MBA Admissions 2018-19: IILM B-School Begins Admission Process

General Blog, IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University26 AprilRudrajoy Banerjeebest college in India for MBA, IILM, MBA, MBA admission, PGDM college in Delhi NCR

Every year, up to 120 smart, dynamic and aspirational students get to enroll themselves at IILM, a PGDM college in Delhi NCR unlike any other. With the MBA admissions now open for the next batch which will last from 2018 to 2020, we take a look at the entire process in detail, and why IILM can be the perfect stepping stone to a successful entrepreneurial career.

Choosing IILM:

Before opting to participate in the admission process, one must decide the ideal college for MBA. In IILM, though, you will discover a college and an experiential PGDM programme that tailors itself to your strengths and interests. Backed by a globally benchmarked curriculum inspired by Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton Business School, and IIM-A, our PGDM involves business simulations and case studies at its core. This is testified by over 9000 well-placed alumni throughout our 25-year history.

The 4-week global study programme is also a key differentiator which enables students to get adequate and critical global exposure in business studies and environment across various countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.

The backbone of the entire course, though, is the mentoring programme which pairs individuals with a permanent mentor according to his or her interests. The full-time and visiting faculty with vast industrial and teaching experience also plays a huge role in churning out world-class entrepreneurs of tomorrow. A robust placement cell and the mandatory 3-month long internship develop critical skills in students and provide them with a fantastic platform to bag the job of their dreams.

Finally, the spacious and world-class campuses with all the best amenities located at Gurgaon and Greater Noida provide the perfect environment for learning and fun to one and all.

With so much on the plate, an MBA at IILM is one absolutely worth it.

Getting admission:

Eligibility criteria-

If you have completed graduation in any field with a minimum of 50% marks, or are appearing in the final year of your graduation from AICTE/UGC/AIU recognized universities, you are eligible to apply for our PGDM course.

Valid competitive scores:

Scores will only be counted from either of the following examinations for MBA: CAT/XAT/ATMA/MAT/CMAT/GMAT

Procedure:

The process is divided into three tasks- online application, interview, and selection.

First, you must fill and submit the online application form along with all the relevant documents. Normally, within 24 hours, a reply is issued to the applicant.

Thereafter, shortlisted candidates undergo interaction and interview with faculty members. In case you are unable to attend the interview due to location problems, a Skype interview can also be arranged.
Once selected, the candidate will have to deposit the required fees before the classes commence in July. Students can also avail the Merit-cum-Means scholarship which varied depending upon marks in graduation, CAT percentile, MAT score, and other socio-economic factors.

Once you clear it all, you can proudly proclaim to be a student of the best college in India for MBA that is more a course in business experience, driving innovation, real-world problem-solving and critical international exposure– IILM.

Are you ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey with us?

Book Review : The Geography Of Transport Systems

Guest Blog, IILM Institute for Higher Education, Uncategorized25 AprilPragya AryaBook Review, IILM Blog, Jean-Paul Rodrigue, THE GEOGRAPHY OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS, THE GEOGRAPHY OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS book review, Transport Systems book

Book Review
THE GEOGRAPHY OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

By
Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Claude Comtois and Brian Slack
Routledge (Taylor & Francis Group) (2016)

Mobility is fundamental to the socio-economic development of a geography. Transportation has become such an integral part of our daily lives that we as consumers are not able to clearly see transportation as a separate function. Various corporates are heavily dependent on efficient logistics to grab a comfortable portion of the market. Acknowledging this importance of transportation systems, the authors Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Claude Comtois and Brian Slack have worked on this book – The Geography of Transport Systems – to address various areas of concern that the managers and policy makers related to transportation face at present.

Divided into ten chapters, the book focusses on Transport Geography which is defined as a sub-discipline of geography concerned with movements of freight, people and information.

In the first part the authors present a new angle to look at transportations systems. They opine that transportation must be understood as having a spatial network structure and having close relation to commercial geography. In the next section, the authors talk about the necessity and the challenges related to various modes of transportation. The focus of this section is on inter-modal transportation which falls in line with the spatial network concept talked about in the first part. The chapters towards the end of the book describe the relation of transportation with economy, energy & environment and policy. The last chapter focuses on methods of analysisin transport geography.

The beauty of the book is that all the basic concepts of logistics and transportation viz. various modes, network models like hub and spoke, cross-dock, etc. have been covered. However, they have been presented and discussed in a non-traditional way, that links these concepts to the subject of transport geography. The authors mention that transportation is of no value unless it transforms the geographical attributes of freight, people or information, from an origin to destination, conferring on them an added value in the process.

According to authors, transportation plays a major role in international trade as well as at local urban level. It is associated with adding the maximum value in terms of time and location; whether it is passengers or goods that are being transported. The authors analyse urban logistics or city logistics using the concept of Urban Sprawl. This is defined as the spread of city buildings and houses into an area that was earlier a countryside or a less densely populated area.

A unique feature of the book is that it has a separate dedicated chapter on addressing the environmental concerns arising out of transportation. The authors mention that environmental impacts of transportation can be classified as direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. To understand the link between transportation and the environment, the managers must look at the main environmental dimensions of transportation – causes, activities, outputs and end-results of transport systems.

Transportation is a value-adding activity and to do so, it consumes energy just like any other commercial activity does. It accounts for 25 per cent of the world’s energy demand and 61.5 per cent of all the oil used each year. It is important therefore, that technological development in transportation must not only focus on economic and service level performance but also at minimizing fuel consumption and reducing the negative impact of transportation on the environment. This will help in making transportation truly sustainable.

The book clearly distinguishes policy from planning. Policy involves making strategies while planning involves implementation. The outcome of policy and planning is creation of suitable transportation infrastructure, by both public and private agencies. However, the challenge is that policies and plans are continuously changing as they address key changes in society and contemporary issues.

An essential feature of the book is the large number of case studies. Since the authors explain the concepts from new perspectives of transport-geography and sustainability, the inclusion of cases to demonstrate this was imperative and extremely useful. Each chapter has about three case studies incorporated.

This book is a suitable read by practicing managers and academicians who actively engage in research and consulting. However, it is not recommended as a text book for beginners or students in their management course, as to understand the perspectives present in the book, a basic and simple understanding of logistics and transportation is desired. It can definitely be picked up as a reference book.

Ms. Pragya Arya
Assistant Professor – Operations
IILM Institute of Higher Education
Lodhi Road, New Delhi

4 Key Career Benefits from MBA Programs

General Blog, IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University24 AprilRudrajoy BanerjeeMBA, MBA curriculum, PGDM college in Delhi NCR, PGDM Courses

MBA is often said to be the preferred Master’s education for those looking to work in the corporate world. A degree that grooms you personally and professionally to stay ahead in the rat race, an MBA from a reputed institute can put you miles ahead of your peers at your workplace. Its multidisciplinary approach is instrumental in training the candidates to identify key business opportunities and convert them to avail benefits. With sharpening of the minds and broadening your scope of knowledge, MBA helps you realize your true potential.

The degree’s benefits in the professional field are multi-fold. Here’s why an MBA will give you the edge at work:

You identify your core competencies:

The MBA curriculum is designed in such a way that you identify your core competencies and build on them throughout your time at the business school. You also learn to work on weaknesses to the point they don’t affect your work at all. This is done with the help of case studies, group studies and projects, industrial visits and more. You are groomed to quickly adapt to a dynamic environment ensuring your ability.

You network right:

One of the biggest advantages of high-quality education at a leading PGDM college in Delhi NCR and other cities is that you meet a great set of peers who can help you grow and who can be a valuable asset in the future, be it for partnerships or job prospects. By interacting with your peers you also learn how to conduct yourself in a social situation and interact in a group, and understand the true essence of teamwork. You thrive in an environment with like-minded yet diverse individuals to form beneficial personal and professional bonds that last a lifetime.

You understand cultural shifts:

The multidisciplinary aspect of the course gives you a stronger foothold in understanding the cultural shifts. Whether you’re looking to switch streams, using an MBA as a stepping stone to another field, or are getting into entrepreneurship, you will realize that the course has honed your critical reasoning ability. Coupled with your core knowledge of the market and applicable strategy, you become a force to reckon with. The skills embodied help you understand the various complexities of the economy and how you can tackle them.

You become Indispensable:

In highly competitive markets like India, an MBA adds a big value to your profile. Companies also prefer MBA managers who can lead teams, hold strong in tough situations and offer new perspectives to resolve ongoing issues. It adds a layer of job security such that even if the company or the firm doesn’t work out for you, you can turn the tide to work in your favor.

MBA may be a strenuous course that pushes your limits to the point you struggle to catch your regular eight hours of sleep. But what you make of your time here at IILM can truly change the course of your career and set you off to new heights of success.

Active Learning: Innovative Teaching Methods of IILM UBS

General Blog, IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University20 AprilRudrajoy BanerjeeBBA, BBA Admission, best business schools in India

The very essence of education lies in the evolution of teaching methods to incorporate meaningful learning. By meaningful learning, we mean education that caters to solving real-world problems. If IILM UBS has the tag of being one of the best business schools in India, then a lot of it is down to the innovative and relevant teaching methods that nurture hundreds of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders every year.

The integrated and experiential learning-based curriculum with a focus on global teaching methodologies is what sets IILM UBS apart from other BBA colleges. At a deeper level, IILM UBS understands that education lies much beyond simply books. The mantra that is followed by mentors and teachers is simple:

‘Preach and they forget; show and they might remember; involve and they will understand.’

Real-world case studies, simulations, and projects:

At IILM UBS, case studies are an integral part of the pedagogy. Through real-world case studies sourced from reputed organizations, students are encouraged to develop new perspectives and ideas in order to stimulate innovative and out-of-the-box thinking. Simulations provide students a chance to step into the shoes of real-life entrepreneurs and solve actual management problems, allowing students the perfect platform to utilize their concepts and learning. Through group discussions, students learn through feedback and benefit from shared learning.

Guest lectures and seminars by foreign faculty:

IILM UBS brings global experience, knowledge, and expertise through extended guest lectures which also include renowned foreign faculties. Live case studies, seminars, and interactions with successful entrepreneurs enable students to learn from vital experiences and discover their source of entrepreneurial inspiration. Students are also encouraged to take up group projects and develop ground-breaking business plans, thus learning teamwork as a crucial skill.

Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDCs):

If you have taken a BBA admission at IILM UBS with an entrepreneurial idea in mind, then rest assured that the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) will help you scale the idea right from inception to development. This is where experiential learning comes into play – if you’re into BBA to be an entrepreneur, why not begin the journey in college? EDC helps students realize their start-up dreams by workshops, and discussions provide students with invaluable networking opportunities, exposure to the start-up ecosystem, entrepreneurial mindset development training, leadership training, and so much more.

Global Study Programme:

Education nowadays means going global, developing inter-cultural competencies, experiencing international learning, and understanding the global market. This is where IILM UBS’ Global Study Programme comes in handy as it provides students with two weeks of exposure at partner institutions and universities in Europe, Asia or North America after the completion of every year.

Such innovative learning methods paired with specialized mentoring, excellent internship opportunities and world-class infrastructure help nurture the best entrepreneurs of tomorrow at IILM UBS.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE AT A BUSINESS SCHOOL

IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University11 AprilRudrajoy BanerjeePGDM admission, top management college

After going through rigorous preparation and numerous exams, you’re finally accepted to your dream B-school. Just as you spent plenty of time strategizing how to get admitted into the top management college, the same way it’s time for you to put together a plan to get the most out of your business school experience. The decisions and choices made during this time will impact your future substantially. If you’re wondering how you can prepare for what comes next, we’ve got you covered:

Remember your attributes as a student:

As you interact with your peers, you may realize that some of them are phenomenally accomplished, however, don’t let this intimidate you. Don’t forget that you too were accepted to this class for a reason. The school knows your potential and sees you as an asset, so focus on that.

Make friends with people of all backgrounds:

Most students gravitate towards peers who are from similar backgrounds but instead try interacting with people outside of your comfort zone to further enrich your experience.

Get involved in extra-curricular activities:

To reap the full benefits of the B-school experience, it’s important you get involved with activities outside the classroom. Besides, you will learn as much from these extra-curricular activities as you will from your studies. Additionally, this will also help you in networking with people from various courses.

Take time to explore academic options:

After the PGDM admission, don’t only stick to the conventional classes, explore a few other options, as you may never know what you may discover and like. Attend diverse corporate presentations, choose new subjects or interview with companies you wouldn’t otherwise.

Learn from your summer internships:

You may find many students working full time with their summer internship employer after graduation. If you didn’t have a great experience at your summer internship, remember, it is still worthwhile to have learned from the experience.

Stay connected to your classmates:

Do keep in mind that your classmates form your priceless network. Whether you like them or not, it is important to stay in touch with this professional network.

Always remember that you’re about to embark on a transformative experience, which you would want to take tremendous advantage of. This includes making the most out of the college faculty members to utilizing college resources to the fullest.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence

General Blog, IILM Institute for Higher Education09 AprilProf.(Dr) Daisy Mathur JainArtificial Intelligence, IILM Blog, Impact of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to change the way every industry works. It involves creating machines that can work intelligently like humans. The use of data is increasingly driving major decisions in different industries. This data when fed and used by machines give machines the wisdom to think like humans. Hence there is huge dependency on integrity of data. The need of the hour is data centric technologies and institutions will need to upgrade their curriculum to remain competitive. The key to getting employment in future is to upgrade skills of people and work towards specialization. The necessary skills required for data centric technologies are being identified to align educational institutions.

While changes are being introduced in the companies, one has to find a way to continue sustaining an income until the skills get upgraded.The limitations of humans will no longer be a concern with advances in robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. With the use of Robots, the number of errors will reduce and the speed and quality of work will improve. Many countries that face limitations due to lack of youth in large numbers will no longer be behind in the race towards advancement. Labour intensive work will be automated and humans will take the activities that require critical thinking and analysis. The cost of performance in the long run will reduce though initial years will require huge investment towards automation. As per Mckinsey’s report, by 2055, half of the work activities could be automated. Humans would need to start getting used to working with machines. New skills will need to be acquired and the policies created by the government will have to be innovative to accommodate this major impact in type of employment.

AI has started delivering value in various sectors. Retail sector is using AI robots to check inventory and place orders automatically when the inventory levels are low. With the analysis of big data, retailers are able to predict sales and are able to manage inventory and make profits. Robots can work alongside humans in retailers warehouses and increase productivity. Delivery to customers can be done by drones like Flirtey. Check in and issuing of boarding passes have started without the requirement of human intervention in the airline industry. Manufacturing industry is seeing a drastic change. Optimization of processes across the value chain from refinement in product design to using AI based tools throughout the supply chain is possible. In healthcare, AI can lead to better diagnosis with the use of big data analysis of patient history, other similar cases and treatment details. The insurance companies can use big data to improve their business model. Routine patient interactions can be done by AI enabled robots which have all the basic information.

Educational institutes will also have to rethink their strategy for sustainability. In Education, there are going to be virtual tutors who can tailor the curriculum for students. The education system will see a dramatic shift as AI will be able to forecast the need of future employers. Institutes are exploring how AI applications can be used to improve retention problems in students. Programs teaching computer applications are using a personal tutor which gives questions to students along with hints as well as increases complexity level of questions based on performance. Big data and analytics can be used to reduce drop-out rates in students. Educational institutes will have to promote adaptive learning and teaching, looking at student data and use personalized and effective teaching methods.Value add work will continue to remain with humans and thus teachers will be expected to mentor and coach students. The primary areas would be creativity, emotional intelligence and communication which maybe beyond machine’s capability. Machines will cater to the routine queries of students can be automated to save time and effort. The technology is pervasive and has also entered grading. A company GradeScope uses machine learning to grade students on the basis of teachers instructions and students handwriting, though it is more for objective type of questions. Thus the focus of the teacher can be on higher level value add areas rather than routine queries, administrative work and basic lecturing.

Several key factors will determine the level of automation and its adoption. The technical feasibility of automating the task at hand for every industry will need to be evaluated. Since automation will take time and investment, the adoption will be dependent on the cost of development and implementation. The economy will struggle with the shift from cheap labour to buying expensive machines and experimenting. Though the economy will benefit because of better quality and speed of work, the acceptance of this change will determine the speed of adoption. Thus the day to day activities are not forecasted to change fast. At the micro level, changes are expected, however at the macro level it will take decades before complete adoption is seen.

Things-To-Get-Excited-About-Starting-Your-PGDM-At-IILM

A Day at IILM Business School

Guest Blog, IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University31 MarchRudrajoy Banerjeeexecutive PGDM, IILM, pg diploma in management

A positive study environment is no less important than a strong curriculum. Finding mentors in your teachers and inspiration in your peers is a sure shot way to succeed and stay ahead in the business world. Keeping up with this ideology, the IILM business school has three beautiful campuses in New Delhi, Gurugram, and Greater Noida respectively. Each campus is designed and maintained with the end-goal to nurture, develop and skill responsible entrepreneurs of the future.

Spending a day in the IILM business school, you’re bound to interact with students hailing from the length and breadth of the country, bringing with them various backgrounds, communities, and ethnicities. This has aided the development of a strong learning environment, brimming with positivity, vibrancy, and diversity. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn about new aspects of varied lifestyles – further pushing the development of well-groomed, all-around individuals, ready to succeed in the corporate world.

The diverse culture of the campus finds manifestation in Manchtantra – IILM’s Cultural club – formed with the aim to add a holistic feel to PGDM and executive PGDM courses offered by the college. With abundant opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, students learn the value of cooperation, confidence, and how to work together in teams. This goes a long way in developing important coping mechanisms required for facing challenging situations and tough circumstances. Life at IILM is marked with innumerable chances to embrace your creativity and celebrate your cultural values. By being involved in the organization and execution of various events, you get to learn management lessons while enjoying a fair share of fun.

The zeal for innovation and creativity is furthered through the incubation center. IILM students have access to iLabs, a platform to develop unique ideas and give them wings. The college premise offers the infrastructure to start up with an office space, followed by interactions with potential investors and venture capitalists for guidance and finance possibilities. This is in line with the larger goal to promote holistic development and real-world training for students of pg diploma in management and executive PGDM.

The location of all three campuses has been strategically planned to ensure that students are safe, secure and have easy access to important sites. The Lodhi Road campus is situated in the heart of South Delhi, with so many exciting things to do nearby. The Gurugram campus is in the hub of NCR’s industrial center, lined with all-important corporate offices and startups. The Greater Noida Campus, located in Knowledge Park allows great opportunities for interacting and networking with like-minded, industry individuals. IILM Business schools in Gurugram and Noida also provide hostel facilities, creating a friendly environment where students can work and learn together every day.

All in all, a day at IILM Business School is enriched with a host of exciting experiences. From interactive classes and cultural activities to the incubation center and hostel facilities, every corner of the campus has something inspiring to offer.

Smart Cities, The Future of Sustainable Infrastructure: PRME 2018, IILM

IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University29 MarchRudrajoy BanerjeeMBA colleges in Delhi, MBA colleges in India, PGDM Course

After a highly educational first session on the 2^ndDay of the PRME Conference at the IILM campus in Lodhi Road, it was time to dig deeper into the issues plaguing sustainable development, resolution of which could accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. One of the major issues that needed to be addressed before implementing educational reforms was sustainable infrastructure, an aspect often overlooked in the scheme of things. Coordinated by Prof. Anirudh Luthra, the speaker panel of the session on Infrastructure Through The Lens Of Sustainability consisted of stellar personalities bringing in immense knowledge and experience for the eager young audience from top MBA colleges in Delhi.

Grow Smart, Be Smart:

Colonel Prakash Tewari, Executive Director at CSR wing of DLF Foundation, took the stage to shed some light on practices and knowledge needed to grow ethically and responsibly with sustainable infrastructure. He took the enraptured audience through the journey of building a smart city by elaborating on the evolution of Gurugram with DLF, rising from a barren land to a hub of housing offices of major Fortune 500 countries and contributing 3% to India’s total GDP. He also acknowledged that every resolution needs to be well-informed, after considering social, ecological, economic, and political factors that can be impacted by the resolution.

Needed Focus on Resource Longevity:

The second speaker for the session was Mr. Pranshu Gupta from Accenture Strategy India, who led an interactive session with the audience on their perception of Sustainable Infrastructure. He emphasized on the resource longevity as one of the core aspects of sustainable infrastructure that needs more focus. He illustrated his concern with the concept of Day Zero, a condition affecting Cape Town on a large scale. With 60% of India’s population posed to reside in cities by 2030, huge pressure on natural resources is anticipated. Such incidents, he said, would slowly snowball into the much-feared 2 centigrade worldwide temperature rise. Grim realities of global warming were also brought to the forefront, indicating that starting and implementing changes for sustainable development at the earliest was extremely critical. Mr. Gupta then proceeded to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with building smart cities – from ecological to financial as well as legal, along with the execution that plays a big role in determining the success of sustainable infrastructure development.

Benchmark & Performance Metrics much needed:

The final speaker of the session was Mr. Ajay Tyagi, Managing Partner, Lex Terrae who held a conversation with the audience and other speakers about maintaining a uniform standard and accountability for building every smart city unit across the country. He highlighted the importance of indulging in critical analysis of the solution before the actual execution of the tasks. Mr. Tewari elucidated with a real-life example of canal-building in the desert area of Rajasthan that eventually led to much-bigger ecological problems, thereby emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation considering everything that could be affected by the move.

During the Q&A session that followed, the impact on and contribution to rural areas was brought to the surface where the speakers highlighted the effective and very often ingenious solutions the rural folks had for sustainable infrastructure around them. This affirmed their views that drawing knowledge from the local population can be extremely beneficial in creating solutions that can be applicable everywhere. The extremely enlightening session ended with a thunderous round of applause, all students from top MBA colleges in India invigorated and knowledgeable about the huge potential that came with building sustainable infrastructure to save the future.

undergraduate degree, entrepreneurship courses, iilm

Education and Its Impact on Sustainable Development: PRME 2018

IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University27 MarchRudrajoy BanerjeeMBA colleges, MBA in IILM, top MBA colleges in India

Education has for long been acknowledged as a pillar to support and enhance sustainable development. On Day 2 of the PRME Conference at IILM, one of the top MBA colleges in India, education and its role in pursuing SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) took center-stage in the first session of the day. During the session on Laying The Foundation: Alignment Of Management Education With Sustainability, the support of education was discussed and evaluated by the esteemed panel of speakers who shared their insights with respect to the institutions and organisations they represented. The session was moderated by Dr. Shuchi Agarwal.

Moderation of consumption with education:

Mr. Manoj Sinha, principal of Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi, brought to light principles by Mahatma Gandhi that was extremely relevant in today’s world struggling with sustainable practices. Quoting the Mahatma’s famous saying ‘there is enough on Earth for everybody’s need, but not enough for everybody’s greed’, Mr. Sinha emphasized on moderation of consumption to ensure sustainability. He also brought forward the importance of education and its accessibility that could raise awareness on efficient applications to reduce consumption and support sustainable development.

Of making judicious choices:

The next speaker on the dais was Mr. John Verghese, Principal of St. Stephen’s College, the University of Delhi, who supported Mr. Sinha’s views on education and its accessibility. He further elaborated on the empowerment that comes with education, saying his point by citing the example of a hungry soul who would be in better control of the future when taught how to fish to feed self, rather than being provided with fish to feed self. A sound, well-informed education not only enables one to think of the best ways to respond to a situation but also how to execute the same, keeping in mind all socio-economic-political conditions.

How blockchain can change the game:

Mr. Siddharth Sibal, VP, Accenture, brought in his rich corporate experience to introduce how innovation is the key to sustainable development. He shared valuable insights from his travels and knowledge and encapsulated with how countries such as Russia, Costa Rica, China, are tackling development with improved digital technology. Mr. Sibal also addressed the exploding popularity of blockchain technology, and how it was becoming the base for decentralization. “The applications of blockchain in each and every field they can be implemented to can yield fantastic results for sustainable practices,” he said. He exemplified his point with SolarCoin, a direct application of the technology as the form of cryptocurrency developed to support global solar electricity generation. The peer-to-peer controlled system has been effective in distributing energy from ones who are producing excess energy with solar panels, to those who need more energy.

The speaker session concluded with a Q&A session where the enthusiastic attendees interacted with the speakers on their own possible roles in sustainable development. On being asked what kind of managers from MBA colleges can lead the movement for sustainability, Mr. Sibal replied, “The ones who think out of the box and have the passion to create. Only those with a hunger to create can innovate ethically and responsibly. And nothing less is the need of the hour for sustainable development.”

PRME 2018: Session on ‘Sustainability Practices & Quality Education’ at a Glance

IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM University26 MarchRudrajoy BanerjeeMBA courses, top MBA colleges in Delhi

On Day 2, while the first session of the 5^th International Conference at IILM, one of the top MBA colleges in Delhi, was focused on policies and reforms to make education truly sustainable, the last one on ‘Sustainability Practices & Quality Education’ emphasized more on the implementation of the same.

In line with UN’s Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative that ties up leading business schools to the idea of imparting education that shapes responsible business leaders of tomorrow, the session explored the creation of such leadership within business colleges in detail. Many excited students took a cursory break from their MBA courses to attend this session.

Coordinated by Prof Rajkishan Nair, and supported by Prof Sanchita Ghosh, the session began with a talk by Dr. Onyebuchi Felix Offodile, Department Chair – Professor Department of Management and Information Systems, Kent State University, USA. In his insightful dialogue with the audience, Dr. Offodile emphasized on the necessity of educating school children on sustainability practices because they are the ones who will inherit the world from our generation. Since the future generations are already sensitized to technology and innovation, inculcating ideals of sustainable development becomes very easy. His presentation informed the audience in detail about the concept of sustainability, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, why shunning technology is not the answer to rising environmental degradation, and how collaborative strategies by governments, societies, and corporates help us restore our planet to a healthy state.

“The whole essence of sustainability is encapsulated in the question of how do we leave the earth better than when we inherited it. The answer to it lies in the education of young children,” remarked Dr. Offodile.

The next speaker was Ms. Dilreen Kaur, Director, Ritinjali, who revitalised the audience with a quick activity of creating noises by rubbing palms and snapping fingers. Later on, she displayed the success stories from her non-profit organisation which provides a helping hand to marginalised individuals and societies in the form of schooling, education and skill development. The crux of her talk revolved around the fact that equal and quality education for everyone is an important step towards achieving sustainability.

“Ritinjali ensures that responsible citizens are created from the most impoverished and disadvantaged societies so that they give back to their community and to the environment in general. This aligns us with UN’s Sustainability Development Goal 4 of quality education for all,” stated Ms. Dilreen.

The third speaker in the line-up was Dr. Nidhi Sirpan, Associate VP, Public Sector Business, Smart Class Educational Services. In a nutshell, she talked about two vital parameters in quality education: conceptualization and objectification, and also shared her experiences in the field with the audience. She also spoke of the intricate connection between employability of graduates, creating more jobs, providing necessary training programs to corporates, and sustainability.

“How we, as corporates, can look back to and derive benefits from academia to give back to the society is important for sustainability,” Dr. Nidhi concluded.

The session was concluded by Dr. Rania Mohy El-Din Nafie, Professor, School of International Business Management, Seneca College, Canada who highlighted important practices for innovation in education and also spoke about the role of organizational behavior in sustainable development. Her address postulated that in order to have innovation in sustainable education, there is a need for knowledge-sharing amongst various stakeholders like employees, teachers, students, parents, and industry experts.

“We have to start thinking of the educational institutions as an organization that is an ecosystem that thinks, learns, and has to innovate in order to remain competitive and sustainable,” professed Dr. Rania.

Thereafter, there was a round of questions for the panel followed by a round of applause for all the brilliant ideas on what the education sector needs to do in order to achieve sustainable development goals successfully.