Pedagogy and Beyond Classroom Learning

While due importance is given to classroom learning, the effort is to build suitable stimuli in non-classroom learning, interaction and internship to facilitate the development of the right attitudes, skills and knowledge on which the participant can base his or her own architecture of self-development. Students are given application exercises and encouraged to work on live projects and problems to have first hand management experience.

The choice of pedagogic methods at SPJIMR is based on an important conviction expressed by the following three propositions:

  1. The learning experience must result in the enhancement of the capabilities of the individual for actual practice
  2. Professional life cannot be devoid of values and social responsiveness
  3. The knowledge-seeker must own up the process of education and must accept responsibility for professional growth and development

A proactive and formally planned programme for developing attitudes and skills promoting the troika of management capability development has been firmly institutionalized within SPJIMR's beyond classroom curriculum through a variety of vehicles such as Abhyudaya, Social Projects, PG Lab, Gita Shibir and ADMAP.

These character building pedagogic innovations define the educational philosophy and learning approach of the PGDM (Equivalent to MBA) programme. These innovative approaches make an impact by giving value orientation to participants, inculcate in them service orientation, self-accountability and community working, which we call 'non-self centeredness'.

Beyond Classroom Learning

Abhudaya

Abhudaya is a pedagogic innovation of SPJIMR involving mentoring of children, whom we call ‘Sitaras’ (stars). Abhudaya is a Sanskrit word, which means, ‘Welfare and Development of All’. The project aims at reinforcing the strengths of these children and equipping them to compete with the best in society. Through this project, SPJIMR is making an attempt to play the role of a catalyst by supporting talented children so that they are able to realize their full potential.

Such an initiative will develop in participants, sensitivity towards poverty, mentoring skills, attitude of social responsiveness and leadership qualities, which cannot be imparted in a classroom setting. As part of the programme, participants learn ‘Sociology of Poverty’, including its family relationships, economic, social and cultural dimensions, enabling them to gain better insights on the journey and become leaders of tomorrow.

Social Projects

  • SPJIMR provides an opportunity for PGDM (Equivalent to MBA) participants to apply their managerial skills in undermanaged sectors through six-week DOCC projects.
  • Working with NGOs in rural settings helps participants appreciate the need for contributing to society and the universality of management principles in the undermanaged sector
  • Experiencing the hardships of living makes them a more balanced personality and sensitizes them to the heterogeneous Indian society.
  • The inputs provided through these projects not only benefit the organizations involved, but also the beneficiaries of that social programme.

ADMAP

Assessment and Development of Managerial and Administrative Potential - ADMAP

  • ADMAP represents a value-based approach to management education and attempts to formalize a system for self-managed development of administrative skills.
  • ADMAP aims to permit self-assessment on certain managerial abilities, develop potential strengths and acquire other key skills through the ongoing formal mechanism of planning, review and development.
  • The ADMAP course involve theoretical inputs on administration, committee work, learning through movies and plays, workshops and diary based learning

Gita Shibir

Participants attend a two-day ‘shibir’ with Swami Viditatmanandaji (disciple of Swami Dayananda Saraswati) on meditation, discourses and interactive sessions. During these sessions, participants raise issues, clarify doubts and contribute their own spiritual experiences. Swamiji explains the concept of ‘dharma’, its application in our daily lives and the corporate world. He also enlightens the participants on Indian philosophy of life and importance of values in self-growth.

PG Lab

PG Lab is an experiential pedagogy used as a part of People and Performance course. The exercise id conducted at Khandala for enhanced experience and learning. The objective of the PG Lab is to help participants acquire a deeper understanding of themselves, their behavior and inter-personal relationships. It aims to inculcate among participants critical interpersonal and team skills through team building games and experiential exercises. Participants are required to prepare a Personal Development Plan to leverage on individual strengths and work on developmental areas, which is monitored over time.