10th Oct. 2011 –

An International Conference on “TECHNOLOGICAL AND MANAGEMENT ADVANCEMENTS: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES” was organized by RIMT- Management Campus on 10th October 2011. It brought together Scholars and academicians from various institutions like Punjabi University Patiala, GNDU, Kurukshetra University, PTU, Ch. Devi Lal University to name a few.

The conference was inaugurated by Mr. Ishu Bhalla Business Head Hindustan Times, In his inaugural speech Mr. Bhalla said that technology is one of the most dramatic forces shaping people's lives. The pace of technological change in the world is leading to new technologies emerging virtually every day, and many of these make products based on older technologies obsolete, almost overnight and technology is also playing a strategic role and various management activities like Planning, Forecasting, Accounting, Human Resource, Supply Chain, Marketing etc. are being carried out through technology and it is must for success in the business world. Mr. Bhalla also shared how the country has developed technologically in pre and post liberalization period and how some of the most successful companies failed due to lack of foresight as they were not able to leverage technology for competitive advantage.

In his Key note address Mr. P.S. Sodhi National Coordinator UNDP emphasized that although technological advancement has been a source of efficiency and wealth technology has also caused serious harm to individuals and the environment. He further said that mother Earth is the only planet we have and huge greenhouse gas emissions will lead to disturbance in the delicate balance that exists in the planets climate and life system and that we should focus on environment friendly choices and technology.

Dr. Hukam Chand Bansal, Chairman, RIMT Group presided over the conference and said that the unbridled plundering and exploitation of the natural resources is now threatening our very own existence and it is high time that world moves towards a balanced view of industrialization and alignment of technology with inhabitants of the planet including flora, fauna and natural resources.

A special feature of the inaugural session was speech by guest of honor Mr. Leonard Sonnenschein President World Aquarium and Conservation for the Oceans Foundation having more than three decades of experience in science innovation , research and education. He also coordinates with International Agencies like UNESCO,UNEP,WHO in the area of environment conservation. . Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sonnenschein said that we need to ensure that we develop right attitude and thought towards technology so that everyone is able to take small steps towards preserving our natural world.

Dr. B.S Bhatia Director General RIMT- Management Campus also shared his thoughts about the program with the participants and said that managing challenges thrown by Technological advancement include better understanding of the risks involved and having sound legislation in this regard.

During the conference three Technical sessions were organized dealing with Technology, Management and Social sciences & Education. Papers were presented by researchers on themes like Technology Growth and Environment , Technology and its impact on Governance ,Technology Globalization and Integration of markets, Ethical Issue in Technology Applications, I.T. and Computing ,Technology and changes in the Quality of Life, Role of ICT in Teaching Learning Processes, E-Learning, Technological advancement in supply chain management, Technology and business information systems, Information Technology and cyber laws, Technology Strategy and Management, Managing IT and E-Commerce, ERP.

The participants found the conference very informative and enriching. In the concluding Valedictory session Dr. A S Chawla Registrar Punjabi University Patiala and Dr. Sanjiv Gupta Managing Director P J Group Ludhiana exhorted the students and researchers and shared their views . Dr. S. N. Panda, Principal, Regional Institute of Management & Technology delivered vote of thanks . Dr. Vivek Inder Kochhar, Director, RIMT-Institute of Management & Computer Technology were also present during the session.