Applied Research in Business and Education

The International Conference on Business Innovation (ICOBI) marks its eighth successful edition this year, continuing its legacy as a premier academic platform that bridges the disciplines of Management and Education. Organised by the Faculty of Business at NSBM Green University, ICOBI 2025 stands out for its broad thematic coverage and global reach. This year’s conference features an impressive array of thematic tracks including: Economic Advancements and Business Analytics; Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Innovations; Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management; Governance, Compliance and Legal Enforcements; Human Resource Management and Applications; Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Manufacturing and Service Operations; Marketing and Branding; Media and Communication; Strategic Business Transformation and Project Development; Accounting and Finance; Global and Sustainable Business Management; Adaptive Learning and Educational Practices; and Technology-Enhanced Language Learning.

A distinct feature of ICOBI is its interdisciplinary focus, combining insights from both the management and education spheres to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration. The conference will host three distinguished keynote speakers, both local and international, who will address cutting-edge developments in both management and education. This year, ICOBI has attracted submissions from a diverse pool of scholars and practitioners, with around 90 papers already received, of which approximately 25% are authored by international contributors from countries such as Brazil, India, UK, Sweden, Australia, Indonesia and UAE.

What sets ICOBI apart is not only its thematic richness but also the quality and rigour of its review process. Papers are reviewed by a panel of respected academics and professionals from both local and international universities, ensuring high scholarly standards. The conference is expected to draw a vibrant audience comprising academics, researchers, industry professionals, and postgraduate students, both from Sri Lanka and across the globe, making it a truly international forum for exchanging innovative ideas and practices in business and education.

Dr. W A Piyumi Udeshinee (Lead Editor)

is a Senior Lecturer attached to the Faculty of Business at NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka. She is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and Professional Advancement. She holds a PhD from Stockholm University, Sweden where her research focused on dynamic assessment as a feedback strategy in technology-enhanced language learning.

Ms. Sashini Gayanika (Associate Editor)

is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Business, NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka, with expertise in Economics and Business Administration. She has completed her mas□ter’s in Economics at University of Colombo and reading for her PhD at University of Colombo. Her research interests lie in Economics and Behavioural Finance and has published in local and international journals.

Ms. Thilini De Silva (Editor)

is the Dean of the Faculty of Business at NSBM Green University and a pioneer academic of the faculty. A first-class graduate in Banking and Finance from Wayamba University and a dual gold medallist, she holds an MBA from the Postgraduate Institute of Management and is currently pursuing a PhD at Stockholm University, Sweden on women empowerment, entrepreneurship, gender, and social media.