Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 5 : Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, inaugurated its Business Management Certificate program for Defense Officers on Friday at its IIM Shillong campus.
In order to reduce the knowledge-action gap and manage the altering dynamics of the military and commercial sectors, the 6-month Certificate program intends to give the executives an exposure to analytical, strategic, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The Chief Guest for the event was Air Marshal D. K. Patnaik, Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command. Prof. D P Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong, Prof. Sitanshu Sekhar Das, Programme Coordinator, and Prof. Vibhas Amawate, Chair, MDP Consultancy along with Brig Vinod S, SM, VSM, ADG DRZ – East were present for inaugural event.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with an address note by Prof. Vibhas Amawate, Chair, MDP Consultancy, followed by the lighting of the lamp.
Air Marshal Dilip Kumar Patnaik, Air Officer Commanding in Chief (AOC in C), Eastern Air Command, in his inaugural address shared his own experience of imparting executive learning and told the participants that this was a great opportunity to further their education from IIM Shillong while working in the defence. In order to become leaders, he advised participants to learn by giving their best shot and adopting different worldviews.
“The ‘FAUJ’ is a very different area in itself from the corporate world. It is important to unlearn what you already know in order to absorb the information the faculty exposes you to”, he said.
He went on to describe how the program appeals to defence authorities, exposes learners to challenging real-world business scenarios from a variety of industries, organizations, and management specializations, and is beneficial for the country by relying on information from IIM Shillong.”
Through interactive lectures, case studies, sessions with industry experts, management games,simulations, and student participation, the course seeks to emphasize experiential learning to the Indian Defence Forces, which are among the best in the world and are recognized for their competence, prowess, morality, size, and technology.
Prof. D.P. Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong explained how the program would appeal to defence officers.
“This program will build on the skills defence officials already possess as a result of their years of excellent service to the nation, allowing them to utilize the classroom activities and interact with peers to further enhance their skills.. It is a specialized curriculum designed to equip defence commanders with the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed for a seamless transfer into the business world”, he said.
Dr. Goyal urged all the participants to approach the six-month course like new students. He continued, ”IIM Shillong provides a variety of methods by deliberately blending lectures, case studies, discussions, group projects, field trips, reading, and discussions.”
Prof. Sitanshu Sekhar Das, Program Coordinator, BMPDO delivered the closing address with a vote of thanks and the ceremony was concluded.
