Development Studies Workshop
Organized by the
Banque Populaire Chair in Microfinance of the Burgundy School of Business (Dijon, France)
In collaboration with
BG Foundation (India)
With Support from
VLCC (India)
Theme: Spirituality, Organization and Development
Dates: 28th and 29th October, 2016
Venue: Gurgaon/Delhi (India)
At a time of terrorism, war, and general confusion on human values, there is increasing concern to develop the world in a more sustainable manner. Harmony with nature, ethics, morality and even spirituality is being sought at an individual level, at an organizational level and at the macro level, while continuing the focus on development and making life worth living for all our fellow human-beings. At this juncture, more and more academics and practitioners are turning towards religion to see if some spiritual lessons can be incorporated for an enhanced work-life. At the very least, understanding the spiritual culture of different persons is important to work in global corporations. It is even more important to understand large waves of immigrants and to mentally prepare for their differences in values. The theme of this workshop is therefore relevant to promote human understanding in a globalized world.
A research workshop's primary aim is to help each other improve our papers so that we can publish in high ranked international journals and specialized books on a topic. For this, we would like to bring together a large diversity of researchers from different backgrounds to focus on a relevant and interesting theme, which is meaningful to the present moment.
Topics
While papers in any of these individual themes is welcome, papers combining two or more elements of spirituality, organization and economic development will be given preference.
Examples of possible topics combining two themes (not exclusive, not exhaustive) to spark your thoughts:
- Spiritual Development
a. Yoga in the workplace
b. Gandhism and sustainable development
c. Organizing Ayurvedic health systems - Organizational Development
a. Organization Leadership and community development
b. Corporate transformation through Islamic Finance
c. Managing Conflicts through the Art of Living - Economic Development
a. Microfinance and Hinduism
b. Confucianism and development of intellectual property rights
c. Economics of Spiritual tourism of Christian holy places
Please send abstracts by April 15, 2016 to microfinancechair@escdijon.eu.
Guidelines for Abstracts (150 to 300 words)
Title of the paper
Author Information: Names, designations and affiliations, current locations (city, country)
Research purpose
Theoretical Background
Research design/methodology/approach
Key results
Impact (on new research or on new practices, policies)
Value added/ Originality
Note
There will be no parallel sessions. A minimum of six and a maximum of fifteen working papers can be presented.
Abstracts will be selected based on conformity to the theme and diversity of origins.
A few people whose abstract is not accepted can opt for being discussants or participants, subject to place availability.
[more below the fold]
Research Agenda
1. Field Visit to School for children of migrant labor, with an explanation of public and private support for such initiatives. See more at bgfoundation.com , and spread smiles on https://www.facebook.com/thebgfoundation
2. Keynote speakers on Introduction to Hinduism, Indian culture and their manifestations on organization life
3. Working papers by participants. Each paper will have discussants. Those who submit abstracts only will not have discussants. In case of competition for limited space, full paper authors will be given priority.
Publication Possibilities
If the conference produces interesting high quality papers, a book or a journal publication will be proposed. This will be further discussed during the conference.
Deadlines
April 15, 2016: Deadline for Abstracts (see guidelines above on how to write an abstract)
April 30, 2016: Acceptances
June 30, 2016: Deadline for Full paper
Contact: microfinancechair@escdijon.eu
Website: http://burgundy-microfinance.weebly.com/development-studies-workshop.html
Registration Fee (For Presenters, Discussants and Participants)
Normal: 350 Euros (70 Euros for students)
Early bird: 300 Euros (50 Euros for students) for those who pay before 30th June 2016.
Note: If you want to be discussant or participant, please let us know as early as possible to ensure a place since we are limiting the total number of people. In any case, you should let us know well before June 30 so that you can get the reduced early bird rate. The discussants would be provided a paper or two to review and they would make their comments in public. The participants would not have a paper to review but should participate in the discussion after a paper is presented.
The registration fee includes coffee breaks, lunch during conference, dinner on 28th and 29th October as well as the social agenda.
Travelling and Accommodation costs are to be borne by each person (presenter, discussant, and participant) themselves.
Accommodation
· There are many good hotels in Gurgaon at all price ranges.
· Up to six home-stays in Indian homes will be organized for students. Please let us know at the time of abstract if you are a student and would need this accommodation to enable your hosts to anticipate your stay.
· Gurgaon is very close to New Delhi airport. Taxis are available.
Social and Cultural Agenda
1. An introduction to Diwali, the festival of lights
2. A dinner at an Indian home
3. Bollywood dancing workshop with a choreographer
Administrative Note
Please opt for a "tourist" visa. This reduces our paperwork and therefore time and costs. In any case, you will be provided an exposure to Indian culture and society.
Financial Sponsorships
It is possible for you to sponsor. Please get in touch indicating what you would like to contribute. A fixed seat at the conference is possible for early sponsors, as well as the display of their logo on the webpage.