bus stations in Hyderabad, such as the MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station) or Jubilee Bus Station.
Welcome to the PRAMAAN International Conference on the theme, “Leadership in the Digital Age,”. This two-day event, on August 27th and 28th 2026, will bring together scholars, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore contemporary challenges in business management.
On day 1, the pre-conference workshops will include interactive workshops on research methods. Day 2 is the much-awaited conference with keynote addresses in the inaugural ceremony, followed by an editors’ panel discussion on the conference theme, and paper and poster presentations.
In addition, participants will benefit from a range of initiatives designed to enhance their academic and professional journey, such as Best Paper Awards, Souvenir of Accepted Abstracts, MUSOM Brown Bag Entry, ISBN Publication, Journal Publication Opportunities, Meet the Editors, Industry Insights, and more!
PRAMAAN 2026 is designed as a vibrant forum to discuss emerging research, spark academic inquiry, and build collaborations for the future of business and management research.
We invite you to join PRAMAAN 2026. Engage with experts, contribute your research, and be part of shaping the dialogue on leadership in the digital age.
Please note. Extended abstract submission deadline is January 31, 2026
Day 1: Pre-Conference Workshops
Doctoral scholars and early career researchers are encouraged to attend pre-conference workshops.
- Qualitative Research Methods Workshop
(Resource Person: E S Srinivas, superannuating from the services of IIM Bangalore; Ramakrishna Velamuri, Visiting Professor, Mahindra University)
This workshop will cover foundational principles and practical applications of qualitative research. It will focus on research design, data collection techniques, coding and thematic analysis, and ethical considerations. Participants are expected develop the skills needed to design and conduct rigorous qualitative studies. They will also learn how to interpret and present qualitative data effectively.
- Analytics in Research Workshop
(Resource Person: Debopam Chakraborty, Mahindra University)
This workshop will focus on the use of data analytics tools and techniques in academic and applied research. The workshop typically covers key concepts such as data preparation, statistical analysis, data visualization, and the use of software for analyzing research data. The workshop also emphasizes the role of analytics in enhancing the validity and impact of research.
An exciting Panel Discussion on the topic “Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines” awaits you
Panel Members: (TBA) Stay excited…
This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will span perspectives from different areas of management highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in guiding digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment.
Day 2: Conference Details
KEY DATES
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Papers release | Sep 30, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline (extended abstract) | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | February 28, 2026 |
| Early‑bird registration deadline | May 30, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | June 15, 2026 |
| Full paper submission deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Note: One author of every submission must register by the registration deadline. Failure to register by then will result in the removal of the paper/abstract from the conference program. | |
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit your papers, extended abstracts, or/and teaching cases here: https://easychair.org/
- Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages consecutively. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf
Extended Abstracts: Limit your abstract to 4-5 pages (all content included). Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).”
We invite submitters to explore the central question, What defines effective leadership in the digital age?
Examples of possible fields the submissions are expected to come include:
Track 1: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
How are digital technologies reshaping corporate and entrepreneurial strategies in dynamic markets? What leadership approaches best foster innovation in digitally driven organizations? How can entrepreneurs leverage emerging technologies to build resilient and scalable business models?
Track 2: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence
What leadership capabilities are essential for driving successful digital transformation initiatives? How are FinTech and AI innovations redefining financial services, and what role do leaders play in enabling this change? What are the governance and ethical implications of leading in tech-disrupted financial ecosystems?
Track 3: Organizational Behaviour, Culture & Change Management
How can leaders cultivate adaptive, digitally fluent organizational cultures? What are the most effective change management strategies for leading digital transitions? How do leadership styles influence employee engagement and behavior in virtual or hybrid workplaces?
Track 4: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing
How are data-driven insights transforming marketing leadership and decision-making? What role do leaders play in ensuring ethical and responsible use of consumer analytics? How can organizations personalize customer experiences while maintaining trust and transparency?
Track 5: Operations & Emerging Technology Management
How can leaders strategically integrate emerging technologies into core operations? What operational challenges and opportunities arise from automation, AI, and IoT? How should leadership evolve to manage tech-driven supply chains and production systems?
Track 6: Finance, Accounting, and Economics
How is the rise of platform-based work changing traditional leadership and workforce management? What policies or strategies can leaders adopt to ensure fair and sustainable gig work practices? How can organizations attract and retain talent in a decentralized, gig-oriented labor market?
Track 7: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy
How can leaders embed ESG principles into digital strategies and innovation? What leadership models best drive sustainability and long-term stakeholder value in tech-enabled enterprises? How can digital tools and analytics enhance ESG reporting and accountability?
| Category | Domestic Participant Fee (INR) | International Participant Fee (USD) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early-bird | Late | Early-bird | Late | |
| PhD Students | 4,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 150 |
| Faculty Members | 8,000 | 9,000 | 200 | 250 |
| Others | 12,000 | 13,000 | 250 | 300 |
Payment Link/Register Now Here: will be updated soon!
Registration fee includes the following:
- Meals on the two conference days
- Complementary access to pre-conference workshops
- Shared room (double) accommodation is available on a limited basis and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. More details to follow!
Please Note:
- Cancellations or refund requests must be made in writing by email to Pramaan 2026 conference committee at Nidhin Mathath mathath@mahindrauniversity.edu.in.
- Fifty percent (50%) refund of the amount, as stated in the original receipt, will be given to cancellations received on or before the registration deadline (India Time). No refund will be given for cancellations received afterwards. The refund will be processed only after the conference.
- In the unlikely event of the Pramaan 2026 being postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, the registration fee will be transferred to the newly scheduled conference dates. However, the conference Organizing Committee does not assume responsibility for any additional costs, charges, or expenses incurred for travel, visa or lodging arrangements.
One day COMPLIMENTARY EXCURSION will be arranged.
Mahindra University to Ramoji Film City
Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University and transferred to Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spread over 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights.
On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking.
Following a curated lunch within the Film City premises, delegates can enjoy cultural programs, the Bird Park and Butterfly Garden, and other leisure experiences designed to showcase both cinematic and natural beauty.
In the evening, delegates will witness the Grand Carnival Parade and illumination show, a spectacular display of lights, music, and performances that capture the vibrant spirit of Indian cinema. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Event venue Address: Mahindra University, Survey: 62/1A, Bahadurpally (Near Tech Mahindra), Jeedimetla, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, Pin: 500043.
Access from Major Transport Hubs:
- Mahindra University is approximately 30–35 kilometers away from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, depending on the specific route you take. The drive usually takes around 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- It is about 20–25 kilometers away from Secunderabad Railway Station. The travel time can vary, but it generally takes around 30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.
- It is around 25–30 kilometers away from the main bus stations in Hyderabad, such as the MGBS (Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station) or Jubilee Bus Station.
Prof. Davide Sola
Professor, Strategy and Entrepreneurship, ESCP Business School
CEO and Co-Founder, Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS
Keynote Speech
Prof. Davide Sola is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School as well as the CEO at Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS, the leading Strategy as a Service solution provider. Davide is Italian, graduated from ESCP Business School (formerly ESCP-EAP) and the University of Turin. He has earned a PhD in enterprise economics from the University of Turin. Davide Sola is full Professor at ESCP Business School and Visiting in other leading business Schools such as Judge Business School in Cambridge, AALTO Business School in Helsinki and Cotrugli Business School in Zagreb.
Davide has 20+ years experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, 3H Partners and 3HORIZONS covering a wide range of industries ranging from Food and Beverage to Healthcare to Energy to Technology to Government and Financial Services. Davide with his colleague Prof. Giovanni Scarso Borioli is the creator of Strategy in Action, the first AI-enable Enterprise Software for Strategy that is used by leadership teams of corporations worldwide to develop, execute and adapt their corporate, business and functional strategies.
He is author of numerous articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and presents regularly at international research conferences. His book “How to think Strategically. Your roadmap to Innovation and results” (co-authored with J. Couturier) published by the Financial Times was nominated for the prestigious Management book of the Year award by the CMI and British Library. Most recently the Harvard Business Review (January-February 2023 edition) published a seminal work of Prof. Sola (co-authored with Prof. Rayport of Harvard Business School) a paper on scaling organisations “The Overlooked Key to successful Scale Ups”.
Sola speaks fluently four languages (French, English, German and Italian). He lives in London with his wife Stella and his three children Lorenzo Alexander, Edoardo Maximillian and Allegra Grace Sophia
Presenters and participants would benefit in several other ways, as explained below:
Direct entry to Mahindra University School of Management Faculty Research Seminar: Select PhD Scholars in their advanced stage of PhD journey would be assessed during their conference paper presentation by the Mahindra University School of Management faculty. Based on their feedback, the candidate will be directly invited for a faculty research seminar.
Publication Opportunities: Select manuscripts will be sent to the journals for expedite review and for potential publication with our publication partners. These submissions will proceed according to the respective journal’s review policy. Additionally, the abstract proceedings will be released as an ISBN book
[WoS (Q1) Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (A)]
[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (B)]
[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1)]
[WoS (Q2), Scopus (Yes)]
[WoS (Q1), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1), ABDC (C)]
Complimentary Workshops: The pre-conference workshops will cover both qualitative and quantitative research designs, led by experienced academics with a proven track record of expertise. The workshop is specifically designed to benefit early-career researchers for publishing in top-tier journals.
Reviews and Personalized Feedback on Submissions: Each presented paper will be given detailed feedback by one or two subject-matter expert(s), along with generous Q&A time during presentation.
Best Paper Awards: One best paper presented in each conference track will be awarded a certificate of best paper, along with a cash prize of INR 10,000.
Editors’ Insights: In addition to the Editors’ insights during the panel discussion, an exclusive question-and-answer session will be held. Participants can take this opportunity to have their questions related to the journal paper review procedures answered by the Editors themselves.
Ramoji Film City Tour: This tour is complimentary and is exclusively available to students registered for the conference. It will take a complete day of August 29, 2026. The objective of this tour is to develop and strengthen the bonding among the delegates. They will be invited to join this complimentary Ramoji Film City tour in Hyderabad. Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University for Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spanning 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City presents a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema, along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights. On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Networking Opportunities: The participants will have the benefit of interacting not only with the track chairs, editors, workshop resource persons, but also with their peers and the faculty members of Mahindra University School of Management.
Gala Dinner: The conference will include a complimentary gala dinner, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Keynote Speech
Prof. Davide Sola is Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at ESCP Business School as well as the CEO at Strategy in Action LTD and 3HORIZONS, the leading Strategy as a Service solution provider. Davide is Italian, graduated from ESCP Business School (formerly ESCP-EAP) and the University of Turin. He has earned a PhD in enterprise economics from the University of Turin. Davide Sola is full Professor at ESCP Business School and Visiting in other leading business Schools such as Judge Business School in Cambridge, AALTO Business School in Helsinki and Cotrugli Business School in Zagreb.
Davide has 20+ years experience in strategy consulting at McKinsey & Company, 3H Partners and 3HORIZONS covering a wide range of industries ranging from Food and Beverage to Healthcare to Energy to Technology to Government and Financial Services. Davide with his colleague Prof. Giovanni Scarso Borioli is the creator of Strategy in Action, the first AI-enable Enterprise Software for Strategy that is used by leadership teams of corporations worldwide to develop, execute and adapt their corporate, business and functional strategies.
He is author of numerous articles, policy papers, book chapters, case studies and presents regularly at international research conferences. His book “How to think Strategically. Your roadmap to Innovation and results” (co-authored with J. Couturier) published by the Financial Times was nominated for the prestigious Management book of the Year award by the CMI and British Library. Most recently the Harvard Business Review (January-February 2023 edition) published a seminal work of Prof. Sola (co-authored with Prof. Rayport of Harvard Business School) a paper on scaling organisations “The Overlooked Key to successful Scale Ups”.
Sola speaks fluently four languages (French, English, German and Italian). He lives in London with his wife Stella and his three children Lorenzo Alexander, Edoardo Maximillian and Allegra Grace Sophia
Presenters and participants would benefit in several other ways, as explained below:
Direct entry to Mahindra University School of Management Faculty Research Seminar: Select PhD Scholars in their advanced stage of PhD journey would be assessed during their conference paper presentation by the Mahindra University School of Management faculty. Based on their feedback, the candidate will be directly invited for a faculty research seminar.
Publication Opportunities: Select manuscripts will be sent to the journals for expedite review and for potential publication with our publication partners. These submissions will proceed according to the respective journal’s review policy. Additionally, the abstract proceedings will be released as an ISBN book
[WoS (Q1) Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (A)]
[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (2), ABDC (B)]
[WoS (Q3), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1)]
[WoS (Q2), Scopus (Yes)]
[WoS (Q1), Scopus (Yes), ABS (1), ABDC (C)]
Complimentary Workshops: The pre-conference workshops will cover both qualitative and quantitative research designs, led by experienced academics with a proven track record of expertise. The workshop is specifically designed to benefit early-career researchers for publishing in top-tier journals.
Reviews and Personalized Feedback on Submissions: Each presented paper will be given detailed feedback by one or two subject-matter expert(s), along with generous Q&A time during presentation.
Best Paper Awards: One best paper presented in each conference track will be awarded a certificate of best paper, along with a cash prize of INR 10,000.
Editors’ Insights: In addition to the Editors’ insights during the panel discussion, an exclusive question-and-answer session will be held. Participants can take this opportunity to have their questions related to the journal paper review procedures answered by the Editors themselves.
Ramoji Film City Tour: This tour is complimentary and is exclusively available to students registered for the conference. It will take a complete day of August 29, 2026. The objective of this tour is to develop and strengthen the bonding among the delegates. They will be invited to join this complimentary Ramoji Film City tour in Hyderabad. Delegates will be picked up from Mahindra University for Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film studio complex, recognized by the Guinness World Records. Spanning 2,000 acres, Ramoji Film City presents a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of world cinema, along with cultural, architectural, and entertainment highlights. On arrival, delegates will be guided through prominent attractions including iconic film sets, landscaped gardens, thematic streets, palatial courtyards, and heritage replicas that have served as the backdrop for numerous national and international films. The tour also features immersive experiences such as the Action Theatre, Spirit of Ramoji, and live stunt performances, offering a glimpse into the creative world of filmmaking. After the program, participants will return to Mahindra University.
Networking Opportunities: The participants will have the benefit of interacting not only with the track chairs, editors, workshop resource persons, but also with their peers and the faculty members of Mahindra University School of Management.
Gala Dinner: The conference will include a complimentary gala dinner, offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Conference Track Chairs
Submission Guidelines and Link
| Submission format | Submission Link |
|---|---|
| Extended Abstract: Limit your abstract to 750-1000 words maximum, excluding references. Label the file as: “ABSTRACT (first author’s full name).” For detailed guidelines, please refer to the submission guidelines. (on the submission guidelines, link this https://www.mahindrauniversity.edu.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Submission-Guidelines-PDF.pdf )
Full Papers: Adhere to the APA style guide (maximum: 40 pages, including all content). Label the file as: “PAPER: (first author’s full name).” On the first page, include all author information and the abstract. Number all pages consecutively. Refer to this APA guideline document for details. (on the “document” link this https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/professional-annotated.pdf ) |
Coming soon… |
The pre-conference workshops are designed especially for early-career researchers on August 27, 2026.
Identifying Research Gaps, Collecting Data, and Ethics of Inductive Qualitative Method
This one-hour session is designed to introduce participants to key aspects of inductive qualitative research, with a focus on identifying research gaps, collecting rich data, and navigating ethical considerations. Participants will learn practical strategies for spotting areas where theory and knowledge are lacking, designing effective qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and observations, and ensuring trustworthiness in their work.
Dr. Professor E S Srinivas superannuated from the services of IIM Bangalore in 2024. His research interests include Leadership, Mindfulness, Happiness, Proactive Behaviours, Indian Psychology, and Positive Psychology. He designed and delivered executive education programs for over 60 leading organizations in India and outside India. He has published widely, and his publications have appeared in top-tier journals such as the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of International Business Studies, Organizational Behaviour & Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Occupational & Organizational Psychology.
Grounded Theory and Case Research
During this one-hour session, participants will be introduced to the philosophical foundations and core principles of grounded theory and case study research. The workshop will explore the similarities and differences between these approaches and provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for a given research question. In addition, the instructor will share practical insights from his own experience in publishing a qualitative paper in a top-tier journal, offering valuable tips for successfully navigating the publication process.
Dr. S. Ramakrishna Velamuri is Visiting Faculty at Mahindra University, specializing in Entrepreneurship. His research spans opportunity recognition, resource mobilization, business model innovation, firm growth, and business ethics. He has published extensively in top-tier journals including Journal of Management Studies, and MIT Sloan Management Review, and has authored several award-winning business cases. His work is widely cited and presented across academic and industry platforms.
Quantitative Research Design for Robust Causal Inferences
This two-hour workshop, led by Dr. Amit Shankar, introduces participants to the principles and techniques of designing quantitative research that enables credible and rigorous causal inferences. Participants will explore key concepts such as experimental and quasi-experimental designs, control of confounding variables, validity and reliability, and methods for strengthening causal claims. Through interactive discussions and illustrative examples, the workshop will emphasize how to align research questions, data collection, and analytical strategies to ensure robustness and reproducibility. The session is ideal for early-career researchers and doctoral students seeking to enhance the methodological rigour of their empirical studies.
Dr. Amit Shankar is the Dean (Research), PhD Chair, and Associate Professor at IIM Visakhapatnam. His teaching spans Digital & Social Media Marketing, Marketing Analytics, and Marketing Research. An IIT Kharagpur PhD., his research lies at the intersection of marketing and technology, with publications in coveted marketing journals such as Journal of Service Marketing, Psychology & Marketing, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of Retailing & Consumer Services. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the South Asian Journal of Business Studies and as a Guest Editor for the Australasian Journal of Information Systems.
Big Data Analytics
This one-hour workshop on Big Data Analytics by Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti will introduce participants to the fundamentals of analysing large and complex data sets to generate meaningful business insights. The session will cover key concepts such as data collection, storage, processing, and the use of analytical tools and techniques like machine learning, predictive modelling, and data visualization. Participants will learn how organizations leverage big data to make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. Through practical examples and discussions, the workshop aims to build an understanding of how big data transforms raw information into strategic value across industries.
Prof. Debopam Chakrabarti is Professor of Practice at the School of Management, with over 38 years of industry experience. A renowned expert in Supply Chain Consulting, he has worked with global firms including Deloitte, leading transformation initiatives and global strategy. He has also served as visiting faculty at top business schools, teaching Supply Chain and Business Analytics.
The second day, on August 28, 2026, is packed with Keynote Speeches, Editors’ Panel Discussion, Paper Presentations, and valedictory session.
Leading in the Digital Age: Editorial Perspectives Across Management Disciplines
This panel brings together editors from various journals across management disciplines to explore how digital transformation is reshaping leadership theory, research, and practice. The discussion will encompass perspectives from various areas of management, highlighting emerging research trends, methodological innovations, and the evolving role of academic publishing in shaping digital-era leadership discourse. The panel will also reflect on how editorial priorities and peer-review processes are adapting to the demands of a connected, data-rich, and innovation-driven environment.
Sushanta Kumar Mishra is a Professor at IIM Bangalore. He is also Chairperson, Centre for Teaching & Learning and Research & Publication. Chairperson, Case Centre. He is Editor-in-Chief, IIMB Management Review and Past President, Indian Academy of Management. His research work has appeared in top-tier journals including Journal of Management Studies and Journal of Organizational Behaviour.
Dr. Sachin Mangla Kumar, a full Prof. of Operations & Supply Chain Management and Vice-Dean of International Research Network, works in the field of Green and Sustainable Supply Chain & Operations, Circular Economy, Decision Making and Simulation. He has an impressive track-record of publications in reputed UTD24/FT50/ABS 4/ABDC A* journals and has been involved in several editorial positions in top tier journals.
Dr. Pradeep Racherla is Professor and Associate Dean and HoD(Digital Technologies) at Mahindra University School of Management. He is a Digital Transformation/Strategy consultant and trainer and worked with several multi-national firms and start-ups in India and the United States. His research articles have appeared in the top-tier journals.
Paper Presentations
Papers will be presented in seven conference tracks as given below:
Track: Data Science, Digital Transformation, & Artificial Intelligence
Track: Organizational Behavior, Culture & Change Management
Track: Contemporary Trends in Consumer Behavior and Marketing
Track: Operations & Emerging Technology Management
Track: Finance, Accounting, and Economics
Track: Sustainability, Good Governance, and Public Policy
Track: Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
For details, please refer to the “CALL FOR PAPERS” section.
Valedictory Session
The Best Paper Award ceremony and certificate distribution will be held.
Steering Committee
Organizing Committee Chair
Organizing Committee Co-Chair
Finance Committee
Nidhin Mathath, Mahindra University | Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University | Vismaya Gangadharan, Mahindra University | Rajesh Gaurav, Mahindra University
Logistics Committee
Kirit Ghosh, Mahindra University | Prashant Kumar Gupta, Mahindra University| Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University| Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University | Vishwanatha Saragur Ramanna, Mahindra University
Media Committee
Gayathri Janapati, Mahindra University | Jose Manu M A, Mahindra University | Nilanjan Banik, Mahindra University | Pradeep Racherla, Mahindra University | Ravikanth Vazrapu, Mahindra University | Sumit Saxena, Mahindra University | Vanita Yadav, Mahindra University
Pre-conference Workshop
Anjali Rajan, Mahindra University | Janani Rangan, Mahindra University | Praharshita Krishna, Mahindra University
Publications Committee
Muneer Shaik, Mahindra University | Sarthak Mohapatra, Mahindra University | Shahid Bashir, Mahindra University | Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
Sessions Committee and Review Board
Janani Rangan, Mahindra University | Keerti Pendyal, Mahindra University | Pranjal Chandrakar, Mahindra University | Sandhya Bala Venkata Banda, Mahindra University | Sindhu Vasireddy, Mahindra University | Shipra Shukla, Mahindra University | Shreya Mishra, Mahindra University
Sponsorship Committee
Jyothi Rani Korem, Mahindra University | Rajesh Balarama, Mahindra University | Srikanth Karnati, Mahindra University
