Studies on Digital vs Traditional Learning, Impact of Digital Platforms Win IMC-IRC Best Paper Awards 2025

A key highlight was the IMC International Research Conference (IMC-IRC) 2025, which featured over 150 researchers presenting papers on emerging themes in business and management education. The IMC-IRC Best Research Paper Awards 2025 were determined through a rigorous three-stage evaluation process: shortlisting by the reviewer, scores by Track Chairs during paper presentation, and final selection by Jury during the open presentation. The two winning papers explored the ‘Impact of Digital vs. Traditional Learning’ and the ‘Role of Digital Platforms in Internationalization of Management Education’.

The Awards were presented by Shri Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education; Mr. Amit Agnihotri, Founder, Indian Management Conclave; along with other dignitaries during the Valedictory Session of IMC 2025.

Read more about the IMC IRC Award Winners and the Finalists. Continue reading about the IMC IRC Theme, Tracks, Chairs, Submission, Winners.

IMC IRC 2025 
Management learning and education (MLE) is a growing as a distinct field of study with its own set of journals representing its body of knowledge. It continues to evolve as paradigms about the relevance of scholarship for the practice of the profession are challenged (Armstrong & Fukami, 2009; Bilimoria & Fukami, 2002). As the field of management education evolves and shifts, the outlets for research findings on teaching and learning also need to change to reflect the current paradigms of the field (Currie & Pandher, 2013). 

Indian management education ecosystem, comprising of IIMs, IITs, IIFT, Universities and PGDM B-schools, offers more than 3000 MBA programs, the largest number in the world. Indeed, Indian management education has produced CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Change Makers. However, as India aspires to be a developed nation by 2047, a lot remains to be achieved…With a vision to understand the challenges, and highlight the opportunities, INDIAN MANAGEMENT CONCLAVE (IMC), is organized by MBAUniverse.com in partnership with top B-schools and knowledge organizations. 15th IMC 2025 was hosted by IIFT Delhi.
To catalyse impactful research in the domain of business and management education, INDIAN MANAGEMENT CONCLAVE (IMC), in partnership with XLRI Jamshedpur, held the first IMC-IRC on September 20-21, 2024. IMC-IRC 2024 was a great success with participation from more than 150 Authors from 9 IIMs, XLRI, SPJIMR, IRMA, NMIMS, Symbiosis University amongst others. A total of 40 papers, selected from about 150 papers, were presented in six tracks during IMC-IRC 2024. Best Paper Award winners were decided by an eminent Jury Members. The IMC-IRC Best Research Paper Award 2024 was presented during IMC 2024 Valedictory function.

IMC IRC 2025 was held successfully during the 15th IMC 2025 on September 25-26, 2025 at IIFT New Delhi. 

With two successful editions, IMC-IRC shall serve as a platform for scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking discussions, exchange ideas, and chart the future trajectory of management education.

Theme: Emerging Trends in Management Education: Inquiry, Insight, Impact
Emerging Trends in Management Education: Inquiry, Insight, Impact serves as the overarching theme of IMC IRC research conference. Throughout history, Management Education has remained at the forefront of innovation, continuously adapting to the changing dynamics of business and society. As industries undergo transformation and global challenges emerge, the pedagogy of Management Education must evolve to equip forthcoming leaders with the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for success. In pursuit of this theme, the conference will delve into six interrelated tracks, each offering a unique perspective on advancing management education. 

After careful analysis of recent trends in management education, following tracks are announced. 

Track 1: AI-Enhanced Pedagogy, Learning, and Student Engagement
This track focuses on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies are transforming teaching methods, learning experiences, curriculum design, and student engagement in management education. Papers explore innovative pedagogical models, blended learning, AI-driven educational tools, and strategies to enhance learning outcomes and student participation.
Track 2: AI Applications, Analytics, Ethics, and Organizational Impact in Management Education
This track explores the practical applications of AI in management education, including digital transformation, organizational adoption, HR analytics, marketing analytics, AI tool comparisons, ethical frameworks, and AI-driven decision-making. Submissions include case studies, SEM analyses, frameworks, and empirical investigations focusing on enhancing institutional and organizational outcomes.
Track 3: Teaching Methodologies & Pedagogical Innovation in Management Education
This track aims to explore innovative teaching methodologies and pedagogical strategies that enhance student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall educational experience in management education.
Track 4: Academic Processes, Quality & Internationalization of Management Education
This track explores academic processes and institutional strategies that shape the quality and global outlook of management education. Papers examine comparative higher education across countries, the role of digital platforms in driving internationalization, and long-term impact of student mobility and other related areas.
Track 5. Competencies, Employability, Career Advancement & Entrepreneurship
This track explores the evolving landscape of employability skills and competencies essential for career success in today's dynamic job market. It delves into the intersection of academic programs, industry demands, and career guidance initiatives aimed at preparing students for successful transitions from education to employment.

CALL FOR PAPERS
Call for Papers is closed. We invite original and unpublished manuscripts from academics, professionals and doctoral students for presentation and participation in the IMC Conference. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to present their papers during the conference. Authors shall be offered opportunities to publish their papers in national and international journals of repute. Best Research Paper Award shall be presented to highlight the most impactful and relevant research. 

Important Dates and Schedules

Event	Date
Extended Abstract Submission	Deadline: July 8, 2025
Notification of acceptance of Extended Abstract	July 28, 2025
Registration Start date	July 28, 2025
Registration Closing date	Deadline: August 6, 2025
Full Paper Submission*	August 30, 2025
Conference Date	September 25-26, 2025

* Submission of Full Paper is required for entering the Best Research Paper Award competition. Submission of Full Paper is recommended but not mandatory for paper presentations at the Conference.
 

Conference Partners with Top Journals
Participating authors shall have the opportunity to submit papers to the following Partner Journals* who have officially accepted to support IMC-IRC:

• Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management (Scopus, Cite Score: 17.2)
• The Journal of Global Marketing (Scopus, Cite Score: 7.7)
• Global Business Review (Scopus, Cite Score: 7.1)
• Business Strategy & Development (Scopus, Cite Score: 5.8)
• Business Perspectives and Research (Scopus, Cite Score: 5.0)
• Journal of Entrepreneurship (Scopus, Cite Score: 3.3)
• Management and Labour Studies (Scopus, Cite Score: 2.2)

*Final publication is subject to papers meeting journal review process and guidelines 
 

Registration is closed. Conference will be held exclusive in offline and in-person mode. At least one of the co-authors must register for the inclusion of paper in the conference paper presentations. A nominal registration fee is being charged for participation in two-day conference, as below.

Delegate Category	Indian Delegate Fees (Rs.)	Payment Links	Foreign Delegate Free ($)
Faculty with Full-Time Employment with an Academic Institution offering management programmes & Research Scholars / Students studying at Academic Institutions offering management & engineering programmes	Rs. 3500 + GST	Pay Now	100
Delegate participation for attendance	IMC Conclave Registration Rules Apply.

* In addition to IMC-IRC paper presentation sessions, above registration also include registration for all sessions of 15th IMC 2025. It does not include stay in Delhi and applicable GST. 

 

Submission process is closed. Academics, educators, scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students are invited to submit their original and unpublished papers for this conference. Here are the guidelines for extended abstract submission:

Extended Abstract Submission Guideline
Authors are required to include following points in Extended Abstract:

• Purpose: This section should explain ‘why’ this study was undertaken.
• Study design/methodology/approach: This section should explain ‘how’ this study was conducted
• Findings: This section should explain ‘what’ this study revealed.
• Originality/value: This section should explain ‘why’ this study was undertaken.

Please format the abstract as follows:

• Length: A minimum of 1000 words and a maximum of 1500 words
• Font: Times New Roman; Font Size: 12 points; 1.5 space
• Document Format: MS Word

Also include a Title Page with following details: Manuscript Title, Author(s), Affiliation(s), Contact Details of all Authors, Corresponding Author.

How to Submit your Abstract
Submission of the abstract will be made in Microsoft Word format to the Conference Secretariat via the link provided. 
Criteria for Evaluation of the Abstract are:

• Relevance
• Rigor of Research
• Key Contributions

Guidelines for Full Paper Submission

• Article Length: 5000–8000 words
• Spacing: 1.5
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12 Points
• Margins: One inch all around
• Page numbering: Consecutively numbered pages
• Document Format: MS Word

Title page: The title page of the manuscript must include the title of the theme, author’s name, affiliations, keywords (maximum 5), phone numbers & email of all authors, corresponding author name.

References: Authors should follow American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition (2020) style guidelines

All tables, charts and graphs should be given on separate sheets with title.

Wherever necessary, the source should be indicated at bottom.

The endnotes, italics, and quotation marks should be kept to the minimum.

Paper must have not been published or accepted for publication elsewhere or be currently under any other review.

Name of the author(s) should appear only on the title page. In case of joint submissions, all correspondence will be addressed to first author.

Template for Full Research Paper Submission

• Title: The title should be clear, concise, and descriptive of the research topic.
• Author(s): List the names of the author(s) and their affiliations (universities, institutions, etc.).
• Abstract: Provide a concise summary of the entire paper, including the research question, methods, results, and conclusions. The abstract is typically 200-250 words.
• Keywords: List a few keywords that highlight the main topics or concepts in your research.
• Introduction:
  • Begin with a brief overview of the research topic and its significance.
  • State the research problem or question that your study addresses.
  • Provide a clear thesis statement or hypothesis.
• Literature Review:
  • Review and summarize relevant literature related to your research topic.
  • Identify gaps or areas where your study contributes to existing knowledge.

Methodology:

• Describe the research methods and techniques used in your study.
• Explain the data collection process, including the instruments and materials used.
• Discuss the data analysis methods and statistical tools, if applicable.

Results:

• Present your research findings in a clear and organized manner.
• Use tables, figures, and graphs to illustrate the data.
• Include descriptive and inferential statistics, if applicable.
• Provide a written interpretation of the results.

Discussion:

• Interpret the results and discuss their implications.
• Relate the findings back to the research question or hypothesis.
• Address any limitations of the study.
• Suggest areas for future research.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the main findings and their importance.
• Restate the thesis statement or research question.
• Provide a clear and concise conclusion that follows logically from the study's results.

References: List all the sources you cited in your paper following an APA 7th Edition (2020) citation style

Appendices: Include any supplementary materials, data, or information that supports the research but is not central to the main body of the paper.
 

Conference was held exclusively in offline and in-person mode.  At least one of the co-authors must register for the inclusion of paper in the conference presentations. 

Conference Venue is IIFT Delhi Campus: IIFT New Delhi, B-21, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110016

Stay for Conference Paper Presenters
Presenters of shortlisted conference papers will be required to register for the conference along with payment of registration charges. Stay is not available at the conference venue. 

ABOUT IMC & MBAUNIVERSE.COM 
With a vision to understand the challenges, and highlight the opportunities, INDIAN MANAGEMENT CONCLAVE (IMC), is organized by MBAUniverse.com in partnership with top B-schools and knowledge organizations. Over the last decade, IMC has championed for developing a unique India management education model that is based on our strengths and opportunities. IMC has released Books, Surveys and Whitepapers to highlight the same. After the initial conferences, held at India International Centre Delhi, IMC was hosted by ISB Hyderabad in 2015, IIM Ahmedabad in 2016, IIM Lucknow in 2017, IIM Bangalore in 2018, MDI Gurgaon in 2021, IIM Kozhikode in 2022, SPJIMR Mumbai in 2023 and XLRI Jamshedpur in 2024. Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind and Former President of India Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee were the Chief Guest for previous editions in 2019 and 2022. Organizer MBAUniverse.com is India’s leading MBA Education portal and has guided more than 1.5 million students since its inception in 2008.

ABOUT IIFT 
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to contribute in the skill building for the external trade sector of India. It has come a long way to successfully develop into a unique institution involved in imparting knowledge through research and training in international business and trade. The Institute was granted “Deemed to be University” status in 2002. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has recognized IIFT as Grade ‘A’ Institution in 2005 as well as in 2015. Over the years, IIFT has emerged as a national university with focus on International Business Management and Strategy, and such focus is reflected in all three major activities of the Institute: Research, Training and Education. The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade was granted the prestigious AACSB Accreditation on 17th November, 2021. With this the IIFT figures amongst the top 900+ Business Schools of the world which have earned this accreditation. IIFT Delhi was ranked #15 in the NIRF Management Ranking 2024.