Interview by Bhawna Rawat

Supriti

 

Dr. Supriti Mishra is presently working as the Associate Professor, Strategy at IMI, Bhubaneswar. She holds an MBA and a doctorate degree in Business Administration and Management. She has a Post-doctorate from New York University, USA. She is the recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, besides being the Winner and Runner-up in the ISB-Ivey Global Case Competition 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Dr. Mishra is an expert in the areas of Strategy, CSR and Corporate Governance. She has worked as a Visiting Professor in many foreign universities including St. Ambrose University, USA and Selcuk University, Turkey. She has extensively published her research papers in International Journals of Emerald and Springer Publications and written several management cases in Ivey publishing and Asian case research journal of NUS, Singapore. With a rich past experience from the industry and Non-profit, she has strong Business development & professional skills, Analytical Skills, besides being sound in Research Design, Lecturing, and Instructional Design.

Education industry allows people to pursue creativity

The education industry is an industry where there is a lot of freedom to explore one’s interest and pursue creativity.

This industry gives a lot of space to individuals to grow and develop. The present-day education industry, particularly management education, is much more dynamic than in the past.

Faculty members these days do much more than just teaching. They engage in research, consulting, executive training and so on, which contribute to problem solving at various levels, be it national and international, or social and economic. They undertake research in their areas of interest on various contemporary issues either with the support of the Institute or in association with the industry, government, and various other agencies thereby contributing to problem solving in real terms.

Our philosophy of leadership is to grow as a team

The philosophy of leadership at IMI Bhubaneswar is growing with people. We have always believed in growing together through a democratic process of leadership, where the view of each employee of the organization is valued and integrated in the process. So, the Institution grows as a team and everyone feels happy to have contributed to the process.

Fulfilling students’ expectations is one of the biggest challenges faced by the Institute

IMI is among the top educational institutions in India. We attract students from all over India. Managing students’ expectations have been one of the critical areas. However, we have addressed this challenge by introducing the mentoring system in the Institute. Each faculty member mentors a group of students and closely works with them in solving various problems and issues faced by them, starting from academics to personal issues to any other critical issue that the student would bring in. 

4 different approaches together contribute to making a curriculum which prepares the students to be industry ready

IMI has adopted a multi-pronged approach to include the best practices of the industry as a part of its curriculum. One, IMI’s curriculum has been designed to make the students industry-ready. Continuous interaction of faculty members with industry experts about the current industry practices and requirements through conclaves, roundtables, consulting assignments, and personal consultations, enable them to use such information while designing the course curriculum. Besides, 20% of each course in IMI is delivered by industry experts.

Two, many faculty members have industry experience and international exposure. They bring in such experiences to the classroom which enriches their classroom delivery.  Three, as a part of the Business Thought Leadership Programme, corporate executives are invited at regular intervals to share their insight and outlook of the industry with students.

Four, IMI Bhubaneswar takes the Summer Internship Projects (SIP) of students very seriously. SIPs are generally considered as one full course where each student goes to work with a company for 8 to 12 weeks. The Institute rewards the best two SIPs with cash prizes.

Performance of each student is tracked and monitored on a regular basis by both the faculty and the industry mentors.

In addition to this, each student works on multiple live projects during their two-year course.

Qualities required in an employee by the corporates

The education industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. With the changes in the industry locus from manufacturing to the service sector, requirements of industries have also changed drastically. Companies need more tech-savvy, market savvy, and street smart executives who have knowledge of the industry on their fingertips to meet the challenges coming from present-day customers who are also highly informed and dynamic.

An ideal school environment focuses on overall development of students with extracurricular and co-curricular activities

At IMI Bhubaneswar, we have formed various students’ activity clubs through which students engage in quality discussions on current topics and domain activities. They organize various competitions, both academic and non-academic, by inviting B schools from across the country. They also participate in such competitions organized by leading schools across the country. Such activities improve their analytical skills, quizzing mind, and innovative approach towards problem-solving and organizing ability.

The top qualities that an aspiring student must possess

Students must have excellent communication skills and knowledge of the industry and current happenings in addition to a sound understanding of the subjects. 

Goals contrived for the Institute for the next few years

To be among the top-ranked institutions in the country, at least among the top 25 in the next few years.

A piece of advice for the Management students

Be responsible leaders

Success is not only measured by the bottom line but also by the values and standards espoused by managers which would ensure a more long-term and sustainable success.