On the occasion, offering advice to graduating students, Dr Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor of NMIMS University said: “Today we are passing through one of the most turbulent times in the global economic history after the Great Depression of 1929. Uncertainty and doubts over one’s own competencies and even the utility of education may have crossed your minds and that of your peer group. In such a situation of uncertainty, it is perseverance and always remaining focused that helps.”
He added, “In a knowledge society, information is commodity. Sifting through this information and being able to take the decision creates a competitive differentiation. Hence your ability to differentiate yourself will completely rest on your comprehension of the problem, analytical and decision making skills. In the world that you are entering, no situation is ever presented in pure black and white terms because all involve human beings. Hence, a very large part of the problem will be grey in nature. This will require not only the power of rational thinking but also the ability to empathize and think through the problem emotionally.”
Acknowledging the key role of MBA programme in NMIMS University’s journey, Dr Saxena said: “SVKM’s NMIMS University was created out of India’s top 10 business school Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies. We were recognized as a Deemed University by UGC, on the strengths of our work in management education and our accreditation by NAAC, and our standing among the top business schools in India. Over the last 5 years the University diversified in areas of Technology Management and Engineering, Pharmacy and Pharma Tech Education, Architecture and Science. It also introduced innovative 5 year dual degree MBA (Tech) and undergraduate Business Administration and Commerce Programmes. It continued to strengthen its foothold in executive education through its Distance Learning Programme.”
Dr Saxena also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors including Dr. N. M. Kondap, Dr. Koli, Prof. Y. K Bhushan, and Dr. H. H. Mankad all of whom played a significant role in the evolution of NMIMS.
Dr Saxena also informed that last year was significant for the School of Business Management undertook steps to revamp its curriculum. Led by Dean Dr. Ramesh Bhatt and faculty team, a new programme design of MBA, based on the feed back from alumni, students, industry and faculty was introduced. The design was influenced by international changes, developments in other global business schools and feedback from our international academic partners. The curriculum today has some significant features like Integration Module, focus on execution and leadership.
Talking about placements, Dr Saxena said, “We are all aware that 2008-09 has been a difficult year for all Business Schools, not only in India but globally. In the global village, no country has today remained unaffected by the crises that has hit the world. But at this point of time, India economy growing at 6% is certainly a great achievement. This has helped top Business Schools like us to place our students though the process has been an extended one and still continuing at several schools.”
He shared Placement MBA 2009 data with the audiences:
Programme % of students Placed Highest Salary Average Salary
Flagship MBA 92% 16.9 L 8.5 L
Focus MBA 69% 14.35 L 6.8 L
MBA Pharma 100% 8.5 L 4.8 L
Those who still remain unplaced, University will make all attempts to facilitate their placements, Dr Saxena said.
Dr Saxena also highlighted the achievements of NMIMS University’s Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering and School of Pharmacy and Technology Management
Talking about the future, Dr Saxena said: “Our dream is that the University should play a definitive role in the 21st century technological, management and organizational research and educate to develop individuals who are socially sensitive and impact global development. You are all aware that NMIMS as a business school has always remained among the top 10 business schools in India since 1995. We are confident like our business school, we will shall be able to position the University among the top 10 Universities of India and the top 30 universities of Asia Pacific in the next few years.”
