STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME AT IIM RAIPUR

With the objective to bring a global perspective to all its programmes and activities in a fast changing global economic environment, IIM Raipur signed 6 MoUs in December 2012 for semester exchange programs with some of the finest MBA colleges in the world. This not only has come as an opportunity for the students to obtain global exposure but has also helped the institute to mark its presence on a global scenario. 

Apart from being the top rankers in FT regional and global rankings, the partner colleges are situated in some of the best education hubs around the world. The colleges include IESEG School of Management Paris, IPADE Business School Mexico, Asian Institute of Technology Thailand, Grenoble Ecole De Management Grenoble, HHL Graduate School of Management Leipzig and ALBA Graduate Business School Athens.

Four students from the Batch 2011-13 were selected for the semester exchange program. Three of them had the opportunity to study at IESEG France and one of them made it to HHL Leipzig, Germany. Their experiences are shared at http://iimraipur.blogspot.in/2013/05/semester-exchange-ieseg-france.html and http://iimraipur.blogspot.in/2013/04/semester-exchange-at-hhl-leipzig.html

IESEG School of Management Paris is one of the top 10 ranked business school in France and ranked 6^th in academic excellence. It also has the highest accreditation from the French Ministry of Education.

IPADE Business School Mexico stands 2^nd in Global MBA rankings and has a strong presence in different national and international rankings. Monterrey. IPADE has been accredited by AASCB. It also holds 95^th rank as per the Financial Times rankings in 2012 in the world.

Asian Institute of Technology Thailand is the Asian pioneer in international management education. Established in 1968, the institute designs its masters and executive programs to develop practicing managers in Asia’s emerging markets.

HHL Graduate School of Management Leipzig is one of the best business schools in Europe and the best in Germany. HHL is internationally recognized by Financial Times, Princeton Review, America Economia, QS, DAAD and more.

ALBA Graduate Business School Athens, one of the premiere management institutes in Greece, possesses considerable experience in European Projects management and implementation, active in the field of innovation with regards to enterprises.

Grenoble Ecole De Management holds the triple crown of business accreditations that distinguish the world's leading business schools. On average, GGSB is ranked 50th best executive education provider in the world by the Financial Times.

With a partner network of some of the best institutes of the world, IIM Raipur provides opportunities galore to its students so that they understand the importance of cross-cultural issues in managing the business and have that extra edge through world class education.

For more details about the partner institutes, please visit:

http://iimraipur.ac.in/ie_partner.htm

UNSUIT

Where do we see ourselves after our MBA? Mostly in the board room of our dream company in that snazzy suit (of course with a six figure salary). Rest everything is logical, but why a suit? Maybe because it is the norm, or maybe I would be branded informal (or I don’t have the time to press my shirt). Does it bother me to wear a suit even in the summer? Yes it does. Why do I still wear it?

The “suit” was popularized in a period of sartorial revolution during the early 19^th century. The apparels worn before that were elaborately embroidered and jewelled clothing. The suit which were considerably simpler and comfortable replaced those in the formal spheres. Is it time we take the evolution a step forward? Suits are the norm in the business spheres since the 19^th century. We in the 21^st century are encouraged to innovate and make processes efficient. That involves breaking norms that are just there for the sake of convention. The suits serves it purpose in the cold countries well, but in countries like India, it surely causes discomfort and raises the air-conditioning bills. Estimates say that the power savings can be to the tune of 20% for office spaces.

The Japanese story

“This summer, I will not allow anyone with a tie or jacket into my office”

-          Yuriko Koike, Japanese Environment Minister

After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster, Japan has stepped up its energy saving efforts. Energy consumption data is telecasted along with the weather report. And amidst all the steps, there is a small revolution: “Cool Biz”. The working class is encouraged to not to wear suits and ties to keep cooling levels to the minimum at least in the summers.

The Indian way out

The working class cannot change their ways until their bosses and simultaneously their customers change the way they dress. But, that does not mean everything has to take the top down approach. We at business schools can take the initiative. We can restrict the use of suits inside the campus during orientations, presentations and other in-house activities. We can approach the companies coming for interviews or corporate talks and inform them about our “green initiative” and convince them to forgo the formality of wearing suits (we can surely bank on the placement committee for that). This will also influence them to take notice, encourage them to think in this direction, maybe implementing it in their respective companies. Personally, I have met quite a few corporate bigwigs who think of the suit as a liability when the weather forbids.  

The Message

The initiative is not only aimed at the direct benefits of limiting the use of suits, but also penetrating the larger consciousness of people. Maybe it is time for the Indian philosophy to come to the rescue of the world once again.

“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection.”- Bhagvad Gita

We have to improvise according to our situation and conditions, not just blindly ape others. “Go Green” slogan is for the future and it is necessary to take every possible step to contribute towards it. Among all the big talk of change, we should not forget the basics. Switch off the lights and fans and of course air conditioners when you leave the room. And please turn off your laptop/computer after reading this post, before you fall asleep.  

References:

1. TK Arun. Economic Times (2013). http://economictimes.com/opinion/comments-analysis/weird-but-true-shedding-of-clothes-by-men-can-reduce-global-warming/articleshow/19875338.cms

2. Brooke, James. The New York Times (2005) http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/20/business/worldbusiness/20iht-japan.html?_r=0 

3.   Wikipedia. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_suits

Contributed By: Mahesh Nath Sahu, PGP 2012-14. He can be reached at pgp12080.mahesh@iimraipur.ac.in.

WHY MBA?- The Recurring Question

The Question

Let me start with the clichéd question: “Why MBA?” (Henceforth referred to as ‘the question’) You should pay utmost importance to the question, not because it fetches you THE coveted seat, but because once you get that seat, you will end up asking yourself the same question almost everyday. Though the emotions and tone of the question are going to vary from whining to depression to anger, none too mild either. However there will also be that day when you exalt and say ‘Yeah MBA’ but I am not talking about that today. The question may also help you decide where and how to devote your ‘precious’ time, what to prioritize, which companies/profiles to apply, which streams to choose etcetera.  You should be thankful to the B school industry that makes it mandatory for an aspirant to prepare an answer to the question.

The Reality Check

You should also know that there are very few people, who survive an MBA and still have the same answer to the question. I have seen monumental shifts within a span of a couple of hours, sometimes even less than that. Why this happens, because the answer is too narrow, usually spanning around aiming a specific industry (Finance, Consulting etcetera) and making big bucks. The first part is glamorized, tarted up with fancy and catchy words, and the latter is subdued. That makes you dependent on external factors, so if fate takes a dump on economy and finance job market sinks; there are higher chances that you might end up changing your answer to the question.

What you will go through

You will be kicked out of your comfort zone on Day Zero. Also anything told to you about what’s it like to do an MBA is a lie. Simply because it’s a new and unique experience for everyone, so whatever your friend, sibling, or an acquaintance told you, is not what you will get. You will get to know yourself better, that is highly probable, but there are also chances that you will accept that understanding. That, in my opinion, is something you should always grab, because more than knowing what you can do, you should know what you cannot do (For the pompous egotists: Sweethearts, remember there is a deadline for everything, so yes there will be things that you will not be able to do). And of course you will have to learn and apply diverse things in too short time. You will also realize the importance and limitations of your time.

What you should expect

You should expect the sky or more, nothing less, and that should be in both dimensions: The effort you are willing to put and the opportunities that are going to come up. But again the aim should be yours, and not a polished version of others’ success stories. Aiming small is not a crime, not achieving it, is. You should expect to improve yourself, in every aspect, because the external opportunity part is really not in your hand, unless you plan on creating them and become an entrepreneur. So if your comfort zone needs to be kicked, you should be the one to do it, believe me it is much less painful and much more awarding than someone else kicking it. Know what you want to learn and put a razor sharp focus on it.

What should you do

It is important to go by the standards and learn to frame your answer (even if it is specific to an industry or too specific) to the question properly; after all you need to crack the interview. My suggestion is to keep a reality check and keep on asking, over and over again, is it the real reason? If not, then what is. There is no shame in changing your answer, because that is what brings you closer to reality, that is what you have paid big bucks for: to become knowledgeable and take better decisions. You should do it because the horizon is wide open, and you should not constrict yourself to the clichéd choices. One is here to experiment, learn and explore, to know one’s limits, to really know your weaknesses and strengths (not just the glorified adjectives). Once you know your limits and how to live with them (or eradicate them) and where to focus your strengths, you will get what you want.

Contributed by: Tejit Mithal, PGP 2012-14. This piece was written in Rajdhani Express, when the author was headed for Summer Internship Location, after he was well fed and slept for 7 hours straight. This piece would not have seen the light of the day had any of these were missing or Wi-Fi service on train or a cheaper flight ticket would have been available. The author can be contacted at pgp12046.tejit@iimraipur.ac.in.

Semester Exchange @ IESEG France

In today’s world, the impact of globalization is such that it is thrusting the skill levels necessary for doing business. One needs to vision business with a global perspective in order to excel. The International Student Exchange Program at IIM Raipur provides you with the ideal opportunity to fulfill that requirement and that too in one of the best B-Schools in the world. IESEG, currently one of the best B-Schools in France, constitutes students from over 30 countries around the globe. With interaction that aids in understanding various cultures, this opportunity also boosts your skill level further up the scale.

I personally admire the academic flexibility at IESEG School of Management which allows you to choose the format (intensive or extensive) of your course and the way you want to learn it. Extensive courses extend up to four months with three to four classes weekly and the intensive courses are from Monday to Friday, morning 08:30 AM to 01:00 PM, which provides you ample time for extra-curricular activities in the afterhours. It gives you complete freedom to schedule your studies and leisure perfectly.  The infrastructure at IESEG School of Management is designed to meet the everyday requirements of students. It is equipped with a world class library and a sports complex to keep you both mentally and physically fit. The to-do assignments given by the professors are precisely designed to help develop the decision making ability in students. Working with a culturally diverse team helps you to learn conflict management better. You also learn to sell your ideas to your team. It is one of the most important ingredients in the recipe of ‘SUCCESS’ in your career. You will love to learn language courses especially French, which is taught in a unique way of making you interact with the local people. It is a fun activity and the assignments would require you to collect information from the public - which definitely will enhance your communication skills. International conferences and seminars will help you to interact with few of the most influencing personalities across the globe. The corporate collaborations will help you gain much needed industrial experience. They will give you the perfect platform to build on the experience gained by learning through world class teaching methodologies. These methodologies attribute to the students being motivated and innovative in finding solutions to various business issues.  

The students are considered as clients by the professor who tries to convince them with his teaching. Several trips and games are organized by the college to help the students develop their persona along with regular teaching. Parties are organized every weekend to refresh the young business minds. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer) parties are very common and full of entertainment. You can host as many parties as you want, they won`t be heavy on your pocket. The college also plays host to many competitions, functions and special dinners to make you comfortable with the French culture and cuisines. All the details will be provided during the orientation week by the International Relation Club. They help the exchange students at every stage be it for the social security, bank account, OFII stamp (required if you stay more than three months) or for the CAF (financial aid provided by the France government) to make your stay pleasant. People are really very polite and helpful. 

The history associated with the land, its culture and the architecture will simply amaze you. You will fall in 'love' with every place you visit. Despite this cold weather, your excitement and the warmth received by the people around you will keep you going good.

This experience at IESEG concluded my PGDM at IIM Raipur perfectly.

Contributed by: Anshu Katiyar, PGP 2011-13. He can be reached at pgp11008.anshu@iimraipur.ac.in

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

The Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur was held today, Sunday May 5, 2013 at village Pota Cheriya, Naya Raipur. Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, was the Chief Guest of the occasion with Dr Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister presiding over the function.

 The foundation stone laying ceremony marked the beginning of the establishment of the campus of IIM Raipur which will be a state of art campus presenting a blissful mix of modern architecture, culture and heritage of Chhattisgarh. The first phase of the campus will be functional from 2015-16.

IIM Raipur was established in 2010 at Raipur. The thrust was to provide quality management education while addressing concerns about regional imbalances in management education, play leadership role in the nation’s managerial manpower development and carryout research in emerging areas. The focus was the ideal and the firm belief that manpower trained at IIMs will contribute significantly to the overall economic growth of the country.

The event saw the most esteemed presence of dignitaries like Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, Dr Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Hari S. Bhartia, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Raipur, Shri. Ram Vichar Netam, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh, and Shri.Bhushan Lal Jangde, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) who most kindly had consented to grace the occasion with their esteemed presence.

The campus of IIM Raipur will come up on the 200 acres of land and will be one of the finest examples of state of the art campus planned with a blend of modernity and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. The campus will depict modern architecture and assimilate the culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh.

The ceremony began with Shri Hari S. Bhartia, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Raipur welcoming Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, Dr Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Minister for Technical and Higher Education, Government of Chhattisgarh. Prof. B.S. Sahay then welcomed Shri Hari S.Bhartia.

This was followed by lighting the traditional lamp which marks the beginning of the significant historical event. The lighting of the lamp is a salutation to the supreme who is in the light of that lamp and brings auspiousness, prosperity, knowledge and abundance of wealth. The proceedings of the convocation began with the rendering of the Saraswati Vandana where Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge was invoked to bless and provide guidance for the success of the auspicious beginnings of the temple of learning and higher education.

Shri Hari S. Bhartia presenting memento to the
Chief Guest, Dr. M.M. Pallum Raju, Hon'ble Union Minister of HRD

This was followed by unveiling of the Foundation stone by the Chief Guest, Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju, Hon’ble Minister of HRD and Dr. Raman Singh, Hon’be Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in the august presence of Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Hon’ble Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh. Shri Bhushan Lal Jangde, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), and Shri Hari S.Bhartia, Hon’ble Chairman, Board of Governors. The esteemed Board of Governors, IIM Raipur also graced the occasion with their presence.

Shri Hari S. Bhartia, delivered his Welcome Address. In his address he thanked and appreciated the contribution of the State Government in particular the encouragement from the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh for continuous support in the form of providing 200 acres of land for IIM Raipur as well as for providing other resources. He stressed on the involvement of entrepreneurial system with the government to overcome the challenges faced by the state.

Speaking particularly about management education he said, “management education has drastically changed and is driven by factors like demography, globalisation and rapid pace of technology. Success involves going beyond the narrow confines of disciplines and addressing issues that need cross functional and sometimes answers beyond the cross functional areas.”

Adding further on the role of IIM Raipur as a centre for world class management education and training he emphasised, “the vision for IIM Raipur is to provide high quality value education, serving society, state and nation for economic growth and development. Besides this, IIM Raipur has also partnered with the state on three fronts-policy, growth and development and will remain committed to this role. It will also be a centre for knowledge creation in form of high quality research.”

He also urged for the support of all stakeholders including the State Government to be one of the world class institute with a Global perspective and remarked that, “IIM Raipur was a shining opportunity for entrepreneurial development of the state.”

Shri. Ram Vichar Netam in his address began with voicing a firm belief in the quality of IIM Raipur when he said, “this foundation stone laying of IIM Raipur can be seen as another milestone in the history of Chhattisgarh.” With a thunderous applause from the crowd he delineated, “immense opportunities present at Raipur in the form of minerals, flora and fauna which can be utilised to serve the state at large and especially the underprivileged who will be benefitted by the progress of the state.” With particular emphasis on IIM Raipur he expressed great expectations from the students of IIM Raipur who “will transform the state and the country into a land of opportunities.”  He also stressed on the capacity building of the youth who have the zeal and energy to lead growth of the country.

After the motivating speech of Shri Ram Vichar Netam, the presidential address of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr Raman Singh followed.  He in a very interesting manner drew out similarities between managing an organisation and successfully managing the state. For example, shareholders for both an organisation and state are important for successful working. However, the shareholders of the state are more varied and constitute a large group, approximately 2.5 crores in case of Chhattisgarh and managing in such circumstances becomes challenging. In terms of ‘Profit motive’ of the organization, the state’s profits lie in, “the progress and welfare of its people, in accomplishing the dreams of this 2.5 crore of Indians.” Drawing on his rich and fruitful experiences he stressed on the principles of “team work, self-confidence in taking timely and right decisions, setting targets, managing time frames, selecting right people for work and executing with transparency.”  Addressing the IIM Raipur students he invited the students to join hands with the Government of Chhattisgarh for its progress, recommend reforms. He asked them to study the Government projects because, “Success comes through the strong will power to execute theories and understand ground realities.”

The Chief Guest, Dr. M.M.Pallum Raju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Human Resource Development,

Government of India addressed the gathering. He began on a solemn note when he said that “We owe it to the nation to expand the capacity of higher learning. It is the supreme duty of the Institutes to provide avenues for strengthening the skills.” He urged IIM Raipur to, “participate and join hands with Government in finding solutions to the regional problems and issues of the state. This was the only way to provide meaningful education.” Addressing the faculty and students of IIM Raipur he asked them to , “orient their focus to the growth and development of state.” He vocalised that education as a medium to build the strength of the nation is, was and will always be the area of utmost priority for the Central Government which has from the primary education to the higher education professed and encouraged development of knowledge and skill base in country.

This was followed by the Vote of Thanks by the Director IIM Raipur, Prof. B.S.Sahay who expressed his gratitude to the Dr. M.M.Pallam Raju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India, Dr Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of the state, Shri. Ram Vichar Netam, Shri Hari S. Bhartia and all dignitaries present. He said, “A dream so beautiful, an effort so noble and a vision so grand could not have been completed without the support, encouragement and guidance of the central and state Government.”

The ceremony concluded with the gracious words of the Director followed by National Anthem and a sumptuous lunch.