A Ph.D. in Business Administration, Dr. K Maran is presently the Director at Sairam Institute of Management Studies, Chennai. With more than 30 years of experience in teaching, research, training and consultancy, he has produced 44 Ph.D. scholars and 50 M.Phil scholars. He has published 218 research articles in refereed journals, and presented in more than 160 research papers in international and national conferences, besides, authored 5 management textbooks and 20 edited volumes. He is presently the Editor-in-Chief of 3 national and international journals and has visited more than 10 countries in Asia for academic assignments.

Sairam Institute of Management Studies

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Working on the fundamentals of nation development”

Education is the basis for everything. Quality of education is the only solution for the country and community development. Especially talking about management education, it plays a vital role in the industry and economic development of a nation. As a teacher, I am proud of equipping society by developing thousands of business administrators and policymakers. 

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“Handling and offering mutual values and objectives”

Understanding Peer-group feelings, Views, Opinions and Expectations, Coordination and cooperation are some of the ‘Mantras’ to lead the team in any complex situation. Courage, Commitment, Determination and Goal attainment are important attributes that a leader must possess in order to reach better goals. 

How does the curriculum of the institute ensure best practices for the industry?

“Integrating practical activities and training sessions”

A good curriculum is a great concrete solution for industry development. In this respect, the curriculum is focused on Business analytics, Fin-tech, AI, Marketing Analytics, Finance Analytics, People Analytics, Operation Analytics, Web Analytics, and so on. We focus on Stock trading Live lab, Case Lab, Digital lab, Internships and developing unique consultancy and business practices for students. 

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What do you think your roles and responsibilities are as the Director?

“Developing better programs and institutional practices”

Framing the vision and mission of the institute and accordingly designing the programs and curriculum structure at–par with industry and international standards is my role being the Director of the Institute. I assess the program values, Industry-institute interaction, in-bound and out-bound programs with foreign universities to maximize student benefit from our Institution. 

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

“Inculcating larger collaborations and start-ups”

To enhance international connectivity, in terms of foreign faculty and students, approach quality research and consultancy for the corporate and society to sort out the critical issues are our top priorities. We strive to upgrade the institutional ranking across the world as well. Also, to develop more start-ups and entrepreneurs for the welfare of society in the coming years. 

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

“Global alliances and standard recognitions”

Our institute has been rated as one of the Top 100 B-Schools by many research consultants and government agencies like NBA, NAAC for the past 15 years. We are already in the practice of student and faculty exchange programs with Asian universities across countries like China, Nepal, Indonesia, Singapore, etc. In the future, these programs will be extended to other universities trans-continentally to benefit both countries' university students.

What do you see as the institute’s greatest strength?

“Well-versed industrial connections with many facilities on campus”

Excellent infrastructure, Core faculty strength in academic-industry-research experience, and frequent industry-institute interaction opportunities being provided to the students are our main strengths. Also, we possess a good placement rate, International exchange programs and State-of-art laboratories and Centre of Excellence to elaborate student experience with us. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education?

“Degrading quality and burdening student’s aspects”

In general, the quality of higher education is diluting, for which reasons the stakeholders, policymakers are formulating higher education systems and their effective impact on society. Policies and governance must establish a mutual relationship to enhance the quality of education. Moreover, parents' mindset is changing today and expectations are high, they should realize what is the strength of their ward, what are their ward needs? Students are failing to understand themselves, self-learning and self-confidence levels are declining and also understanding of the values, culture and beliefs are low.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Keep your belief and values high”

To self-realize, their strength and weakness, as well as to overcome the weakness to strengthen their quality in the competitive market is my suggestion to the present younger generation. Dedication and hard work are to determine your future destination. Inculcate Indian heritage, culture, personal, interpersonal, family and social values. 

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What are your roles toward the students of your institute?

“A complete academic guide with multiple role plays”

Teachers' responsibilities are very high in critical situations to mold students in different dimensions for the society for which they are upgrading their skills in teaching pedagogy and contemporary knowledge. I act as Facilitator, Mentor, Counsellor, Career guide and a role model for the aspiring budding managers, leaders and good citizens of the country.