Guest Lectures organised by the Paari School of Business

The Department of Management organised a Guest Talk on “Business Communication; Overview of HR Department in a Corporate”. Mr Sannu Francis, General Manager of Orient Cement, delivered the session on the role of HR as a strategic partner, aligning talent management with overall business objectives.

Mr Francis remarked that the role of HR begins with manpower planning; determining the right number of employees, structuring budgets, and forecasting production needs based on market trends. HR is responsible for recruiting and onboarding the right talent through sourcing, competency-based interviews, and psychometric testing. Once onboard, HR focuses on developing employees through training and learning initiatives that enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It manages performance by setting clear goals, conducting mid-year reviews, and overseeing annual appraisals, ensuring fairness and objectivity.

Additionally, he stated that HR administers compensation, benefits, and statutory payments while upholding compliance and legal standards. Beyond these functions, Mr Francis said that effective communication: verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual; is key to fostering strong relationships and engagement within the organization, making HR indispensable for driving business success.

The session gave a comprehensive overview of the significance of HR in a Corporate and the importance of business communication.

The Department of Management organised a Guest Talk on the topic “The Commercial Real Estate Industry; Trends & Insights” on January 17, 2025. Mr Dibashish Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Country HR Head at Berkadia delivered an insightful session on the transition from Campus to Corporate. With over 18 years of extensive experience in human resources, Mr Ghosh has successfully led global organisations and Indian conglomerates, including GE and Genpact, in key leadership roles. His expertise, spanning organisational culture transformation, change leadership, and talent management, gave professional tips to MBA students by sharing real-world experiences, challenges and strategies for success in the corporate environment.

The session provided a holistic perspective, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in the Financial Services and Commercial Real Estate domains. The talk focused on enhancing Real Estate Industry awareness—the trends, challenges, and opportunities; Understanding the Key Financial Components and their integration with real estate investments; Knowledge of Asset classes and opportunities for investing in Commercial Properties; Practical insights into investment and mortgage banking; Impact of Regulatory and economic factors; Networking and mentorship; and Preparation for Corporate Roles.

The students of Paari School of Business (PSB) had a memorable experience when Mr Siddesh Joglekar joined as a guest lecturer at SRM University-AP. The CRCS team’s dedicated efforts and the unwavering support of Prof. Bharadwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of PSB, made this unique opportunity possible. Students had the privilege of engaging in a personal interaction with the esteemed guest on September 18, 2024.

During the lecture Mr Joglekar shed light on various aspects of professional growth and marketing strategies. He placed significant emphasis on the need to foster a collaborative environment and recognising the contributions of peers.The lecture also delved into the imporatance of networking for career advancement, especially through ones’ Alumni Associations

Mr Joglekar delved into the expansive potential of Direct to Consumer (D2C) marketing, using examples from renowned companies like Twitter, Walmart, Instagram, Zomato, Amazon, Tesla, and Google to illustrate the evolution of brand images. A poignant quote from Mr Joglekar, “Companies are transformed into brands by people who dare to dream,” encapsulated the essence of the discussion, emphasising the role of visionary individuals in shaping successful brands.

Interactive elements were woven into the session, including an activity where students were tasked with creating logos that branded themselves, thus reflecting a unique aspect of their identity. This hands-on approach not only made the learning process engaging but also provided practical insights into branding.

A comparative analysis between traditional retail and D2C highlighted key differences such as distribution channels, pricing strategies, and brand control, offering a deeper understanding of the contemporary marketing landscape. The concepts of Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Life-Time Value (LTV) were also explored, underscoring their importance in building a strong brand identity.

As the session neared its conclusion, Mr Joglekar introduced an innovative activity that involved reverse engineering an advertisement concept, inspired by the 2022 ad campaign featuring Mr Neeraj Chopra for Cred. This exercise prompted students to think creatively and apply the concepts discussed in a practical context.

The session wrapped up with a Q&A segment, where discussions ranged from market profitability to the advantages of D2C marketing, allowing for a comprehensive review of the topics covered. Ms Andrea Benedict extended a vote of thanks on behalf of the student fraternity of PSB, culminating in a group photo session that captured the essence of the enriching experience.

 

Harish BhardwajOn March 20, 2024, MBA students at Paari School of Business had the privilege of attending an enlightening discourse on communication strategies for branding, delivered by the distinguished speaker, Mr Harish Bhardwaj. Throughout the session, Mr Harish emphasised the pivotal role of problem identification in effecting meaningful change.

Mr Harish urged the students to adopt fresh perspectives and delve deep into issues, highlighting the importance of uncovering root causes. He asserted that solutions to complex problems often stem from simplicity. By encouraging students to think critically and analyse situations from different angles, he empowered them to approach branding challenges with innovative and effective strategies.

Furthermore, Mr Harish underscored the necessity of comprehending audience needs, stating, “It is not about what you have, but what they want.” He emphasised the power of active listening and genuine connections. By understanding the desires and preferences of the target audience, businesses can tailor their communication strategies to effectively engage and resonate with their customers.

Engaging the students in stimulating discussions, Mr Harish explored various topics related to branding. He delved into personal branding, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a strong and authentic personal brand that aligns with one’s values and goals. He also discussed the concepts of the ‘moment of truth’ and the ‘zero moment of truth,’ highlighting the significance of making positive impressions during customer interactions and the influence of online research on consumer decision-making.

He challenged the attendees to dissociate physical attributes from personality traits, emphasizing that serving others transcends mere personality. By focusing on providing value and meeting customer needs, businesses can build long-lasting relationships and establish a strong brand presence.

The session culminated in the exploration of the transformative potential of storytelling. He exemplified how stories can catalyse change, foster connections, and leave indelible impressions on audiences. Through captivating narratives, he illustrated the power of storytelling in creating emotional connections and engaging customers on a deeper level.

The discourse left the students at Paari School of Business enlightened and inspired, equipped with valuable insights into effective communication strategies for driving branding change. Mr Harish’s expertise and engaging delivery style ensured an enriching experience that will undoubtedly resonate with attendees for years to come.

Paari School of Business is committed to providing its students with opportunities to learn from industry experts and gain practical knowledge. Such insightful sessions contribute to the holistic development of students and prepare them to excel in their future careers.