Dr. Shreeramana Aithal, the newly appointed Director of Poornaprajna Institute of Management and Information Sciences, addressed the first-year MBA and MCA students on 3rd May 2024 at Prajna Hall. In his address, Dr. Aithal shared his vision for the MBA and MCA courses, emphasizing the need for students to embrace change and adopt a knowledge-seeking, research-oriented, and technology-driven approach. He encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship and announced that students would henceforth be referred to as researchers.
Dr. Aithal outlined a comprehensive plan for the students, including offering publication support and incubation experiences in the fourth semester. He stressed the importance of self-respect, mutual respect, teamwork, and industry readiness. He also emphasized the need for industry analysis, including primary, secondary, and tertiary sector analysis for MBA students, and quarterly sector analysis for MCA students.
The academic journey outlined by Dr. Aithal for the students includes:
- First Semester: In-depth study of two industries in teams, followed by ABCD analysis (Advantages, Benefits, Constraints, Drawbacks), and creation of a scholarly article with publication support.
- Second Semester: Publication of two company analyses in teams.
- Third Semester: Systematic analysis of two CEOs focusing on leadership qualities.
- Fourth Semester: Patent analysis, development of a business plan, and creation of a personal website.
Dr. Aithal highlighted the need for students to be highly research-oriented, given their status as Generation Alpha, symbolizing the use of artificial intelligence. He also discussed various strategic approaches such as Black Ocean Strategy, Green Ocean Strategy, Red Ocean Strategy, Blue Ocean Strategy, and Yellow Ocean Strategy, with Yellow Ocean Strategy representing technological leadership. Additionally, he touched upon concepts like circular economy and gig economies.
Dr. Aithal specified ten qualities that a CEO should possess, which students should look for in their CEO analysis and publish two papers on:
- CEO should be the best manager.
- CEO should be a leader.
- He should be a visionary.
- He should be a technocrat.
- He should have the best financial acumen.
- He should be a strategic planner.
- He should be a moral advocate and ethical champion.
- He should be a super entrepreneur through monopoly.
- He should be an all-rounder.
- He should be a role model to others.
Dr. Shreeramana Aithal also advocated for a silent prayer, in addition to the regular prayer to God followed in the institution. He suggested that during this one-minute silent prayer, students should focus on the GOAL prayer, where they reflect on their goals in life. This practice is intended to help students stay focused and motivated towards their aspirations, fostering a sense of purpose and direction in their academic journey.
The program was presided over by the outgoing director, Dr. Bharath V, with Dr. Bharathi Karanth, Associate Professor at PIM, introducing the new director and conducting the program.
Dr. Aithal’s comprehensive plan aims to prepare students to become entrepreneurs, with the goal of producing 8 papers and 1 book before leaving the institution. His address signifies a radical shift in the approach to management education, focusing on practical skills, innovation, and real-world application.
