Dr. R. Moses Daniel is the Principal of Nehru College of Management. He holds an MBA, PhD, PGDCA and a PGDIB degree as well. A result oriented and seasoned professional with over 23 years of experience in teaching and managing, he has experience working the entire gamut of a business: HRM, Administration and Operations. Previously, Dr. Moses worked as Assistant Professor & Head of the Department of Management Studies at Raja College of Engineering and Technology, Programming Lecturer at Danny Institute of Computer Education, Business Development Executive at Kalpatharu Computer Systems (P) Ltd., Coimbatore and Administrative Assistant at Vijailakshmi Computers.

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You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector? 

My passion for teaching and the feedback we get from the students once they go up the ladder in their career the way they speak and how they show their gratitude towards us—keep me going into the same education sector. In 2005, I went to Dubai for industry exposure and was there for about five years. I could not survive in the industry and I wanted to come back to teaching. My passion for teaching is one of the major factors that keeps me in this educational sector, plus the satisfaction I get when my students go up in their careers and when they appreciate my guidance.

Being the Principal of Nehru College of Management, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

A leader should be a role model for the students. Whatever you say the students are very keen on noticing us. When we do something, they follow us so our activities should be as per what we want to teach our students. Leaders also cannot be autocratic. They have to share their vision and mission with the people who are reporting to them or to people below them and properly guide them to achieve their goals. Participative management is what I think is the best style of leadership in an educational institution. The faculty and the students are intellectuals. They have their own thinking process but then leadership properly guides them and shows them what to do and say.

Being the Principal of Nehru College of Management, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your school?

I strongly believe in word-of-mouth marketing. Strategy and plans should satisfy the current customers, who, in turn, will automatically take their experience into the market. This will help us with our branding accordingly. Once a student is satisfied, they can bring in ten more prospects. I am always with the students, and I keep checking what they want and try to satisfy them. The results of doing so are usually seen in the admissions process. We do not rely on traditional admission methods employed by other institutes. Our students help bring in new students and our applications have increased significantly over the years.

The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute?

Education systems are different in foreign countries and India. My son, who is now doing his PG in Germany said that his UG-level Indian education system is superior. We give a lot of information and knowledge to the students but at the postgraduate level, he is experiencing more theory than practicals. Postgraduate studies should be more practical and hands-on which is what we do at Nehru College of Management. Our programmes are activity-based and our system is outcome-based education. We also have a forum called the Student Development Council, where elections take place to nominate and elect the council. They give us suggestions on how to design and update our curriculum.

How does the curriculum of Nehru College of Management ensure the best practice of industry? 

We have associations with various industry companies and organisations. Students have opportunities to participate in industry explorations throughout the college journey. Value-added courses like spoken tutorials are mandatory for the students along with their regular MBA courses to prepare them to work in the industry. We have MoUs with the industry, which help to establish drive in the students and ensure they are industry ready before the placements.

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Any insights into how your university could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Our admission process is 50% through TANSAT by the government. There is no difference between the economic and social statuses of our students. Management seats have no limitations and no description of race or economic background. We consider the CET exam scores to join the college. This leaves no scope to describe the economy at all. We get students from poor economic backgrounds for whom we provide EMI options and flexibility to pay. Everyone is equal at our college.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the University and the students are? 

My responsibilities and role as the principal are multifaceted. I have to put on multiple hats and complete several duties. However, mostly, I look over the university’s internal procedures, processes and assessments. I look over how we deliver the courses, empower the stakeholders and motivate the management. My goal is to work to deliver maximum benefits to the students.

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

Our university syllabus is framed in a way which makes the student industry-ready. Over the next decade, we have to update the syllabus as per the industry changes. Our faculty members have to be updated on the latest trends as well. We need to ensure they have updated knowledge so that they are able to deliver the best as per industry demands. We also must provide additional value-added courses and keep the students updated.

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

Our vision is to be a renowned, top-notch business school in the country with a major focus on entrepreneurship. To achieve this, we provide activity based learning and practice based on industry movements and we have a global centre for international exploration as well. Numerous academic opportunities are provided, such as international visits to countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. We have tie-ups and partnerships to provide internships and projects for all semesters.

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

Activity-based learning plays a major role at our college. Learning through activities provides our students with a good experience with learning and better absorption of the material. We have over 90 activities provided to ensure students have holistic development. Students learn through group dynamics and crisis management. Our college is 26 years old and admission is completely on autopilot.