TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

In this issue of CULT, we bring to you the stories of some of our international alumni who are doing well for themselves. It has been our endeavour to document the success of our alumni and to celebrate their triumphs so as to share their happiness and inspire everyone at the institute.  During the course of our interactions, we have found these alumni to be strong and independent individuals who have persevered and constantly challenged the limits to do better than what was expected. Each and every one of these stories has inspired us tremendously and each interaction has left us with a greater appreciation of the struggles that these people have faced. These interactions have also enriched us and taught us the value of the human spirit and its ability to go on regardless of the hurdles or obstacles that come in the way. As we document the trials and tribulations of some of these individuals who have carved a niche for themselves in the International markets, we realize the impact that IIPM as an institution has made not just in the Indian markets but also in the international arena. Each year the institute places hundreds of students in international markets and they start their career at a platform where the others might take time to get to. It is this unique advantage that allows these internationally placed students to then take their careers to dizzying heights. In its endeavour to get students international job opportunities, the institute has found huge success with leading corporation form the world over becoming repeat recruiters at the campus. These leading organizations that recruit IIPM’s talent are testimony to the fact that the institution provides world class and cutting edge education to its students and develops them into competent global managers and leaders.  

Also in this issue, we have also featured two of the most inspiring and exemplary leaders of our institute who have gone beyond the call of duty to leave an indelible mark on IIPM as an Institution. Both these ladies Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri and Prof. Arundhati Banerji are classic examples of the vision that IIPM has for its students and the society at large. Their dedication, passion, steely resolve and commitment to the cause of taking the IIPM revolution to the next level leaves no doubt in one’s mind about the changes that they have brought about in the institution. Both these leaders who are also role models for a huge number of women have managed multiple roles and have emerged as winners in each of these domains have shown the power of women to the world. They wear a number of hats being mothers, teachers, administrators, strategists and a lot more and are equally committed and successful at each one of these roles. Every student who has attended their classes at the institute swears by them and fondly remembers their classes as being the most engaging and informative. We at CULT, salute the resolve and commitment shown by these ladies and hope that they continue to inspire us and the whole IIPM community and go on doing the wonderful and awe inspiring work that they are currently doing.  

INNOVATION THE NEED OF THE HOUR

Innovation it is said has been at the forefront of driving technological advancements across industrial nations for a good part of this century. Almost all that we value today is a result of this complex yet simple process of thinking outside the box. So what exactly does one mean when one says that innovation will drive growth and development in the future. What does innovation mean , does it mean streamlining process and systems so that they deliver more , or does it mean doing something differently in order to achieve more. Interestingly, I think it means both these and, maybe even more . Innovation in my opinion is a way to achieve a goal faster , better and maybe even cheaper. Many people confuse it to be something that is complex and often confounding. I might sound naïve in saying so but in my opinion it might not necessarily be that. Infact it might actually be something simple and basic. One of the most important enablers for innovation is the ability to think differently and that in my opinion is the real stumbling block that most people face today. As managers most of us are not programmed to think creatively and therefore we fail to innovate while at work. We simply see systems and processes in the same light as most others and are therefore not able to bring about that change or innovate. What we desperately need today is a breed to fresh young energetic and fearless managers who will literally go beyond and in the process innovate . Business schools need to play a very critical role in this process by building capacity in the fresh managers to see beyond and bring about change. Unfortunately most schools have not been able to do that in the past and therefore have failed in delivering value to the nation. Some schools have tried to do their bit in terms of ensuring that students atleast know about the process of innovation, but I think they have not been able to do anything substantial on that front. It is therefore imperative for schools to undertake this as the next big challenge and contribute towards the growth and development of industry in India.  Learning by rote has often been the objective of the school system in india. This needs to change as it is detrimental to the cause that we need to work towards. Schools have paid too much attention to the fact most lessons must be learned and then used to the benefit of the learner. In my opinion, this does not work as what I experience often stays longer with me than what I have merely read or studied. In order for creative thinking to become a process and a habit, all parties to the process will need to commit. The B-schools teaching management, the professors delivering the content and most importantly the students who received this new and innovative pedagogy. Even if one part of these three sides of the process was to renegade on its commitment, the process would fail . Therefore the change needs to be inclusive and must necessarily have the Buy-In of all parties concerned.