CLICK HERE to submit your paper. (Abstract submission closes: April 30, 2025)

CLICK HERE for Payment and Registration (Early registration ends: May 31, 2025)

Dear Colleagues,

Call for papers: Download

We are delighted to announce that the Business Administration Department at the University of Piraeus, Greece, and the Centre for Business Analytics in Practice (CBAP) at Surrey Business School, UK, will be co-organizing the much-anticipated International Conference on Business Analytics in Practice 2025. The main theme of this year’s conference is focused on ‘Machine Learning & AI in Business‘ The conference is scheduled to be held from August 24-27, 2025, and is expected to be a vibrant and informative event.

Piraeus is the main port city of Greece, located within the Athens metropolitan area. Piraeus has a rich history dating back to ancient times while today, it is one of the largest ports in Europe. In addition, it is the main gateway to the famous islands of the Aegean Sea, offering easy access to both the Saronic Gulf islands and the Cyclades. Besides its port activities, Piraeus has attractions like the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, the Hellenic Maritime Museum, and the picturesque Mikrolimano harbour, where you can find great seafood restaurants.

We cordially invite you to join us in this multidisciplinary conference, where leading experts in business analytics will be sharing their knowledge and insights. This conference is a unique opportunity for professionals, academics, and students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded individuals from around the world.

University of Piraeus

The University of Piraeus was founded as a “School of Industrial Studies” in 1938 by the Association of Industrialists and Craftsmen. Since 1966 the school operates as a public entity. Through the years the University combines research, academic knowledge and practice order to create the most appropriate conditions for our students, to reach their full potential and become the Leaders of tomorrow. Key areas of study include business administration, economics, insurance, statistics, computer science, maritime studies, and banking and financial management. Given its location in Piraeus, the university has a strong emphasis on maritime studies, aligning with the city’s role as a major global shipping hub. University of Piraeus is involved in cutting-edge research in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation while it collaborates with various international universities and organizations, enhancing its global profile and research opportunities.

The International Conference on Business Analytics in Practice 2025 will take place at the central building of the University of Piraeus located at the heart of Piraeus. All conference rooms as well as the coffee breaks and lunches are taking place in the same building, providing a compact setting fostering networking between participants.

Note that all places of interest in Piraeus are at maximum 20 minutes from central building of University of Piraeus. You may find more information about University of Piraeus at https://www.unipi.gr/en/home/.

Department of Business Administration

The aim of the Department is to provide a theoretical and practical education in business administration in the private and public sector. The Department adopts a flexible approach in light of the rapidly changing economic and technological environment and ensures that it adapts in order to educate managers who are capable of enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises.

Centre for Business Analytics in Practice (CBAP)

The Centre for Business Analytics in Practice (CBAP) at Surrey Business School, UK, is a dynamic research centre that utilizes analytics to enhance decision-making across various disciplines. The centre’s primary objective is to explore the potential of data in facilitating organizational success through fact-based, proactive decision-making. CBAP is dedicated to conducting comprehensive research, grounded in both theory and empirical evidence, encompassing diverse areas such as business performance, including efficiency and productivity, AI, big data, health analytics, operations and supply chain analytics, as well as sustainability and net-zero analytics.

CBAP harnesses cutting-edge methodologies from multiple fields to develop efficient and expedited solutions for significant data-driven projects. By leveraging state-of-the-art techniques, the centre strives to contribute to the advancement of analytics and foster innovative approaches to address contemporary business challenges.

Outline of the Conference

This conference is a multidisciplinary event and will feature all aspects of business analytics, ranging from the fundamentals to the advanced levels. The conference will cover an extensive range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Theory and methodology papers that make significant contributions to the fields of Operations Research, Statistics, Analytics, Machine Learning, Econometrics, etc
• Empirical papers (innovative applications in analytics) covering various areas, including but not limited to:

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data
• Operations and Supply Chain analytics
• Manufacturing, Production and Quality analytics
• Efficiency and Productivity analytics
• Banking, Insurance and Financial analytics
• Management and Marketing analytics
• Accounting analytics
• Energy, Environment, and Climate Change analytics
• Sustainability and Net-Zero analytics
• Health analytics

We will also organise doctoral consortium and round table discussions that bring together esteemed current and former editors of top-tier journals in the Business Analytics field (e.g., the European Journal of Operational Research, Annals of Operations Research, Expert Systems with Applications, Journal of Operational Research, etc.). These sessions will provide a unique opportunity for early-career scholars and doctoral candidates to receive valuable insights and advice on getting published, setting them up for future success.

More information about the scientific and social program of the conference as well as paper submission can be found at https://academyba.com/icbap2025/

We look forward to seeing you at the ICBAP2025 Conference in Piraeus, Greece.

Prof Ali Emrouznejad	Prof Sotirios Bersimis	Prof Dimitrios A. Georgakellos
Professor and Chair in Business Analytics,  Director, Centre for Business Analytics in Practice, Surrey Business School, Guildford, UK	Professor , University of Piraeus, Greece	Professor and Director of the Executive MBA post-graduate program at University of Piraeus, Greece

CLICK HERE to view the program (available on August 1, 2025).

CLICK HERE to download the PowerPoint template (available on August 1, 2025)

Professor Madjid Tavana	Professor Apostolos Burnetas
Invited Speaker: Madjid Tavana, Professor and Distinguished Chair of Business Analytics, La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Title: The Art and Science of Business Analytics: A Journey from Data to Actio Abstract: Business analytics is a balanced fusion of art and science, where data-driven algorithms and methodologies form the backbone, while creativity, context, and imagination breathe life and meaning into the paradigm. The key to success in problem formulation lies in the often-overlooked art of asking the right questions. Successful problem formulation combines curiosity, empathy, and courage to challenge assumptions, pushing beyond surface-level solutions to uncover deeper insights. This transition from inquiry to creation is where science takes place, as clarity of purpose guides every step of model-building. Models are like maps; even the most intricate ones are useless without a clear destination. Just as an artist requires the right tools to bring their vision to life, a model requires high-quality, well-structured data to deliver transformative results. But even the best model will fall short without insight. The art of storytelling transforms raw data into compelling narratives that connect with stakeholders, guiding them to take decisive action. Model-building demands both precision and humility. It’s about knowing the limits of what a model can do and embracing the opportunity to learn from failure. It is a continual process of experimentation, iteration, and refinement—an evolving journey where every failure opens the door to innovation. In this dynamic process, the best models don’t just solve problems; they spark curiosity, question assumptions, and inspire action. Business analytics is a powerful blend of imagination and rigor, where creativity and precision come together to drive change. Models are more than just equations; they are dynamic reflections of real-world complexities. Design models to ignite curiosity, challenge assumptions, and guide the journey from data to insightful actions.	Invited Speaker: Apostolos Burnetas, Department of Mathematics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Title: Abstract:

		Proceedings: Book titled “Advanced Data Analytics, Machine Learning and AI in Business” to be published by Springer ( Scopus Indexed) The proceedings book for the ICBAP 2025 conference will be published by Springer as part of the Lecture Notes in Operations Research series. This series is indexed by Research Papers in Economics (RePEc), zbMATH and has been accepted by Scopus. If you would like to have your article included, please follow the instructions below to prepare your full paper and submit it to us by July 31,2025. Title of the book: Advanced Data Analytics, Machine Learning and AI in Business  Editors: Ali Emrouznejad, Sotirios Bersimis, and Dimitrios A. Georgakellos To ensure consistency and facilitate the review process, we kindly request that you prepare your manuscript using the following template. Word Template LaTeX Package Please note that the length of your full paper should not exceed 15 pages, including tables, figures, appendices, and references.  We kindly request that you adhere to this page limit to ensure that all submissions receive fair consideration.​
		Title: Smart Cities: A System of Systems Perspective Subtitle: Engineering, Analytics, and Innovations for Sustainable Urban Development Publisher: Elsevier Editors: ·       Iman Rahimi, University of Technology Sydney, Australia ·       Ali Emrouznejad, University of Surrey, UK ·       Mo Jamshidi, University of Texas San Antonio, USA ·       Amir H. Gandomi, University of Technology Sydney, Australia Submission Process ·       Please submit your chapter proposal (title, abstract of 300–500 words, and author details) via the Submission Form ·       Further details can also be found on WikiCFP

Special issues and recommended Journals

	Journal: Socio-Economic Planning Sciences Special Issue on Analytical Models and AI for Sustainable Development: Enhancing Decision-Making Guest Editors: Ali Emrouznejad, Abdellatef Majed Anouze, Lanouar Charfeddine, Abdolreza Roshani, Submission Window: October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 CLICK HERE​ for details and submissions ​
	Journal: IMA Journal of Management Mathematics Special Issue on Advancing Operational Research with Artificial Intelligence: New Frontiers in Modelling and Simulation with Data-driven Learning Editors: Masoud Fakhimi, University of Surrey, UK Alison Harper, University of Exeter Business School, UK Navonil Mustafee, University of Exeter Business School, UK CLICK HERE​ for details and submissions
	Journal: IMA Journal of Management Mathematics Editors: Ali Emrouznejad CLICK HERE​ for details and submissions
	Journal: Machine Learning with Applications   Special Issue on Revolutionising Search Experience: Intelligent Search Engines Powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Guest Editors: Ali Emrouznejad, Vincent Charles CLICK HERE​ for details and submissions

You are welcome to submit a paper for oral presentation or a poster on any area related to applications or methodologies in Business Analytics, including but not limited to:

Registration is now open.

1. Please CLICK HERE to complete the registration form

2. Please choose your registration type from the table below and pay the registration fee.

• when using the payment system, if a VAT is not applicable, please select OTH-Other in the field Country and in the vat number box fill in 000000000.
• when checking in at the conference, students will be asked to provide a copy of a valid student ID, a confirmation letter from the academic advisor, or other formal evidence of the student’s status.
• an accompanying person is a friend, spouse, or a member of the family who is not working on a topic related to this conference. The accompanying person will not receive a certificate of attendance/presentation. A co-author, scholar, student, or associate working in a related field may not attend the conference as an accompanying person. Hence, full registration is required for them.
• this conference is self-funded. Please DO NOT ask for a discount or to waive the registration.
• the registration fee includes conference lunches for 3 days (25.8.2025 – 27.8.2025), a welcome reception (25.8.2025), a gala dinner (26.8.2025), a closing reception (27.8.2025), coffee breaks for 3 days (25.8.2025 – 27.8.2025), a conference bag, the online book of abstracts, and the certificate of presentation.
• the Research Center of the University of Piraeus handles registration for the conference. Confirmation will be sent by e-mail to each participant as soon as the registration form and payment are received by the conference and the Research Center of the University of Piraeus, respectively. Your registration will not be confirmed until the Research Center of the University of Piraeus receives your full payment.
• you may cancel your conference registration for a complete refund minus a €50 processing fee as long as your cancellation occurs before the 1st May 2025. After this date, no refund will be given
• For any issue regarding registration, please email to conference secretary (icbap2025@unipi.gr) or to Prof Sotirios Bersimis (sbersim@unipi.gr).

Accommodation

All conference participants are kindly requested to contact their chosen hotel directly to book a room. Please mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and the duration of your stay. Kindly note that the conference takes place during the high tourist season in Greece, resulting in increased demand for hotel rooms in Piraeus and the surrounding areas. Therefore, we strongly recommend arranging your booking as soon as possible.

Hotels

Hotel: Hotel Triton (***)
Webpage: https://www.htriton.gr/en/homepage/
Email: info@htriton.gr
Tel: +302104173457
Walking distance to Conference Venue: 1.0km ~ 15min
Prices (per night, breakfast included):
Single room 70 €, Double room (1 double bed or 2 single beds) 100 €, Double room (for single use) 85 €, Additional Climate Resilience Tax (per day, not included): 5€
How to book: Please contact directly the hotel and mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and that it takes place in the University of Piraeus.

Hotel: Noufara Hotel (***)
Webpage: https://www.noufara-hotel.gr/en/
Email:  info@noufara-hotel.gr  
Tel: +302104115541
Walking distance to Conference Venue: 900m ~ 14min
Prices (per night, breakfast included):
Single room 60 €, Double room 85 €, Additional Climate Resilience Tax (per day, not included): 5€
How to book: Please contact directly the hotel and mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and that it takes place in the University of Piraeus.

Hotel: Hotels Argo-Anita (**)
Webpage:  https://hotelargoanita.com/
Email:  argoanita@hotmail.com
Tel: +302104121795
Walking distance to Conference Venue: 800m ~ 11min
Prices (per night, breakfast included):
Deluxe single room 60 €, Deluxe double room 80 €, Standard single room 50 €, Standard double room 68 €, Additional Climate Resilience Tax (per day, not included): 2€,
How to book: Please contact directly the hotel and mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and that it takes place in the University of Piraeus.

Hotel: The Park Hotel Piraues (***)
Webpage:  https://www.thepark.gr/
Email:  info@thepark.gr
Tel: +302104524611
Walking distance to Conference Venue: 1.3km ~ 19min
Prices (per night, breakfast included):
Double room 77 €, Double room (for single use) 62 €, Additional Climate Resilience Tax (per day, not included): 3€,
How to book: Please contact directly the hotel and mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and that it takes place in the University of Piraeus.

Hotel: Piraeus City Hotel (***)
Webpage: https://www.piraeuscityhotel.com/
Email: info@piraeuscityhotel.com
Tel: +302104110555
Walking distance to Conference Venue: 1.1km ~ 16min
Prices (per night, breakfast included):
Double room 103 €, Double room (for single use) 98 €, Additional Climate Resilience Tax (per day, not included): 5€,
How to book: Please contact directly the hotel and mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and that it takes place in the University of Piraeus.

Hotel: Lilia Hotel (***)
Web page:  https://liliahotel.gr/
Email: info@liliahotel.gr
Tel: +302104179108
Walking distance to Conference Venue: 450m ~ 7min
Prices (per night, breakfast included):
Single room 55 €, Double room 75 €, Additional Climate Resilience Tax (per day, not included): 2€,
How to book: Please contact directly the hotel and mention the name of the conference (ICBAP) and that it takes place in the University of Piraeus.

Coming to Piraeus

Piraeus is located within the region of Attica, on the southwestern coast of Athens. It serves as the primary port of Greece and one of the largest in Europe. Piraeus is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) away from the center of Athens, making it easily accessible by road and public transport.

As for the Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, Piraeus is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away. Depending on traffic, the drive from the airport to Piraeus typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car or taxi. Public transport options, including the suburban railway and metro, can take a bit longer, usually around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Flights to Athens are very frequent and come from almost all over the world. Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is a major hub in Southeastern Europe, and it serves both domestic and international flights. Athens is well-connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and parts of Asia and Africa. Airlines from almost all European countries offer direct flights, as do many from North America (e.g., New York, Toronto), the Middle East (e.g., Dubai, Doha), and Asia (e.g., Beijing, Tokyo). Overall, Athens is accessible from nearly every corner of the globe.

Staying at Piraeus

Piraeus has a good number of hotels, catering to different budgets and preferences. As a major port city and an important transportation hub, Piraeus attracts both tourists and business travellers, especially those heading to the Greek islands or attending conferences.

You can find a range of accommodation options in Piraeus, including luxury hotels with views of the sea or the marina, mid-range hotels offering comfortable stays close to the port, city center, and public transport as well as budget options like smaller hotels and hostels, ideal for travelers in transit or short stays. Most hotels in Piraeus are located near the port, Pasalimani (Zea Marina), and Mikrolimano, as well as around the central areas close to the metro stations and main shopping streets. While Piraeus doesn’t have as many hotel options as central Athens, it still provides enough variety for those looking for convenience near the port or a more local experience.

Participants don’t necessarily have to stay in Piraeus. They can also stay in Athens. For example, it takes about 20 minutes to travel from central Athens to Piraeus by metro, using Line 1 (the Green Line). The metro is a convenient and reliable option for commuting between the two areas, and it runs very frequently (every 2-3 minutes) throughout the day. Additionally, there are bus and taxi services available, offering flexibility for travel. So, staying in Athens can be a practical option while attending a conference in Piraeus.

Weather at Piraeus

At the end of August, Piraeus typically experiences warm and dry weather, characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. Daytime temperatures are usually around 28-32°C (82-90°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to a more comfortable 20-24°C (68-75°F). The air is generally dry with moderate humidity, but it can feel a bit humid due to the coastal location. It’s rare to see rain in late August, as this is part of the dry season in Greece. The sea temperature is perfect for swimming, with the sea temperature around 25-27°C (77-81°F). You might experience light breezes, especially in the afternoons, which can be refreshing near the port and seaside areas. Overall, it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and seaside relaxation!

Visiting the famous islands of the Aegean Sea

Piraeus is the main gateway to the famous islands of the Aegean Sea, offering easy access to both the Saronic Gulf islands and the Cyclades. As Greece’s largest port, it serves millions of passengers each year, connecting them to iconic destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, and Naxos. With frequent ferry services, Piraeus plays a crucial role in the transportation network, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the diverse beauty and charm of the Greek islands, from cosmopolitan spots to quiet, picturesque retreats. For example, traveling from Piraeus to the islands of Paros and Santorini by high-speed ferry offers a faster and more convenient option for visitors. The journey to Paros takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, while reaching Santorini takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.

However, from the port of Piraeus, you can visit several nearby islands quickly, making them ideal for short trips. Here are some of the closest islands and the approximate travel times:

• Aegina: Around 40 minutes to 1 hour by regular ferry or 30 minutes by high-speed ferry. Aegina is famous for its pistachios, beautiful beaches, and historical sites like the Temple of Aphaia.
• Agistri: Ferry Time: About 1 hour by high-speed ferry. A small, quiet island known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
• Poros: Ferry Time: Around 1 hour by high-speed ferry. Poros offers a charming town, pine-covered hills, and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Hydra: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by high-speed ferry. Hydra is famous for its traditional architecture, lack of cars (donkeys are the main mode of transport), and picturesque harbor.
• Spetses: Around 2 hours by high-speed ferry. Spetses is known for its naval history, elegant mansions, and beautiful beaches. These islands are part of the Saronic Gulf and are very popular for day trips or weekend getaways from Piraeus due to their proximity and beauty.

You may find more information about Greece at https://www.visitgreece.gr/ or at the respective app.