The Evolving Scope of PGDM In India

Post Graduate Degree in Management is an interdisciplinary course with various streams. It has an up-to-date syllabus to meet the industry’s broad knowledge spectrum.

PGDM programs are dynamic as the curriculum is often regularly updated to align with industry trends and demands and emphasizes practical learning through case studies, simulations, and projects, providing a hands-on understanding of real-world business scenarios.

PGDM programs are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), ensuring that they meet quality standards. They are also accredited by the NBA, which adds an extra layer of credibility, signifying that the program meets specific quality benchmarks.

In this blog, we share with you the PGDM vs MBA and the Advantages of Choosing a PGDM Program, to help you understand the reason why the value of PGDM In India is high.

PGDM vs MBA

Today, the fields of technology and management are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and to keep up with the latest industry standards and requirements, the syllabus must be continuously upgraded and modified.

The value of PGDM in India stems from its unique blend of theoretical rigour and practical exposure. The PGDM course is always up-to-date with the latest requirements, as it is run by institutes recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). In contrast, the MBA courses are offered by colleges affiliated with the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The syllabus in UGC-affiliated colleges is very rigid, making changes to it difficult. As a result, students often only learn a rudimentary version of the subject, focusing solely on passing exams rather than acquiring practical skills to excel in the industry.

On the other hand, PGDM courses offer a more hands-on approach to learning management skills. As a result, PGDM graduates have the upper hand over MBA graduates in job interviews, owing to their practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Today’s business landscape is vastly different and complex, with unique challenges organizations face. Therefore, organizations require highly skilled professionals who can navigate the competitive markets effectively. In this context, PGDM students are preferred over MBA students, as the PGDM curriculum is more flexible and better aligned with the dynamic needs of the industry.

Advantages of Choosing a PGDM Program

Industry Interaction and Internships

Many B-Schools have strong connections with industry leaders, facilitating regular interactions, guest lectures, and workshops by industry experts.

Mandatory internships provide students with practical exposure, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real business settings and building a bridge between academia and industry.

Placement Opportunities

PGDM institutes often have dedicated placement cells that work towards securing job opportunities for students.

Strong placement records showcase the employability of PGDM graduates. VJIM has a 92% placement record and has connections to top companies, helping students secure jobs.

Alumni Network

The alumni network is a valuable student resource, offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into various industries.

Soft Skills and Leadership Development

Strong communication skills are essential in negotiating with clients smoothly and effectively. In dynamic corporate environments, teamwork and collaboration qualities are crucial.

VJIM emphasizes personality grooming and exposure along with academic excellence. We are dedicated to self-learning, confidence-boosting activities, and overall personality grooming.

VJIM encourages students to join clubs and committees to gain knowledge, build on their social skills, and be enterprising and innovative in their thought processes. The clubs aim to develop more functional competency by conducting regular exercises like quizzes, newspaper analyses, field trips, seminars, etc.

Curriculum Updates

PGDM, being a professional diploma course, is often updated to include more skill-based knowledge that can be applied to industries in real time, and changes are subject to ongoing industry trends.

Students From Any Stream Can Apply

Graduates from any field can opt to get one step ahead in their careers. A PGDM diploma enhances your chances of gaining a top leadership position in any company. You can choose an industry in which you have prior academic experience and then earn a managerial position in companies working in that industry.

Why Chose VJIM For PGDM

Industry Readiness

The PGDM course that VJIM offers prepares students for entrepreneurship and the corporate world. It is an industry-centric course with equal importance to the practical and theoretical approaches. This approach makes students industry-ready and enhances their chances of finding suitable jobs.

Specialization & Live Projects

The PGDM course offers specialization in Finance, HR, Marketing, Operations, and Business Analytics. The curriculum includes visits to live projects and various industrial sites. At VJIM, the focus is on the practical aspects of these specializations, which gives students an edge in the job market.

Confidence Booster

VJIM offers several activities to improve students’ competency and confidence. The exposure and hands-on knowledge gained through seminars, guest lectures, international conferences, industrial visits, corporate internship programs, corporate mentoring, self-learning, confidence-boosting activities, and overall personality grooming help students confidently perform their tasks.

Team Players

Being a team player is crucial in business and the corporate world. At VJIM, clubs and committees are part of the PGDM course. They encourage students to be efficient team players and develop their social, enterprising, and innovative skills.

External events like the feast Chrysalis and the T10 cricket tournament hosted in collaboration with The Hindu Future India Club (FIC) are part of VJIM. Such events encourage students to participate and work as team players.

Profitable Teachings:

The PGDM course at VJIM teaches students how to market their products and services in competitive environments. It focuses on cost-effective production ability, which helps students sustain a competitive environment.

Sharpening Multiple Skill Set

The PGDM course at VJIM hones students regarding interpersonal behavior, sustaining competition, critical thinking, and decision-making. Most of these throughout the course are based on case studies and deal with human dynamics while instilling a multitasking spirit. It teaches various skills and helps students become experts and multifaceted.

Conclusion

The PGDM course is designed to adapt to the industry’s ever-changing needs, providing students with the most relevant and up-to-date management education. It goes beyond imparting technical knowledge and skills by fostering a holistic learning environment that cultivates essential professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are invaluable in the corporate world, enabling PGDM graduates to navigate complex business challenges and effectively manage teams.

How To Chose The Right PGDM Specialization

In order to make it big in the dynamic corporate & business world, choosing the right PGDM specialization is essential. With a plethora of options available, it is critical to select the right PGDM specialization.

In this blog, we will look at key PGDM specializations and factors to consider while choosing your PGDM specialization to navigate through the maze of options available for the management course.

Key PGDM Specializations.

PGDM(Marketing): The course focuses on developing skills related to product promotion, market research, advertising, and sales. Students are equipped with strategic thinking and analytical abilities to excel in the dynamic marketing field.

Career Opportunities:- Advertising, Market research, Sales management, and Brand management.

PGDM(Finance): PGDM in Finance Management emphasizes investment analysis, risk management, financial management, and corporate finance.PGDM finance prepares students to understand financial markets and decision-making strongly.

Career Opportunities:- investment banking, financial consulting, corporate finance, risk management, and financial analysis.

PGDM (HRM): The main focus of this specialization is developing skills related to talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and preparing students to nurture and manage human capital within organizations.

Career Opportunities:- HR management, talent acquisition, training and development, employee relations, and organizational development.

PGDM(Operations Management):- The specialization deals with efficiently managing business processes, supply chains, and logistics. It equips students with the skills to enhance productivity and streamline operations in various industries.

Career Opportunities:- supply chain management, logistics, production planning, quality management, and operations consulting.

PGDM(Business Analytics) PGDM in business analytics helps equip students by providing in-depth exposure to ultra-modern business methodologies, research, and analytics practices across business operations.

Career Opportunities:- System analyst, Data Analyst, Product Manager, Marketing analyst, Enterprise Analyst, Business Consultant, Requirements manager.

PGDM(Rural and Agribusiness Management): PGDM in Rural and Agribusiness Management addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in rural and agricultural sectors. It covers aspects like rural marketing, agribusiness finance, and sustainable development.

Career Opportunities:- agribusiness management, rural development, agricultural marketing, and rural finance.

PGDM Specializations At VJIM

PGDM(HRM) At VJIM

At VJIM, students will learn to examine human resource problems and prospects from a global perspective. They also understand the process of integrating human resource management and the organization’s ongoing practices to enable talent acquisition, development, and retention.

At VJIM, we offer the students the latest trends in human resource management, such as HR analytics and the role of technology in human resource management to manage and create an organization’s human capital. HR domain offers students the interpersonal and people management skills needed to address the human capital and advanced leadership level. It also helps develop a long-term perspective and value system to help them throughout their careers.

At VJIM, HRM intends to provide the learner with the knowledge and skills essential for managing HR in a system that provides the progress of persons and organizations.

The main direction fields are Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition, Performance Management, Learning and Development, Compensation and Reward management, and encouraging friendly employer-employee relationships in the context of national regulations under Industrial relations and Labour Law.

PGDM (Finance) At VJIM

The finance department at VJIM offers a variety of specialized courses in areas such as Financial statement analysis, Valuation, Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Mergers, Acquisitions, and Analytics, to name a few.

These courses are designed to equip aspiring students with state-of-the-art knowledge in their areas of selection.

The students at VJIM have access to financial databases like Euromonitor, Capitaline, and other E-resources. The students are rigorously trained to use the live data from these databases and critically examine the data using various software such as R programming, Python, Tableau, and Ms-Excel. In addition, the students undertake summer internship projects in finance with reputed companies.

They also undertake mentorship projects in line with the industry using live data, which enhances their financial skill set. The Finance specialization also aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset within the student, who will be able to generate ideas and find solutions.

At the end of the course, the Finance students at VJIM develop critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and out-of-the-box thinking, making them competitive to be placed in organizations of repute.

PGDM (Business Analytics) At VJIM

We at VJIM teach courses that add these skills to one’s mainstream functional area (e.g., Finance, HR, Operations) to ensure students are ascribed to these roles. We offer some other courses: MS Excel for Managers, RDBMS, and data warehousing, Tableau for data visualization, Big data, R programming, Machine Learning, and function-specific analytics courses.

Data comes in numbers, text, images, sounds, videos, etc. The world is progressing towards an Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Machine Learning(ML) based economy. AI is used heavily in many industries (Healthcare, Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Service and delivery, etc.) for critical and mundane activities. Also, unprecedented research is being conducted in many fields that do not use AI or ML.

PGDM (Marketing) At VJIM

VJIM offers fundamental and elective courses like Marketing Management, Sales and Distribution, Service Marketing, Brand Management, Rural marketing, and contemporary courses like Marketing metrics and analytics. The marketing department organizes guest lectures and conclaves, which keep the students abreast of the latest happenings in the Marketing domain. Faculty also contribute by writing case studies that are discussed in the classroom. The department also conducts training programs and consultancy for the organizations.

VJIM offers a blend of core subjects such as Sales and Distribution Management, Consumer Behavior, Brand Management, Marketing research, and contemporary topics like Digital Marketing, Marketing analytics, etc., to the students, with robust SIP at reputed organizations, live projects, guest lectures, PMCI studies, and seminars. VJIM offers superior value delivery in the area of Marketing.

PGDM (Operations) At VJIM

Operations specialization in VJIM focuses on providing exposure to tools and techniques to solve problems related to operations and allied issues. Different pedagogy methods like case studies, simulations, and field visits are used to disseminate knowledge in operations management.

Operations specialization subjects are

Core

Operations Management

Project Management

Elective

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Analytics

Service Operations Management

Purchase & Negotiations Management

Total Quality Management

Six Sigma

Lean Management

Operations Research

PGDM (Media Management) At VJIM

Media management is a business field that deals with strategic and operational challenges in media enterprises. It includes planning, procurement, production, organization, and marketing. The goal is to connect management theories with the unique aspects of the media industry. Media and internet management involves planning, organizing, and controlling media enterprises’ content creation and distribution processes.

PGDM (Tourism Management) At VJIM

Tourism Management is a multidisciplinary field that includes all activities related to the tourism and hospitality industries. It prepares candidates with the experience and training required to hold managerial positions in the food, accommodation, and tourism industry. Tourism management implements marketing efforts to attract tourists to travel to particular destinations.

Things To Consider While Choosing Your PGDM Specialization

It’s essential to consider a few factors when choosing a specialization. Firstly, consider your interests. Think about what you are passionate about and enjoy learning about. This will help you pick a specialization that aligns with your interests.

Identify your skills and choose a specialization to help you build your strengths and natural skills.

Consider your career goals, as it will help you choose a specialization that aligns with your goals and enables you to reach them.

Talk to people already working in your field of interest, the alums of PGDM. Ask them about their personal experiences and what they like and dislike about their jobs.

You can also speak to the career counselors, as they can give you in-depth guidance.

Conclusion

Selecting the right PGDM specialization is a strategic decision that charts your professional course and can impact your career trajectory.

Remember to assess the current industry trends, job market demand, and the specific skill sets required in your chosen field.

The right PGDM specialization is the one that not only matches your passion and strengths but also positions you as a valuable asset in the competitive job market.

Setting Financial Goals with Mutual Funds

Dr. Nitya Sundar Nanda

A young individual embarking on their financial journey might have various options like opening a bank account, investing in fixed deposits (FDs), recurring deposits (RDs), or investing in stocks or gold. Rather than focusing on individual financial products like endowment plans, ULIPs, FDs, or gold, young folks need to view their investments through asset classes, including debt, equity, gold, real estate, etc. Mutual funds are a ‘pipe that connects the investor’ to a variety of asset classes ranging from equity and bonds to gold and international stocks. One can easily construct a diversified portfolio using mutual funds, and invest in different asset classes.

Mutual funds easily enable sophisticated portfolio construction, making them an ideal choice for investors looking to achieve their financial goals effectively.

When talking of mutual funds, most investors recall the disclaimer “Mutual Funds are subject to market risks”. This makes MFs seem like a risky product. But the point is that market volatility, which investors are so wary of, is just one of the many risks investors can face with investment products. Market volatility can be smoothed out by a long holding period. But there is the risk of the entity vanishing with many unregulated products, and there is the risk of not being to sell in time with assets like real estate. Mutual funds do not carry these risks. They offer liquidity at a transparent price and are very well-regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), with the result that there’s been no ‘vanishing’ mutual fund while there are vanishing companies.

It can be highlighted here that the riskometer introduced by SEBI, now dynamically maps the risk of debt funds based on liquidity, interest rate, and credit risks. This empowers investors to make more informed decisions about them. SEBI has proactively worked to eliminate fraud, improve disclosures, and reduce expenses for investors.

The mutual fund industry today caters to the needs of both first-time and sophisticated investors. With a plethora of 37 categories of Mutual Fund schemes after being simplified by SEBI, a first-time investor can set a goal for wealth maximisation. Investors can build a well-diversified and manageable portfolio by choosing one fund from select categories.

Is Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) a Cryptocurrency?

Dr. Devarakonda Srijanani, Associate Professor, VJIM

Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

CBDC, or Central Bank Digital Currency, refers to digital currencies issued as legal tender by central banks. CBDCs are intended to be used in conjunction with physical cash to provide a secure and convenient payment alternative for people and companies. They are comparable to cryptocurrencies in that their value is determined by the central bank and is equal to the country’s fiat currency.

A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency protected by encryption, making it nearly hard to forge or double-spend. Most cryptocurrencies reside on decentralized networks powered by blockchain technology, a distributed ledger enforced by a diverse network of computers.

Understanding CBDC

CBDC is governed by a central bank, which maintains its stability and security. CBDC is intended to work alongside actual cash and can be used for payments in the same way that traditional currency can. The concept of a CBDC dates back to 2014 when the Bank of England initially proposed it. Since then, several central banks throughout the world have investigated the prospect of launching their own digital currencies. In 2020, China became the first country to establish its own CBDC, the digital yuan.

Goal of CBDC

CBDCs’ primary purpose is to provide privacy, transferability, ease, accessibility, and financial security to businesses and consumers. CBDCs could also minimize the cost of maintaining a complicated financial system, cut cross-border transaction costs, and provide lower-cost options to people who now utilize alternative money-transfer methods.

Technical aspects of CBDC

CBDC is a cryptocurrency that runs on the blockchain network. CBDCs, unlike cryptocurrencies, are not mined; they are issued and controlled by the central bank. CBDC employs cutting-edge encryption technology to provide secure transactions and fraud prevention.

Uses of CBDC

CBDC can be used for many different things, including payments, remittances, and international trade. CBDC can also increase financial inclusion by offering a safe and convenient payment option to people who do not have access to traditional banking services.

Conclusion

The advent and expansion of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies have heightened interest in cashless societies and digital currencies. CBDC has some advantages, like faster and cheaper transactions, but it also raises privacy and government surveillance issues. We must wait to see how CBDC will transform the global financial system as it grows.

Dr. Devarakonda Srijanani, Associate Professor, VJIM

Debut with a Mark: NetWeb Technologies Listing

Dr.Nityasundar Nanda, Faculty, Accounting and Finance Area, VJIM

Netweb Technologies shares made a dream debut on Dalal Street, delivering 89 per cent to its allottees. Netweb Technologies’ share price opened on BSE at ₹942.50 apiece level, whereas it opened on NSE at ₹947 per share against its issue price of ₹475 to ₹500 per equity share. However, Netweb Technologies’ share price further ascended and hit an intraday high of ₹953 per share levels, while on NSE, it hit an intraday high of ₹952 per share. According to stock market experts, the shares may hit four digits in the near term once it sustains above ₹935 apiece levels on a closing basis.

They said that those who have Netweb Technologies shares in their stock portfolio are advised to hold the stock with a stop loss at ₹850. However, they advised lucky allottees to book fifty per cent profit, fish out the principal, and hold the rest for ₹1,000 target in the near term. For those who missed getting Netweb Technologies shares during the allotment process, they advised to buy the stock only when it sustains above ₹935.

The substantial listing is in line with expectations, as the Company has a strong track record of growth, and its financial performance has been improving in recent years. Netweb Technologies is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the high-end computing market in India, as it strongly focuses on the niche business segment of high-end computing solutions.”

Netweb Technologies IPO has delivered almost90 per cent return to the lucky allottees, and my advice to them is to book 50 per cent profit and fish out their principal. Shareholders are advised to hold the stock maintaining stop loss at ₹850 apiece levels for ₹1,000 apiece target in the near term.” He said that Netweb Technologies’ share price may become highly bullish once it closes above ₹935 apiece level.

Dr. Nityasundar Nanda, Faculty, Accounting and Finance Area, VJIM

All that glitters is not gold

Falguni H Pandya, Sr. Assistant Professor VJIM, Hyderabad

It has been said by investment experts that return from conventional investment alternatives such as bank FD, Postal deposits and other money market instruments cannot even bit the inflation. Contrarily, investing in equities and market (Sensex and Nifty) are volatile and provide non linear return but offer the best return on an inflation adjusted basis over a long term. Therefore investors should not allocate more than 10% of their corpus in such conventional investment avenues. There is flood of mutual fund schemes and other ETF funds which ensure the return parallel to Sensex and Nifty.

So, the all time ideal proportion advised by the investment experts is 80:10:10 meaning 80% of fund should go to the equity investment, 10% to bank FD and another 10% to gold.

Thanks to social media, easy and cheap internet, countless you tube videos to educate investors and mainly traders there are lots of changes in the market but the one thing which has remained permanent is ‘greed’. In the long run, the stock market is the toughest place to make easy money. For example, in 1992 Sensex was 4285 and if one would have invested at that time, by 2022 it would have generated a return of 7.26%. In that comparison bank FD would have provided 8.35% return. In the first half of year 2023, Nifty has provided 5.83% return and Sensex has provided 6.32 % return, however the conventional asset class—Bank FD have outperformed stock market indices with returns above 6% for six months tenure. Many small finance banks have provided better returns than well known private and public sector banks. Everyone knows that bank FDs are risk-free investments class which are not affected by the volatility in the market.

There is record number of new traders and investors since 2019. Despite the recent correction, there is overall a bullish trend in the market as Sensex and Nifty 50 rose 20 and 23% respectively in this year, but the reality is that less than 1% of active traders earn more return than bank FD rate.

Falguni H Pandya, Sr. Assistant Professor, VJIM,

SMB Foods: A Failed Franchisee

SMB Foods: A Failed Franchisee

Dr Vinith Dani, Associate Professor, VJIM

Abstract

Mr. Dani, currently working as full-time faculty at Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management (VJIM), Hyderabad, after finishing his lecture on Franchising in his Marketing class on September 9, 2020, he reflected upon his own food franchisee business that he had started in 2015. He had taken a food franchisee of a famous Mumbai-based fast-food chain, Mumbo King, Vada Pav was a new snack to Hyderabad; unorganized businesses sold it in some selected areas like Gujarati Gali, begum bazaar, Sindhi colony, and Bogalgunta between INR 15 (0.21 USD) to INR 25 (USD 0.34).

On the evening of December 2014, Mr. Dani went shopping with his wife and, in return, saw a catchy board of Mumbo King Vadapav in the Narayanguda area, Hyderabad, the famous quick-service restaurant chain from Mumbai. Being Maharashtrians, Mr. and Mrs. Dani wanted to try the snack, which sells like crazy in the Mumbai and Pune regions of Maharashtra. On reaching home, the couple deliberated on the viability of setting up a Vada Pav franchise outlet. From his hunch, Mr. Dani found a market niche to be filled and an opportunity for an organized vada pav outlet. Mr. Dani knew vada pav is a trendy snack in the Maharashtra state, and if the gastronomes relish the Maharashtrian delight, then the business would expand rapidly. Mr. Dani explored diverse vada pav franchises and shortlisted Mumbo king Vada Pav and starting operations. In August 2016, Mr. Dani was in dilemma whether he should continue the business or close the operations of his 14 months old franchisee’s operations.

Key Words: Franchisee, Vada Pav, Entrepreneur, Snack, Quick-service restaurant

Background

In November 2014, 42-year-old Mr. Dani, a Professor in Management Studies, after resigning from his job at Symbiosis International University in Pune, returned to Hyderabad. On the evening of Saturday, December 20, 2014, Mr. Dani went shopping with his wife and, while returning home, saw a flashy signboard of the much sought-after Mumbai fast-food chain, Mumbo king Vadapav in the Narayanguda locality of Hyderabad. Having descended from Maharashtra’s state, the Danis were naturally inclined to taste the lip-smacking dish Vadapav, the favourite refreshment of the Mumbai and Pune regions’ residents. After savouring the nosh’, the couple spoke to Mr. Harikishan Powar, the master franchisee, Mumbo king Foods Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad. Mr. Powar initially owned a small office space within the Mumbo king outlet, where he spent time conversing with clients and vendors. His mandate as a master franchisee was to sub-franchise and expanded retail outlets of Mumbo King and expatiated with prospective entrepreneurs who intended to set up fast-food outlets. He had already inked a pact with local vendors such as real estate brokers, machinery suppliers, architects, and tax consultants. Mr. Powar had left his rewarding job in L.G. and invested substantial capital in becoming the master franchisee for the popular fast-food restaurant chain. The Dani couple discussed with Mr. Powar the prospects of establishing a Vada Pav branch in Hyderabad, the franchise cost, promotional plans of the company, etc.

Challenges in Franchise business

Chains come with their own set of problems. Various stores cater to various cities and their personalities. Each outlet is distinct in terms of its catchment area, competitive landscape, physical geography, transportation patterns, and customer behaviour. As part of a chain, this necessitates localised management. Because the prices are so exorbitant, these establishments prefer to cater to the upper crust. QSRs have discovered a novel approach to save money by limiting menu and service options and standardising them across the chain. Consistency necessitates a high level of quality management as well as a more efficient and coordinated sourcing process. While front-end costs are falling, back-end costs are rising, putting a strain on profitability. Chains also face the issue of high corporate overhead, which is necessary to bring focus and efficiency to the firm but eats into profitability until a certain number of locations are established and maintained.

Learning Objectives

To identify the various traits of an entrepreneur.
To introduce students to ways to create value for customers by creating a unique selling proposition.
To analyze the Indian fast food industry’s competitive landscape. Which players have had the most success?
To introduce students to challenges in Franchising Business.

Published in Scopus Indexed Asian Journal of Management Cases on July 21, 2023

Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09728201231166820

Pilgrims mindscape – The new “P” of Marketing in India

In Hinduism, the Pilgrimage or Teertha yatra is one of the means to achieve moksha (salvation). Achieving Moksha is one of the key components of Purushartha”. It becomes pertinent to understand the pilgrim’s needs on special occasions such as Kumbh Mela (2013) and the role of organizations and brands. Kumbh Mela held in Allahabad in 2013 provided unprecedented learning opportunities and seminal scholarship for multi-disciplines spanning public health, business, religious expression, temporary infrastructure, and the makeshift economy among other subjects. We will look at some of the brand’s engagement activities with the pilgrims. The day is not far-off when you may find brands that add value to pilgrims and are sold only in temple towns.

What are the ways Brands and organizations can satisfy the functional and spiritual needs of the pilgrims? How to leverage technology? How to address the sustainability issues? Which brand’s sales promotion resonated with you?

#technology #sustainability #engagement #brand #infrastructure #economy #sales #business #innovation

Kumbh Mela: Size does matter
According to Harish Bijoor Bengaluru-based brand expert, “Religion and size is a fantastic combination, and Kumbh has both. Imagine Woodstock or soccer leagues in Brazil and the UK, and multiply the scale by 10. That’s Kumbh for you. The word Kumbh — literally meaning ‘pitcher” in Hindi and a powerful and complex symbol in Hinduism; and Mela, meaning “fair.” The Kumbh Festival is marked by the fact that it is held at the banks of holy rivers every 12 years. Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad is a route to salvation for many as they come to pray and take a dip in the holy waters of the Sangam. The land area is 1936.56 hectare and 14 sectors in 2013 and about 4,784 acres of land. The Kumbh Mela generated an overall business of up to 150 billion rupees, according to Assocham, one of India’s largest business lobbying groups and apart from generating employment for airlines, airports, tour operators and a host of other sectors. Fifty-two companies participated in the event and around 100 million people attended the event.

Lifebuoy se haath dhoye kya?

HUL, company hired 100 promoters, who took

charge of 100 kitchens spread across the

Kumbh Mela grounds and distributed

impressioned fresh rotis with the message ‘Did

you wash hands with Lifebuoy?’ The company

created heat stamps to maintain the hygiene factor.

Vodaphone musical ear muffs

Branded musical earmuffs and a message that

instructed people to ‘Dial 123 to listen to

devotional songs’. It is winter ear muffs are

essential.

Khushiyo ka sangam

Reduced price of 150 ml at Rs 5. Use of

technology to connect with Gen Z.

campaign was called Kushiyo ka sangam.

Free boat rides.

Free boat rides by telecom brands.

Airtel sponsored travels for pilgrims to take a

dip at the Sangam! Idea and Aircel did the

same. There were also special ‘Kumbh Mela

plans’ that included live audio coverage and

dialogue from the akharas!

Tata Swach

Tata Chemicals’ low-cost water purifier Tata

Swach partnered with UP water board to

provide free water to pilgrims. The company

had 300 water purifiers spread over 28 booths.

The brand claims to have distributed over one

million liters of water!

Horlicks games

GlaxoSmithKline(GSK) Consumer Healthcare

had a basketball ring at its stalls. You could just

shoot the hoops and earn yourself free cups of

Horlicks and biscuits.

Avadhanam Ramesh Sr. Asst. Professor, VJIM

Embracing Diversity:

Embracing Diversity: The Power of Expanding Your Social Circle as a Student

Students at VJIM, please understand that this is a journey of discovery, not only in the classroom but also in the world of human connections. It is natural to gravitate towards like-minded individuals who share your interests and perspectives, but in doing so, you may inadvertently limit the richness of your experiences. Embracing diversity in thoughts and experiences is essential for personal growth and academic success. Getting out of your comfort zones and making new friends from different backgrounds can be a transformative and valuable experience that will shape you into well-rounded individuals.

Let’s explore why diversity in your social circles matters and how stepping beyond your comfort zones can lead to new horizons.

The Beauty of Diversity in Thoughts:

In a world filled with diverse cultures, ideologies, and beliefs, exposure to a variety of perspectives becomes a vital aspect of personal development. Engaging with friends who bring unique viewpoints to the table will broaden your horizons and will challenge you to think critically. By surrounding yourselves with diverse thoughts, you will learn to question your assumptions and foster an open-mindedness that can benefit you academically and in the real world.

Breaking the Echo Chamber:

Sticking solely to your comfort zones can lead to an echo chamber effect, where your beliefs are constantly reinforced without room for growth. It is by engaging with those whose thoughts diverge from your own that you will gain the opportunity to analyze your ideas and beliefs more deeply. Embracing diverse thoughts will help you build resilience and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in your academic and professional lives.

Cultivating Empathy and Understanding:

When you make the effort to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, you will embark on a journey of empathy and understanding. You will learn about the challenges others face, their triumphs, and their unique experiences. This fosters a sense of compassion, enabling you to be more sensitive and respectful of the world’s varied realities.

Enhancing Creativity and Innovation:

Collaborating with people who have different perspectives sparks creativity and innovation. your minds will become a melting pot of ideas, leading to the birth of fresh concepts and groundbreaking solutions. In diverse groups, the exchange of knowledge and experiences can lead to more comprehensive and creative problem-solving.

Preparing for the Real World:

The world we live in is becoming increasingly interconnected, and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment is a highly sought-after skill. By embracing diversity in your student years, you can build a solid foundation for navigating the complexities of the globalized world and contributing positively to society.

Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence:

Stepping outside your comfort zone to make new friends might seem daunting at first, but it is a skill worth cultivating. Approaching new people, striking up conversations, and building connections will boost your confidence and social skills. Over time, you will become more adaptable and resilient, paving the way for personal growth and success.

As students, your time at VJIM is not just about acquiring knowledge from textbooks but also about embracing the diversity of human experiences and thoughts. You will foster understanding, empathy, and creativity by reaching out to people different from you. The value of diversity in your social circles goes beyond the classroom; it will prepare you for a future that demands adaptability and open-mindedness. So, step out of your comfort zones, make new friends, and embrace the beautiful mosaic of human diversity. In doing so, you will enrich your lives and positively impact the world around you.

Mr. Sishir Polasani

Sr. Asst. Professor, VJIM

Why Do Companies Prefer PGDM Students As Business Analysts

Today’s businesses use data science and analytics to make crucial decisions. Analytics is becoming essential for decision-makers because of the amount of data that is now available. As more companies adopt data-driven decision-making, organizations will need business analysts who are trained and qualified to help them obtain data and develop strategies to make the best judgments. Hence, the demand for business analysts is increasing exponentially.

Why Do Companies Prefer PGDM Students FOR BUSINESS ANALYTICS?

Analytics is a vital part of the functioning of industries. Business Analytics means collecting, interpreting, and using quantitative data driven by numbers.

PGDM students have a range of skills that are highly sought after. Business analysts are trained in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis. They are well-equipped and trained in data interpretation and analysis. They can utilize the data, make projections with the data in sync with trends and patterns and make profound business decisions for the organization.

Alongside, communication skills and leadership skills are thoroughly brushed up for PGDM Business Analytics students, which helps them communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including managers, developers, and end-users. They translate technical information into simple language for everybody to understand.

Advantages of an MBA/PGDM in Business Analytics

Practical Approach of an MBA/PGDM in Business Analytics

A PGDM certified in business analytics has real-time experience in predictive analytics, which helps in planning future events such as supply chain disruptions and changes in customer demand, enabling organizations to stay ahead of time and carry out thoughtful decisions working in favor of the company.

Management students are well versed in leveraging analytics tools to visualize data and create visuals helping businesses to generate reports, identify correlations, and better understand their customers’ needs and preferences.

PGDM/ MBA students can develop algorithms using big data technology to enable automated decision-making processes within an organization, ensuring saving both time and money for the company

Intelligent Strategy Development For The Company

PGDM Graduates are resources for the organization who carry out smart medium and long-term strategies to enhance every part of their business operations and ensure continuous development within the company. With the help of appropriate quantitative data, analysts can identify regions that are prepared for change.

Business Analysts analyze similar businesses in multiple sectors and watch out for breakthroughs which lead to a boom within the company, and try to distinguish similar services or more advanced ones to ensure the company stays ahead of the curve.

They are also well-equipped to design marketing campaigns by analyzing customer behavior on different platforms, such as social media. The abundance of data, right from online customer behavior to the best practices within the industry, helps in problem-solving and directs the creation of models for better decision-making.

Commanding Communication Skills

The enormous analytical volume of data produced may be confusing and complex. But this is where a PGDM Business Analytics graduate will be able to transform such figures into clear, convincing data and convey the entire data to a range of audiences, including the stakeholders and upper management, using both words and graphics.

Communication is quite important for a business analyst as it brings fruitful cooperation within teams, and the entire organization is on the same page.

Improving Efficiency

Efficiency is improved with the help of Analytics as it puts across possibilities in order to simplify the process, allocate resources, manage budgets, etc. PGDM-certified students as business analysts because of their communication skills and leadership qualities, can tour around and communicate with numerous departments. Big data and good operations management are coupled with business analysts.

Industries That Are Ideal for MBA/PGDM Graduates in Business Analytics

There are several industries ideal for MBA/PGDM graduates in business analytics, but the core ones are the banking and finance industries. They use business analytics to analyze customer spending habits, understand trends, and track financial data.

Subsequently, technology-based companies rely heavily on business analytics to create new products. In contrast, retail companies also use business analytics to track sales performance, develop growth strategies and optimize operational performance.

Finally, healthcare organizations utilize business analytics to understand patient behavior and predict treatment outcomes. These organizations employ MBA/PGDM graduates with expertise in analytics to analyze data from various sources and interpret it into valuable insights that can be used for marketing, operations and strategy development purposes.

PGDM Business Analytics At VJIM

Data comes in the form of numbers, text, images, sounds, videos and so on. The world is progressing towards an Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Machine Learning(ML) based economy. AI is being used heavily in many industries (Healthcare, Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Service and delivery etc.) for both critical and mundane activities. Also, unprecedented research is being conducted in many fields which are currently not using AI or ML.

Such data, when captured, can be examined by various tools, people, and processes. Business Analytics is all about learning those processes and tools.

PGDM Business Analytics students in the process of time after they learn the skills, will fit into one of the roles like Analytics Manager, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, and Data Architect, to name a few.

We at VJIM teach a gamut of courses that add these skills to one’s mainstream functional area (ex: Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations) to ensure students are ascribed to these roles. A few other courses we offer are MS Excel for Managers, RDBMS and data warehousing, Tableau for data visualization, Big data, R programming, Machine Learning, and function-specific analytics courses.

Conclusion

Analytics assure organizations with information security, organizing unstructured data, improving information accuracy, and protecting information privacy. Business Analysts work to remove all kinds of hindrances that affect the growth of an enterprise; thus, this role is of high priority in any industry sector.

MBA/PGDM graduates are preferred for business analytics roles because of the comprehensive nature of the business education they receive.

The courses offered in business schools provide a strong foundation in business fundamentals, which is why industries rely on MBA/PGDM graduates for business analytics roles.

In the near future, it would be tough to imagine a person working in any field without the knowledge of Business Analytics!