The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka held the 9th Interdisciplinary Conference of Management Researchers (9th ICMR) on November 27 and 28, 2024, marking a momentous milestone. The FMS Research and Publication Unit organized this renowned academic event, which has served as a beacon of intellectual collaboration and innovation for nearly a decade. As the conference celebrated its ninth edition, it brought together a diverse group of scholars, researchers, and industry leaders, fostering a dynamic environment for forward-thinking discussions against the backdrop of a rapidly advancing technological revolution.
Amid the post-pandemic era, global economic uncertainties, and the rapid advancements of the technological revolution, the conference’s theme, “Synergy in Management Research: Bridging AI and Human Intelligence,” gained profound significance. As industries worldwide embrace transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, the conference highlighted the critical intersection of technological innovation and human creativity. The theme underscored the need to navigate the complexities of digital disruption while positioning AI as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable growth, and resilient management practices across academia and industry. Discussions emphasized the importance of balancing technological potential with human-centric approaches to ensure inclusivity, ethical decision-making, and long-term sustainability.
The distinguished keynote speakers’ invaluable insights elevated the conference, offering thought-provoking perspectives on the integration of AI and human ingenuity. Prof. Ujjwal K. Chowdhury, Vice President of Global Marketing and International Relations at Washington University of Science and Technology, Virginia, USA, delivered a keynote titled, “Examining How AI Tools Can Support, Rather Than Replace, Human Creativity in Developing Innovative Marketing Campaigns.” His presentation underscored the transformative potential of AI in optimizing marketing strategies by enabling data-driven personalization and predicting consumer behaviour. However, he also stressed the indispensable role of human creativity in ensuring campaigns remain ethical, culturally relevant, and emotionally resonant.
Prof. Thilini C. Gamage, a prominent academic from the Department of Marketing at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, presented her keynote, “Will AI Augment Human Ingenuity, or Ultimately Replace the Need for Human Workers?” She provided a forward-looking perspective on the evolving dynamics between AI and the workforce. Prof. Gamage argued that while AI offers unparalleled opportunities to automate tasks and improve efficiency, its true value lies in augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing them. Her presentation also addressed the importance of reskilling and upskilling employees to ensure meaningful collaboration between human and machine intelligence. Together, the keynote addresses highlighted the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption that integrates technological advancements with human ingenuity.
A comprehensive double-blind review process was conducted, underscoring the conference’s commitment to academic excellence. From 96 submissions, 41 research articles were selected for inclusion in the proceedings, following rigorous evaluations by an esteemed panel of reviewers. These articles, contributed by both domestic and international researchers, reflected diverse perspectives aligned with the conference’s central theme. The research was categorized into seven distinct tracks: General Management, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Technology Management, and Tourism. The inclusion of international case studies further enriched the discussions, fostering a global exchange of ideas and enhancing the interdisciplinary value of the event. To ensure broader dissemination, a post-conference proceedings publication has been planned, capturing the innovative contributions shared during the conference.
One of the conference’s highlights was the Panel Discussion held on November 28t, under the theme “AI as a Catalyst for Post-Economic Recovery in Sri Lanka: Opportunities and Challenges.” The session featured a distinguished panel comprising Prof. Anuradhi S. Hapuarachchi (DBA in AI, MIT, USA), Mr. Hansa Perera (Principal Engineer, Nagarro), and Mr. Sampath Thrimavithana (Founder/CEO, Sponge Global). Moderated by Dr. H.P. Rasika Priyankara, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Business Management, the panel explored how AI-driven solutions could address critical economic challenges, including inefficiencies in public administration, resource allocation, and productivity declines. The panellists emphasized the importance of ethical AI practices, policy integration, and cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable growth. The discussion highlighted actionable strategies for leveraging AI to support economic resilience and underscored the importance of aligning technological innovations with human-centered policies to ensure equitable growth.
The conference’s success was greatly attributed to the generous contributions of its key sponsors, whose support not only provided essential funding but also significantly enhanced the event’s visibility and impact. The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), as the main sponsor, demonstrated its commitment to advancing academic excellence and fostering constructive dialogue. Key banking partners, including Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, and Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka, played a pivotal role in the seamless execution of the event.
The conference received invaluable support from professional bodies such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Sri Lanka, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL), and Project Management Solution (PMS). These collaborations highlighted the event’s multidimensional approach to bridging academic research with practical industry insights.
The reach and influence of the conference were amplified by Dialog Axiata, the telecommunications partner, alongside respected media collaborators such as the Dinamina, Silumina, Sunday Observer, and the Daily News. Their contributions ensured that the conference’s outcomes resonated with a broader audience, reinforcing its role as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The remarkable success of the 9th Interdisciplinary Conference on Management Researchers (9th ICMR) was anchored in the visionary leadership and strategic guidance of Prof. Sunil Shantha, Vice Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. His commitment to fostering academic innovation and excellence laid a strong foundation for this impactful event.
Under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Athula Gnanapala, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, the conference achieved its objective of uniting academia and industry to explore groundbreaking ideas and collaborative research opportunities. His forward-thinking vision shaped the event’s interdisciplinary focus, aligning it with contemporary global challenges.
The conference’s success was further driven by the exemplary efforts of the organizing committee, chaired by Dr. U.C. Edirisinghe, with the support of Conference Secretary Dr. K.G.G.S. Karunathilaka and a dedicated team of five co-chairs (Mrs. K.L.B.G. Dharmaratne, Dr. L.A.C. Sajeewanie, Mr. R.A.D.C. Ranathunga, Ms. P.M. Shamika, and Mrs. Warunika Hettiarachchi). Complemented by the contributions of Conference Coordinating Secretary Ms. B.W.C.M. Amarasena and Conference Treasurer Mr. K.C.Ariyarathna, the team successfully cultivated an environment where academia and industry collaborated to harness the synergy between AI and human intelligence. This collective effort drove innovation, addressed pressing management research challenges, and underscored the conference’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.
In addition to showcasing groundbreaking research, the conference emphasized the importance of fostering academic-industry partnerships to tackle global challenges. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants explored strategies to integrate AI-driven technologies into business practices while maintaining ethical and sustainable standards. The dialogue extended beyond academia, inspiring professionals and policymakers to consider innovative approaches that balance technological progress with social and environmental responsibilities.
The Faculty of Management Studies reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and research through the successful organization of the 9th ICMR. By establishing a global platform for academics across diverse sectors, the conference addressed pressing challenges within the academic community and provided innovative solutions. This achievement not only advanced academic discourse but also strengthened the faculty’s reputation as a leader in fostering impactful international collaboration.
