Dr. Poonam Sharma is a Faculty in the area of Marketing and Dean International Relations at Jaipuria Institute of Management She has 26 years of work experience across industry and academia. Her research papers have been published in the area of Marketing and Branding.

Dr. Poonam is also an adjunct faculty at Eastern Mennonite University, Virginia, United States. She taught the MBA Marketing Strategy Course in the spring of 2012 and the International Marketing course in fall of 2013-2015. She went for faculty exchange at Whitireia & WelTech, Auckland, NZ in the year 2018 for teaching Marketing Strategy. On a personal front, she is fond of traveling and exploring new cultures and places. 

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

What do you think should be the management Institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

The role of management schools in the VUCA world has changed. It is important to keep up with the skills that are required in the 21st century to improve student’s employability. B-Schools' priorities should be to keep evolving their pedagogy in and outside the classroom. There has to be a lot of learning outside the classroom, which includes live projects, store visits, debates, discussion forums etc.

Moreover, it has become necessary to keep adapting to the challenges and opportunities evolving from AI. Today's priority should be to inculcate the values in our students that will help them in the future. Therefore, addressing societal challenges, such as climate change, healthcare, and social justice, should be something that Institutes’ should also focus on today.

When you first came to Jaipuria Institute of Management, what was your vision for the Institute? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

When I joined Jaipuria Institute of Management, I wanted it to be among the top business schools in India. Today, after 25 years of excellence in offering quality education, Jaipuria has become one of the most respected and dedicated Business Schools in the country. With campuses in Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, and Indore, it has acquired a place and stature of its own in the industrial and educational arena. We have accreditations by NAAC, AIU recognized PGDM programmes, AACSB business education Alliance member and has been ranked by NIRF. 

Jaipuria Noida was ranked 51st Amongst the Management Institutes in India by NIRF- 2022. As a founding faculty of Noida campus, I was part of a team that cultivated an academic environment where students were the centerpiece, and we pushed them to achieve higher standards. Today, we have a very strong alumni network, with many holding leadership positions and establishing their own successful businesses.

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

Jaipuria’s industry-focused curriculum is developed in partnership with industry experts to prepare students for real-world challenges. We work closely with industry partners to develop course content that is relevant to current business trends and practices. We also have a strong partnership with leading organizations across various sectors providing internships, live projects, and placement opportunities to our students.

Jaipuria provides global exposure opportunities through exchange programs, International internships, and immersion programs in Dubai, New Zealand, France and other European countries. The institute also hosts study tour programs and online sessions with International speakers that acts as a platform for students to interact with international experts. What sets Jaipuria apart from other B-schools is our unique mentorship program where faculty members guide students through academic and personal development. 

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How does the curriculum of your b-School ensure the best practice of the industry?

The Jaipuria Institute of Management prioritizes the importance of curriculum review during our annual Faculty Development Programs (FDPs). It takes several steps to ensure its alignment with industry standards. A lot of effort is put in this direction and the institute has an active industry-institute interface program and a Curriculum Review Committee consisting of industry experts, faculty members, and alumni.

It organizes regular development programs for faculty members that focus on curriculum design and development by providing them with an opportunity to keep up with the industry. Jaipuria uses an outcome-based education (OBE) approach to design a flexible and adaptable curriculum that focuses on students’ success. The OBE approach assesses student learning based on how well they achieve those outcomes, and the institute continuously monitors and evaluates this approach to remain effective and relevant.

With the competition so high, how do you guide your students to survive in such a competitive scenario?

To succeed in the highly competitive business world, I tell my students and mentees to build a strong professional network through interactions with other students, alumni, professors, and industry professionals. This will provide them with valuable contacts, insights, and opportunities. Gaining practical experience through internships, live projects, and other experiential learning opportunities will help them apply their skills in real-world situations and build a strong resume. Additionally, I advise them to be adaptable to changes, stay up-to-date with industry movements, stay motivated, focus on learning, and develop a growth mindset that can help them succeed.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students.

Young people are the foundation of any society. The immense potential they possess can only be realized through encouragement and positive motivation. One thing that I always tell my students is that you are not working if you not networking. Learning to network is important for students, especially those who are pursuing an MBA/PGDM or other professional degree. It can help students to build relationships with industry professionals, expand their knowledge and career opportunities, and gain practical experience. By doing so, they can lead fulfilling and successful careers.

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for Jaipuria Institute of Management, international affairs, and/or students?

Jaipuria Institute of Management has a range of initiatives in place to foster international partnerships, student exchanges, and overall growth. Besides other MOU’s that we already have, recently, the institute has signed and renewed MOUs with Kedge Business School France, Weltech Whiteria New Zealand, Renne Business School France, and Middlesex University Dubai. 

We have been offering trimester exchange programs with these schools along with Immersion programs to European countries. For global exposure, we also invite international faculty from the USA, UK, Canada, and France to teach at our campuses. These Professors bring global perspectives and experiences to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for students. 

During the Covid pandemic, we started a new initiative of international webinars and we continue this practice even now. We regularly organize international webinars featuring renowned experts and industry leaders from around the world. 

How does the department/ college/University enhance the skills of the faculty and prepares them according to the industry standards?

Jaipuria Institute of Management has been certified as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years. The certification is awarded based on an assessment of the institute’s workplace culture, policies, and employee feedback. It signifies that the institute has created a positive and engaging work environment that fosters learning, growth, and collaboration among its employees. To achieve this, the institute conducts faculty development programs, facilitates industry-academia interactions, and organizes national and international conferences and workshops. Faculty members work in a flexible environment and are encouraged to engage in research activities, publish their work in reputed academic journals, and collaborate with industries to gain hands-on experience and knowledge. 

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What do you see the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

Jaipuria Institute of Management has a strong faculty team consisting of experienced professors and industry experts who work and strive to work towards their students’ overall excellence. Institute has tie-ups with several top organizations across various industries, which provides students with a practical understanding of the business world.

To enhance their academic strengths, we invest in faculty development, and collaborations. 

To enhance leadership development, the institute can organize more leadership workshops, provide opportunities for students to engage in social responsibility activities. These steps can further strengthen the institute’s already impressive offerings.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for Jaipuria Institute of Management specifically?

One of the biggest challenges for higher education institutions is keeping pace with technological advancements and incorporating them into academic programs. The latest example is Chat GPT. While it has the potential to revolutionize education by providing access to vast amounts of information and new ways of thinking, it also raises concerns about academic integrity and plagiarism. Institutions need to ensure that students are using these tools ethically and responsibly.