20^th International Conference on Business Management
( ICBM 2024 )

The VUCA world encompasses a range of complex and interconnected issues that influence decision-making and shape the sustainability agenda. Volatility refers to the speed and magnitude of change, characterized by economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and political instability. The uncertainty reflects the unpredictability and lack of information, requiring adaptive responses to navigate uncertain futures. Complexity arises from the intricate interdependencies and systemic nature of challenges, necessitating holistic approaches. Ambiguity highlights the multiple interpretations and diverse perspectives surrounding complex issues, demanding nuanced decision-making processes.

Against this backdrop, sustainable development serves as a guiding principle in addressing the challenges of the VUCA world. To meet the requirements of the current generation without sacrificing the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs, it covers the integration of economic, social, and environmental factors. Sustainable development recognizes the interconnections between economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental stewardship, and strives for balance across these dimensions.

However, achieving sustainable development in the VUCA world requires resilience and reinvention. Resilience refers to the ability to absorb shocks, adapt to change, and maintain functionality in the face of disturbances. It involves building adaptive capacity, diversifying resources, and fostering learning and collaboration. Resilience enables organizations and societies to navigate disruptions, respond effectively to emerging challenges, and bounce back stronger.

Reinvention, on the other hand, entails a paradigm shift in mindsets and strategies. It calls for innovative thinking and the willingness to adapt approaches to address sustainability challenges. Reinvention acknowledges the transformative power of technology, innovation, and systems thinking in driving sustainable development. It encompasses reimagining business models, embracing circular economic principles, and leveraging technological advancements to create more sustainable and resilient systems.

As we move forward, the challenges and complexities associated with sustainability are likely to intensify, driven by factors such as the growth of population, resource scarcity, climate change, technological advancements, and socio-political shifts. In this context, resilience and reinvention will play crucial roles in shaping our ability to address these challenges effectively and create a sustainable future, as elaborated below.

Navigating Uncertainty and Complexity: The VUCA world is characterized by uncertainty and complexity, making it challenging to predict and understand the implications of various sustainability issues. Resilience allows us to adapt and respond to unforeseen circumstances, enabling organizations and societies to navigate through uncertain and complex landscapes. By building resilience, we can enhance our capacity to anticipate, absorb, and recover from shocks, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of sustainable development efforts.

Adapting to Changing Circumstances: Sustainable development must be adaptable to evolving conditions. The ability to reinvent approaches, strategies, and business models is crucial for aligning sustainability initiatives with changing environmental, social, and economic contexts. Reinvention promotes innovative thinking and encourages the adoption of new technologies, practices, and systems that can drive sustainable outcomes. By continually reassessing and adapting, we can ensure that our sustainable development efforts remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

Harnessing Technological Advancements: Technological advancements play a pivotal role in driving sustainable development in the VUCA world. Embracing new technologies and innovations enable us to address sustainability challenges more efficiently and effectively. Resilience allows us to integrate emerging technologies into existing systems, promoting their adoption and scaling. Reinvention encourages us to explore and leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, blockchain, and digital platforms, to transform industries and create sustainable solutions.

Seizing Opportunities for Transformation: The VUCA world presents not only challenges but also opportunities for transformation and growth. Resilience equips organizations and societies with the ability to identify and seize these opportunities, enabling them to leverage change for sustainable development. Reinvention encourages us to think beyond traditional boundaries, promoting creative problem-solving and innovative approaches. By embracing sustainable practices, organizations can enhance their competitiveness, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient global economy.

Addressing Interconnected Sustainability Challenges: Sustainability challenges are interconnected and require holistic and integrated solutions. Resilience allows us to recognize and address the interdependencies between environmental, social, and economic dimensions, enabling a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Reinvention promotes systems thinking, encouraging us to consider the broader impacts and trade-offs associated with our actions. By embracing resilience and reinvention, we can break down silos and foster collaboration among various stakeholders, creating synergistic efforts that address multiple sustainability challenges simultaneously.

In conclusion, the future calls for increased emphasis on resilience and reinvention in embracing sustainable development in the VUCA world. By fostering resilience, we can navigate uncertainties, adapt to changing circumstances, and build capacity for sustainable development. Reinvention empowers us to embrace new technologies, innovative strategies, and transformative thinking, enabling us to address interconnected sustainability challenges effectively. By integrating resilience and reinvention into our sustainability efforts, we can build a resilient, adaptive, and sustainable future for generations to come. Based on this scenario, the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce (FMSC), University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), Sri Lanka has decided to conduct its 20th International Conference on Business Management (ICBM) on the theme of “Resilience and Reinvention for Sustainable Development in the VUCA world.”. The FMSC, as the “Center of Excellence in Management Education in Sri Lanka”, earnestly believes that the key focus of sustainable development is Resilience and Reinvention. Hence, the ICBM 2024 aims to bring together scholars and practitioners around the world to exchange and share their experiences and research findings on all aspects of Resilience and Reinvention for Sustainable Development in the VUCA world.

Objectives of ICBM 2024

1. Creating an avenue where scholars and practitioners could share their research findings and experience on the proposed theme.
2. Uncovering potential future research projects on a wider scope regarding sustainable development.
3. Strengthening collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders for feasible joint-projects, funding, and for identifying publication avenues.

Main Conference

Date : 29^th February 2024

Venue : University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

Phd Colloquium and Business Forum

Date : 1^st March 2024

Venue : University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

Dr. (Mrs.) Sandamali Galdolage
Email: sandamali@sjp.ac.lk
Mobile: +94 71 8216616

Dr. (Mrs.) L. D. C. S. Subhashini
Email: subhashini@sjp.ac.lk
Mobile: +94 76 6610881

• Prof. A. R. Ajward
• Dr. Vilani Sachithra
• Mr. P. D. C. Udayashantha
• Ms. Vishwara Perera
• Mr. Chanaka Piyasena
• Mr. Prabhasara Athurupane
• Mr. Sachin Wijayasinghe
• Ms. Divya Kalansuriya
• Ms. A. P. Panditha
• Mr. H. R. A. S. Vindula
• Ms. L. I. Assalaarachchi
• Ms. Hiran Abeywickrama
• Ms. Githmi Abeysooriya
• Ms. T. S. Gunawardana
• Ms. Tharanga Dissanayake

• Prof. Lasith Gunawardana
• Dr. M. P. K. Withanawasam
• Mr. Indumini Kavirathne
• Ms. V. H. Samarasinghe
• Mr. H. H. Madubasha
• Mr. Ruwanga Wijesooriya
• Ms. K. Ishani Uresha
• Ms. J.P.J. Madavi
• Mr. P. L. Rathnasekara
• Ms. A. K. K. R. Jayathilaka
• Ms. Tharini Weerasekara
• Ms. P. H. Palihawadana
• Ms. Oshadi Silva
• Mr. Madhawa Kalugampitiya