“Focus on solution-oriented research to address challenges the industry facing today,” Experts advised scholars at IIM Kashipur’s MERC
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Date: June 03, 2024

Kashipur, 1st June: With 295 participants from premier institutes of the country, Northern India’s largest three-day-long Scholars’ Conclave, Management Education And Research Colloquium (MERC), kick-started on Friday at the Indian Institute of Management, Kashipur. MERC is a scholars’ conclave pioneered by IIM Kashipur to celebrate knowledge, innovation, and collaboration in the field of management education and research. It is a dynamic platform where brilliant minds from nationwide converge to share their groundbreaking research, exchange ideas, understand the latest research trends, and foster meaningful collaborations.

Researchers and scholars spanning from a dozen IITs and NITs, 10 IIMs, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Central University, and other premier institutes of the country have gathered to present their research papers and get insightful suggestions from experts and race for the best paper award. Apart from government institutes, scholars from private institutes have also turned up in large numbers at the conclave.With close to 50% female participants, IIM Kashipur received 720 papers but shortlisted 300 applications with topics such as artificial intelligence in E-commerce, India’s COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy, Exposing online shopping, unintended consequences of lotteries, the life of Gig workers, and another relevant research.

The three best research papers will be awarded with a sum of Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000, and Rs 15,000, respectively. Emphasized the importance of research in the volatile management industry, chief guest of the Conclave, Dr. Jai Advani, Managing Director, PwC Company with over two decades of experience, said, “Research and industry were considered as different aspects, but with evolving technology, now the industry needs the support of researchers to address the challenges or fix the loopholes of the industry. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry is on the path of digital advancement, and researchers can play an important role here.”

Speaking on the future prospects of the research, he said, “Many automobiles, cybersecurity, IT, and others were spending a decade of time and money on research and development to develop the product or enhance their operations. Bangalore alone has over 500 R&D units of MNCs. The industry needs solution-oriented research, which improves operations.” “It's time for a platform where academia-industry collaborate and address the challenges the industry faces today,” he added.

After Dr. Advani, guest of honor, Dr. Anu B Gupta, a well-known economist, and former professor at the University of California, addressed the researcher, giving them the mantra of the three RRRs to the scholars: Risk, Research, and Remuneration, the key to success in research and industry.

Moreover, IIM Bangalore’s professor of Finance, Prof. Sankarshan Basu, Prof. Neharika Vohra from IIM Ahmedabad, and Prof. Jason Bennett Thatcher, University of Colorado Boulder, USA, will address the researchers in the next two days.

Apart from the paper presentation, MERC 2024 includes workshops on research methodology to assist participants in improving their methodological rigor. There will be panel discussions on interdisciplinary research and Climate Change and Sustainability.

 With a theme of making micro, small, and medium enterprises sustainable, research papers have been received on many subjects, like OBHR, IT, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Operations and Strategic Management, and communication.

MERC has thus established itself as a national-level collaborative platform for researchers and academicians. This can be gauged from the fact that this time, there has been a 400% increase in applications as compared to last time.

Dr. Sabyasachi Patra, Chairperson, Doctoral Programme, and convenor of MERC, said, “We are thrilled to host over 300 participants from premier institutions across India, with an overwhelming 720 responses spanning 10 various tracks, including Communications, Economics, IT and Systems, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Human Resource Management, Operations & Decision Sciences, Public Policy, and Governance, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship, Sustainability in MSME, and Finance and Accounting. This year saw a 400% increase in paper submissions compared to last year, with Finance & Accounting and Marketing receiving the most responses (330 papers).

Speaking at the event, MERC Convenor Prof. Somnath Chakrabarti, Dean (Academics), said, “For the doctoral scholars participating in this conference, MERC is an invaluable stepping stone in their academic journeys. It offers them a platform to present their research, receive constructive feedback from experts, and refine their skills as researchers. This exposure not only enhances their research capabilities but also prepares them to become future leaders in academia and industry.

He further said, “It is a space where theories are challenged, methodologies are debated, and new ideas are born. Over the next few days, you can present your research, engage in stimulating discussions, and receive feedback from peers and experts across various disciplines.”


IIM Kashipur concluded a 4-month MDP Program with V-Guard Industries to develop leadership and management skills under the PRERNA program

iim

Date: February 27, 2024

Kashipur, February 24, 2024 - The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (IIM Kashipur) trained over 25 executives of V-Guard Industries in the last four months under its Management Development Program (MDP) titled "PRERNA". The development program, spanning from October 2023 to February 2024, was conducted eyeing to develop marketing, finance, strategy, HR, IT, and operational skills among the executives of all four plants of V Guard Industries.

“I have seen many development training programs. However, the level of dedication and eagerness I saw among the V-Guard executives are exceptional. They didn’t miss any class. They used to switch off their phones in the class, and many travelled farther from 100 km to attend the training program,” said Dr. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director of IIM Kashipur.

“The training program will not only enhance leadership capabilities and foster professional growth among the participants but also help the company to grow,” he added.Dr. Kunal Ganguly, Dean of IIM Kashipur, who designed the training program for the executives emphasized the historical significance of this collaboration, marking the first-ever initiative of its kind between IIM Kashipur and V-Guard Industries Limited to develop leadership. Jitendra Rana, Plant head of V-Guard Industries plant Kashipur, not only congratulated executives but also emphasized the use of the newly acquired knowledge for their and the company’s growth. Rana further said that under V-Guard’s water conservation drive, the company is revamping Manthan Taal at IIM Kashipur campus spread over five acres of area worth Rs 10 lakh. “This lake will save lakhs of litre rainwater and recharge the groundwater which used to waste. Besides, V Guard has also developed two lake under water conservation project with the collaboration of District administration and developed two lakes spending Rs 5 lakh each. In his address, Mr. Sri Kumar, Vice President of Corporate Manufacturing Services at V-Guard Industries Limited, expressed his gratitude to IIM Kashipur for their unwavering support and dedication throughout the program.

He commended the executives for their commitment to continuous learning and encouraged them to leverage their newfound knowledge and skills to drive positive change within the organization.

The distribution of certificates marked the culmination of a transformative learning experience, where participants not only acquired new insights but also forged lasting connections with their peers and mentors. As the executives embark on their future endeavors, IIM Kashipur remains committed to empowering them with the tools and expertise needed to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape.


Samanvaya 2024 | Chapter 2 Concludes Successfully, Pioneering Dialogue on HR Automation

iim

Date: February 19, 2024

IIM Kashipur, February 17, 2024 - IIM Kashipur proudly hosted the second chapter of Samanvaya 2024, a prestigious annual HR conclave, on February 17th, 2024. Themed "Human Renaissance: Unleashing the Power of Automation," the event witnessed insightful discussions on navigating the evolving landscape of HR in an automated world.

The conclave, held in offline mode at the IIM Kashipur campus, featured two panels, each focusing on distinct facets of HR automation.

Panel 1: Developing Digital Leadership: Evolving the Skills for an Automated World

The morning panel commenced with a dynamic discourse on the development of digital leadership. Prof. Shubham Sharma, Assistant Professor at IIM Kashipur, set the stage for the discussion, emphasizing the critical importance of evolving skill sets in the face of automation.

Distinguished speakers including Ms. Ashwini Kanakath, Mr. Charles Godwin, Dr. Anitha Raju, Mr. David Netto, and Ms. Vidya Prabhu shared profound insights into digitization's impact on leadership and organizational dynamics. They underscored the significance of agility, competency, and continuous learning in navigating the digital landscape.

Ms. Ashwini Kanakath highlighted the need for agility in HR practices, advocating for the representation of underrepresented groups. Mr. Charles Godwin emphasized passion as a driving force in adapting to technological advancements.

Panel 2: Balancing Technological Change: Nurturing Employee Engagement

The afternoon session delved into the intricacies of balancing technological change while fostering employee engagement. Moderated by Mr. Shashank Gampa, the panel featured Ms. Sri Satya, Ms. Krithika Sivanesan, Dr. Jude Xavier, and Mr. Sangeet Nyapati.

Speakers explored how technology augments employee experiences and engagement, while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining a human touch. Dr. Jude Xavier raised pertinent concerns about the potential loss of enthusiasm due to mechanized reward systems, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.

Ms. Krithika Sivanesan emphasized the resilience of human motivation in the face of technological advancements, citing the pandemic as a catalyst for organizational acceptance and adaptation.

Samanvaya 2024 | Chapter 2 concluded on a high note, with participants and speakers alike commending the depth of discussions and the insights shared. The event served as a catalyst for envisioning the future of HR in an era of automation, underscoring the importance of adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning. As the curtains draw on this edition, IIM Kashipur looks forward to furthering the dialogue on HR innovation and automation in the years to come.


IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha 2024 Gears Up for the Mahakumbh of Agriculture Startups

IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha 2024 Gears Up for the Mahakumbh of Agriculture Startups

Date: January 23, 2024

Kashipur, Jan 22th, 2024: IIM Kashipur, a pioneer in management education, is all set to organise the 7th edition of Uttishtha 2024 from 27th to 28th January 2024. This ‘Agri Mela’ Startup Expo aims to unite agri startups, industry stakeholders, and investors to exchange valuable insights on entrepreneurship, featuring a startup expo and engaging activities. The 2-day ‘Agri Mela’ Startup Expo – Mahakumbh of Agriculture Startups is conducted by the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED] and E-Cell IIM Kashipur, with the support of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, aiming to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and foster innovation and collaboration.

Annual Entrepreneurship Summit is expected to witness the participation of over 2000 B-School students, 20+ VC and entrepreneur talks, 10,000+ visitors, 100+ startups, and the top 10 startups engaging in live pitching [Ran Bhoomi]. On the first day, the summit will feature various enlightening events such as Udaan 7.0 [Pitching Competition], HULT Prize, Live Startup Pitching Competition, Leaders Mantra. On the second day, Expo Day [Kashipur Mela], focusing on career counselling sessions, cultural showcasing, science fairs, and a celebrity night. These competitions aim to identify potential ideas and provide them a chance to present in front of a panel of prestigious VCs, entrepreneurs, academicians, and angel investors.

Ram Kumar, CEO, IIM Kashipur FIED said,  “Over the last seven years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has supported over 140 startups with funding totalling INR 320 crore thanks to IIM Kashipur's Uttishtha-'Agri Mela' Startup Expo, which has grown to be a significant driver of agri-startup success. The initiative not only encourages creativity but also has a significant positive socioeconomic impact, raising 500,000 farmers' standards of living and generating employment. These startups are changing the face of Indian business with their creative ideas that are displayed on platforms like 'Agri Mela,' showcasing everything from eco-friendly agriculture solutions to sustainable fashion.”

IIM Kashipur’s Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development [FIED], an incubation center, supports startups and has organised 18 start-up boot camps in 13 districts of Uttarakhand in 2022-23, extending its reach to 2500 college students and micro-entrepreneurs. The incubation center has been successful, achieving several milestones, including 158+ startups, 2000+ direct employment, ₹340Cr+ funding raised, 75+ start-ups funded, aiding 30 female entrepreneurs, and benefiting over 5 lakh farmers. Start-ups under FIED, such as BIJAK [$34.1 million], LOOPWORM [$3.4 million], and INFYU LABS [$0.24 million] have raised significant funds.

IIM Kashipur has also launched a five-day Open Management Development Programme (MDP) titled ‘Soft Skills for the Workplace of Tomorrow.’ Scheduled from 5th to 9th February 2024, as per the official announcement.


IIM Kashipur Launches 5-Day Management Development Program on 'Soft Skills for the Workplace of Tomorrow’

IIM Kashipur

Date: January 10, 2024

Kashipur, 10.01.2024: IIM Kashipur has launched a 5-day Open Management Development Program (MDP) titled ‘Soft Skills for the Workplace of Tomorrow.’ Scheduled from 5th to 9th February 2024. This program is tailored for managers and executives, aiming to enhance competencies at various organizational levels while emphasizing adaptability to changing global scenarios.

The 'Soft Skills for the Workplace of Tomorrow' program aims to help participants develop soft skills and build a better effective executive presence. Completion of the program should enable professionals to demonstrate excellence in key soft skills such as problem-solving, leadership, communication, critical thinking and executive storytelling.

Prof. Smarak Samarjeet, Programme Director at IIM Kashipur, emphasized that soft skills play an important role in high-impact leadership. The Soft Skills MDP program by IIM Kashipur caters to the growing industry need for executives who can contribute to organizational growth.

The 5-day Open Management Development Program (MDPs) will hold four daily sessions over five days. Additionally, IIM Kashipur has launched an MDP programme titled 'Effective Workplace Communication for Managers of Tomorrow'. Recognizing the rising demand for strong communication skills, the 'Effective Workplace Communication for Managers of Tomorrow' MDP will focus on communication styles, adaptations, authenticity, listening skills, and persuasive language. The goal is to help participants understand different communication situations, learn persuasive techniques, and develop unique communication styles.


"MANTHAN 2023" CONCLAVE AT IIM KASHIPUR SHEDS LIGHT ON CROSS-DOMAIN SYNERGIES FOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES

IIM Kashipur

Date: December 12, 2023

Kashipur, Dec 11, 2023: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur, organized the intellectual symposium "MANTHAN 2023" on December 9th, offering a platform for industry luminaries to explore the theme of "Cross-domain Synergies for Addressing Global Challenges."

The conclave, organized by the Industry Interaction Committee at IIM Kashipur, featured an exceptional roster of speakers, each a pioneer in their respective fields. The distinguished guests included Lokesh Natoo, India Head of Altus Group; Abhishek Gupta, CMO at Edelweiss Tokio General Insurance; Ribhu Shadwal, VP & Head of Engineering at Airtel; Siddharth Desai, Senior Vice President at Citi Group; and Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Classic Legends (Jawa, Yezdi, BSW).

The event unfolded with a compelling discussion titled "Current Business Outlook," where each speaker shared insights derived from their professional journeys. Lokesh Natoo, India Head of Altus Group, provided thought-provoking perspectives on balancing the three P's - People, Processes, and Profits. The discourse further touched upon the role of inter-domain synergies in capability development and the leadership's responsibility in fostering soft skills amidst the rise of artificial intelligence.

Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Classic Legends, shared the challenges faced while bringing iconic brands to the global stage and emphasized the transformative power of cross-domain initiatives in fostering innovation. The impact of COVID-19 on uncertainty, talent management strategies in the new normal, and the role of cross-functional collaboration were also addressed by the speakers, providing a holistic understanding of the evolving business landscape.

Ribhu Shadwal, VP of Engineering at Airtel, shed light on the rapid adaptations in the telecommunications industry, navigating technological advancements and the role of process-driven systems in organizational synergies. The discussions also explored the manifestation of cross-domain synergies in the post-COVID era and the potential to ease challenges posed by diverse geographies.

Siddharth Desai, Senior Vice President at Citi Group, shared success stories of cross-functional collaborations within the banking sector, highlighting the delicate balance between specialization and establishing synergies across functions. The conversation extended to fostering a culture of agility and adaptability in response to global disruptions, with a focus on incorporating sustainability dimensions in business.

Abhishek Gupta, CMO at Edelweiss Tokio General Insurance, illuminated the positive disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the insurance sector and explored the role of inter-domain synergies in managing and monetizing these disruptions. The speakers delved into rapid digitalization, emerging trends, and leadership's pivotal role in fostering cross-functional collaboration and learning. An engaging Q&A session between students and speakers added an interactive dimension, providing students with an opportunity to glean insights directly from industry leaders.


IIM Kashipur and Earl V. Snyder Innovation Management Center, Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University, USA Collaborate for an International Conference on “Marketing Innovation”

IIM Kashipur

Date: December 06, 2023

Kashipur | December 5th, 2023: IIM Kashipur, one of the leading management institutes in India, is set to host the International Conference on "Marketing Innovation" from December 16th to 18th at its campus. This event is a collaborative effort with the esteemed Earl V. Snyder Innovation Management Center at the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University, USA.

Amid ongoing marketing revolution, the conference aims to spotlight the impact of recent technological strides and digital transformations like Generative-AI, Smart(er) Devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality. These developments have ushered in a myriad of tools and platforms, providing marketers with the means to adopt more efficient, creative, and data-driven strategies across the four Ps of marketing - product, place, price, and promotion.

Dr. S.P. Raj, Distinguished Professor of Marketing and Director of the Earl V. Snyder Innovation Management Center, Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, USA, and Dr. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director, IIM Kashipur are patrons of this Conference.

Dr. Somnath Chakrabarti, Dean (Academics) and Professor of Marketing, IIM Kashipur and Conference Chairperson, stated that consumer well-being has taken center stage as another critical domain of interest, especially in the context of emerging economies. With these regions undergoing transformative growth, understanding the factors influencing consumer well-being has become paramount. The conference aims to delve into this complex landscape, providing a platform for researchers and practitioners to share insights and strategies. Various tracks of the Conference promise to contribute to the intellectually stimulating, engaging, and enjoyable atmosphere anticipated at the 2023 Marketing Innovation conference.

About the Tracks: - The conference will discuss different tracks such as sustainable marketing as a powerful tool for promoting eco-friendly aspects of products. The track on Corporate social responsibility has emerged as an integral component of brand value, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for ethical and environmentally conscious business practices. The track on Technological innovation focuses on the sweeping transformation to the field of marketing, fundamentally reshaping how businesses connect with their target audiences.

The track on delves into how Negative events in marketing, such as brand failures, product harm crises, and unethical behaviors, can have severe consequences on businesses and consumers alike. Another track is about how Consumer attitudes are changing because of increasing incomes and exposure to emerging ideas and technologies. The Consumer experiences track consists of in-depth studies of how experiences, as much as products, have become increasingly significant in the 21st century, driven by changing consumer behaviors, digitalization, and a shift toward customer-centric strategies. The track focusing on Pricing has evolved into a complex and strategic endeavor in a multi-channel world, requiring in-depth knowledge of the market, customers, and competition.


IIM Kashipur Sets a New Benchmark in Promoting Innovations, Bags Highest 4.0 Stars In IIC Rating

Date: November 18, 2023

Kashipur, Nov 17, 2023: In a big achievement, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur has bagged the 4-star rating (4.0 stars) in the recently released list of Institutions Innovation Council (IIC) by Ministry of Education, Government of India for 2022-23.

The Ministry of Education released the annual performance of Institution Innovation Councils (IICs) for the academic year 2022-23 yesterday.

The recent rating has graded IIM Kashipur as one of the highest performers with top star rating of 4*, surpassing its last year's 3.5* ranking. IIM Kashipur is also the only IIM among the participating IIMs in the country to find a place in the list with highest four-star rating, placing it amongst very few national universities/ IITs/ IIMs to get such a high ranking.

The institute has achieved this feat with sincere efforts of its Incubation Centre - Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) which has been undertaking innovations, entrepreneurship and start-up initiatives, and collaborative innovation activities in association with the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) at the Institute.

FIED has been instrumental in creating an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in Uttarakhand and channelizing its efforts majorly in Agriculture Technology and Agri-entrepreneurship.

Prof. Safal Batra, Managing Director, FIED and Chairperson, E-Cell at IIM Kashipur said “We are proud of this prestigious achievement. The ranking has been awarded on the basis of various activities. It is a testament to the forward-looking, innovative and encouraging entrepreneurial culture fostering at the Institute that empower our nation’s youth for a better future. We are happy that we are one of the top academic institutions, acknowledged for promoting Innovation and Start-up on campus.

Commenting on this big achievement, some start-ups incubated by FIED, shared their views.

Mr. Himanshu Dua, Founder, My Pahadi Dukan said, “During our incubation at IIM Kashipur FIED, My Pahadi Dukan experienced a transformative journey in supply chain innovation. The institute's guidance enabled us to streamline operations by leveraging technology and thus enhancing our efficiency. IIM Kashipur FIED acted as a catalyst, fostering innovative solutions that empowered My Pahadi Dukan to navigate market challenges with a resilient and agile supply chain.”

Ms. Kavita Negi, Founder, Kimalaya Naturals Private Limited, said "In the embrace of IIM Kashipur's wisdom, we found not just knowledge but a catalyst for change. "Through their guidance, we crafted a narrative of sustainability, weaving innovation into our packaging and stitching together a greener tomorrow with biodegradable tea bags."

“IIM Kashipur FIED has been a catalyst in Vimaana Aerospace Technologies’ growth journey. From mentoring to helping us enable our wings to fly high in the entrepreneurial journey by providing us resources and funds, IIM Kashipur FIED played a key role. Multiple conferences and mentorship sessions have had helped us figuring out our shortcomings and have provided us clarity about the right steps for further development,” said Mr. Mridul Jain, Founder, Vimaana Aerospace Technologies.

The Institution Innovation Council (IIC) was established by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India, to systematically promote the innovation culture across all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India.


IIM Kashipur's DIC Inks MoU with Atal Tinkering Lab to Promote Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship in Young Students

IIM Kashipur

Date: October 20, 2023

Kashipur, 19th October 2023: The Design Innovation Centre (DIC) of the Indian Institute of Management Kashipur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Atal Tinkering Lab of The Gurukul Foundation School, Kashipur, today for fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in young students.

The MoU signing occurred at the IIM Kashipur campus, where Prof. Kumkum Bharti, Coordinator DIC, and Mr. Neeraj Kapoor, Chairman of ATL-TGFS, penned the agreement. Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, and Mr. Ramesh Chandra Arya, Chief Education Officer, Udham Singh Nagar District, Government of Uttarakhand, were also present at the program.

The MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of skills and resources between DIC and ATL in creating and elevating the landscape of innovation and design thinking in schools by encouraging knowledge and resource exchange for design-led innovation and skill-building. It also aims to facilitate engagement among both institutions by conducting research and development projects, skill-building programs, training programs, and workshops.

Prof. Kumkum Bharti, Coordinator, DIC, termed the MoU a commitment for the future and said, “The MoU will help bring together both institutions to find solutions to contextual problems faced by the students in developing innovative ideas, which will lead to real problem-solving at the school level, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.”

Mr. Neeraj Kapoor, Chairman of Atal Tinkering Lab, Kashipur, said, “MoU signifies the commitment to a shared vision and collective dedication. It will serve as a bridge between the two esteemed institutions to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, where DIC will serve as a catalyst for creativity, design-led innovation, and entrepreneurship by harnessing both institutions' collective wisdom, knowledge, and resources”.

Chief Education Officer of Udham Singh Nagar district, Mr. Ramesh Chandra Arya, appreciated the signing of the MoU between the DIC, IIM Kashipur, and Atal Tinkering Lab and urged IIM Kashipur to take out this initiative to government schools for the benefit of students and teachers.

Design Innovation Centre of IIM Kashipur has been playing a pivotal role in the design and innovation domain by creating an ecosystem that connects and facilitates various stakeholders in all aspects of the innovation process, including training and support. The centre develops design thinking-led solutions to help schools and educators innovate and improve the learning experience for students. Since its inception, DIC has successfully promoted innovation by developing a culture of innovation, design thinking, and creative problem-solving by disseminating knowledge in every sphere of society.


IIM Kashipur Conducts HR Conclave 'Samanvaya 2023' on Human Renaissance: Unleashing the Power of Automation

IIM Kashipur

Date: October 09, 2023

Kashipur | October 7th, 2023: IIM Kashipur, a leading Indian management institute, hosted a thought-provoking session on the theme 'Human Renaissance: Unleashing the Power of Automation' during its annual HR Conclave 'Samanvaya 2023' here today successfully. The discussion revolved around 'Automation Revolution: Unlocking the HR Insights.'

Chapter 1 of the 'Samanvaya 2023’ saw the participation of leading HR experts from the industry, fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and networking. Esteemed speakers/ guests for the event were Dr. Pradyumna Pandey, Manufacturing HR Head at Hero MotoCorp; Debalina Roy, General Manager - HR (Talent, Capability and D&I) at Vodafone Idea Limited; Mr. Rajiv Naithani, Chief People Officer at Infogain; and Mr. Rahul Pakhale, Senior Human Resources Manager at Jio Platforms Limited. Prof. Mridul Maheshwari, Faculty at IIM Kashipur, moderated the session.

In the latest chapter of ‘Samanvaya 2023’, speakers discussed anticipation of the impending automation and robotics revolution. As HR managers are gearing up to develop comprehensive retraining and reskilling programs, this proactive approach recognizes the transformative impact of technology on the workforce. Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are playing a key role in this evolution, not only in streamlining HR processes but also in making hiring decisions.

Addressing contemporary issues, speakers emphasized the judicious use of individual skills. Furthermore, experts highlighted that upskilling and reskilling are helpful in personal and organizational development.

Dr. Pradyumna Pandey brings with him over three decades of valuable experience. He said that while automation was not his primary focus initially, the onset of the pandemic has underscored the indispensability of automation technology. It's imperative to embrace the mindset that current needs may not necessarily align with our prior perceptions.

Rajiv Naithani shares his experience by expressing that technology has rapidly evolved, especially in the manufacturing and energy sectors. This acceleration has significantly impacted software development and product design processes.

Debalina Roy highlights the importance of talent activation and said that the integration of AI into our system has significantly streamlined our HR processes over the past five years, enabling us to efficiently review numerous resumes and align them with our specific requirements.

Rahul Pakhale highlights the importance of analysis and performance management in addressing stagnation within an organization. Says that AI will enhance HR professionals’ roles by automating routine tasks and that it has the potential to mitigate unconscious bias in candidate selection, ensuring that the organization recruits the best candidates.

Furthermore, speakers underlined the importance of the human element within companies, even amid the spread of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This includes fostering empathy among employees and providing organizational support during difficult moments. Additionally, the discussion focused on how HR professionals have discovered the importance of employee engagement and its vital role in job satisfaction.

Prof. Utkarsh, Chairperson, Placement and Corporate Relations, IIM Kashipur, termed the conclave successful and said, I am elated to announce the successful culmination of Samanvaya 2023, a pre-eminent HR conclave that brought together unexcelled Human Resource professionals and thought leaders. Themed ‘Human Renaissance: Unleashing the Power of Automation’, the conclave explored the future of HR in the era of automation. With engaging discussions and insights, the event centered around the topic ‘Automation Revolution: Unlocking the HR Insights.’ At IIM Kashipur, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in the field of management, reaffirming our dedication to excellence in management education, Samanvaya 2023 marked a pivotal moment in that direction, fostering collaboration and sharing strategies to harness the potential of automation in shaping the HR landscape.

Students were excited after engaging with global HR leaders and gaining valuable insights from experienced professionals through insightful panel discussions. They posed several questions to the esteemed panel regarding the ongoing and upcoming trends in HR in the age of automation.


IIM Kashipur FIED sanctions 1.6 Crore Funding to 10 Agriculture focused Start-ups

IIM Kashipur

Date: September 27, 2023

Kashipur, 27 Sept 2023: In a significant move, India’s higher educational institutes (HEIs) have agreed, in essence, to create a first-of-its-kind HEI-led ‘Agri-Consortium’ – a move initiated by IIM Kashipur. An in-principal framework in this regard was adopted by participating institutions (HEIs) during the ‘Agri-Entrepreneurship in South Asia' Consortium-2023 organized by the Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED), an incubation center of IIM Kashipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, concluding here today.

The two-day Agri Consortium 2023 aimed to provide a common platform for academicians, researchers, students, and industry professionals to interact and deliberate on the latest trends and advancements in technology, research, funding avenues, and industry requirements in the agriculture industry.

During the consortium, higher education institutions (HEIs) and universities agreed upon a principled agreement with three steps: first, sharing of startup databases among consortium members; second, dissemination of incubation or startup support programs; and finally, networking and sharing best practices on the platform.

Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, thanked everyone for the successful completion of the two-day 'Agri-Entrepreneurship in South Asia' Consortium 2023.

In another development, the RKVY RAFTAAR Scheme, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India through FIED, IIM Kashipur, has provided funding of 1 crore 60 lakh rupees to 10 startup companies. These companies operate in the fields of Drone technology, Agri supply chain, Food processing, Hydroponics, Waste to wealth, and Agri biotechnology industries.

Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, said, “This Agri Consortium will serve as a platform for sharing information on agri-startups supported by member higher education institutions from different parts of the country. This opens the avenues of collaboration between startups from different geographies, helping each other take their innovative solutions to a large number of farmers."

Prof. Safal Batra, Associate Professor, IIM Kashipur, and Director, FIED, said, “Through this consortium, we are building a knowledge pool for the startup ecosystem so that we can extend our support to various industries in developing significant startups within the agriculture sector. Additionally, we are going to establish a knowledge bank for failed startups in the agricultural industry to provide insights into their failures. These insights will be shared with policymakers and the government to assist in crafting policies for their benefit.

Approximately 10 HEIs, including IGKV-Raipur, CCS Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University, IVRI Bareilly, Pusa Krishi, New Delhi, GB Pant University, VCSJ Uttarakhand University of Forestry & Horticulture, Bharsar, Uttarakhand, and CCS NIAM Jaipur, and IIm Kashipur, have agreed to a principled agreement to collaborate in the Agri Consortium.


IIM Kashipur FIED to Host 2-Day 'Agri Entrepreneurship in South Asia' Consortium 2023

IIM Kashipur

Date: September 25, 2023

Kashipur, Sept 23, 2023: Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) a center of excellence of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is launching the first of its kind Agri Consortium in India.

A two-day event, to discuss and finalize consortium titled ‘Agriculture Consortium of Higher Education and Research Institutions’, will be organized on September 25 and 26, 2023 by FIED at the IIM Kashipur campus in Kashipur (Uttarakhand), which will be attended by participants from Agriculture Universities and Research Institutions from across India.

This Agri Consortium will focus on promoting agri-entrepreneurship as a tool for India's economic growth, promoting agriculture startups, the role of higher academic and research institutions in South Asian economies, and government efforts. For 2 days, there will be a panel discussion and expert talks were promoting agriculture in higher education institutions, Agri Consortium is set to promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among leading Agri entrepreneurs, researchers, and educational institutions. Agri Consortium 2023 will mark a significant milestone in the journey towards fostering sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship and harnessing the potential of agri startups to drive economic development in India and South Asian economies.

Agriculture consortium 2023 will be attended by participants from Agriculture Universities and Research Institutions from India. In addition, Agri Business Incubation centers and knowledge partners working in RKVY RAFTAAR Scheme supported by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt of India will also participate sharing their journey & challenges in promoting agri entrepreneurship.

Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) is the incubation center of IIM Kashipur with an objective to nurture and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem of India. It is fully owned & hosted in the campus of IIM Kashipur with a dedicated space of 20,000 square feet. FIED incubates the most promising startups of India in the domain of agriculture, education, healthcare, logistics & supply chain, green energy, waste management, tourism and hospitality, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development goals.


IIM Kashipur Inks MoU with Max Healthcare to launch Programme in Hospital Management

IIM Kashipur

Date: September 13, 2023

Kashipur, Sept 12, 2023: IIM Kashipur, the leading Indian management institute, hosted an event at its campus on Monday during which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIM Kashipur and leading healthcare organization Max Healthcare Ltd. Both organizations decided to launch a PG Executive programme in Hospital Management to address the increasing demand for trained manpower for the healthcare sector. On this occasion, Prof. Kulbhooshan Balooni, Director,IIM Kashipur, and Mr. Umesh Gupta, Senior Director-HR, Max Health Care Ltd., signed the agreement.

The nine-month Post Graduate Programme in Hospital Management will cater exclusively to executives and managers looking to develop and enhance their expertise in hospital operations.Both organizations also decided to conduct joint research, seminars, and other academic collaborations.

Speaking on this occasion,Prof. Kunal Ganguly, Dean (Development), IIM Kashipur said “This collaboration is a milestone for IIM Kashipur to diversify its education offering and contribute to the healthcare sector.” He added that the first such program would be launched by the end of this year at IIM Kashipur, where the classes will be taken by faculty from both IIM Kashipur and Max Healthcare, along with the provision of hands-on training at the Max hospitals.

According to Mr. Umesh Gupta, Senior Director-HR and Chief People Officer at Max Healthcare Ltd, "In response to the rapid growth of the healthcare industry and increasing demand for skilled operations managers in hospitals, we have meticulously crafted a blended program. This program seamlessly integrates live lectures delivered by distinguished faculty fromIIMKashipur, insights from senior management at Max Healthcare, and cutting-edge e-learning content. This unique blend of knowledge, digital tools, and techniques, combined with hands-on experience gained through immersion at Max Healthcare, equips participants with a comprehensive skill set.”

It is to be noted that India's healthcare spending as a proportion of GDP is expected to rise to 2.1% in FY23 from 2.2% in FY22 and 1.6% in FY21, according to the Economic Survey 2022-23, and the globalhealthcaremarket will expand by 2030. Given the growth of thehealthcareindustry and the extraordinary demands of skillful operations managers in hospitals, this blended program will helpfulfill the increased demand for a skilled workforce in the industry.

IIM Kashipur, a renowned Indian management institute, has climbed from 33rdplace in the NIRF rating in 2021 to 19thplace in 2023 among the top 50 Management Institutes/Colleges in India in the recently released National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)-2023 ranking by the Ministry of Education. Also, this year, the highest annual salary offered atIIMKashipur, was Rs 37 lakh, with an average cost to the company (CTC) of Rs 18.11 lakh, as reported in an official statement from the institute.


IIM Kashipur Condutes 'G20 University Connect' Lecture Series addressed by senior Indian Diplomat

IIM Kashipur

Date: August 28, 2023

Kashipur, Aug 27, 2023 — In a bid to foster global awareness and nurture innovative thinking, the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (IIM Kashipur) hosted a remarkable lecture series under the 'G20 University Connect' initiative. The event centered around the theme "Engaging Young Minds," resonating with the institute's commitment to grooming the leaders of tomorrow.

The lecture series commenced with the presence of a distinguished guest, Ambassador (Ms.) L. Savithri, an esteemed personality from the Ministry of External Affairs, India. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Professor K.N. Badhani, who delivered the welcoming remarks, setting an enthusiastic tone for the intellectual discourse that followed.

Ambassador (Ms.) L. Savithri's special lecture brought forth an insightful perspective on India's significant role in the G20 community. She applauded IIM Kashipur's recent achievement in securing the 19th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), highlighting the institution's rapid ascent in the educational landscape. She emphasized the rich diversity of IIM Kashipur and encouraged students to extract valuable lessons from their academic journey.

Delving into the heart of the matter, Ambassador (Ms.) L. Savithri elucidated the genesis of the G20 and its profound impact on global affairs. She detailed how crises in 1999 and 2000 prompted the formation of G20, a coalition of 20 countries responsible for a significant portion of the world's population, GDP, and trade. She underscored the significance of the G20 summit and its rotating presidency, providing a platform for nations to collaboratively address pressing issues.

Highlighting India's role as the G20 President, Ambassador (Ms.) L. Savithri eloquently spoke about India's focus on energy transition and its dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized nations, communities, and individuals through the "Voice of the Global South" initiative. She revealed South Africa's impending membership, expanding the G20's reach and influence.

The event also featured illuminating talks by Professor Kunal Ganguly, who explored infrastructural investment and logistics optimization, and Professor Abhradeep Maiti, who dissected international trade and economic activities. The engaging sessions were followed by a dynamic question-and-answer session, allowing students to interact directly with Ambassador (Ms.) L. Savithri, facilitated by Dr. Rohit Saini.

The event's grand finale witnessed the distribution of prizes and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Preet Tejwani, the General Secretary of the Student Body Council. The closing note, marked by the national anthem, instilled a sense of unity and patriotism among the attendees.

In a world increasingly defined by collaboration and collective responsibility, IIM Kashipur's G20 University Connect lecture series emerged as a catalyst for empowering young minds to envision a brighter, more inclusive future. The event reminded everyone of the profound impact that innovative thinking, global engagement, and collaborative action can have in shaping the world we shared.


IIM KASHIPUR INTRODUCES DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT AND INTERDISCIPLINARY LEARNING IN ALIGNMENT WITH NEP 2020 GOALS

Date: August 28, 2023

Kashipur, August 25, 2023: IIM Kashipur, a leading Indian management institute, is dedicated to Digital Empowerment and Capacity Building through the National Education Policy for working professionals. NEP 2020 envisages the following goals for higher education – (a) develop thoughtful individuals with one or more areas of specialization – namely sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, and languages, as well as professional, technical, and vocational subjects, (b) help individuals achieve personal accomplishment and prepare them for productive contributions to society and (c) enable achievement of economic independence.

A branch of higher education, namely, technical education, covers several specializations such as life and health sciences, engineering, and management. NEP (2020) expects high demand for skilled professionals in these sectors. Further, there is a need for an interdisciplinary approach to skilling individuals and a closer collaboration between academia and industry. NEP (2020) suggests focusing on emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3-D machining, big data analysis, machine learning, genomic studies, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and neuroscience. These areas are critical to developing better health, environment, and sustainable solutions. 

IIM Kashipur has been aligning its programs toward achieving the goals of higher education formulated in NEP 2020. A key obstacle in realizing the aspirations of working people is access to quality education. 

Prof. K. Venkataraghavan, Associate Professor (IT & Systems) and Associate Dean (Admin) said, “IIM Kashipur recognizes the challenges faced by working professionals and has embraced digital empowerment to deliver quality content to working people worldwide. Digital empowerment involves the use of digital technologies in the capacity building of individuals. This aligns with the thrust in NEP for Sustainable Development Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by India in 2015 – which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”

IIM Kashipur uses synchronous learning technologies to overcome obstacles of time and distance in delivering content to aspiring working professionals. The team has developed and successfully conducted several capacity-building programs in online and hybrid modes over the past several years in the areas identified in NEP 2020. Such programs include but are not limited to machine learning, big data analytics, supply chain management, financial analytics, strategy and entrepreneurship, project management, and general management. Also, have conceptualized these programs in different formats ranging from 60 hours to one year to cater to the diverse needs of working professionals. This provides lifelong upskilling and reskilling opportunities for all. 

Prof. Mayank Sharma, Associate Professor (IT & Systems) at IIM Kashipur said, “On the higher education degree programs, we have leveraged digital technologies to deliver Executive MBA programs for working professionals in a hybrid mode. This allows for more participation while maintaining the rigor to complete a higher degree program. A plethora of digital technologies are adopted for this purpose ranging from learning management systems, virtual examination suites, and state-of-the-art video conferencing.”

IIM Kashipur recognizes the importance of incorporating emerging technologies into its MBA curriculum. Currently, IIM Kashipur offers two management programs in regular mode, namely, MBA and MBA (Analytics). As advocated by NEP 2020, integrating technical subjects into the management curriculum makes it interdisciplinary. For example, the curriculum in our full-time programs includes machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, social media analytics, business intelligence, data visualization, domain-specific analytics course in human resources, operations, finance and marketing, and health analytics, to name a few. 

Further, in line with NEP 2020 on the thrust for entrepreneurship and employability from higher education institutions, the graduates at IIM Kashipur get the best employment opportunities across industries and sectors. Towards capacity building, centers of Excellence at IIM Kashipur, such as FIED and DIC, train budding entrepreneurs with particular emphasis on agribusiness and allied areas.


Pay What You Want: IIM-Kashipur Study Finds Pricing Model Can Make Consumers Shell Out More

Date: August 09, 2023

Imagine a scenario where one is asked to set a product's price, paying any amount they wished. This pay-what-you-want pricing model can be a wonderful strategy to make consumers shell out more by offering them control over the pricing, researchers at IIM-Kashipur have found. The team, led by Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kashipur, Assistant Professor Preeti Narwal, conducted a study to examine how customers lower their motivation to pay more for products offered under the pay-what-you-want model by morally disengaging from reciprocity concerns.

In the pay-what-you-want "participative" pricing model, sellers provide individuals with the opportunity to be actively involved in the price determination process beyond accepting or rejecting the offer. In return, it is expected that the customers would reciprocate the appropriate behaviour by rewarding the seller with higher prices or at least regular market rates.

The IIM-Kashipur team found that the increasing need for creativity in business processes and proliferation of the Internet has led to the extension of participative pricing to a wide range of products and services across industries such as digital products, hospitality, consulting and entertainment, among others. According to Narwal, the findings indicate that customers' moral disengagement via displacement of responsibility towards reciprocity concerns is negatively associated with the willingness to pay more.

However, the model is likelier to be embraced more by customers who seek great, awe-inspiring happiness and a distinctly perceivable reputation. Hence, the offerings should be positioned as superior products that satisfy the ego and the status needs of individuals. "Participative pricing like the pay-what-you-want model has several advantages over regular pricing. Participative pricing leads to higher purchase intentions due to increased perceived control and greater customer engagement. It provides opportunities for price customisation like travel-related booking sites such as Orbitz, priceline.com that target each website visitor with a customised price to match their threshold price," Narwal told PTI.

"Even in the financial services industry, BBVA (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria) seeks customer participation in pricing to tailor-made interest rates. The other advantage of participative pricing lies in its low implementation cost due to the Internet. The pricing model also helps in differentiating the product or service, thus increasing the offering's overall attractiveness to the customer," she added.

Narwal said the pay-what-you-want model is one such type of participative pricing that empowers the customers to choose the prices, ranging from zero to any infinite higher amount. The fundamental essence of the pay-what-you-want model is the complete delegation of price-setting control to buyers, without allowing sellers to withdraw their offer even when they freeride, she said. "The pay-what-you-want (model) allows the highest degree of control over price setting to the customers by enabling them to estimate their prices themselves. In the case of participative pricing models such as auctions, customers feel restricted and have a lower sense of perceived control with declining purchase and payment intentions," she said. "Managers should try to increase an individual's sense of control directly through active engagement in setting the minimum and the maximum threshold prices and new product prices," Narwal added.


NIRF-2023: IIM Kashipur ranks among the Top 20 Indian Management Schools in India

Date: June 07, 2023

Kashipur | June 6th, 2023: IIM Kashipur, the leading Indian management institute, has secured 19th rank among the top 50 Management Institutes/Colleges in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)-2023 ranking released by the Ministry of Education. IIM Kashipur has also become the only IIM to get into the Top 50 in NIRF- ARIIA (Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements) quotient, leaving behind other IIMs.

Among other institutes in India, the top position was occupied by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmadabad. IIM Bangalore was at the second position, followed by IIM Kozhikode at the third position. Over 8,600 colleges participated in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2023.

Prof. Mala Srivastava, Dean of Academics, IIM Kashipur, said“We are striving to improve the quality of teaching, learning and research at the institute. We rose from 33rd place in the NIRF rating in 2021 to 19th place in 2023. I have faith that the institute will continue to perform better across all the parameters in the years to come as it strives to rank among India's top 10 Management Institutes. We credit this success to the institute's improved perception in terms of research, placement opportunities, and learning environment.”

The NIRF 2023 ranking framework evaluates institutions on five broad generic groups parameters such as teaching learning and resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, perception.

Last month, IIM Kashipur held its 10th Convocation on campus for its flagship two-year MBA (2021-2023 batch), MBA Analytics, Executive MBA, and doctoral students. The Institute awarded degrees to a total of 353 students, including 9 doctoral scholars and 344 MBA graduates (260 two-year MBA students, 58 MBA (Analytics) students, and 26 Executive MBA students).