Conferences

Interdisciplinary Pathways to Knowledge: Shaping the Next Frontier of Research

Anusandhan, The SBUP Doctoral Conference 2026 (SBUPDC2026), the flagship initiative of Research and Development Cell (R&D Cell), Sri Balaji University, Pune, has evolved into a premier platform for doctoral scholars, academicians, and industry experts. Building on the resounding success of the 2025 proceedings, the upcoming 2026 conference aims to further fortify its reputation as a pulsating hub for intellectual exchange and collaborative research.

The 2025 conference was marked by enriching keynote addresses, a highly engaging research clinic, and constructive panel discussions that enabled doctoral scholars to refine their research designs and gain practical insights. Scholars appreciated the hybrid format, the diversity of research tracks, and the feedback received from domain experts. These learnings continue to inspire the design of the 2026 edition. With its continued commitment to bridging theory with practice, the 2026 conference will provide a dynamic platform for doctoral researchers to present their work, interact with industry professionals, and contribute to scholarly dialogue on global management challenges.

Objectives

To provide a platform for doctoral scholars to showcase and refine their research.
To facilitate the exchange of ideas and advance collective knowledge in management.
To strengthen the bridge between academia and industry through dialogue and research exchange.

Paper presentations by doctoral scholars (online and offline).

Keynote sessions by eminent academicians and industry experts.

Research Clinic to provide practical guidance on publishing and thesis writing.

Plenary sessions and discussions on cutting-edge management issues.

Networking opportunities embrace a Networking Dinner.

Conference Dates

The conference will be held on the 3rd & 4th April 2026 (Hybrid Mode).

Venue & Mode

Delivery Mode: Hybrid

Venue: Sri Balaji University, Pune

Accommodation is available on campus with limited capacity on a first-come, first-served, chargeable basis.

Conference Theme

As research enters a new frontier shaped by globalization, digital transformation, and societal shifts, knowledge creation increasingly demands an interdisciplinary lens. The boundaries between disciplines are dissolving, giving way to collaborative approaches that address complex global challenges. Whether it is the convergence of technology with the humanities, the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence, or the urgent need for sustainable economic models, today’s researchers must think beyond silos to create meaningful impact.

The SBUP International Doctoral Conference 2026 is therefore centered on the theme “Interdisciplinary Pathways to Knowledge: Shaping the Next Frontier of Research.” This theme encourages doctoral scholars to engage with cross-cutting issues, challenge conventional frameworks, and present innovative approaches that bridge disciplines to address real-world concerns.

Invited Speakers and Dignitaries

Dr. Eva Lim Wei Lee

Deputy Dean,

UCSI Graduate Business School

UCSI University, Malaysia

Bio

Dr. Eva Lim is an award-winning academic with over 14 years of research and teaching experience and 11 years in technology start-ups and financial institutions. She holds a PhD from University Tun Abdul Razak, an MBA from the University of Strathclyde (UK)—where she received the Sir Paul Girolami Prize—and a Bachelor of Business from RMIT University (Australia).

Her expertise includes entrepreneurship, digital entrepreneurship, opportunity recognition, entrepreneurial intention, small business enterprise, and technology adoption. She has published in top international journals indexed in WoS, Scopus, ABDC, and CABS, and serves as a reviewer for several high-impact journals. Her recognitions include the Outstanding Young Researcher Award, Outstanding Educator Awards, Outstanding Mentoring Award, Best Paper Award at ICAFE 2020, and multiple innovation medals. She has supervised DBA, MBA, PhD, and undergraduate theses and is active in international conferences and academic committees.

Broad Research Areas

Organizational & General Management

Planning, Organizing & Staffing Functions
Leadership, Directing & Controlling Functions
Organizational Structure & Change Management

Business/Data Analytics & Digital Transformation

Data-driven Decision Making & Business Intelligence
Process Automation & AI Integration
Digital Change Management & Strategy

Marketing, HR, Finance, Operations & Supply Chain

Consumer Behaviour & Market Segmentation
Digital & Social Media Marketing
Brand and Product Management
Talent Acquisition & Performance Management
Leadership & Employee Engagement
Organizational Change & Communication
Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Supply Chain
Policy Frameworks of Supply Chain for Economic Growth
Reducing Trade Barriers and Simplifying Customs Procedures

Economics, Policy & Sustainability Studies

Environmental & Sustainable Economics
Public Policy & Economic Development
Corporate Social Responsibility & Global Trends (general knowledge)

International Business, Strategy & Entrepreneurship

Globalisation and Business Competitiveness.
Globalization’s Impact on Rural Economies & MSMEs
FDI Trends and Their Influence on Business Landscape
Economic Policy Challenges in a Globalized Business Environment

Contributions that bridge multiple areas are especially encouraged, aligning with the interdisciplinary spirit of the conference.

Important Dates

Extended Abstract / Full Paper Submission Deadline:
15th March 2026

Notification of Acceptance:
24th March 2026

Registration Closes:
29th March 2026

Call for Papers

We invite doctoral scholars to submit their research aligned with the conference theme.

Manuscript Submission Link: https://cmt3.research.microsoft.com/User/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FSBUPDC2026

Extended Abstract Guidelines:

1000 – 1500 words, covering introduction, objectives, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and references.
APA 7th edition referencing style.

Author Guidelines:

Abstract: Ensure it is within 250 words and includes 4–6 keywords.
Title Page: Include paper title, authors' names, affiliations, and the corresponding author's email.
Formatting: Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman, 12-point font, with consecutive page numbers.
File and Language: Submit in Word format (.doc/.docx) and in English only.
Word Count: Full paper should not exceed 7,000 words, excluding references.
Referencing Style: Follow APA 7th edition for in-text citations and reference list.
Final Check: Ensure grammar, spelling, and formatting meet the requirements.

Who Can Participate

Any registered PhD scholar in India or abroad. Co-authorship with faculty/guide is permitted, with at least one PhD scholar as an author.

Publication Opportunity

Selected papers will receive publication opportunities in Scopus-indexed, peer-reviewed journals:

The IUP Journals / IUP Publications (SCOPUS indexed)
International Journal of Enterprise Information Systems (SCOPUS Indexed)
Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management (SCOPUS Indexed)
Journal of Organizational Change (SCOPUS, ABDC Indexed)
Social Marketing (ABDC Indexed)
International Journal of Knowledge Management (SCOPUS Indexed)
Technological Sustainability (SCOPUS Indexed)
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Community (SCOPUS Indexed)
Journal of Australian Taxation (ABDC Indexed)
Journal of Theoretical Accounting Research (JTAR) (ABDC Indexed)
Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (ABDC Indexed)
Action Learning Research and Practice (SCOPUS Indexed)
Management Decisions (ABDC Indexed)
Sri Balaji Society’s The Balajian Journal of Management Research (ISSN: 3049-317X(Online)) (Peer Reviewed)

Submissions that fall within the journal’s aims and scope and adhere to its submission guidelines will undergo the standard review process of concern journal.

Note:
The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.

Registration

Conference Fees: INR 2500
International participants $50

Best Paper Awards

Best paper awards will continue, recognizing excellence in research with attractive cash prizes such as.

1st Prize

INR 25,000

2nd Prize

INR 15,000

3rd Prize

INR 10,000

Committee

Patron

Prof. Paramanandhan Balasubramanian

Chancellor
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Advisory Committee

Dr. G. K. Shirude

Vice Chancellor
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Dr. S. B. Agase

Registrar
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Dr. Dimple Saini

Dean & Senior Director Corporate Relations,
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Dr. Biju G. Pillai

Dean (FoC&M) & Senior Director IT and Admissions
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Chief Convenor

Dr. Manisha Nitin Paliwal

Head, R&D Cell
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Conference Convenors

Dr. Nutan Samdani

Associate Professor
Sri Balaji University, Pune

Dr. Anurodh Khanuja

Sr. Assistant Professor
Sri Balaji University, Pune