XLRI-XITE coaching initiative for SC/ST students to enable admission without reservation

From PagalGuy.com

First batch of XITE’s MBA coaching program

Neha Badrai (22), currently pursuing a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) from Xavier Institute of Tribal Education (XITE), had never considered doing an MBA. Originally from West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, this Scheduled Caste (SC) student decided to give it a try since her institute in collaboration with XLRI School of Business and Human Resources, Jamshedpur started a new SC/ST MBA coaching class last September. For Neha’s batchmate, Anupama Soreng, on the other hand, the new course was like a dream come true since she always wanted to do an MBA. Born into a family of farmers, Anupama is keen to break the mould and take on a corporate life. Both the girls are eagerly awaiting a chance to do well in the ensuing MBA entrance exams.

Neha Badrai, Final Year BBA student at XITE

The primary idea of these classes was to secure SC/ST students entry into MBA institutes sans the ‘reservation’ route. According to Father E Abraham SJ, Director, XLRI, and one of the pioneers behind the idea, the idea is to help SC/ST students achieve dreams on their own. “Jharkand has a huge number of SC/ST students who do not have the best of opportunities in life. Though the government has provided them  reservation in government b-schools, as an educational centre, it is our duty to help these students to do well in life on their own terms.”

Towards this end, XLRI has given XITE a grant of Rs 1 crore to be used over a time-frame of 5 years. These funds have been allocated to set up the infrastructure for running the coaching classes, building a computer centre, and towards creating publicity through advertisements. The actual coaching is carried out by a set of enthusiastic PGDM students of XLRI, in a bid to give back something to society.

Having finalised the plans for these classes during the second half of 2011, the authorities had  little time to advertise or promote the course amongst students of the state. Thus, the first batch of 24 students, were those pursuing their third year in BBA from XITE itself and are now in the final year of their course. In addition, the coaching classes began in September 2011, which gave the candidates little time to prepare for the entrance exams. Yet, the students took the exams but none of them fared too well.

According to Father EA Augustine SJ, Director for Xavier Institute of Tribal Education, the idea this time is to expand the advertising range of the course not only to heavily-tribal infested places like Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Chaibasa and Dumka in Jharkhand but also other states like Bihar and Odhisha.

Praising the efforts made by XLRI students in lending a hand towards training of the SC/ST students, Father Augustine said, “The XLRI students put in a lot of work towards this project.  While a couple of teachers from XITE had been asked to look in on the classes, everything from the course structure, to the teaching sessions as well as individual mentorship had been provided by the XLRI students.”

The concerned XLRI group of students are as enthusiastic about the coaching classes as the SC/ST students are.  One such, Chandrani Bhattacherjee,  said that the proposal to start such a project was received well among the students. “We sent in a group mail about the project to the batch and were overwhelmed with the number of students willing to work on it,” Chandrani told PaGaLGuY.

Initially, a few XLRI students interacted with SC/ST students to understand their requirements. “While most of them seemed comfortable with Quantitative Aptitude, English seemed to be the weak point for many,” Chandrani said. She added that once a rough idea had been formulated about the requirements of the students, a core group of about 20 students was formed to handle the coaching classes in its entirety, including deciding a formal course structure.

Sneha Joshi, another XLRI student connected with the project said that the core group drew upon their own coaching lessons while preparing for MBA to form the course schedule. “We asked for regular feedback from the students and altered our teaching methods accordingly,” Sneha said. She added that each one of the SC/ST students in the coaching classes had been provided with a personal mentor from amongst the XLRI student community.

XLRI has also approached a number of coaching institutes to help with the mock test papers for this year’s classes. “We have finalised a deal with one of the coaching institutes. It will provide us the mock test papers at a fee. However, staff members at XITE will be in-charge of conducting the mock tests,” Father Augustine said.

In the first stint, classes were held five times a week and students travelled from XITE to XLRI and back by a bus specially arranged for them. A similar schedule will be put in place this year too. As yet, the coaching provided was free of coast but the idea is now to levy a minimal fee of  Rs 1000-1200 per month. “If we do not charge a fee,  students will not take the classes seriously,” said Father Augustine. He also specified that while the  coaching provided to students will be XAT-specific, they are free to appear for the other MBA entrance exams too.

The enrollment process for the classes will begin around the second week of May. The new session of the coaching classes is scheduled to begin from 2 July, 2012.

XLRI launches course in healthcare management with Apollo Hospitals

From The Economic Times


KOLKATA: XLRI Jamshedpur has joined hands with the Apollo Hospitals Group to start a one-year full time course in healthcare management. The first batch of the programme, christened Executive Diploma in General Management & Health Care, will kick-off from March next year.

The course designed and developed jointly by XLRI Jamshedpur and Apollo Group will have 28 courses which will be taught in one year. Faculty members from both the institutes will conduct the programme and will entail a one-month internship in healthcare industry.

"This alliance with Apollo Hospitals will provide a plethora of opportunities for those planning to pursue a career in healthcare industry. The need for professionally trained hospital managers is being increasingly felt in Indian hospitals, whether private or public," said XLRI director E. Abraham, S.J.

As per a recent CII report, employment opportunity in healthcare is expected to increase by at least 2.5 million by 2012. "This program will help in creating management professionals with domain knowledge and will offer ample career opportunities in both the management and health care sector either in a business role or a functional role," said Abraham.

Graduates from any recognised university and in any discipline with minimum of three years of experience after graduation can apply for this program. Aspiring candidates will have to appear for a written test, to be conducted at seven selected centres of Apollo, followed by interviews at XLRI campus. After successful completion of the program, students will be awarded certificates jointly by XLRI and Apollo Group.

Incidentally, Apollo Hospitals and XLRI have also partnered to promote leadership and management education by introducing a one-year postgraduate certificate in general management for Apollo Hospital employees.

XLRI, Santa Clara in pact to promote Social Entrepreneurship

From The Financial Express

Jamshedpur: The XLRI School of Business & Human Resources has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with California-based Santa Clara University (SCU) to promote and foster social entrepreneurship in the country. 

 

The two institutes have decided to collaborate whereby XLRI is to be the Indian partner to manage and support Global Social Benefit Incubator (GSBI), the signature programme of the Center for Science, Technology & Society (CSTS) of Santa Clara University.

GSBI (Global Social Benefit Incubator) is a globally-known incubation programme, which was started by the Santa Clara University in 2003.

Each year GSBI screens and selects around 15-20 social ventures from across the globe and incubates them by providing technical inputs, mentoring support and some grant to make them investor-ready.

Speaking to FE here on Sunday, XLRI Madhukar Shukla, who will be coordinating the partnership said though talks regarding collaboration with Santa Clara University had commenced around August 2009, formalities like signing of the MoU between the two institutions got completed on March 11.

Since its inception in 2003 there have been about 30 GSBI alumni social ventures in India, which include some of the globally well-known organisations such as Gram Vikas, Jaipur Rugs, Drishtee, Mother Earth, Husk Power Systems, Video Volunteers, Naandi Foundation, etc.

As GSBI’s Indian partner, XLRI Jamshedpur would identify and recommend Indian social entrepreneurs to GSBI for incubation and access to seasoned Silicon Valley mentors. In addition, XLRI would also partner with SCU to conduct due-diligence on the Indian applicant to ensure appropriate potential and quality.

As the Indian partner, faculty from XLRI would also provide such post-incubation mentoring support to the Indian social ventures.

“GSBI is a one-year incubation programme which comes with a grant of $25,000; on getting selected each incubatee goes through a month-long rigourous mentoring done at Santa Clara which takes their social entrepreneurship project to the point of being readily acceptable to the investor who is looking forward to investing in such projects,” said Shukla, adding that Santa Clara’s mentoring makes good the gaps in the project plan being presented by the incubatee, while also correcting assumptions in the business plan if they were not matching with reality, besides offering him/her tips for pitching the right things before investors.

Apollo partners with XLRI to conduct management programmes

From Vebtoday.com


Hyderabad, Aug 4 : Apollo Hospitals Group has announced its partnership with XLRI Jamshedpur to conduct management programmes for Apollo’s practicing managers.

Apollo Hospitals Group Executive Director (Operations) Sangita Reddy and XLRI Jamshedpur Director Fr E Abraham S J have signed the MoU yesterday to mark the partnership at Apollo Health City here.

The tie-up is a part of Apollo’s Talent Management Programme that aims to nurture in-house talent.
’’This unique tie-up is a path-breaking initiative to address the need for professionally trained hospital managers, which is being increasingly felt in Indian healthcare,’’ Ms Reddy said.

She said professional training for practicing managers will be an important step to improve standards in managerial and functional areas of healthcare, which in turn will go a long way in boosting operational excellence and care delivery.

According to a CII report, employment in healthcare is expected to increase by at least 2.5 million by 2012, which is indicative of the demand for professionals in this space.

Currently, India has about 400 healthcare managers graduating every year, while the need is for 8,000.

XLRI Aims for Global Accreditation

From The Telegraph

B-school aims for global tag

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Jamshedpur, March 18: In a quest to match global standards, XLRI is inching towards an international accreditation. The B-school has applied to the Association of Management Development Institutes in South Asia for getting the South Asian Quality Assurance System (SAQS) accreditation. A four-member team from the association visited the B-school campus today to carry out an assessment. SAQS is the South Asian system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. SAQS is the quality assurance scheme as a service to management education worldwide. Its fundamental objective is to raise the quality and standard of management education. A four-member peer review team, comprising A.H. Kalro, the former director of IIM, Kozhikode, and executive director of AES Post Graduate Institute of Business Management, Ahmedabad; Abdul Mannam, a professor of School of Business Administration, University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh; C.S. Venkataratnam, the director of International Management Institute, New Delhi; and C.D. Kamath, the managing director of Tata Refractories Ltd, visited the campus from March 16-18. The team will submit their report to the association and results are expected in April. This is the first international accreditation that XLRI has applied for. With more tie-ups with international business schools across the world, international accreditation will help the B-school. A global accreditation can help B-schools notch up global placements, get potential international recruiters, add to its student exchange programmes and recruit internationally-qualified faculty. The tag will also help the B-school to apply for further international accreditation like European Quality Improvement System and the Association of Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business.

Teacher Exchange Program at XLRI

From The Telegraph

XLRI looks at French connection - B-school to start a teacher exchange programme with foreign institute

Associate professor of the French institute Birgit Kleymann at XLRI. Jamshedpur, Aug. 28: Students can wait — teachers will now be heading to foreign shore for an exchange programme. XLRI School of Business and Human Resources will tie-up with Institute of Scientific Economy and Management of Lille (IESEG), France, for a teacher exchange programme to conduct research work. The MoU between the two institutes was signed last year and the teachers would leave for France later this year. Associate professor of management and organisation of IESEG Birgit Kleymann, who is also the co-ordinator of the programme, visited the institute to study the country and find out the subjects on which research can be conducted. “I am here to understand the Indian market. We want to study the market, as every multinational company wants to invest here. We believe in the best therefore we tied up with XLRI. I am the industries, the work they do for thr people at large so that we can chalk out an area of interest. This will help us to chose a common subjects to work on,” said Kleymann. IESEG, which belongs to Lille Catholic University, would take up corporate bigwigs of the steel city as their research subjects. “I feel that Tata Steel can be a subject of research in terms of corporate citizenship, operations and processing. They conduct various responsibility events in the area. There are many aspects of the company that makes it interesting for research apart from it being a global player,” said Kleymann. The professors of XLRI would study the finance, industrial relations and the luxury and fashion market. Jeetu Singh, the professor of general management and human resource, said: “The programme would help us in gaining international exposure. This will help us as well as the students. Our experience would help the students in gaining an insight of industry and relations in the industrial sector. But we have not decided on the topics as yet.” Professors from XLRI would stay in France for six months for the programme. The business institutes are also contemplating students exchange programme. If the talks regarding the event is finalised then four students of the two institutes would get a chance to study in the other institute. Plans are also on to conduct a teaching exchange programme. But talks regarding these are in the nascent stage. “We zeroed in on India as it is easier to understand the country because of the Indo-European history. We want to spread our wings in India and thinking of a similar programme with IIM, Bangalore,” added the associate professor.

XLRI trains specialised batch for ICICI Pru, looks for more

From The Financial Express

Jamshedpur, Jun 14
XLRI, the premier business school, on Saturday produced its first batch of students trained specifically for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co in coordination with the insurance major.

Following the successful training of 56 students in the one-year management programme, XLRI said it is now looking for more such company/industry-specific tie-ups for meeting their human resource (HR) needs.

While the initial MoU had been only for two batches, it is expected that the two institutions would, after a review, agree to continue with the programme.

"According to Prof TAS Vijaya Raghavan, XLRI's associate dean for international & corporate programmes, the next course for around 55-60 students, which takes off in mid-August, would be catering to an insurance company's "higher managerial grade needs".

Eligible candidates for the course are screened by talent acquisition Companies hired by ICICI Prudential, short-listed, and sent to XLRI for the final selection to be done by the B-School.

With the insurance industry in India witnessing unprecedented growth, both XLRI and ICICI Prudential perceived the need for such a programme.

XLRI is in talks with the HCL group as well as with Sterlite Industries for running a one-year programme on human capital management.

"We are looking at our internal resources and have still not committed; subject to the director's and the Companies' approval we may consider that," added Raghavan.

The emphasis of the ICICI Prudential programme is both on general management concepts as well as on intensive training in the insurance and finance domain.

The module in general management covers marketing, statistics and economics, organizational behaviour and personality development, business communication, business strategy as well as legal aspects in business and information technology.

A two-month internship at the end of the course came in as a good "hands-on" experience for the 56 students who received the post-graduate certificate in management and insurance here today.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company has assured the students employment as executive trainees in the company offering MBA-equivalent compensation.

CII's Yi Chapter at XLRI

From The Telegraph

Corporate lessons for teachers

OUR CORRESPONDENT

XLRI officials after signing the MoU. Picture by Bhola Prasad Jamshedpur, April 3: Trained corporate leaders and managers would now instruct teachers in schools located in remote regions on how to bring about a change in the education system. Akshara, an educational drive to be launched in rural pockets across the steel city, would bring about the much-needed change in the rural education system and government schools. To be run under the aegis of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and envisaged by Young India (Yi), Akshara would soon be launched in all government schools in the region. Yi members would not only conduct classes but would also supply teachers with required study material. The first Yi Net was formed at the XLRI today with the formal signing of MoU between XLRI director E. Abraham and Jay Kamani, the chairperson of Yi Net in Jamshedpur, today. “Yi is a group comprising young Indian entrepreneurs, businessmen, managers and professionals who unite under one roof with the objective of creating a better future for the Indian youth and to bridge the gap between the different sections of society. The focus areas of YiNet include economy, education, environment, healthcare, youth affairs and employment,” said Rohan K. Mehta, the national president of Yi Net, who was present at the B-school, today. There are about 18 Yi chapters in the country comprising 836 members. Reputed institutes like IIMs, along with over 30 renowned institutes, are also part of Yi Net. Some of the unique movements launched by Yi Net across the country are fund-raising events for developmental projects, rural education, AIDS awareness work and several others. “This is just the beginning. In the coming days, the B-school would witness a rise in the number of such units through schools and colleges,” said Kamani. CII would also help students organise several knowledge-sharing platforms with company chiefs, corporate behemoths and young political leaders. Apart from that, e-Yi — an online platform of the different members — would also be launched. Apart from XLRI, a small initiative has also been started at Loyola School where the Yi members help with free treatment at the Loyola clinic. There is also a national Yi farmers’ network.

XLRI signs MoU with Grenoble & Aston

From The Financial Express

Jamshedpur, Mar 7 XLRI recently signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with two reputed B-schools, Grenoble Ecole de Management in France and Aston Business School, the UK.

“The activities covered in the MoUs are similar to those signed with most institutes, namely student and faculty exchange programmes and joint research work,” E Abraham, director of XLRI, told FE on Thursday. The MoUs were signed last week.

XLRI has so far signed student & faculty exchange programmes with 13 institutions around the world. Some of them are the Asian Institute of Management (Manila), the Asian Institute of Technology (Bangkok), the Malardalen University (Sweden), the Universiteit Antwerpen Management School (Antwerp), the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Melbourne), and the Loyola University (Chicago). The B-school’s French connection started with the University Bordeaux in southwest France and went on to the Audencia Nantes Ecole de Management, and then to EM Lyon, a leading international and European business school.

However, its latest MoU with the Lille Catholic University, signed in January during the French President’s visit to the country, covers a student and faculty exchange programme that is unlike most others. XLRI students intending to join the programme will be offered four to five scholarships.

During academic year June 2008-May 2009, the B-school can send at least 40 of its students under exchange programmes it has with the 13 institutions.

"The seats are nominated and stand distributed over the institutes. The total period of the exchange is three months---or one full term," said the director. The number of students actually accepting the exchange programme will be announced later.

Barring some scholarships being offered by some of the institutions, in most cases it is the student interested in joining the exchange programme who has to arrange for the finance as well.

The B-school has so far decided to send one of its professors to Loyola University in Chicago in May-June.

XLRI is expecting a couple of professors from the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), Manila to conduct a workshop on ‘case studies’ as AIM is considered to be strong in that field.

XLRI signs a MoU With AIM, Manila

XLRI Jamshedpur signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Institute of Management, Manila. Mr F. Estrada, President AIM was present for the event.

Both parties hereby agree to work together for mutual advantage in the following areas:

Faculty Exchange: AIM and XLRI will exchange at least 2 faculty members per academic year. The terms of the exchange will be as follows:

1. Selection of the faculty members for the exchange program will be done jointly by the Deans of AIM & XLRI.
2. Each selected member must spend at least one academic term at the ‘host’ institute.
3. During this period, each selected member will be expected to teach at least one course in a full-time program of the host institute. Depending on one’s interests, one may also participate in other activities such as short-term executive development programs, research projects and seminars.
4. The ‘parent’ institute will continue to pay salary to its nominee for the exchange period.
5. The ‘host’ institute will provide free board and lodge facilities, and pay an honorarium for the teaching done by a visiting exchange professor.

Joint Executive Development Programs: AIM and XLRI agree to jointly design, market, and conduct short-duration executive development programs in 3^rd countries—especially in the Asian region. All responsibility, costs, and revenues will be shared on a 50:50 basis.

Joint Research: AIM and XLRI agree to identify research themes of international, particularly Asian, relevance and to form joint teams for carrying out research on them. The findings of such research projects will be published jointly by the two institutes.

Case Development: AIM and XLRI agree to launch a concerted drive to develop Asia-based cases and, thereafter, publish jointly a compilation on an annual basis. In view of its greater expertise in case writing, AIM agrees to conduct a workshop on the subject exclusively for XLRI faculty on dates to be finalized according to mutual convenience. XLRI will bear the travel expenses of AIM faculty deputed for this purpose.

XAT: In order to attract Indian applicants for admission, AIM agrees to join the group of business schools that accept XAT (XLRI’s aptitude test) for admission purposes—and to pay the standard annual fee applicable to other member institutions.

Furthermore, AIM undertakes to explore the possibility of promoting and conducting XAT on behalf of XLRI in the ASEAN region.

Joint Management Journal: AIM and XLRI agree to jointly launch a new, international-class management journal by January 2010.

A joint ‘project team’ will be formed for this purpose; it will be ready to begin its preparatory work by April 2008.

Student Exchange: AIM and XLRI agree to continue student exchange as per the agreement signed between them earlier on December 13, 2004.

XLRI & National Innovation Foundation sign MOU

From Financial Express

Jamshedpur, Jan 28

Premier B-School XLRI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Innovation Foundation (NIF) for creation of a research advisory council (RAC).

This council would assess different innovations that NIF would be scouting from eastern states of Jharkhand, Bihar, some areas of West Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and eastern UP. According to the MoU signed here on Sunday by NIF national coordinator (business development & micro venture) L Chinzah and XLRI director father E Abraham, the research advisory council (RAC) would comprise of professors of the B-school, industry experts and NIF members.

The innovations to be assessed would be sourced from NIF's 'national register' for grassroots innovations and those selected would be offered support by way of a nomination to the biennial national innovation award as well as by way of offering to bring refinement in the product, protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) associated with the product and by way of offering risk capital investment for setting up enterprises.

The risk capital investment for setting up an enterprise would be offered to the innovator by NIF's micro venture fund.

Also XLRI's student body social initiative group for managerial assistance (Sigma) would be involved in mentoring and monitoring the innovations/projects thus chosen for incubation. The students' body would also assist in market benchmarking the innovation and in developing business plans. Innovative ideas needing wider social diffusion among the local populace would be handled accordingly.

Also, XLRI's recently founded Father Arupe Centre for Excellence (FACE) would document the challenges faced and the strategies adopted in the development of the chosen innovations for the B-School's future educational purposes.

Established by the department of science & technology in February 2000, the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) aims at providing institutional support in scouting, spawning, sustaining and scaling up grassroots innovations and help them grow into self-supporting ventures. Its "Honey Bee" database of around 10,000 innovations collected and documented by SRISTI is part of the National Register of innovation managed and supported by NIF.

According to the NIF national coordinator (business development & micro venture), NIF was looking forward to support from XLRI's Sigma and FACE for "adding value to" the innovations it has come across in the eastern region in the past two-and-a half years of scouting work that it has done. "As NIF cannot do much on its own, following the networking philosophy, we are trying to build capacities here so that existing institutions like XLRI can be brought to the platform to add value to such innovations," said Mr Chinzah, adding that NIF hoped that the partnership would go a long way.

Speaking on the occasion, the XLRI director said that the student body (Sigma) and faculty supported initiative would be of much use to the B-School as "our students need to go out to the villages and see what the real world looks like", adding that even if a few of the 70,000 innovations on the NIF list materializes into something big it would actually be creating ample business. During the last 7 years of its existence, NIF so far has filed 150 patent claims in India and seven in the US, of which 30 and seven have so far been granted. NIF has also so far funded around 100 innovations since 2003.

XLRI Jamshedpur and Loyola University Partnership

In February 2007, XLRI signed an MoU with the School of Business Administration at Loyola University Chicago, U.S.A., to promote faculty and student exchange(s), in addition to joint research and programmatic activities. This partnership brings together two Jesuit institutions of repute, in addition to helping further connect two leading economies of the world.

As part of this agreement, Dr. Arup Varma, Indo-U.S. Professor of Management Studies at Loyola, and an XLRI alumnus of the 1984 PM& IR batch, is spending a term at XLRI, teaching a course in International Human Resource Management. In addition, a group of 16 graduate students (both MBA and MSHR) from Loyola will be visiting India from January 2 to January 12th, 2008. They are pursuing a course titled Global Study Abroad (India), under the guidance of Dr. Arup Varma. During their stay in India, the students will participate in several company visits in New Delhi, and also do some sightseeing in New Delhi and Agra. From Jan 6th to 12th, they will be at XLRI, where they will participate in joint classes with PM&IR students, in addition to interacting with students, faculty, and staff. Further, the students are also scheduled to visit companies in Jamshedpur, in addition to visiting some local villages to see how micro-credit is helping some tribal communities become independent and self-sufficient. Next year, Loyola will host a group of students from XLRI.

The faculty and students at XLRI and Loyola are very excited about this partnership, as it gives students at both institutions an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and learn about the country and its people, in addition to studying and understanding business practices. We are confident that this partnership will continue to grow, in the years to come.

XLRI signs MoU with triple accredited French business school

From The Financial Express

Jamshedpur, Dec 6 Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), which aims at transforming students into dynamic managers with an international perspective, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Audencia Nante School of Management, a leading European B-school in Brittany (France).

Audencia, with a worldwide outlook, is among the four French B-schools that feature in the list of the top 100 management programmes worldwide. The school is ranked 11th in terms of faculty quality.

Under the MoU, both XLRI and Audencia plan to explore student and faculty exchanges and undertake joint research projects, thereby promoting cross-cultural learning and international co-operation.

Audencia is ranked 37th in the world in terms of international diversity.

XLRI is on its way to gaining deemed university status from the UGC. The B-school has tieups with Manila-based Asian Institute of Management, UAMS Belgium, the EM Lyon University (France), the Malardalen University (Sweden), the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia), the University of Victoria (Australia), the University of Tulane (US), and the Loyola School of Business, Chicago.

XLRI has, during the last couple of years, been seeing a spurt in demand from its students for exchange programmes with global varsities and B-schools.

Under the exchange programme, the student has to spend a three-month semester at the foreign university/institution he/she has opted for.

Reciprocally, an equal number of students come over to the B-school from the foreign varsity/institution for the same period.

Thus, while the core course subjects are to be completed by the student at the B-School, the scores of the 'electives' they choose at the foreign university/institution is transferred to their score-sheet back home.

Certain foreign universities with which XLRI has tieups offer better course material on certain subjects, such as health management, transportation management, etc, which have been attracting students who want to specialise in them.

For example, the transportation management course offered by Antwerp University in Belgium is said to be popular among B-school students opting for transportation as an elective.

With the transportation problem getting acute in Indian cities, specialised knowledge in the field could be of great help to the country in the coming years, feel some professors at the B-school

XLRI signs MoU with AB Freeman School, Tulane University

Today a memorandum of understanding was signed between AB Freeman School of Business, Tulane University and XLRI, Jamshedpur to initiate an exchange program between the two schools. Representing Tulane University were the Dr Angelo DeNisi, Dean, and Dr. John Trapani, Vice-Dean and head of International Programs, who made the journey down to Jamshedpur with a view to work out all the required arrangements and modalities. Also present was Dr. Arup Varma, an alumnus of XLRI and Professor at Loyola University, Chicago, who facilitated the process.

The memorandum includes an exchange not only of students, but also of faculty. Faculty of both schools would go to the other campus and teach various courses. Also in the pipeline is an arrangement whereby AB Freeman faculty will conduct courses as per XLRI’s Management Development Program for working executives. They would also come together to conduct joint Management Development Programs at XLRI’s centers at Dubai and Singapore. XLRI will also contribute to and gain experience from the Faculty Development Program at the AB Freeman School. As part of the student exchange program, students from XLRI would spend a semester at the AB Freeman School of Business and vice versa. Students of XLRI’s General Management Program are expected to visit Tulane this year as part of the international exposure component in their program, for which the expenses will be borne by the institute. Keeping in mind AB Freeman faculty’s expertise in the field of finance, the two institutes have also planned to conduct joint Master’s programs in finance and strategy.

Tulane University has been imparting education in business for almost a century, and the school of business was one of the first 15 business schools to be recognized in the US. Rechristened the AB Freeman School of Business in 1984, it offers a wide variety of programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. With a strong focus on finance and entrepreneurship, its specialized programs like the Faculty Development Program are also acclaimed and in high demand. As part of a vibrant exchange program, the AB Freeman School has ties with universities in Latin America and Asia, and receives almost 100 international students annually.

From http://xlri.blogspot.com

XLRI launches PGPMI program in collaboration with ICICI Prudential

On 18^th August 2007, XLRI will add another feather in its cap with the launch of its Post Graduate Program in Management and Insurance (PGPMI). This unique and innovative one year management course is conducted by joining hands with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company, India’s No.1 private life insurer for students aspiring to make it big in the Insurance Industry.

The insurance industry in India is witnessing unprecedented growth and the trend is likely to continue for many years to come. Taking this into consideration the course is aimed at tapping the huge opportunities available in the insurance sector and providing a platform for budding sales professionals to learn and grow in this sector. All the students passing out of this program will be offered an assured employment in the sales function of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company as Executive Trainees, receiving MBA equivalent compensation levels.

The program would offer courses covering both general management concepts as well as intensive training in the Insurance and Finance domain. The module in general management would broadly cover the following areas:

• Marketing
• Statistics and Economics
• Organizational Behaviour and Personality Development
• Business Communication
• Business Strategy
• Legal Aspects in Business
• Information Technology

The program, especially the module on Insurance and Finance, would leverage ICICI Prudential’s extensive domain expertise and draw heavily from their experience. It would follow a trimester based system with the various courses under the two modules spread over the three trimesters. This would be followed by a two month internship with ICICI Prudential which would give the students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learnt in the classroom.

Following a philosophy of putting merit first, the program fee has been kept to a level which would make it accessible to a far larger cross-section of prospective students.


From http://xlri.blogspot.com/

French tips to boost biz ideas

French tips to boost biz ideas

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Global ties Jamshedpur, May 28: Continuing with their global expedition, XLRI entered into a tie-up with Bordeaux Business School, France. The move comes in the wake of XLRI’s attempt to make its curriculum more suitable for catering to the global market. “In the rapidly changing global business environ- ment, globalisation is the need of the hour. Hence, the need for B-schools to provide their students with a global outlook towards manage-ment. Realising the importance of this, XLRI has been taking rapid strides to make its curriculum truly global and provide its students with a real feel of international management,” said Vineet Jain, secretary of International Student Exchange Programme. The tie-up would help students of both B-schools through exchange educational programmes. A faculty exchange programme between the two institutes would also be possible. Ranked as one of the top-ranked B-schools, Bordeaux is among one of the oldest business schools in France. Another motive behind the tie-up is to provide competent managers to the Indian corporate world. Moreover, several joint research joint research projects as well as degree programmes with the B-school would also be initiated through this joint venture. “As part of the international student exchange programme, XLRI is planning to send 26 students this year to various B-schools to spend a term abroad, covering six countries spread across two continents,” said Jain. This is the highest so far recorded by the B-school in its almost 50-year-old history. While the tie ups are giving XLRI a chance to expand in the global scenario, the move will also help promote cross cultural learning and international co-operation among both Indian as well as foreign management students.

From The Telegraph

XLRI tie ups with Business Schools

During last couple of years, XL has forged academic cum student exchanges with many universities abroad. Currently our tie-ups for academic and students exchange are with the following institutes:

- Asian Institute of Management at Manila (Philippines)
- Asian Institute of Technology at Bangkok (Thailand)
- EM Lyon Business School (France)
- Malardeen University (Sweden)
- Eichstätt University (Germany)
- Royal Melbourne Instt of Technology (Australia)
- Loyola Business School at Chicago (USA) &
- Victoria University at Melbourne (Australia).

Some others are in the pipeline, which may hopefully bear results in the coming months.

Thanks Prof Madhukar for the information

XL Academic Tie-ups abroad - status and request

During last couple of years, XL has forged academic cum student exchanges with many universities abroad. Currently our tie-ups for academic and students exchange are with the following institutes:

- Asian Institute of Management at Manila (Philippines)
- Asian Institute of Technology at Bangkok (Thailand)
- EM Lyon Business School (France)
- Malardeen University (Sweden)
- Eichstätt University (Germany)
- Royal Melbourne Instt of Technology (Australia)
- Loyola Business School at Chicago (USA) &
- Victoria University at Melbourne (Australia).

Some others are in the pipeline, which may hopefully bear results in the coming months.

The reason for sharing this:
We are looking for similar tie-ups to increase the exposure for both our faculty and students. The tie-ups can be in the form of student exchange, hosting study tours, joint research/ programs, sharing courses, etc.

If you have any leads, I will be grateful if you can write to me.
and I will connect you with the concerned junta who are driving this initiative over here

Thanks
Madhukar

SAPPHIRE@XLRI announces Strategic Alliance with "Human Capital Magazine"

SAPPHIRE

(Students Association for Promotion of Personnel Management , Human Resources and Industrial Relations)

is proud to announce a Strategic Alliance with Human Capital Magazine, India,

the largest selling HR Magazine in South Asia.

Benefits of the Alliance to XLRI Students will be in the form of coverage for

All SAPPHIRE events like

Guest Lectures/Workshops

Inter collegiate games,

Consulting projects,

National conferences

& cover HR publications and articles written by XLRI students.

Click on the link below for more on the details and the press release

SAPPHIRE-Human Capital Partnership

What's in it for you?

• A chance to write and reach out to the HR Community in India with thoughts about HR, IR , OB
• To air views & concerns about HR Education in India and portray excellence in HR Education provided at XLRI.
• A platform to network with the Top HR Professionals in India

Regards,

Team SAPPHIRE

http://www.humancapitalonline.com/press_release_hc-xlri.html

SAPPHIRE@XLRI and Human Capital join to form a strategic partnership

A first of its kind partnership in the HR fraternity in India, the Student HR Committee at XLRI i.e. SAPPHIRE established a strategic partnership with India's only business HR magazine , Human Capital. The partnership is designed to leverage the synergies that both the brands could bring to develop the HR profession. XLRI with its strong academic and research capabilities will give Human Capital access to world of HR knowledge. Human Capital on the other hand brings to the table its wide distribution network that will help enhance the reach of XLRI's intellectual capital among the HR fraternity.

"SAPPHIRE and Human Capital have often collaborated professionally for HR initiatives earlier.The formalization of this long-standing relationship is a fallout of the findings of the 5th National HR Conference in January 2006 at XLRI Jamshedpur, where industry stalwarts, academicians and students discussed the future of HR and one of the key findings was that, there needs to be a stronger and more robust platform for student/industry interface" says Dr Madhukar Shukla, Faculty Coordinator SAPPHIRE & Prof OB & Strategy-XLRI Jamshedpur.

SAPPHIRE has strong visibility and professional standing among the top HR professionals in India. The Committee has worked with various corporates such as Accenture, Mercer HR Consulting, Dell , HLL, CNBC , Tata Steel, Nokia, Ernst & Young Human Capital, Murugappa Group to name a few. Its weekly newsletter goes to top HR professionals in industry and the committee organizes various events on XLRI campus to build the HR profession.

The strategic partnership will cover all SAPPHIRE events like guest lectures, inter collegiate games, consulting projects, national conferences and cover HR publications and articles written by XLRI students. Watch this space for more details on the partnership!

XLRI / CRY Partnership for Rural Ventures in State

XLRI / CRY Partnership for Rural Ventures in State

Jamshedpur, Jan. 19: At a ceremony to be held on the XLRI campus tomorrow, the management institute will enter into a partnership with the NGO Child Rights and You (CRY), which they hope will help them partner developmental projects in Jharkhand and Orissa.

A formal MoU will be signed between the director of XLRI, Father Casimir Raj and Ingrid Srinath, the CEO of CRY.

Once formalised, students of XLRI would have the sole responsibility of managing and executing all projects undertaken by CRY in Jharkhand and Orissa.

The tie up would be managed by Special Initiative Group for Managerial Assistance (SIGMA), a students body at XLRI. This is the first time that CRY is entering into an alliance with any B-school in India.

“Students would now be responsible for planning projects, framing social strategies and also managing the local level NGOs in these two states,” said Ingrid Srinath at XLRI today.

Notably, it was about a year back that XLRI had decided to venture into rural India by exposing its students to different rural set up, but this move marks a major development as it’s also the first time that any NGO would enter into a formal agreement with XLRI for summer internship programmes.

“The MoU would be executed in two ways. First XLRI would get all the future projects of CRY in the states and second from now on students would go for formal summer internship programme with CRY every year,” said Ravi Shankar Mishra, secretary at SIGMA.

Srinath, who is in the city to inaugurate XLRI flagship marketing far Maxi fair on Sunday, told The Telegraph that this year CRY has approached the leading B-school to do a study.

The other leading agencies who have contacted XLRI with their rural problems are UNICEF and Hindustan Level Limited (HLL).