Innovative Teaching and Pedagogy give Students Hands-on Learning, Says JIMS Kalkaji Professor

In conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Sanjeela Mathur, Associate Professor at Jagannath International Management School, New Delhi, talks about teaching and learning methods synchronised with best teaching practices. Dr Sanjeela Mathur is a graduate of Economics from the University of Bombay. She has more than two decades of experience in academics.

She is a postgraduate in business administration and her doctorate is in the field of environmental marketing strategy. Dr Mathur has been actively involved with National Entrepreneurship Network ( NEN) in organizing workshops, and seminars to help build an entrepreneurial community and an ecosystem. She is a member of TiE, Northern Region, Delhi. She has many research papers to her credit in international and national journals.

1. What are the three things that your institute/college/university is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from the competition?

JIMS Kalkaji can proudly claim to be an outstanding institution and preferred over its competitors for a number of reasons-

• Innovative Teaching and Learning Pedagogy

At JIMS Kalkaji, the teaching and learning process is synchronised with best teaching practices and innovative approaches. Adopting new technologies, and introducing virtual classrooms to students along with the emphasis on experiential and hands-on learning makes this institution remarkable. Software labs, Communication Labs and Entrepreneurial incubators provide students with all the necessary impetus to soar to new heights. Additionally, the programmes offered at JIMS and its curriculum are unique, and in line with industry trends setting it apart from other institutions. It continuously strives to introduce courses and specialisations in areas which are high in demand for the workforce. Whether it is Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship management, or Strategic Management, the purpose of curriculum designing is to offer students holistic learning in the domain of management. Learning is made easier and enjoyable by focusing on specific programmes like Dual Mentorship, Live Internships, dedicated academic advisors, industry placement trainers, study abroad programmes and most importantly by ensuring an engaging and supportive environment for students.

• Strong Research and Focus on Industry and Academic Partnerships

JIMS Kalkaji can proudly claim its contribution to encouraging cutting-edge research from its faculty and students. Facilities and incentives for research are provided which encourages quality output and also attracts top researchers, faculty and students who are interested in working at the forefront of knowledge and innovation. Industry partnership is yet another feather in the cap for JIMS Kalkaji as its continuous endeavour to remain relevant in the current business scenario has enabled some top-of-the-pyramid industry partnerships. Partnerships with Grant Thornton Bharat, Sri Ram College of Commerce, National Technological University, Singapore, NUS, Singapore, Cologne University, Germany etc provide a unique platform for collaboration with respect to research projects, internships, classroom training, seminars, conferences and exposure to the current dynamics of the business world.

• Campus Diversity and Inclusion

JIMS, Kalkaji values inclusion, diversity and equality of all its members. It has a welcoming and inclusive campus environment and ensures safety and equality for all. The engagement of students and its members goes beyond the classroom and academics. Various activities such as sports, cultural events, and active clubs like Finance, HR, E Cell, NSS, IIC etc provide opportunities to all students for holistic development

2. What are the top three initiatives undertaken by you that are helping your students become Is it more industry ready?

• Diversified Industry Connect

JIMS, Kalkaji collaboratively works towards building a strong industry connection with top-notch corporate houses like Grant Thornton, NHRDN, FIEO, PHDCCI, ISTD, NIESBUD, SRCC, Wadhwani Foundation etc in diversified portfolios and areas. This differentiates it from its competitors as this collaboration is not limited to internships and placement. Industry experts are a part of the curriculum development, training through experts, mentoring and offering career guidance to help students develop good domain knowledge, soft skills and well-rounded professionals.

Focus on Skill – based Training and Practical Learning

JIMS Kalkaji offers students platforms and opportunities to hone their skills and explore new areas that align with the demands of the industry. Activities like Crowd street Business Consulting,an Entrepreneurship initiative, Industry specific certifications, professional development programs and skill-based courses in Finance, Communication, Information Technology, Business Analytics etc.

• International Exposure

Global learning and exposure to international business trends are the dictum of modern business. JIMS , Kalkaji offers exposure to its students to global learning experiences. The institute not only offers a PGDM program in International Business but also offers opportunities to students to study abroad through its student and faculty exchange tie-ups with international universities like Cologne University, Germany, University of Westminster London, American Business School, Paris, Dimitrie, Cantemir, Christian University, Bucharest etc . International Internships and p

3. Which programme/s would you say is/are your best? What is it that helps your institution differentiate itself for this programme?

PGDM and PGDM- IB are the flagship programmes of the institution. Both these programmes focus on leadership management, strategic thinking and practical problem-solving skills. They offer a range of Dual specializations like Finance. Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Marketing and Human Resources. The International Business program offers a Global Immersion Programme, a certification programme regularly annually held at NUS, Singapore, NTU, Singapore and United Arab Emirates University, Abu Dhabi.

4. What are you doing to improve/drive better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your college (observed over the past five years)?

Engagement with alumni and recruiters on a regular basis is a unique feature at JIMS, Kalkaji. The placement is a high-priority activity and efforts towards it are planned much in advance be it- placement training by industry experts, preparation for Aptitude tests, Mock Group Discussion sessions and Mock Interviews through external industry professionals. The institute receives placement opportunities from varied sectors and offers a number of profiles- marketing, analytics, operations, supply chain management, HR, Finance, Portfolio management, and retail. Start-ups have been actively recruiting from the campus for various verticals too.

Alumni engagement has been activated through the Alumni portal which provides a platform for all alumni members to collaborate and keep in touch. Regular newsletters updates on-campus activities and is a regular feature. Various activities are organised annually like alumni meet, and sports meet to interact on a regular basis. Alumni are also invited for guest lectures, specialised lectures and mentoring of students.