Dr. Ahamed Riaz K is the Director and a Professor at FIMS, Farook College. He is a management faculty and a business professional, with an overall experience of over twenty years in academics and business management in industries like the chemical industry, agri-business and banking industry. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science from Kerala Agricultural University, a master’s and a doctorate in Business Management.

Dr. Riaz was awarded a Junior Research Fellowship by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research - New Delhi, Govt of India) for Business Management in 2000. He pursued an FDP from the Indian Institute of Management - Kozhikode on “Innovative Approaches in Management Teaching” in 2014 and another FDP from the Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore on “Blended MOOCs in Management Education” in 2017. He has obtained numerous certifications in Strategic Planning from Harvard Business School, Brand Management from London Business School, in Business Strategy from the University of Illinois and Motivation from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Ahamad has served in various managerial capacities like Cluster Head, Senior Manager and Territory Manager in companies like Tata Chemicals Ltd, Axis Bank Ltd, MCF Ltd and Parry India Ltd, at various locations in India like Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, Bangalore and Kochi. After an experience of more than a decade in the industry in various managerial positions he entered into academics and research by pursuing a PhD in Business Management and took up the faculty position at FIMS, Farook College, in 2013 with an additional responsibility as Head of Academics and Placements. He was appointed as the Deputy Director of the institute in 2017 and promoted to Director in 2022. He was the key person behind corporate relations for excellent placement records and the international MOU of FIMS with Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.

Dr. Riaz is also a faculty member for Management Development Programs (MDP) for various organizations like the Indian Postal Department, Central Warehousing Corporation of India, Multi Commodity Exchange, Fire & Rescue Department and Institute for Management in Government, apart from handling sessions in various B-Schools. He has published articles and research papers in national and international journals on topics related to Marketing Management, Service Marketing, and Banking and Financial Services. Moreover, he has presented papers and participated as a resource person for various national and international seminars on Financial Inclusion, E-Commerce and Marketing Management.

Dr. Ahamed Riaz

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I stay connected to the education sector through my passion for student development and continuous learning. My roles have allowed me to influence the curriculum and engage with students meaningfully. I leverage platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning to stay updated on educational trends and technologies, ensuring I apply the latest innovations in my work. This commitment keeps me energized and motivated to contribute positively to both the educational community and society at large.

How does your college prepare students for placements?

Our MBA program is designed to thoroughly prepare students for placements by providing an industry-relevant curriculum, emphasizing soft skills, and offering real-world experience through internships. Our strong corporate partnerships, dedicated placement cell, and active alumni network ensure students are well-prepared and connected with top recruiters. We also focus on continuous learning right from induction training to final semester placement mocks, helping students stay ahead in emerging fields. This comprehensive approach ensures our graduates are ready to excel in their careers.

How does the department/college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

Our college prioritizes the continuous development of our faculty to ensure they remain aligned with industry standards. We provide regular FDP, workshops, and industry collaborations, and encourage participation in academic conferences. Faculty exchange programs and internal knowledge sharing further enhance their skills. Additionally, we support and encourage consulting and research in collaboration with industry, ensuring our faculty is well-prepared to deliver cutting-edge education that meets the demands of today’s industry.

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How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry- oriented?

We incorporate a practical, industry-oriented approach using case studies, industry expert lectures, and hands-on experiences like live projects and internships. Our internal curriculum and activities are developed keeping industry partners in mind to ensure relevance, and we use simulations and field visits to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We also involve students in consulting projects by faculty members. These initiatives equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real world challenges?

We have a robust set of extracurricular activities and programs designed to enhance our student’s skills and expose them to real-world challenges. These include student-run clubs, business competitions, industry interaction programs, and social responsibility initiatives. We also encourage students to participate in various external events organised by Management Associations, Chamber of Commerce, NIPM, CII and other bodies to give them networking opportunities. Additionally, our entrepreneurship development programs and leadership activities provide hands-on experience, ensuring our students are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic business environment.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

My advice to students is to embrace lifelong learning and cultivate strong communication skills. Network strategically, stay adaptable, and uphold high ethical standards. Pursue your passion with purpose, take initiative, and always maintain a positive attitude. These principles will not only guide you to a successful career but also ensure that you find fulfilment and meaning in your professional journey.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy revolves around empowering individuals, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement. I believe in leading by example and creating an inclusive environment where diverse ideas are valued. I emphasize continuous personal and professional growth, support my team through mentorship, and maintain a clear vision and strategic direction. This approach helps build a motivated, effective team and ensures that we collectively achieve our goals.

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Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds.

To make our college more welcoming to students of different races and economic backgrounds, we focus on diversity during the recruitment of team members, provide scholarships and financial aid to weaker students with academic excellence, and promote culturally neutral atmosphere. We offer support networks and mentorship programs, develop an inclusive curriculum, and create feedback mechanisms to address student concerns. We also provide a platform for celebrating all major festivals and sharing their cultural values. By promoting an inclusive campus culture and celebrating diversity, we aim to ensure that every student feels valued and supported throughout their educational journey.

What do you think should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

Over the next ten years, our college’s top priority will be to innovate and adapt to the evolving educational and industry landscape. This includes embracing technological advancements, strengthening industry partnerships, focusing on student-centric education, enhancing global perspectives and collaborations, promoting sustainability, and investing in faculty development. By aligning with future trends and preparing students for a rapidly changing world, we will ensure that our institution remains at the forefront of higher education and continues to deliver exceptional value to our students and stakeholders.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

Our college’s greatest strengths include its rich heritage and history of our parent campus since 1948, a strong global alumni network, experienced faculty with both industry and academic expertise and the visionary support of our legendary promoters and board members. To enhance these strengths, we plan to leverage our historical achievements through marketing and promote alumni engagement by actively involving alumni in mentorship and curriculum development, encouraging faculty participation in industry projects, and seeking strategic insights and partnerships through our board members. These enhancements will help us build on our strengths and drive continued success and relevance in the education sector.