Dr. Elizabeth Devasia, Sr. Assistant Professor
A Confluence of Ideas and Innovation
Management education is at a crossroads, evolving rapidly to meet industry needs, technological advancements, and global dynamics. As business landscapes shift at an unprecedented pace, the demand for visionary leadership has never been greater—reinforcing its essential role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. On the 7th & 8th of March 2025, the Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME Bangalore, India) in partnership with the Adelaide Business School, Australia nurtured an extraordinary intellectual gathering. A pioneer of sorts, the international conference aptly titled Transcending Boundaries in Management Education – 2025 was more than a platform for discussion; it was a collective step to redefine the future of management education. Scholars, industry veterans, and policymakers came together to gain perspectives, learn from one another, and make sense of the future of business education in a developing world.
Opening Doors to New Perspectives
The inaugural session set the stage for deep, insightful discourse. Dr. Roshni James welcomed participants, emphasizing the need for adaptability in a rapidly shifting business landscape. Prof. Rajeev Gowda introduced a refreshing take on the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world, advocating for a new approach; Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility—to help navigate uncertainties.
Adding depth to the conversation, Prof. C P Ravindranathan traced the historical trajectory of management education, challenging attendees to reflect on its future. Prof. Noel Lindsay from the University of Adelaide reinforced the need for global collaboration in shaping the next era of management learning. The tone was set: this conference was about breaking barriers, not just discussing them.
The Heart of the Conference: Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions
One of the highlights of the conference was the engaging panel discussions, each delving into critical issues in management education.
The first, Innovations in Management Education, explored how institutions must evolve to remain relevant. Experts from prestigious institutions, including IIM Bangalore and the University of Adelaide, underscored the importance of experiential learning, skill-driven curricula, and industry-aligned programs. The key takeaway? A static curriculum is no longer an option; education must be agile, responsive, and continuously evolving.
The second panel, Business Schools and Social Responsibility—Are We Doing Enough? held on International Women’s Day, brought a much-needed focus on ethics and inclusion. Featuring an all-women panel of distinguished leaders, the discussion revolved around embedding social impact at the core of business education. The consensus was clear: business schools must go beyond academic rigor and foster a sense of responsibility in future leaders.
Master Classes: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Beyond discussions, the conference offered master classes that provided tangible learning experiences. Dr. Ankit Agarwal from the University of Adelaide challenged conventional teaching models, advocating for a strength-based learning approach. Meanwhile, Dr. Thomas Kuruvilla of Arthur D. Little introduced an unconventional evaluation method where the group’s grade depended on its lowest-performing member, promoting teamwork and social intelligence. These sessions reinforced that learning is as much about methodology as it is about content.
Research and Workshops: Shaping the Future of Academia
Over 30 research papers were presented across four key tracks:
The workshops further enriched the experience, offering practical insights on academic publishing and fostering entrepreneurial thinking within academia. Dr. Jennifer Leigh’s session on publishing high-impact research provided aspiring scholars with invaluable guidance, while Dr. Or Lustig’s workshop on academic entrepreneurship emphasized the role of universities in driving innovation beyond the classroom.
A Closing That Marked a Beginning
As the conference drew to a close, the valedictory session echoed a powerful sentiment: this was not the end of a discussion, but the beginning of a movement. Prof. Anil Philip urged academia to push boundaries and embrace innovation relentlessly. Prof. Noel Lindsay reiterated the importance of cross-border collaboration, emphasizing that meaningful progress in education comes from a shared vision.
With certificates distributed and gratitude exchanged, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose. The conference had not just facilitated discussions—it had ignited a collective commitment to shaping the future of management education.
The Road Ahead
Transcending Boundaries in Management Education – 2025 was a testament to the power of collaboration, critical thinking, and a shared vision for the future. As academia and industry continue to evolve, the ideas sparked in these two days will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. After all, the true measure of a conference isn’t just in what is discussed, but in the changes it inspires.
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