Guest editors’ Note and Introduction to the Special Issue

Managing Managerial Excellence and Sustainable Growth

As organizations strive for sustainable growth and meaningful existence in today’s fiercely competitive world, understanding the critical components of managerial excellence is essential. In the dynamic landscape of business and management, the intersection of Information Technology (IT) and operational management presents numerous challenges, from adapting to technological advancements to optimizing operational efficiencies. This nexus is particularly pertinent for scholars exploring the connection between managerial finesse and sustainable expansion, as well as understanding contemporary challenges in IT and operational landscapes.

The Operational Research Society of India (ORSI) Bhubaneswar (Odisha) chapter, in association with BIITM Bhubaneswar, organized an international conference on February 17, 2024, titled ICMESG’24. This conference, themed around contemporary challenges and opportunities in management, featured scholarly deliberations on specific sub-themes such as:

▪Leadership in a Dynamic Operational Environment

▪Strategic Management for Sustainable Development and Growth

▪Technology Integration for Operational and Managerial Excellence

▪Innovations and Their Adaptation in Business Operations

▪Case Studies of Best Practices in Rural Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth

From navigating disruptive technologies to optimizing operational frameworks and addressing critical IT and operational challenges, scholars presented valuable insights, strategies, and innovative solutions. In light of these discussions, we curated this special edition to benefit scholars in related fields, selecting the best papers through a blind review process by subject experts. This publication aims to delve into these challenges and explore innovative solutions that pave the way for sustainable business development. This special edition of the journal includes research papers, review papers, and case studies covering topics such as:

Agile Change Management

Resilient IT Infrastructure

Pioneering Fintech Sustainability

Health Challenges and Indigenous Practices

Interactional Networks to Support Sustainable Development

Solving Employee Absenteeism with People Analytics

Multi-country Learning Environments for International Students and Quality Teaching

Inclusive Leadership and Communication

Biodegradable Paper Bag Use and Related Issues

Volatility Behavior of Futures Prices

Changing Attributes of Online and Offline Buying Preferences

Assessing the Integration of Technology in Operations

Recent Cases of ‘Moonlighting’ Issues

Publishing a special issue in a prestigious international scholarly journal such as JHSSR has significant academic impact. It amplifies the reach of innovative research, providing a platform for scholars to share their findings with a global audience. This special edition not only enhances the visibility of the featured studies but also fosters critical discourse among academics, practitioners, and policymakers. By addressing pressing contemporary issues in management and IT, the articles contribute to the advancement of knowledge and inform best practices across various fields.

Moreover, this special issue serves as a valuable resource for future research, offering comprehensive insights and case studies that can guide subsequent investigations. The rigorous selection and review process ensure that the published works meet high academic standards, reinforcing the journal’s reputation as a leading publication in humanities and social sciences research. We sincerely hope that this special edition will receive critical appreciation and provide valuable inputs for further research on these themes.

Thank you for reading JHSSR.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37534/bp.jhssr.2023.v6.nS.idGE0013.p5