ICFAI sets up research wing

The country's largest private university ICFAI Business School (IBS) is strengthening its research activity in Kolkata.

Santanu Ray, director of IBS, said the institution recently invested Rs 30 lakh to set up the IBS Research Centre - Kolkata (IBSRCK) in the city with a dean, centre head and 18 research associates.

IBSRCK will publish books and journals on subjects like finance, environment and urban infrastructure.

IBSRCK would approach corporates to buy the publications. Initially the books and journals would be printed at Hyderabad's ICFAI University press. The research unit would also publish a journal, 'ICFAI Journal of Management Practice'.

"The aim is to publish six books in the October-December quarter and then nine books in every subsequent quarter. A book on foreign direct investment (FDI) is due soon", he added .

IBS has also set up a Centre for Social Sustainability. IBS is working with small garment manufacturers' association in Howrah to protect small and marginal tailors, mainly women, who are severely exploited.

IBSRCK would also conduct studies on social issues, poverty alleviation programmes and other related issues in association with government organisations like the state Minorities Development Corporation.