Our Future Plan Involves Innovation and Growth, says JSBF Dean

 

In conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Dayanand Pandey, Professor & Dean, Jindal School of Banking & Finance (JSBF) talks about restructuring commerce education by building a curriculum which is closer to what the industry requires. JSBF faculty strives to maintain an active campus culture that is inclusive and tolerant of different identities. Dr Dayanand Pandey earned a gold medal in B.A. (Economics) Honours from St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, an M.A. in Business Economics from the University of Delhi and Ph.D. in Enterprise Risk Management from B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra.

He has more than thirty years of experience in Teaching. Professor Pandey is currently a Member of the Institute Body, Standing Finance & Academic Committee, Governing body of AIIMS, Guwahati, American Finance Association, USA; Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), USA; Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRMIA) etc. He was also an Editor, of Paradigm – Research Journal of IMT, Ghaziabad

Q1. Jindal School of Banking & Finance is known for its innovative programs and research-oriented approach. Can you share some of the most notable achievements of the school in these areas?

Ans. Jindal School of Banking & Finance (JSBF) is an emerging centre of learning academic scholarship and practitioner excellence in the areas of finance, banking and technology-led new commerce. JSBF offers four undergraduate programme

1. Global B. Com. with Deakin University, Australia where students study for 2 years at JSBF and 2.5 years at Deakin University. During the 4.5-year program, student earn Global B.Com Degree from JGU; B.Buss Degree and MBA from Deakin University
2. B.Com (Hons.) Capital Markets with NSE Academy
3. B.Com (Hons.)
4. B.A. (Hons) Finance & Entrepreneurship (BAFE)

Undergraduate students enrolled in B.Com (Hons.) Capital Markets with NSE academy, B.Com (Hons.) and B.A. (Hons) Finance & Entrepreneurship program would have options to explore various dual degree options with various universities of repute, in Australia, UK and Canada. Apart from the four undergraduate programmes JSBF also offer M.Sc. in Finance and Banking and a Ph. D. programme in Finance and Banking. Interdisciplinary education and global exposure are two key attributes of all JSBF courses. The walls of JSBF are permeable. Our students take solid finance courses but they also take very interesting courses in law, public policy, economics, international politics, analytics and business management. As a result, our students have a deeper understanding and curiosity of how the world really works. The school achieved this through a strong faculty base. Students have the opportunity to learn from top academicians and business professionals with 60 years of research experience, 100 publications and 70 years of combined industry experience. JSBF offers students with strong global collaboration with institutes of repute in the world. These collaborations helped students to progress in a pathway leading to a master’s degree same time providing options for the dual degree programme and short-term visits for students in many parts of the world.  To provide students with practical learning the school also offers a strong Industry interface leading to summer internships, winter projects and final placements also.

Q2. In your opinion, what are some of the key challenges that business schools face today, and how is the Jindal School of Banking and Finance addressing them?

Ans. One thing that has gone astray with commerce education for that matter leadership in India is that we have produced a lot of narrow I shaped professionals. At Jindal School of Banking and Finance, we are producing T-shaped professionals to understand the intricacies of world of banking and finance. They are exposed to the legal, social, cultural, political and financial underpinnings of the world of banking and finance.   At JSBF we are completely trying to completely reimagine and restructure commerce education by building curriculum which is closer to what industry requires. As we teach the conventional tools and techniques of finance, we also ensure that our students understand the law and legal boundaries of their profession. We also want future financial advisors and practitioners to understand corporate governance and business ethics. We want entrepreneurs and venture capitalists that come out of our institute to understand the disruptive power as well as business potential of technologies that are creating a big impact in the industry. We believe that it is imperative for finance specialists, bankers and economists should also understand the nuances of politics and economic policy making.

Q3. Can you speak about the JSBF’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students, and any success stories you would like to share?

Ans. JSBF has a dedicated programme that combines entrepreneurial skills and creative abilities with focused training in finance and practical knowledge of technology. B.A. (Hons.) Finance & Entrepreneurship is the first of its kind in India, this programme combines coursework, which instils entrepreneurial spirit in the students with a sound theoretical understanding of, and practical exposure to, finance. The programme will enable students to familiarize themselves with the process of incubating a new venture, make creative contributions to existing enterprises working in the finance & financial services industry, and master the tools of finance needed to make new and existing businesses financially sustainable and scalable. This programme meets the needs and aspirations of young students who want to learn finance while thinking of entrepreneurial ways to contribute to society.

Finance and entrepreneurship have a special appeal and relevance in India due to the increasing use of digital platforms, new ways of financial transactions and increasing awareness of the role of tech entrepreneurs in our society. While India has a strong startup culture, there has been little emphasis on the process and methods of incubating, nurturing, and sustaining startups at an undergraduate level. Some of the major reasons why startups fail in India are, the inability to raise capital, manage revenue growth, financial mismanagement, and a lack of understanding of the legal and regulatory space in which they operate. BAFE programme focus is on addressing the educational gaps and developing confidence in entrepreneurs in a timely and structured manner.

Q4. Jindal School of Banking & Finance has a diverse student body from different parts of India and other countries. How does JSBF ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students?

Ans. The rich and varied heritage of India reflects in the classrooms of JSBF with students coming from different parts of the country. Interaction among students from diverse cultures and languages enriches their everyday experiences. The faculty and student community strive to maintain an active campus culture that is inclusive and tolerant to different identities. JSBF continuously encourages its students to participate in extra-curricular and cultural activities so that they can build and maintain a culture of camaraderie to support each other. A strong mentorship provided by faculty and senior batch students ensures that new students feel welcome and obtain all the necessary help to get started and to get going.

Q5. Can you tell us about the industry partnerships that Jindal School of Banking & Finance has, and how they benefit students?

Ans. JSBF provides excellent opportunities for its students to connect with industry experts. The school strives to facilitate conversations and internships for students at various levels. JSBF is associated with various organizations of repute such as D. E. Shaw group where the mid-senior or senior level managers train our students in their office for an entire week and provide them with an overview of the necessary skills required for a corporate career. The students will be provided with an idea about various processes that constitute a corporate organization which will give them a head start and a competitive edge over their counterparts. The JSBF also provides its students with a platform to invite and interact with industry practitioners through different clubs and societies. The Young Entrepreneurship Series (YES) is one such platform where successful startup owners, senior-level industry practitioners, and policymakers are invited to the campus throughout the year to discuss the ongoing challenges in the business world. JSBF faculty leave no stone unturned in extending support and cooperation to their students as they seek valuable opportunities in industry.  

Q6. What advice would you give to students who are about to embark on their academic journey at the Jindal School of Banking & Finance?

Ans. Our advice to the incoming students is to be open-minded. University education opens a wide range of opportunities for learning both inside and outside the classroom.  Students from different backgrounds interact with each other. Therefore, it is important to welcome diverse experiences which can influence the way a student thinks in her formative stages. It is equally important to maintain a balance between curricular and extra-curricular activities. JSBF has a vibrant culture of student activities that provides a scope for students to hone their leadership skills and other talents. It takes discipline and practice for students to set their priorities and engage in activities that align with their career goals. Having said that, JSBF faculty mentorship and institutional mechanisms support and guide the student throughout this process.

Q7. Lastly, can you share your vision for the future of the Jindal School of Banking & Finance, and how you plan to JSBF to new heights in the coming years?

Ans. Based on consultation with our advisory board members, with captains of Industry and with JGU’s senior management and understanding the needs of the job market, especially post pandemic. Our future plan involves innovation and growth. Four drivers will facilitate the growth of JSBF they are:  (i) Making our curriculum ready for jobs of the future, in the backdrop of advancing technology. (ii)  Enhancing the quality of our teaching and learning through in-person, hybrid and online modes, so that students can learn from the best of faculties globally. (iii) Offering more international opportunities and strengthening our outreach & promotional plans to accelerate enrollments and recruitment. Based on JGU timely pivot towards online and hybrid teaching in march 2021. We have setup the virtual teaching and advanced learning office (JSBF VITAL OFFICE), to bring about improvements in our online and hybrid teaching methods. As JGU continues to progress as an institution of eminence and a globally ranked university. Our own aspirations and dreams as JSBF have grown, we strive to be Asia’s best banking & finance school by 2030.