Last Updated on September 27, 2025
MBAUniverse.com News Desk
The 15th Indian Management Conclave (IMC) 2025, organized by MBAUniverse.com and hosted by IIFT Delhi on September 25–26, convened the Higher Education Secretary, AICTE Chairman, CXOs, and leading academic leaders to deliberate on the future of management education in the Age of AI. A major 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.
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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.
IMC IRC Best Paper Award 2025 Winners & Finalists
The eminent Jury announced the paper by Neethu Ismail & Lishin M Joshy titled ‘When Autonomy Hurts and Relatedness Heals: Understanding the Dual Impact of Digital vs. Traditional Learning on Postgraduate Outcomes’ as the winner of the First Prize of IMC-IRC Best Research Paper Award 2025.
This study compares the effectiveness of AI-driven personalized learning systems with traditional instructor-led methods in enhancing student comprehension, retention, and engagement. Conducted with 120 postgraduate students divided into AI-based and traditional learning groups, the research used pre- and post-assessments, retention tests, and engagement metrics to measure outcomes. Findings revealed that traditional learning outperformed AI-based systems in comprehension and long-term retention, while higher baseline knowledge strongly predicted better results in both models. Despite initial interest, engagement in AI-based learning declined due to adaptability challenges, and students expressed a stronger preference for human-led instruction. The study underscores the continued relevance of traditional methods and recommends a balanced, evidence-based integration of AI tools.
The paper by Radha Raghuramapatruni titled ‘An Analysis on role of Digital platforms in Internationalization of Management Education’ was selected as the winner of the Second Prize of IMC-IRC Best Research Paper Award 2025.
This study examines how digital platforms are reshaping the internationalization of management education by surpassing traditional geographic and institutional boundaries. Earlier models relied on physical exchanges, joint programs, and offshore campuses; however, the rise of virtual learning environments has introduced “borderless” academic collaboration. The paper explores the transformative role of these platforms in nurturing global engagement through new tools, strategies, and pedagogical innovations. It further assesses the benefits, challenges, and emerging directions of digitally enabled internationalization.
Other finalists for the IMC-IRC Best Research Paper Award 2025 were:
Title: Flexible Learning Coherence for Education 5.0: Fostering Digital Technologies Pathways in Management Education
Authors: Deepa Pillai & Shirly Abraham
Title: Voices Within Teams: Exploring Psychological Safety in B-School Group-Based Learning
Authors: Sunil, M.V
Title: Exploring the role of classroom interpersonal relationships in fostering academic resilience in higher education
Authors: Bhuwandeep & Mitra Amini
Title: Rethinking Employability through the Lens of Cultural Intelligence: Insights from Indian Management Graduates
Authors: Abhinanda Bhattacharya & Ginni Chawla
Title: Harnessing AI in Education: The Influence of the TPACK Framework on Teaching and Learning
Authors: Emily Maria K Jose & Pooja Venkatesh
IMC IRC Best Paper Award 2025 Jury Members
The Jury comprised distinguished researchers and editors, including:
IMC IRC Best Paper Award 2025 -- Track Chairs
The Track Chairs comprised distinguished researchers and editors, including:
To ensure high-quality research presentations, the following measures were implemented:
Thanking the Jury Members, Track Chairs, Editors associated with IMC-IRC 2025, Mr Agnihotri, said: “We are indeed very thankful to jury members, and track chairs for their invaluable contributions. We are also thankful to Journal Editors for their support.”
IMC IRC 2025 Theme and Tracks
After a careful analysis of recent developments, the following tracks were curated.
Track 1: AI-Enhanced Pedagogy, Learning, and Student Engagement
Track 2: AI Applications, Analytics, Ethics, and Organizational Impact in Management Education
Track 3: Teaching Methodologies & Pedagogical Innovation in Management Education
Track 4: Academic Processes, Quality & Internationalization of Management Education
Track 5: Competencies, Employability, Career Advancement & Entrepreneurship
IMC Research Conference 2025: Selected Papers & Authors
Shortlisted from more than 150 submissions, selected research papers will be presented by authors from leading Indian institutions. The paper presentations are organized into five tracks that reflect the core priorities of management education in India today. Read selected papers and their authors by tracks.
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.
Selected Papers and Authors:
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.
Selected Papers and Authors:
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.
Selected Papers and Authors:
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.
Selected Papers and Authors:
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.
Selected Papers and Authors:
By promoting and recognizing cutting edge research in management education during the 15th IMC 2025, the IMC International Research Conference (IMC-IRC) 2025 has reinforced its position as a leading academic forum for advancing research and thought leadership in management education.
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