'I will not compromise on the quality of faculty'

CURRICULA

Dr R K Jadhav, director, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai University, is busy putting the finishing touches to his paper on "Corporate responsibility: a powerpoint for global business environment", which he will present at the Malone Business School, US, in June.

The burden of his presentation: that corporations will have to play a bigger role in society as the government's role diminishes.

"Corporations create wealth and profits but society has its stake too and corporations can't disown society from its share," he says.

Jadhav, who took over as director of JBIMS on July 1, 2003, also has big plans for the institute. On his agenda are a bigger campus and a new residential complex that will cost about Rs 40 crore, more permanent faculty members and a thrust on research, Masters and PhD programmes in the institute that was established in 1965.

Being under the university umbrella has its plus points, since "it makes us more ethical and gives us the advantage of charging a low tuition fee," says Jadhav.

At Rs 40,000 a year, it surely is an eye-catcher. The institute also helps those who can't afford the fees by the various institute aid funds.

The flip side of being affiliated to a university, Jadhav says, is that "everything" takes time since each proposal goes through various committees.

"But that too is a blessing in disguise since scrutiny takes place at every stage, leading to transparency," he adds. Even so, for the first time, some initiatives are being taken towards giving JBIMS total autonomy.

Though the institute is financially self-sufficient and has not received any funding from the University Grants Commission or a government body since 1980, it will now need funds for expansion. Alumni, various corporations and international agencies are being approached for funding.

"But global agencies like the European Union will be keen to give funds only when the institute ties up with premier B-schools and universities in Europe," says Jadhav.

Another major task that confronts him is faculty strength. Though he insists that the mix of permanent, visiting and guest faculty is healthy, Jadhav agrees the institute needs at least 11 more permanent members.

It currently has six, with four research fellows who also take classes. The strength of the visiting faculty is a whopping 140.

"Low faculty strength is a major worry but, at the same time, I will not compromise on quality just so that we can show the right numbers," says Jadhav.

He also talks about the importance of research in management. Known for its strength in research, JBIMS holds an annual event "" attended by prominent people from the corporate world "" called Strategym, which exclusively showcases research presentations by students.

Talking about the interaction between industry and academia, JBIMS has diversified into the social sector by starting a public policy course for officers of the Maharashtra state government.

With a lot of paper-writing on hand, number-work to be done, faculty to be recruited, Jadhav is also working towards another successful year of placements. All to ensure that the institute remains in the league of the best Indian B-schools.