Innovative teaching methodology at JIMS makes the learning more holistic in nature, says Dean Dr Dhall

In conversation with Shiksha.com, Professor and Dean of Research and Development Dr Neelam Dhall at JIMS Rohini, Jagan Institute of Management Studies talks at length about the institutes teaching methodology that includes a judicious mix of Case studies, Theatrics/Roleplays, Psychometric tests, Team-building activities, etc. Since its inception, the institute has been moving ahead with an aim to impart a quality learning experience to students. To justify the same, despite the nationwide lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, the institute quickly moved on to the hybrid model of teaching so as not to waste students’ academic sessions.

Dr Dhall has an overall experience of 24 years which includes corporate experience and academia. She holds a PhD in Management from GGSIP University; Masters in Psychology from Delhi University; MBA (HR) from GJ University and PG Diploma in IR&PM from SP College of Communication & Management.

Read the complete interview below:

Q: What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

A: We, at JIMS, follow a highly interactive teaching methodology that predominantly focuses on experiential learning. The faculty at JIMS adopts a judicious mix of Case studies, Theatrics/Roleplays, Psychometric tests, Team-building activities, Management Games, Videos, Story-telling, Project-based Assignments, Lectures, Focused Group Discussions, Quizzes, Brain-storming sessions, Group Presentations, Discussions on Corporate News & Articles during their class room sessions. Thus, the innovative teaching methodology at JIMS makes the learning more holistic in nature as it’s a prudent blend of both theory and application.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

A: Dedicated efforts through which we keep our student's Industry ready are:

• Extensive curriculum modules designed by industry experts with the inclusion of emerging new-age technologies and fields
• Experiential, team based projects
• Regular industry interactions through guest sessions, symposiums, conferences, seminars, workshops led by corporate practitioners
• Experienced faculty from Corporate and Academia
• Certification programs, online MOOCs are synchronized with specialization offered

• Regular Alumni talk sessions
• Industry live projects along with the course
• Distinctive focus on communication skills, personality and career enhancement
• Specialised mentoring and counseling sessions with faculty and experts
• Regular Industrial Visits
• Industry Research projects

Q: What quality do your students have which other college students lack?

A: The innovative curriculum, experiential learning and intense industry collaboration at JIMS help our students to acquire and hone competencies and skill-sets which are desired in the corporate landscape. Some of these skills include-

• Critical Thinking & Rational Decision-making
• Progressive Attitude
• Flexibility & Multi-tasking
• Creativity & Innovative Thinking
• Team spirit
• High Emotional Intelligence & Resilience
• Modesty & Compassion
• Respect for the community
• Passion for excellence
• High ethical standards

Q: Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits the requirement of the industry?

A: Definitely yes, since we have an intense industry interface, the curriculum of the courses taught in our institute has been developed in collaboration with industry experts with a strong focus on industry-relevant skills, contemporary knowledge and workplace practices. JIMS curriculum imparts the relevant inputs to meet the industry requirements, sharpens the analytical and theoretical skills of the students and exposes them to the core academic concepts along with nuances of core industrial concepts. Moreover, the curriculum is periodically reviewed and modified in light of the suggestions recommended by corporate practitioners, who are an integral part of the curriculum revision committee at JIMS.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

A: Absolutely yes, the way our faculty members took classes online through various online platforms, then moved on to the hybrid model of teaching and the manner in which the academic and extra-curricular events have been conducted online in the recent past are all credentials of our receptivity to innovation & technology.  Moreover, JIMS has designed the Learning Management Software for students wherein they can access their course content and other relevant information related to assignments, case studies and assessments. JIMS has also adopted concrete steps to impart education by making the best use of e-resources. Classrooms have been equipped with the latest technologies, high-speed data access and other facilities. Access to online library facilities like e-books and e-Journals are also provided to students. Further, we at JIMS provide a conducive entrepreneurial environment where our budding entrepreneurs can convert their bright ideas into innovation. We encourage, support and promote entrepreneurial abilities among the students across all programmes. The vision is to develop, enhance and carve out the inner entrepreneurial potentials of the students by way of providing them with an opportunity to present their views in front of venture capitalists, firms and investors.