ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A National Conference on Business Dynamics was held at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in Islamabad on Monday to promote academia-industry linkages through applied and meaningful research in order to provide effective solution to socio-economic problems of the Country.Â
The Conference, arranged by the University in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC), was participated by a large number of researchers and academicians from various parts of the Country.
Arranged by the University’s Department of Business Administration deliberated upon the theme of `Managerial Role in Contemporary era: Opportunities and Challenges’ during its day-long working sessions.
The Chairman HEC Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, while addressing the inaugural session as a chief guest, hoped that the conference will serve as a productive platform to promote effective collaboration between the researchers and the business circles for taking advantage of the new innovations in the economic pursuits.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmed called for making the research beneficial for the society and the humanity as whole. “Research is of no need, if does not leave positive impact on the living conditions of the people, he added.
While underlining the importance of basic research, he said applied research should also be made A essential component of such academic efforts.
He emphasized that academia and the business entrepreneurs should work together for taking benefit of fast-changing development in the economic sector. Both sides should work as partner to upgrade the quality of industrial products.
Dr Mukhtar appreciated the AIOU for frequently holding research-based conferences, assuring that the funding will have no problem for carrying out the projects that benefit the society.
He also called for upholding basic ethics and moral values in educational and business practices. The Educational institutions needed to focus more on quality and good governance, he added.
He urged the youth to keep high national interest as well as well society’s benefit while doing PhDs, instead of just enjoying personal privileges.
They need to come up to the society’s expectations in carrying out research work. He also spoke on the role of Business-related educational institutions in socio-economic development of the society.
In his opening remarks, Vice Chancellor AIOU Professor Dr Shahid Siddiqui announced that the university will hold a similar Conference at international level next year to expand the scope of knowledge-sharing for the benefit of the society.
The University, he added will continue to fulfill its main responsibility disseminating knowledge through publication of research journals and holding of research-based conferences.
So far they have published nine journals, besides holding of 12 Conferences of national and international importance.
Earlier, in his key-note address Vice Chancellor University of Education Lahore Dr Rauf-e-Azam highlighted the importance of higher education in creation and dissemination of knowledge. He underlined the need of developing knowledge-based economy.
The conference was also addressed by renowned economist Dr Tahir Hajazi and Dr Hasan Raza, coordinator of the conference. The University’s Dean Social Sciences Dr Syed Abdul Siraj also participated in the event.
