Virtual Research Conferences: A Case Based Analysis

Research Conferences: Purpose And Organization

Research conferences are the life line of academic activity, a forum for new learning, incubator for idea generation, a testing ground for research proposals as well as a platform for visibility and social networking (Garcia, 2000; Hildreth & Woodrum, 2009; Kaser, 2008). Garcia (2000) views a conference as an opportunity to gain “valuable input and constructive criticism before submitting manuscripts to journals, book publishers, or grantors.” He also equates a conference with a library and a place where “unexpected things can and do happen.” Kaser (2008) describes conference as a place where you can actually get away from the constant distraction of electronic messaging and switch mental gears to take the time to think and reflect.” The follow up of a conference paper is usually expected to be a journal publication. But, this does not always happen (Hildreth & Woodrum, 2009). One school of thought is to prefer conferences over journal publications owing to the speedy review process and faster dissemination often facilitated by a conference (Patterson, 2004; Vardi, 2009) but many scholars have also raised the concern about the quality of review of conference submissions (Al-Fedaghi, 2007; Patterson, 2004; Vardi, 2009).