New Delhi Institute of Management – the first and only Mentor B-School in India by AICTE and CII | Dr. V M Bansal | Chairman | New Delhi Institute of Management

Q. New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) has been declared 1st and the Only Mentor B-School of India by the Govt. of India (AICTE) and CII. Please elaborate NDIM’s best Student and Faculty Centric policies?

NDIM’s Student and Faculty centric policies are key to our recognition as the first and only Mentor B-School in India by AICTE and CII.

Our student-centric policies play a crucial role in providing unparalleled educational experiences. Our robust industry network ensures our curriculum remains relevant to the latest market trends, directly benefiting students by making them job-ready. With faculty drawn from diverse industries and international organizations, students gain insights from experienced professionals, preparing them for the challenges of a dynamic business world. Our focus on technology-enabled PGDM (MBA) specializations equips students with skills in emerging digital domains, enhancing their employability. Additionally, over 400 hours of soft skills training are provided to ensure well-rounded development. Global exposure through our specialized centers, like the Japan and Korean Centres of Excellence, offers unique learning and career opportunities. Collaborations for specialized programs in risk management address the demand for niche skills. Moreover, interactions with distinguished guests and board members, including eminent industry leaders and policymakers, provide students with a broader perspective and networking opportunities. These policies collectively ensure that NDIM students are not just academically proficient but are also industry-ready, globally aware, and equipped with the necessary skills to excel in their careers.

In a similar manner, we strongly support our faculty’s professional growth. They are encouraged to attend and present at national and international conferences, with NDIM covering their expenses and granting duty leaves. For those pursuing higher qualifications like Ph.D., we ease their workload. we motivate them to lead Management Development Programs and training initiatives, providing the necessary time and resources. Industry engagement is another focal point. We facilitate faculty participation in industry events and nominations to business chamber committees, enhancing their industry connections. NDIM encourages faculty involvement in research projects funded by bodies like ICSSR/UGC or other government agencies. We also offer them attractive incentives for the same.

Q. Do share with us NDIM’s foreign collaborations/ tie-ups?

NDIM has established a robust network of international collaborations and tie-ups, significantly enhancing its global educational offerings. This global exposure is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum through student exchange programs, international internships, and seminars by global experts. Recognized for its high standards, NDIM has been awarded the ‘Premier College Status’ by ASIC, UK, a British Government-approved accreditation body. The institute has developed partnerships with esteemed institutions like AIT Thailand, Pepperdine University in the USA, International Christian University in Japan, and the University at Buffalo. These collaborations not only bring diversity to the learning environment but also include contributions from senior faculty from Ivy League institutions for specific PGDM (MBA) modules.

For the past five years, NDIM has been collaborating with Pepperdine University, a significant partnership that includes yearly conferences and international research. Recently, this collaboration expanded to a four-nation international conference, showcasing NDIM’s commitment to global academic discourse. NDIM’s association with AIT, the first international university in South Asia, is a cornerstone of its international collaborations. AIT, renowned for its MBA program ranked No. 1 in Thailand, has chosen NDIM as its center in India since 2017. This partnership extends to AIT’s prestigious Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. NDIM and AIT conduct joint conferences and research, providing NDIM students with opportunities to study business models and innovation in Asia through a 4-week program at AIT annually. On December 11th, NDIM hosted Prof. Satish K Tripathi, President of the University at Buffalo, USA. A globally recognized educator with experiences in France and Germany, Prof. Tripathi’s visit culminated in the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NDIM and the University at Buffalo. This partnership aims to bring top-tier management education programs from the University at Buffalo to India, through NDIM.

Moreover, NDIM’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through its Centres of Excellence. For instance, its association with the Australian Risk Policy Institute marks NDIM as the first Asian Centre for the Global Risk Policy Network, offering ARPI’s risk programs in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative addresses the growing demand for risk analyst profiles. Additionally, the establishment of the Japan Centre of Excellence, with a focus on preparing students for the Japanese job market, further highlights NDIM’s international outreach. The institute has hired a Japanese native professor from Tokyo, helping students secure Japanese job opportunities, with a remarkable achievement of students securing 10% of Japanese jobs in 2023. Furthermore, the Korea Centre of Excellence has facilitated regular interactions with Korean CEOs. Recognizing the need for expertise in Renewable Energy, NDIM launched the Centre of Excellence in Renewable Energy in collaboration with REPA, a leader in Renewable Energy for over 20 years. These initiatives exemplify NDIM’s strategic approach to providing its students with a globally relevant education and skill set.

The institute also offers a comprehensive and globally integrated educational experience to its students, including the option of participating in international study tours. These tours provide students with the opportunity to study at international universities for a specified duration. During these tours, students gain direct exposure to foreign faculty, attend classroom lectures, and engage in practical learning experiences. They also visit top companies in the host country, interact with senior executives, and partake in various recreational activities, enriching their educational experience with real-world insights and cultural exchange.

Q. What are the challenges for students when they transit from Campus to Corporate? What are your suggestions / advise to bridge the gap between academia and Industry?

The transition from campus to corporate life presents several challenges for students. One of the primary hurdles is adapting to the corporate culture, which is significantly different from the academic environment. This requires not just an understanding but also an adjustment to a new set of norms and expectations. Another challenge is the practical application of academic knowledge. While theoretical knowledge forms the foundation, the corporate world often demands its application in practical, real-world scenarios, which can be complex and multifaceted.

Additionally, communication skills are crucial in the corporate environment. This includes not only the ability to communicate effectively through emails and presentations but also the skill to actively participate and contribute in meetings and team discussions. These skills are often not emphasized sufficiently in academic curricula, leading to a gap in preparedness for the professional world.

At NDIM, we are very mindful of these challenges which is why our approach to education is designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of the corporate world.

The institute fosters an environment where students are encouraged to inquire, question, and challenge conventional wisdom, paving the way for interdisciplinary learning.

• NDIM’s Corporate Skill Development Centre is a unique and innovative initiative, distinguished by its leadership team that includes esteemed defense personnel and nine industry professionals with a global perspective. The primary objective of the Centre is to groom students to meet corporate expectations effectively. This involves training in understanding the corporate environment, mastering business etiquettes, and adapting to various corporate cultures, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future roles. The Centre has achieved remarkable results in this endeavor.

• Key to NDIM’s approach is its strong network of industry connections, including ties with industry magnates, unicorn startup founders, and top-tier executives. Through its Corporate Mentoring program, supported by 354 corporate mentors and growing, students receive invaluable insights and guidance directly relevant to real-world industry challenges. 354 mentors collectively conduct an average of 600 meetings with students. This extensive mentoring network plays a crucial role in providing personalized guidance and insights to students. Through these interactions, students gain invaluable real-world knowledge and skills, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the corporate landscape. The success of this program reflects NDIM’s commitment to delivering practical, industry-relevant education that empowers its students to thrive in their professional careers.

• The institute’s commitment to case-based learning and a skill-based curriculum is specifically tailored to prepare students for the global business landscape. The curriculum includes mentorship programs led by experienced business leaders, encouraging students to adopt a CEO’s mindset and make decisions that safeguard businesses against challenges. Incorporating case studies, especially those involving failed businesses, has proven to be a powerful tool in teaching strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• NDIM offers dual specialization in 8 areas, promoting cross-functional thinking. Regular curriculum updates, informed by feedback from 93 industry recruiters, ensure that the content remains relevant and aligned with current industry trends. Direct interaction with industry experts and participation in 83 high-profile business platforms further broaden the students’ perspectives.

• The business world is dynamic, and NDIM’s curriculum reflects this, regularly reviewed and updated by industry leaders to ensure it remains ahead of the curve. The curriculum is designed to equip future business leaders with not just current knowledge but also skills that are future-ready.

• NDIM’s holistic approach to education encompasses innovative and problem-solving methodologies, hands-on learning, case studies, live projects, emerging technologies, and regular interactions with industry leaders. This comprehensive approach, coupled with 400 hours of multi-disciplinary corporate skills training based on continuous fortnightly evaluation by industry experts, molds students into global leaders, ready to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving business world.

Q. Is the institute organizing any special training programs for faculty in terms of blended teaching?

Yes, NDIM regularly organises special training programs for its faculty to enhance their skills in blended teaching. The institute, long ago, recognized the dynamic nature of the educational environment at the time, where globalization, digital connectivity, and cross-cultural markets demanded unique business skills and teaching methodologies.

To address these requirements, NDIM had implemented various initiatives:

Adaptive Learning: NDIM incorporates adaptive learning techniques in its faculty training programs. This approach allows educators to tailor their teaching methods to meet the individual needs of students, ensuring a more personalized and effective learning experience.

Reverse Training: The institute utilizes reverse training methods, which involve innovative approaches to teaching that emphasized practical, real-world applications of theoretical knowledge. This method helps faculty understand the evolving needs of the students and the industry, thereby enhancing the relevance of their teaching.

Faculty Development Programs for Upskilling: NDIM conducts continuous faculty development programs, which included participation in conferences and seminars. These programs are designed to keep the faculty updated with the latest trends in business education and pedagogy, ensuring they were well-equipped to handle the changing educational requirements.

Emphasis on Personalization and Differentiation in Teaching: Recognizing the diverse needs of students entering higher education, NDIM’s educators focus on personalization through differentiation and adaptation in their teaching methods. This creates a robust learning experience that’s more aligned with the varied learning styles and paces of individual students.

Faculty Development Programs and National & International Guest Lectures: NDIM actively conducts Faculty Development Programs (FDP) to enhance the skills and knowledge of its faculty members, ensuring they are equipped with the latest educational strategies and insights. Two notable FDPs hosted by NDIM recently are:

FDP on Outcome-Based Education: This significant seminar was conducted by Associate Professor Atul Mishra from NITTTR, Bhopal. The session focused on Outcome-Based Curriculum and assessment methods. It provided invaluable insights and practical experience in aligning academic approaches with the institutional vision. This FDP was instrumental in helping faculty members understand and implement effective teaching methods that align with educational outcomes.

FDP on Sustainability, Focusing on ESG and CSR: This session highlighted the urgency of individual and organizational actions to protect the environment and manage resources wisely. Discussions revolved around the role of governments in overseeing company resource management and the growing focus on environmental considerations in marketing strategies. The FDP aimed to educate and inspire faculty members to adopt and promote sustainable practices in their teaching and research, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Through these programs and initiatives, NDIM ensures that its faculty is not only up-to-date with the latest educational trends and methodologies but is also capable of delivering a blended learning experience that’s both innovative and effective. This commitment to faculty development is integral to providing a high-quality education that meets the demands of the contemporary business environment.

Q. Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and global interconnectedness, adaptability and continuous learning are key. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, not just within your chosen field but also in related and diverse areas. A multidisciplinary approach can provide a broader perspective and innovative solutions.

Developing a global mindset is crucial. Understand and appreciate different cultures and viewpoints, and be open to international opportunities, whether in education or career. This exposure will not only enhance your knowledge but also make you more adaptable and culturally sensitive in a global business environment.

Soft skills are equally important as technical skills. Work on your communication, leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. These skills will help you navigate complex workplace dynamics and build strong professional relationships.

Innovation and creativity are highly valued in today’s world. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. This mindset will be your asset, whether you’re entering the corporate world or launching your own venture.

Networking is another crucial aspect. The connections you make during your educational journey can provide support, mentorship, and opportunities throughout your career. Participate in various activities, seminars, and workshops to expand your network.

Polish Your Technological Skills. In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, technological proficiency is not just an asset, but a necessity. Aspiring students should actively seek opportunities to enhance their technical skills. This could involve learning new software, staying updated with the latest tech trends, or even engaging in hands-on projects that challenge their technical abilities. By doing so, they position themselves competitively in the job market and are better equipped to contribute innovatively in their future roles.

Focus on Attitude – Avoid Pre-Notions. Having the right attitude is crucial for personal and professional growth. Students should approach learning and new experiences with an open mind, free from preconceived notions. This mindset enables them to fully embrace diverse perspectives, learn from various situations, and adapt to different environments. NDIM’s corporate mentoring program underscores the importance of this aspect by providing students with real-world insights and guidance, helping them develop a constructive and adaptable attitude that is valued in the corporate world.

Lastly, align your career with your passions and values. Find what drives you and pursue it with dedication. Success is not just about financial gains; it’s about finding satisfaction and purpose in what you do.

At NDIM, we aim to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in this dynamic world. We encourage you to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to you during your time with us, as these will be instrumental in shaping your future.