International Conference on Business, Economics and Management

From Data to Discovery: Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis with Hands-on Experience Using ATLAS.ti 25

A post-conference workshop was successfully organized on 23rd January 2026, on the eve of the 6th International Conference on Business Economics and Management (iCBEM), at Sukkur IBA University.

The workshop was organized by the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Sukkur IBA University. It focused on advanced qualitative data analysis techniques, offering participants hands-on experience in coding, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative data using ATLAS.ti 25.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Ali Raza, Assistant Professor, Sukkur IBA University, who guided participants through practical applications and methodological insights, making the workshop highly engaging and research-oriented.
The workshop served as a valuable academic activity complementing the proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Business Economics and Management, contributing to capacity building in qualitative research among scholars and researchers.

Professor Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah, Pro Vice Chancellor (Main Campus), Sukkur IBA University and Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto, Conference Chief Organizer and Dean Faculty of Management Sciences, Sukkur IBA University graced the occasion with their presence. Professor Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah in his closing remarks appreciated the efffots undertaken by the department and commended the organizing team and distributed Certificates and Shields among the participants and, facilitator, and organizers.

The post conference workshop was organized by the Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences in collaboration with Center of Research for Business Management (CRBM), Sukkur IBA University.

On the second day of 6th International Conference on Business, Economics and Management (iCBEM) – on January 23, 2026, a high-profile and thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Education for Impact — Universities Leading the Journey from Quality to Sustainability”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto, Conference Chief Convener and Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Sukkur IBA University, underscored the evolving role of universities in promoting sustainability, innovation and social impact. The discussion centered on embedding sustainability, innovation, ethical leadership, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education through curriculum enhancement, interdisciplinary research, and strengthened industry–academia linkages. The panel comprised Prof. Dr. Ishrat Husain (Ex-Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Former Advisor to the Prime Minister; Professor Emeritus, IBA Karachi), Prof. Dr. Arabella Bhutto, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritages, Jamshoro, Prof. Dr. Jawwad Syed, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at Lahore University of Management Sciences, Dr. Md. Imtiaz Mostafiz from University of Leicester, United Kingdom and Dr. Naukhez Sarwar, Principal, NUST Business School.

The Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Sukkur IBA University successfully organized the 6th International Conference on Business, Economics & Management (ICBEM) – 2026 on January 22–23, 2026, themed “Sustainable Business Innovation in the Age of AI & Technology.” The two-day international conference convened distinguished scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from Pakistan and across the globe to engage in critical discussions on sustainability, technological advancement, and the future of business.

The second day featured insightful keynote speeches by Prof. Dr. Ishrat Husain (Ex-Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Professor Emeritus, IBA Karachi), Prof. Dr. Jawad Syed, Professor of Leadership & Organizational Behavior at LUMS University Lahore, and Dr. Zhanna Kapasalyamova from Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan.

Another impactful panel discussion titled “Education for Impact — Universities Leading the Journey from Quality to Sustainability”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Sukkur IBA University, highlighted the role of universities in embedding sustainability, innovation, and ethical leadership in higher education. The panel included Prof. Dr. Ishrat Husain (Ex-Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; Professor Emeritus, IBA Karachi), Prof. Dr. Arabella Bhutto, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritages, Jamshoro, Prof. Dr. Jawwad Syed, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior at LUMS University, Lahore, Dr. Md. Imtiaz Mostafiz (University of Leicester, UK), and Dr. Naukhez Sarwar, Principal, NUST Business School.

The second day of the conference was graced by the Chief Guest for Day-2, Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh, President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI). In his concluding remarks, the esteemed guest underscored the relevance and timeliness of the conference theme in the context of evolving global business and technological landscapes. He also appreciated Sukkur IBA University’s significant contributions toward empowering students from underprivileged backgrounds and acknowledged its pivotal role in reshaping higher education in Sindh and Pakistan through quality, inclusivity, and impact-driven academic initiatives.

The conference concluded with conference takeaways, closing remarks by the Vice Chancellor, of Sukkur IBA University Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, vote of thanks presented by Prof. Dr. Niaz Hussain Ghumro, Head of Business Administration Department, and awards and shield distribution ceremony, recognizing the valuable contributions of keynote speakers, panelists, researchers, and organizers.

The successful organization of the conference was made possible with the valued support of Allied Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, and Sukkur Beverages, who proudly sponsored the event and contributed to making the 6th ICBEM a memorable and impactful academic gathering.

The 6th ICBEM further reinforced Sukkur IBA University’s commitment to research excellence, international academic collaboration, and impactful dialogue on sustainability and technological innovation.

6th International Conference on Business, Economics & Management (ICBEM)-2026-Day-I

The Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Sciences, Sukkur IBA University, successfully organized the 6th International Conference on Business, Economics & Management (ICBEM) on January 22–23, 2026, under the theme “Sustainable Business Innovation in the Age of AI & Technology.”

The two-day international conference served as a prominent academic forum, bringing together distinguished scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from Pakistan and across the globe to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities shaping business, sustainability, and technology-led transformation.

The conference formally commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor, Sukkur IBA University, followed by a comprehensive conference overview presented by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto, Chief Convener of ICBEM and Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences. The inaugural session was honored by the presence of the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Ishrat Husain—former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan; former Advisor to the Prime Minister; and Professor Emeritus at IBA Karachi—whose participation added significant stature to the event.

The opening day featured thought-provoking keynote addresses by internationally renowned scholars, including Prof. Dr. MD Imtiaz Mostafiz (University of Leicester, UK), Prof. Cleopatra Veloutsou (Adam Smith Business School, UK), Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Syriopoulos (Zayed University, Abu Dhabi), and Prof. Dr. Virginie De Barnier (Aix-Marseille University, France), offering diverse global perspectives on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.

A high-level panel discussion titled “Empowering Small Farmers through Inclusive Finance and Technology” brought together senior representatives from the banking, agribusiness, and development sectors.

The discussion emphasized the pivotal role of financial technology and inclusive financing in promoting sustainable agricultural development.

The conference further featured multiple parallel sessions for research papers and case studies across diverse thematic tracks, including artificial intelligence in business, fintech, sustainability, human resource analytics, marketing, leadership, and supply chain management, fostering rigorous academic dialogue and knowledge exchange.

The first day concluded with a Gala Dinner, providing participants with a conducive platform for professional networking and informal academic interaction in a cordial and celebratory environment.

Pre-Conference Workshop | iCBEM-2026

“Inside the Editor’s Mind: Secrets to High-Impact Publishing” was conducted by Dr. Faheem Gul Gilal at Sukkur IBA University on 21 January 2026, where Dr. Gul shared practical editorial insights on aligning research manuscripts with top journal expectations and navigating the peer-review process strategically.

Dr. Faheem Gul Gilal serves as Associate Professor of Marketing, and Editor-in-Chief of the Sukkur IBA Journal of Management & Business. He holds a PhD with distinction from the University of Science and Technology Beijing, China. With more than 60 publications in SSCI, ABDC, and Scopus-indexed journals, his research on consumer motivation, brand passion, CSR brand-fit, and self-determination theory is widely cited and internationally recognized. He has received prestigious awards for top-downloaded and top-cited research and is known for his seminal contributions to marketing science published in leading journals such as Journal of Business Research, Psychology & Marketing, European Management Journal, and Journal of Consumer Behaviour.

The pre-conference workshop titled “Write It Right: The How of an Outstanding Publication” was conducted at Sukkur IBA University on 21 January 2026 by Dr. Md. Imtiaz Mostafiz, Deputy Associate Dean (Research Excellence) and Associate Professor in Strategy & International Business at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. An accomplished scholar with extensive experience in academic publishing, editorial roles, and reviewer panels of leading international journals, Dr. Mostafiz brought rich global research insight and practical expertise to guide participants on crafting impactful, publication-ready manuscripts aligned with top journal expectations.