We are excited to share the highlights of Ideasprint 2024, an ideathon organized by the undergraduates of the Department of Industrial Management. The event commenced with an introductory session on hackathons conducted by Dr. Chathura Rajapaksha on 16th of May, which provided undergraduates with valuable insights on hackathons.

The finals of Ideasprint 2024 were held on 4th of August, and the selected teams got the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to an esteemed panel of judges comprising Mr. Heshan J. Peiris, Founder & CTO, KReader; Mrs. Kanchana Priyakantha, Co-Founder & CEO, KReader; Mr. Dinesh Asanka, Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya; Ms. Dinalie Fernando, Software Engineer, SyscoLABS; and Mr. Buddhika Jayawardena, Lecturer, University of Kelaniya.

The winners of the finals are as follows:

Champion: Team Denkers

1st Runners-up: Team Davinchi Dreamers

2nd Runners-up: Team Zenhance

The Department of Industrial Management extends its warmest congratulations to the winners, who will also be competing in the Grand Finals of hackX 9.0, and commends all the undergraduates who participated, innovated, and demonstrated their potential.

A leadership training program was organized by Rangiri Holdings for first-year undergraduates of the Department of Industrial Management on April 29, 2024. Through a series of outdoor activities and interactive sessions, this program aimed to provide undergraduates with essential leadership skills.

The participants engaged in various activities that emphasized teamwork, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These exercises were not only challenging but also highly engaging, providing them with practical experiences that are crucial for developing strong leadership. Moreover, the hands-on experiences were invaluable in teaching the undergraduates how to lead with confidence and integrity.

The success of this leadership training program would not have been possible without the generous support and expertise of the team from Rangiri Holdings. Special thanks are extended to Mr. Nihal Pathirage, the Chairman of Rangiri Holdings, for his unwavering support in making the program a success. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. Chandana Abeygunawardhana, a Management Consultant at Rangiri Holdings, who, along with his dedicated team, conducted the session.

Overall, the leadership training program provided the undergraduates with an invaluable opportunity to develop leadership skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. We are immensely grateful to Rangiri Holdings and look forward to future opportunities that will continue to benefit the undergraduates of the department­.

Embarking on a journey of academic exploration, the Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, conducted an academic forum on April 1st, 2024, in conjunction with SCSE 2024.

Titled 'Shaping the Future of Academia with GenAI: Insights and Considerations,' this forum brought together academics of the University of Kelaniya to explore how artificial intelligence can transform education.

The event facilitated an extensive exchange of ideas, highlighting various ways in which AI can stimulate innovation in teaching and learning. The participants of the forum engaged in spirited discussions, exploring diverse AI resources—from the capabilities of ChatGPT to platforms like Elicit, SCISPACE, and Magic School—each offering unique avenues for enriching pedagogy, expanding knowledge horizons, and advancing research.

In terms of research, the forum addressed the potential of AI tools in creating literature reviews, methodologies and references. The participants of the forum further examined the ethical implications of using AI tools, proposing their utilization as a guide rather than a replacement for traditional research methods. To mitigate potential negative impacts on student performance, such as over-reliance on AI, the forum proposed the implementation of a viva at the conclusion of research projects. This approach, coupled with extended Q&A sessions, was suggested to ensure comprehensive evaluation and understanding of the students' work.

The consensus was that using AI tools in research is acceptable, provided they are employed judiciously and effectively, as some AI-generated results have been found to be inaccurate. The discussion also highlighted areas where AI falls short, such as critical thinking, narrative flow, and emotional resonance in writing. Further, concerns about potential unemployment due to AI advancements were raised, alongside deliberations on the legal changes that may be necessary to address these challenges.

All in all, the forum emphasized the transformative potential of AI in academia while emphasizing the need for ethical considerations, critical oversight, and adaptive regulations to navigate its future impact.

In collaboration with the General Sir John Kothalawela Defence University, Southern Campus, the Department of Industrial Management organized a three-day outbound training program for first-year undergraduates. This enriching program provided the undergraduates with a blend of indoor and outdoor activities designed to enhance their practical skills and teamwork.

The program featured a variety of engaging indoor activities, including sessions on dining etiquette and grooming. The outdoor segment was particularly adventurous, focusing on jungle survival skills. Activities included hiking, cooking in the wilderness, and learning vital survival strategies. Additionally, the program incorporated sight visits and various group activities that promoted fellowship and collective problem-solving.

This program was made possible by the dedicated efforts of key individuals at the General Sir John Kothalawela Defence University. Our deepest gratitude goes to Major General L.C.R. Jayasuriya, the Rector of the University, for his unwavering support. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Senior Deputy Dean Commander S.M.T. Priyadarshana and his team for their invaluable cooperation and guidance throughout the program.

The outbound training program provided an invaluable opportunity for first-year undergraduates to develop essential life skills and build strong teamwork capabilities. The diverse activities ensured that the undergraduates were not only educated but also challenged, leading to personal growth and enhanced resilience.

We are immensely grateful to the General Sir John Kothalawela Defence University for their collaboration and look forward to future opportunities that will continue to benefit the undergraduates of the department­.