JIMS believes in a strong industry interface and hands-on training, says Professor Gurmeet Sodhi

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, the Head of the Management Studies Department at JIMS - Jagannath Institute of Management Sciences, Vasant Kunj Gurmeet Sodhi talks at length about the teaching methodology and the pedagogy followed at the institute. JIMS being one of the reputed and renowned management institutes across Delhi focuses on the holistic development of the student. She elaborates on the industry-oriented curriculum, case-based learnings, regular seminars facilitated by industry experts, industry visits, etc.

Sodhi holds MA degree in English with PG Diploma in Global Sales & Marketing Management. She holds PDP, Business Communication and Managerial skills session at the institute

Read the complete interview below:

Q: What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

A: JIMS believes in the philosophy of holistic development of the personality of the students. The teaching methodology, therefore, is such that it allows them to develop their intellectual capabilities through participation in discussions and talks. The Institute encourages an environment of free expression and therefore, we have group and case-based discussions in the classrooms, presentations on various topics and subjects throughout the semester and also situation-based role-plays and activities aimed at developing managerial skills. Apart from all this, the Institute, on a regular basis, invites industry professionals to apprise the students of the latest trends so that their transition from the classroom to the industry becomes smooth.  The methodology adopted in JIMS is different and unique and allows students to develop not only an effective personality but also critical thinking skills that are much needed in the business world.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

A: JIMS believes in a strong industry interface and hands-on training. The Institute makes sure that every month an expert is invited from the industry to speak about the current trends and corporate practices. This allows the students to understand the industry requirements and expectations. Every student also has to undergo a compulsory two-month summer training after the fourth semester which not only gives exposure to the corporate world but also awards them an opportunity to develop good working skills. In addition to this, there are practical projects that make them go into the field and document their observations based on what they see and comprehend. All of this is carried out with the aim of making them industry-ready.

Q: What quality do your students have which other college students lack?

A: The students passing out from JIMS are equipped not only with conceptual skills but also with interpersonal and strong communication skills that are indispensable for the corporate world. The companies hiring the students from the college have always been appreciative of their ability to deliver results within the stipulated time. Three years of rigorous training in the class and exposure to the industry mould them into just the kind of professionals the corporate world desires.

Q: Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?

A: The course curriculum of all the programmes at JIMS is completely industry-oriented. It is revised from time to time keeping in mind the changing requirements of the industry.  JIMS has on its panel some of the eminent names from the industry who keep giving inputs regarding the changes to be made in the curriculum in a way that it bridges the gap between the industry and academia.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

A: Yes, the college is absolutely receptive to innovation, technology, science and entrepreneurship.

Being a management college, we encourage our students to come up with ideas that can then be transformed into start-up ventures. To help the students with their entrepreneurship ventures, the college has a dedicated business incubator who provides them with adequate training, technical guidance, working space and financial assistance. 

As for the adoption of the latest technology, the college upgrades the technical equipment required for various courses and classroom teaching in line with the technological changes.