“My Vision is to Build NMIMS SBM as a True Global Brand,” Dr Justin Paul, Dean & Provost; Globally acclaimed Researcher
Dr Justin Paul, a globally known researcher who serves as Chief Editor, International Journal of Consumer studies, was appointed as the Provost of Management Education and Dean of School of Business Management (SBM) at NMIMS University Mumbai in May 2024. Within a few months of his appointment, NMIMS SBM became only the 7th B-School in India to receive the prestigious EQUIS Accreditation after 5 IIMs and ISB. MBAUniverse.com decided to interview Dean Paul to understand his views on management education, the research ecosystem in India, and his plans for NMIMS SBM.
Before we get into the Q&A, here is a short introduction of Dr Paul and the B-school. Dr Justin Paul holds three doctoral degrees - from University of Brighton, England, IIT Bombay and an honorary doctorate from Calcutta. He also holds three Master/PG Degrees/Diploma and a Bachelor Degree with a Gold Medal. He has 16.5 years of overseas experience as a tenured full Professor of Marketing and International Business at University of Puerto Rico, USA and a 3 year visiting professorship at Henley Business School, UK & taught as a full time faculty member at University of Washington and Rollins college- Florida.
Established in 1981, the School of Business Management of NMIMS University is one of India's premier business schools. NMIMS SBM has been ranked in the Financial Times amongst the Top 100 global B-school rankings for the Master in Management (MiM) for three years in a row. It offers several MBA programs including MBA, MBA Human Resource, MBA Pharmaceutical Management, MBA Digital Transformation, MBA Business Analytics and MBA Healthcare Management.
Edited excerpts from the interview with Dr Paul follows.
Q: Congratulations for your appointment. What are your first priorities…
A: NMIMS has achieved European EQUIS accreditation within 6 months after I took over the Dean & Provost of School of Business Management, the flagship school of our university.
Next priorities are:
a) to run Open Management Development Programs (MDPs) successfully as we have launched 20 Open MDPs after I took over, after a break of 5 years.
b) to be ranked among the top 10 business schools in the NIRF ranking.
Q: AI and other technologies are reshaping the business landscape. How do you view them?
A: Technology will facilitate the Work @ the speed of light. Hence, I believe that it helps rather than hurts!
Q: So how should management education evolve to keep pace?
A: The MBA curriculum should facilitate ‘discovery’ and innovation. It should encourage ‘exploration’ and ‘experimentation’ with case studies. Students should be able to customize their learning pathways depending on their interests, path, style, pace, and learning orientation.
We need more real-life oriented curriculum instead of theory-based Micro and Macroeconomics courses. Macroeconomics needs to be re-oriented as Economic and Business environment and can be taught with examples, exercises and case studies. Statistics course need to be taught with software applications.
The second big change will be to help in the ‘holistic development’ of the students. A holistically developed MBA graduate is expected to embrace change with an ability to respond effectively to changing career options at different stages of one’s life.
The third change will be the integration of technology across courses. Today, AI is used across many professions, ranging from the medical sciences and healthcare to sports and entertainment. Institutions will need to help develop in their graduates an appreciation of new Gen tech tools.
Fourth, is the Social Aspects of an MBA Curriculum. We are working on Curriculum Review and Revision to inspirate more inputs for society.
Q: How important is Research for B-schools today?
A: Research is very critical today. Even NIRF has a substantial weightage for research and ranks business schools based on research output. For international accreditation of business schools such as AACSB and EQUIS, research is important.
Q: You are ranked amongst the top 80 academic researchers in the World. How do you see future of research in India?
A: I do have the highest Google scholar citations among all professors of business, commerce and economics living in India. Based on my extensive experience as a researcher and Editor-in-Chief of Consumer research journal with the highest impact factor and cite score in the world, I can tell you that India has become a major source of research papers in all journals in our field. Most academic journals in Business and Management receive second maximum submissions from India these days.
Premier business schools including NMIMS provide very attractive remuneration to faculty members, those who publish in journals. Some of them are able to generate equal amount of income as Bonus from publications in leading schools such as IIMs and NMIMS.
Q: What is your Vision for SBM NMIMS? Where do you see it in next few years?
A: My vision is to build NMIMS SBM as a true global brand.
After returning to India with 16-17 years of experience working in esteemed institutions in the US, Japan, and the UK, my vision is to build Indian institutions as globally renowned educational institutions and attract students from across the globe to India.
A challenge faced by many Indian business schools, including IIMs and NMIMS, is attracting a significant number of international students. Before setting out on a global adventure to extend my horizons, I worked as an IIM faculty member from 2004 to 2007. However, the privilege of working at Universities in Japan and US including Washington, Florida and Puerto Rico, for over a decade exposed me to best practices in education worldwide, and I subscribe to the philosophy of “Learn the best from the WEST, unlearn the worst from the WEST, and implement the best practices in the Indian education system.
Q: What are the Key Initiatives that you are planning to take in this direction…
A: We have a multi-pronged approach to become a global brand. We are working on following areas:
a) More Student Exchange Programs
b) More International professors on campus.
c) Newly launched Incredible India immersion program to attract foreign students
d) Global placements
Q: Are you planning any changes in your curriculum…
A: Yes, we are working on the introduction of Gen AI Tools and Industry-oriented Curriculum with more visiting professors with real life experience.
Q: From a student’s perspective, what differentiates SBM NMIMS from other institutions?
A: We have a World class infrastructure. We have knowledgeable professors. We also offer opportunity to study abroad for a trimester or for a year. NMIMS SBM students are able to graduate in 22 months from the date of their first trimester. NMIMS also has a location advantage. There are many foreign partners where students can go for exchange and experience their culture, country etc. These are some of our unique features.
NMIMS alumni have succeeded very well in their organizations. They include people like Deena Mehta (former President of Bombay stock exchange), Ashwin Malshe (University Professor, Texas, USA), Aruna Jayanthi (Managing Director, Capgemini)
Q: Coming to Admissions, who is the ideal candidate that NMIMS looks for?
A: We are looking for students with knowledge in different fields. Students should have excellent communication skills. We are also looking for students with high Tech-competence.
Q: How are the Placements looking this year…
A: Overall, the Placement Scene is very good, despite the fact that there is a shrinking trend in the global job market and international economic outlook is not that promising this year.
Q: Finally, what is your message for MBA aspirants?
A: MBA helps students to groom themselves as globally competent individuals. They need to update their knowledge, immerse themselves into the ocean of skills.
I recommend that MBA aspirants develop interpersonal relational ships and friendships with maximum people you meet with daily basis. Network of people is an added advantage on top of your skills. I strongly recommend that you work on your public relations skills! For example, In Japan, everyone- say Arigato (Thank you) daily basis for each and every small things. Such practices help building rapport and getting support.
Also Read:
- NMIMS MBA Admission 2025: Check this AACSB Accredited B-school in Financial Capital of India with High Salary, Top Recruiters; Last Date to apply is Oct 10
- NMIMS Mumbai MBA Admission 2025: Check 9 Reasons Why You Should Consider applying; Last date is October 10!
- NMIMS School of Business Management Mumbai earns prestigious EQUIS Accreditation; Joins 5 IIMs and ISB in Elite League