Digitization – A new reality for Finance and Business

By the year 2020, the entire generation will grow up in a primarily digital world. Increasing reliance on technology and demands for the things that are fast, easy and mobile is driving a movement toward digitalization. Digital trends are changing consumer’s demands and expectations, the way the business must operate and the talent dynamics in the market. Digitalization will reach a high point in the next few years due to three significant forces; i.e. Consumer Pull, Technology Push and Economic Benefits.

Changing consumer behaviour and preferences has forced the financial institutions to develop such practices that will allow smooth functioning of digital channels, providing seamless experience.

Since decades, the financial industry has experienced a continuous evolution in service delivery due to digitalization. But there has been a shift in the focus of digitalization from improving the delivery of traditional tasks to introducing fundamentally new business opportunities & models for financial service companies.

In today’s digital world, finance has become more agile, forward looking and decision centric. Digitalization of finance is dramatically altering the existing finance industry and changing the nature and conduct of business thereby shifting the value prepositions. Finance leaders today have a huge opportunity to play a lead role in shaping the digital agenda of the organization. Digital transformation of finance holds the key to make this shift work towards a digital organization.

Financial services organizations must look outside the customer experience box and ensure that the business comes together to define how the organization can successfully create the “digital umbrella” across the whole organization.

In India and around the world, banking industry is going through changes with major shifts in technology, digitizing the entire banking process and redefining new ways of doing business. Payment banks and small finance banks are also entering the system thereby increasing the battle for customer loyalty and growth. Financial services needs to go beyond commonly-held notions of being digital.

Although the digital technology has changes the face of banking. But innovation just for the sake of innovation is a waste; it must have a genuine customer benefit. Jumping into whatever is trending will not ensure relevance and engagement; it’s better to get things right and offer a flawless experience within existing channels rather than provide an average-quality service across a myriad of channels.

The banks should ensure a superior experience in existing delivery channels before launching additional ones to bring perfection in execution of existing channels and focusing on the service quality.

Today’s advanced technologies are poised to transform the entire financial services industry. Indeed, as they reassess their customer strategies in light of this fast-evolving technological landscape, leaders see boundless opportunities to implement a wide array of differentiating customer capabilities and experiences.

With the digital shifts in core business, finance needs to enable and drive the change rather than being stuck in the past.

Book Review – But What If We’re Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman. Amberley Publishing (2016)

Klosterman’s novel But What If We’re Wrong (2016) stems from his scepticism about the beliefs system which human beings have been carrying forward like a legacy. At the very outset, he debunks this beliefs system and speculates upon the possibility of it being false. He broaches a range of subjects from pop culture, music, sports, philosophy and science to display his uncertainty around them and the reader comprehends that the author is against all the principles of conformity.

The apparent contrarian that Klosterman is, he urges his readers to expand the horizon of their thought process and create their own truth by critically examining the given state of affairs. He underlines that believing what is being portrayed is so intrinsic to human beings that they do not even harbour the minutest idea of questioning the depicted reality. The underlying intent of the author injected by regular dose of humour is to make the readers question the cultural and scientific theories which are, by default, believed to be universally true. He implores his readers to become disassociated from the pictured truth and analyse themselves the various things around them.

He explains that the starting point is to set the premises that we are wrong, as such a process would facilitate thinking in an objective manner. The second step which he explains by touching a stream of objective and subjective issues characterising the current world is, to wonder how these things would really appear in a distant future as he supposes that, “it’s impossible to understand the world of today until today has become tomorrow.” Such an approach, he believes, would make his readers find the truth.

The author remarks that a child is not under any pressure to demonstrate his conformity with others and therefore conceives things according to his or her own reality. On similar tangents, he hopes the readers embark on such a process. However, what is striking about the Klosterman is that he doesn’t impose such a move on his readers. He is rather the one who leads by example. The work is baked with a series of interviews with various thinkers, namely, Amanda Petrusich, Brian Greene, David Byrne, Dan Carlin, George Saunders, Jonathan Lethem, Junot Díaz, Kathryn Schulz, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Nick Bostrom, Richard Linklater, and Ryan Adams among others. The author first dissects their thoughts, and then demystifies them, in order to arrive at his very own understanding around them.

The interwoven layers of thoughts of various theorists and intellectuals coupled with Klosterman’s own opinion around them define the peculiarity of the book. Through the simplicity of the language employed and wit, the author keeps the readers’ interest activated till the end.

To conclude, the book is definitely worth a read. Happy reading!

Miss. Geeta Gogia
(Assistant Professor – French)

Teacher’s Day Celebrations at IILM

“You Dream We Guide”

Becoming a teacher requires strong conviction and utmost commitment. Teachers’ Day is celebrated to acknowledge the indispensable role of a teacher in guiding and preparing the students to not only chase their passion in the choicest field but also achieve their dreams by keeping their moral values and sense of social responsibility intact.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on 5th Sep 1888 and became the President of India in 1962. He was approached by a group of his students and friends with a request to allow them to celebrate his birthday. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s reply was “instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ day”. This request showed Dr. Radhakrishnan’s love for the teaching profession. Whatever be the position he held whether as President or Vice President of India, he remained a teacher all his life. T The teaching profession always remained his first love. The highest award of the nation, The Bharat Ratna, was conferred on him in 1954 in recognition of his meritorious service to mankind.

Teachers Day Celebrations at IILM - Group
The Cultural Club of IILM, Top Management college in Delhi-NCR celebrated this special day on Wednesday 5 September 2017 with utmost zeal. The students, who had been preparing for the grand event for more than a week, organised an appreciable show dedicated to their teachers. The students undertook a great effort in decorating the auditorium with intricate detailing and ensured that teachers are engaged and enjoy the event thoroughly. The event started with a melodious prayer followed by phenomenal dance performances, innovative music, and skit. The skit was the highlight of the event, there were giggles echoing all around the auditorium during the skit.


Amidst the extraordinary performances by students of Best B school of Delhi-NCR, there were innovative games like musical chair, tie-a-tie in 15 seconds challenge, drape-a-saree in 30 seconds challenge and Just a Moment (JAM) were conducted for the teachers by the students. The winners were gifted with yummy chocolates.
The efforts of the students were appreciated by all the teachers and we are thankful to our students for giving us beautiful memories to carry alonguntil the next year.

Teachers Day Celebrations at IILM - Game

Convocation TakeAways for the Class of 2017

The convocation ceremony for the 2015-2017 PGDM batch was held on 25th August 2017, with much pomp and splendor at the Lodhi Road Campus in Delhi. Amidst the scenic beauty and serenity, the batch reconnected with each other and came together to celebrate the collective sense of accomplishments. As a new faculty, it was initially difficult for me to connect to the students who are getting graduated as one may not know them. however, I was assigned the duty at the registration desk along with another amazing newly joined and this helped us to know each and every student on the LR campus, to say ‘Hi” to and yes register of course. what a great way to connect!! The last day on campus. no tension to attend classes or to appear for the exam. the joy simply reflected in wearing beautiful n smart dresses and looking extraordinary. the hug and selfies. And much more. The atmosphere was one of celebration inter mingled by some firm disciplinary yet ‘sweet’ scoldings from the faculty and staff with whom they have spent some good as well as ‘challenging’ times!

 

It was a time to reminisce and look back at the two gruelling, adventurous, and life-changing years spent together. The students received their ceremonial robes and graduation caps and proceeded for the formal function.  The convocation marked the end of their journey as students, and marked the beginning of their climb up the corporate ladder. The guest lecture by the Chief guest, Mr. Bharat Kaushal, helped the students to value the education they received in past 2 years. within and without the classrooms!

 

 

The rains were an unexpected guest but it could not dampen the spirit of the attendees. the guests, parents, and faculty had a hearty chit chat and the atmosphere was nothing less than that of a celebration! I saw the whole Rai family, watching like a warm parent, the students whom they nurtured… with joy, pride and best wishes for their great future! The highlight of any convocation is the tossing of the hats in the air and so it was with IILM with faculty running to save themselves from the flying hats! All in all, it was a day of joy, celebration, promises to stay connected and do well for oneself, others and yes carrying the honor and pride of being an IILM alumni.

 

ISM Dortmund Campus Tour, City Tour and Company Visit

There’s a big world beyond the IILM campus, and a student can experience it through the golden opportunity given by IILM Undergraduate Business School as Global Study Program. In order to be a responsible leader in today’s time students need to have first-hand experience of cultures, organizations, and business practices around the world. In order to cater to this requirement IILM’s global offerings encompass a mandatory 3 week global study program.

This program was organized for our stage 2 students of 2016 – 19 batches. Based on the preferences, students were taken to International School of Management, at Dortmund, Germany. The entire program was sponsored by IILM and the partner school except that the students had to bear extra expenditures like food, travelling etc.

On the 6th of August 2017, 35 students collectively from both Lodhi Road and Gurgaon campus boarded flight for Dortmund, Germany along with two faculty members. While the travel itself, the students were handed over the ISD sim cards so that they can make calls to their parents and inform them about their safe arrival at Dortmund. In addition with this the students were also explained about the rules and regulations to be followed at the hostel. Each and every student was provided on the same day with a train/bus card to travel nearby location for free of cost. The students were also provided with a unique identity card in order to seek entry into International School of Management, Hamburg, Germany.

This three weeks program was a blend of two modules, industry visits and cultural immersions. A highlight of this interesting curriculum is here.

1. Strategic Management: Prof. Qeis Kamran

The course covered the basics of strategic management, key elements, current trends in strategy, strategy thinking styles, the role of resources and knowledge, branding, decision making, organizational politics, international and collaborative strategies, strategy and innovation. Module also introduced Prof. Kamran’s six forces model which challenged Porter’s five forces. This module was delivered through lectures, case study and visit to Google. The students appreciated the delivery of the course.

Industrial and Cultural Visits in Germany
Dortmund City Tour :
Learning Outcome: The students were informed and explained about the Dortmund city’s heritage and culture.

Feedback : Liked and appreciated by the student

DASA Company Visit

Overall the students had a great 360 degree experience in terms of classroom learning, industry visits, cultural immersions, hostel lifestyle, traveling using public transport etc.

Google Headquarter Visit in Toronto, Canada

On August 16, the IILM UBS Batch 3 of BBA in Entrepreneurship (2016-19) traveled to the world’s second most business-competitive global city, the home of the Toronto Maple Leaves, and tourist attraction CN Tower. Students spent the weekend visiting some of the most reputable companies in the world and participating in a community service project. The evening began with an introduction to Google’s mission and values, and a tour of Google Toronto’s new offices. Google’s two key workplace values are healthy lifestyles and environmental friendliness, said a Google representative, which was evident in the design of the office: from the polished concrete floors to the inexpensive timber stand walling to the galvanized steel wall frames, and reclaimed seats from the old Montreal Forum.

Meeting rooms were named after cities and parks in Eastern and Western Canada, with a shower room (for employees needing to shower after bicycling to work) named “Niagara Falls.” Google has also partnered with Bullfrog for its energy needs in order to create a net zero carbon footprints, the girls were told.

The trip brought together a diverse group of individuals, both within the Seneca College and at the companies they visited. Students spoke with knowledgeable professionals from these global businesses, toured the facilities, and learned firsthand it’s like to work for a global professional services firm. Later the students were given a chance to ask numerous questions regarding “How Digital Marketing can help their Business grow”. A pizza supper and a presentation on Google’s products concluded the evening.

Learning Outcome: The students were able to relate the concepts learnt in the classroom. They learnt about the various strategies adopted by Google. This visit was a part of the module Strategic Management. A pre and post briefing reinforced the concepts delivered.

Feedback: Well appreciated by the students.

A Visit to Toyota manufacturing plant in Cambridge (Canada) to Witness Kaizen at Work

IILM BBA in Entrepreneurship (2016-19) Batch 3 Students visited Toyota manufacturing plant in Cambridge (Canada) on 17th of August 2017 as a part of 3 weeks’ Global Study Program. The group to this unmemorable company visit consisted of IILM BBA students along with me. This factory tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada is unmemorable as it gave us an opportunity to witness Kaizen at work, a concept constantly popping up in the field of business management.

Nothing can be more fascinating and intriguing than seeing how things we use are made! This company visit and the guided tour takes you into the heart of the Toyota Plant. And you are immediately transported to a world of efficiency where the Team Toyota and robots build the cars. Sorry that there are no photos, as electronic devices are not permitted on the tour.

The leading reason tourists access the Cambridge visitor & information centre isn’t to tour the city’s historic downtowns or play in its famous parks – it’s to visit Toyota and see where hundreds of thousands of cars are made.

The Toyota plant has practiced Kaizen “change for the better” since the plant came into existence. Known for rapid, continuous, improvement, Kaizen has been practiced in many locations across the globe. We find so many case studies on it in the field of management studies. The plant also employs “in time” assembly as nothing is built unless it has been ordered. As a result, no spare vehicles sitting around for speculative selling.

We also witnessed how the production process at Toyota involves zero wastage where the scrap in minimized and again utilized in the process.

It was an amazing experience for the whole group of IILM BBA students to witness the robots populate the welding lines. We even saw the famous Godzilla robot(s) that pick up assemblies and move them from one level of the factory to an upper level.

All in all, it was an amazing and edifying company visit. The IILM UBS Global Study Program was conceived to benefit the budding entrepreneurs and managers to immerse themselves in another culture as well as experience the challenges and opportunities facing organizations around the globe. During such tours as the visit to the Toyota manufacturing plant in Cambridge, students meet leading executives and gain first-hand experience of concepts and practices like Kaizen. Such tours also extend global awareness and enhance the international perspective of IILM BBA students.

Day of freedom with Liberal kids of Independent India

2017 is the year witnessed as beautiful festive fusion of our country’s Independence essence with holy fragrance of Janamstami all over India. 15th August, 1947 which is one of the most memorable day for all the Indians around the globe, as on this date our country got independent. We owe the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters for giving us free and country of joy and festival cherishing for coming millennium years. Read more

Behind the Scenes with Bosch in Germany with IILM Global Study Program

The IILM BBA (2016-19) Batch 1 students visit BOSCH plant and R&D centres in Stuttgart, Germany on 2nd August 2017. The IILM BBA students were treated to an up-close view of the Robert Bosch Corporation that few get to experience.

IILM Blog Image
In an endeavor to provide world class exposure to its students, IILM Undergraduate School of Business makes it mandatory for its students to be a part of its Global Study Program. The IILM Global Study Program takes the form of a study tour of a 3week to one of its partner universities in Canada or in Europe.

The IILM UBS Global Study Program was conceived to benefit the budding entrepreneurs and managers to immerse themselves in another culture as well as experience the challenges and opportunities facing organizations around the globe. It also extends global awareness and enhances the international perspective of IILM BBA students. During such tours, students meet leading executives and government officials while visiting businesses, industries, and cultural sites.

A visit to the Bosch World Wide Headquarters building in Stuttgart The company visit began with a thorough tour of the Bosch World Wide Headquarters building in Stuttgart, Germany. Very much like the gigantic Bosch corporate entity and identity itself, it was hard to judge how big the place was – with its office tower just disappearing into the low clouds behind the German countryside.

Once inside, our IILM BBA group got a better idea of the scope of things. The Bosch Group of companies has well over 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in 60+ countries and gives employment to nearly 300,000 people. Power tools make up 16% of Bosch business, while the automotive industry is responsible for 60% of its business. Appliances and countless industrial and energy related products make up the rest.

bosch

During our tour of some of the best corporate research and advanced engineering labs including that of Bosch, we were exposed to some of the latest developments in “smart” materials, photovoltaics, and Lithium-ion battery technologies. We can’t be more specific than that, but suffice it to claim that things move pretty fast at Bosch – the Bosch corporate research department files an average of 12 patents a day.

To conclude, the trip to the Bosch World Wide Headquarters building in Stuttgart didn’t disappoint the group! It was amazing to visit and get the first-hand experience of the business and functioning of this corporate giant.

BBA in Entrepreneurship and the Significance of Digital Marketing Module

This is an era of the digital, and your customers have become smarter and are engaging in various tasks on different digital devices including purchasing as well. So, the management professionals and entrepreneurs have to go digital as well.


Digital marketing holds huge promise for BBA Entrepreneurship students. It promises to prepare them for a new wave of marketing roles in different firms, as well as equipping them to explore new avenues in family business management and new entrepreneurial ventures. As technology continues to drive business in the 21st century, mastery of digital marketing operations and techniques is a prerequisite for success. IILM BBA in Entrepreneurship prepares students for this huge opportunity and makes sure that its graduates start thinking Digital.


On August 10, 2017, we had the commencement of two-day Digital Marketing Class at Seneca College, Toronto for the Batch 3 of BBA in Entrepreneurship (2016-19) as a part of 3 weeks Global Study Program. 19 students were in the batch to attend to the class given by Prof Greg Locke. The workshop mapped the current scenario in the digital media ecosystem, the challenges businesses face, areas where entrepreneurs and management professionals get stuck up and the way ahead.


It was a two-day module – in which our student participants got an overview of fundamentals of Digital Marketing and how they can leverage Digital Marketing effectively for their business or brand. The module had sessions on Display Advertising, Search Advertising, Social Media Marketing and Mobile Marketing along with Analytics/how Digital Marketing activities can be measured.


This digital marketing class was a comprehensive program in online marketing and analytics. It was a two-day program that combined pedagogy using lectures, case studies, hands -on exercises, assignments and practical. The training class very well equipped the participants to understand the nuances of digital marketing and prepared them to make appropriate marketing strategies using all forms of digital media. The class left the participants capable of understanding the key elements of online marketing in creating an effective digital marketing strategy for businesses.