Call for Research Papers for “World SME Conference 2010”

We are pleased to announce that Milagrow is gearing up to launch the 3rd edition of its flagship event the World SME Conference 2010. This is an annual theme based event supported by the Government of India and is well the SME fraternity. 

We at Milagrow invite you to participate in ‘Call for Papers’ for the third edition of Milagrow's Get-Set-Grow World SME Conference, 2010 to be held on 14-15th December 2010 in New Delhi. 

The theme for the current edition is “IT, an enabler for SMEs”

 The emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is not only reshaping the business models but also intensely interlining enterprises across its internal as well as external value chain. In other words business enterprises are in the process of major transformation in order to meet the challenges of network economy. The role of ICT is redefined as a fundamental enabler in creating and maintaining a flexible business network of inter organizational arrangements – joint ventures, alliances and partnerships, long term contracts, technology licensing, and marketing agreement. Traditionally in house developed customized Management Information Systems (MIS) have been used to enhance business networking and now Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, supply chain management systems, Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM) and e-Business portals are being used to establish business networking systems.

Most of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in India are in early stage of business networking as they have recently started adopting integrated information systems such as ERP and supply chain systems. 

We invite research papers on the theme “IT as an Enabler for SMEs”. Authors/Researchers are welcome to submit research papers, manuscripts or case studies on stated theme and below mentioned sub themes.

• Free & Open Source Software Solutions vs Low cost but Proprietary Solutions
• Cloud Computing, SaaS, ITaaS 
• Net books and other IT Hardware
• Data Security Challenges for SMEs
• Digital, Online Marketing and social media tools

The above sub themes are suggested topics, but not a limitation on your innovative thinking process.

We are looking forward for:

• Original and primary research based papers
• Empirical analysis in the area of sub themes.
• Research articles analyzing recent developments, problems, opportunities and recent measures taken by government in the area related to theme.
• Case study falling in the area of theme.
• Review of recent book or conference reports on the theme.

Important Dates :

Letter of Intent with the submission fee                                               Till 31st August, 2010

Date for submission of Abstract (approx. 250 words)                      30th September, 2010

Review of Abstracts & Communication of Acceptances                        15th October, 2010

Deadline for submission of Final Papers                                            15th November, 2010

Refereeing & Communication of Final Acceptance                           30th November, 2010

Conference dates                                                                        14th & 15th December, 2010 

Benefits of Participation 

• The authors of selected papers will be invited to the conference for  presentation
• The papers selected for final presentation will be compiled and presented to the Ministry of MSME as recommendation
• Opportunity to interact and network with key decision and policy makers for and from MSMEs across the world
• Opportunity to participate in stimulating and thought provoking sessions with business leaders and top professionals
• Free membership of the Milagrow SME portal for winners and participants*

*Conditions apply 

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you, your colleagues and research scholars from your institute to contribute research papers in our this issue. We would also like to inform you that the registration fee for  applying for this competition is  Rs. 2,500 per entry.

 Guidelines for Submission Of Articles / Research Papers / Case Studies

• Submitted papers must NOT have been previously presented, scheduled for presentation, published, accepted for publication and if under review, must not appear in print before the conference.
• The abstract / entire paper must be in ONE (1) Microsoft word document and should be sent as an attachment via email to research@milagrow.in
• The maximum length of the paper should be 5000 words with double space and Times New Roman 12 point type on single side of the paper.
• Margins should be set at 1.0" top, bottom, right and left. Paper size should be set for A4.
• In addition to the title heading, no paper should have more than three levels of headings within the body. The title page of the papers should give your full name, institution’s name, affiliation, telephone/fax number, the e-mail address, and name of the country.
•  All papers begin with an abstract of 250 words or less. The abstract should be double-spaced and italicized. Use 10 point type and bring out the focus of the paper in body of the abstract.
• The body of the paper should be double-spaced and should immediately follow the abstract. Use 12-point type for the body of the paper. Indent every paragraph.
•  Figures and tables should appear as Appendices and should be numbered consecutively. The figure or table numbers and description should appear left-justified in boldface 10-point type at the top. Illustrations, symbols, or parts of a figure should be produced graphically.
• The references section, including all citations used must be included in the paper. The word "References" should appear as a first-level heading.
• All intellectual property rights in any reports or other documentation or materials submitted for 'Call for Papers' shall be and shall remain the property of Milagrow Business and Knowledge Solutions. However, due acknowledgment would be given to the author of the content thus published.

Travel Entitlements to the Participants

• As per the travel entitlement, we would reimburse second class return train fare to the participants from their city of origin within India to New Delhi.
• A taxi/pre-paid cab [available at the train taxi counter] to the place of stay will be reimbursed (Approx Rs 250 one way)
• A car will be available for the participants on the date of the conference at 8.30 am to take you to venue of the conference and the same car shall bring you back at 6.30 pm. 
• The stay for one night two days will be borne by Milagrow. In case you desire to extend your stay by a few more days at the accommodation provided to you, then the cost of the additional stay will have to be borne by you.