Professor S. C. Sharma has been with IBS Gurgaon since 2010 and took over as Director of IBS Gurgaon in December 2014. He belongs to the Indian Economic Service, a batch of 1971, and is an economist, having highly versatile experience of over forty-five years in economic and financial analysis, management, and teaching. He has worked at various policy analysis levels in the Government of India, including the ministries of Finance, Industry, the cabinet secretariat, etc. He studied at the University of Delhi (Institute of Economic Growth), Bath University, England, and Pennsylvania University, USA.

He was an Economic Advisor to the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) in the late eighties. He, along with other experts, visited Japan and South Korea in December 1988 to study the Competitiveness of Indian Steel Plants in comparison to the best steel plants in the world and prepare a Report for the Bureau of Industrial Costs and Prices.

IBS Gurgaon

What is that one thing that made you excited to be a part of IBS and share your experience of 10+ journeys in IBS?

ICFAI Business School is a value-based and system-driven organization that recognizes and rewards the talent of every individual working for it. I have wholeheartedly enjoyed every moment of my 13 years of intimate and intensively engaging association with all aspects of IBS functioning.

You have held key positions in various organizations, what motivated you to pursue a career in academia and leadership in management?

IBS has allowed me to make use of the highly versatile experience and exposure I gained before joining this organization. Teaching has been my first love since the beginning of my career. Leading a Business School like IBS is a privilege, as it provides me ample opportunities to put into practice what I have learned in other organizations. The evolution of the "Self" and its impact on the students and their curricular and extracurricular activities can go hand in hand. My journey at IBS exemplifies it.

As a director of - IBS School of Business, what do you feel is the USP or what are the differentiating factors that make IBS stand out from other Business schools?

The close connection between the campus, the corporate world, and the careers of students stands out as the hallmark of IBS strategies and priorities. Continued association with practicing managers and practitioners working at the top level in corporations enriches the teaching-learning experience that students enjoy during the entire program.

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What steps would you take to ensure that the business school's curriculum remains relevant, aligns with industry demands, and prepares students for successful careers?

Our curriculum is based on close interaction with industry professionals and is continuously updated to reflect the emerging needs of businesses and the latest developments in technology and research.

How would you engage with faculty to promote research excellence, encourage innovation in teaching, and support their professional development?

Continuous interaction with the faculty at various forums in all the above areas is a time-tested method to promote and enrich intellectual pursuits. Regular seminars and interactions with experts from different domains help create an environment for professional development and develop an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving.

How do you plan to leverage technology and online platforms to enhance the delivery of business education and adapt to changing educational landscapes?

All IBS Campuses are fully equipped with infrastructure for online academic delivery using various platforms and languages. During the COVID period, online platforms were extensively used for the transfer of knowledge and skills. However, students prefer and enjoy face-to-face interaction with faculty day after day.

What are the challenging parts of being in the Director of business school role and how do you handle them?

The primary role of the Director is to create an enabling environment for open discussion, debates, and dialogue between the members of the faculty from different domains, thus fostering an interdisciplinary approach to handling the challenges faced by businesses and Society. Side by side, the interaction between the faculty and students, both inside and outside the classroom, is continuously being enriched and encouraged.

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Can you describe What is the significance and support IBS provides for entrepreneurship and innovation?

IBS Gurgaon has a very active entrepreneurship development cell managed by the students under the overall guidance of the faculty. The cell regularly organizes events and activities to create awareness about opportunities in different sectors and segments of the economy. Entrepreneurs are invited regularly to share their experiences of success and challenges. Bankers are also invited to share details of various schemes aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.

How do you envision the role of the Director in shaping the strategic direction and growth of IBS Business School?

IBS Business School has been in existence since 1995, and all the Campuses, put together, have contributed towards building up a strong alumni base of 65,000. Its vision was given by the late Prof. N. J. Yasaswy. It has stood the test of time. It is being continuously reviewed and redrawn in light of the changing needs of corporations and businesses. Our thrust is on preparing versatile and aspiring managers who can meet the needs of the industry in a continuously changing business environment.