International Research Symposium in Service Management (IRSSM 12) Concludes With Inspiring Discussions And Award Ceremonies

The 12th International Research Symposium in Service Management (IRSSM 12) commenced on August 6th, 2024, at the Fortune Valley View Hotel, offering a platform for scholars and industry experts to exchange ideas and insights. The event opened with a dynamic panel discussion featuring esteemed academics such as Dr. Jay Kandampully from The Ohio State University, USA, Dr. Allard van Riel from Hasselt University, Belgium, and Dr. Christian Kowalkowski from Linköping University, Sweden. Other notable participants included Dr. David Solnet from the University of Queensland, Australia, Dr. Linda Alkire from Texas State University, USA, Dr. Srikanth Beldona from the University of Delaware, USA, and Werner H. Kunz from the University of Massachusetts Boston, USA. The discussion delved into the nuances of research writing, particularly emphasizing the introduction, methodology, analysis, and potential future impact of studies.

On the first day, a workshop provided hands-on mentorship to aspiring research scholars. This interactive session was organized as round table discussions, where mentors addressed participants' queries and guided them toward achieving their research goals.

The second day, August 7th, marked the formal inauguration of IRSSM 12. The event was graced by the presence of Lt. Gen. Dr. M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr. Chef K Thiru, Principal of WGSHA, and Dr. Rajeev Kumra, Director of TAPMI. A round table plenary discussion on bridging the academia-industry gap in service management followed, with international mentors, Dr. Chef K Thiru, and Dr. Kumra participating. The discussion highlighted key issues such as the need for specialized roles for academicians, the importance of lifelong learning and executive education, and the challenges and opportunities in faculty hiring and alumni involvement.

The day's keynote address by Dr. Rishikesh T. Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, focused on contemporary challenges in service management, with a strong emphasis on innovation from a strategic perspective. He provided valuable insights from healthcare innovations and technological advancements and outlined steps to foster systematic innovation capabilities. The keynote address by Mr. Sharman Jha, CEO of Hindustan Unilever Foundation, brought attention to the critical issues of the water crisis and climate change, with compelling images illustrating the severe impact on communities, agriculture, and service delivery. The day's events concluded with parallel track presentations, where research scholars showcased their work.

Day three, August 8th, began with a summary of the previous day's discussions. Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels and Resorts, delivered a keynote address on the transformation of the hospitality industry. He articulated the equation of "People + Technology + Compassion + Sustainability = Soul of Hospitality," emphasizing the importance of balancing human touch with technological advancements. Mr. Prashant Rao Aroor, Founder of Avatar Hotels, addressed the issue of standardization in hotels, stressing the need for brands to focus on localization and immersive guest experiences that embrace local heritage.

The day's highlight was the Director's Round Table Discussion on the administrative challenges of fostering industry-academia connections. The panel included Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Director of IIM Trichy, Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodhgaya, Dr. Chef K Thiru, and Dr. Rajeev Kumra as the moderator. The discussion covered critical topics such as cross-pollination of research ideas, policies encouraging industry-aligned research, and practical advice for young researchers. The day concluded with another set of parallel track presentations.

The symposium's final day, August 9th, featured a valedictory function that celebrated excellence with various awards. International mentors engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the philosophy of research, focusing on the essence of selfless giving and the true soul of academic inquiry. The Pro Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr. H S Ballal, graced the occasion, offering inspirational words on the significance of organizing research symposiums and commending the efforts of Dr. Chef K Thiru, Dr. Kumra, and the IRSSM team. The event concluded with vibrant cultural performances by students, followed by a gala dinner, bringing the symposium to a memorable close.

The 12th International Research Symposium in Service Management successfully fostered collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, leaving a lasting impact on all participants.