The Third Batch of the Certificate Programme in International Business Management for Defence Officers Begins at IIM Indore

The third batch of the Certificate Programme in International Business Management (CPIBM) for Defence Officers began at IIM Indore on September 12, 2023. Major Gen. Inderjeet Singh, Deputy Commandant, Army War College, Mhow, was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Prof. Saumya Ranjan Dash, Dean – Research; Prof. Kajari Mukherjee, Programme Coordinator; and Col. Gururaj Gopinath Pamidi (Retd), Chief Officer Administration, IIM Indore were also present during the event.

Prof. Saumya Ranjan Dash expressed his delight for having all three forces in one class, considering it a pivotal moment in the officers’ careers as well. He congratulated the attendees on their journey in the academic world. Prof. Dash emphasized the evolving business landscape, especially in the post-COVID era. “It’s not just leadership but resilient leadership that can change and adapt to the situation. We will help you equip yourself with the corporate-world expectations and offer a unique business perspective. You’ll be one of the leading talents going forward”, he said. He highlighted the significance of resource utilization, aligning corporate objectives with stakeholder values, and bridging the gap between defense and academia.

Major Singh conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to IIM Indore for introducing this distinctive programme. Recognizing that venturing into academia from a defense background represents an uncommon leap of faith, he extended his warm congratulations and applause to the entire batch for taking this bold step. He also underscored the programme’s potential to bolster participants’ skills, offering them a unique platform to develop their abilities further. In his address, he encouraged the participants to transcend their existing boundaries and limitations, emphasizing the current positive trajectory of India, particularly following the successful G20 summit. He underlined the manifold challenges and opportunities this momentum brings and said that opportunities are readily available, akin to low-hanging fruit, just waiting to be plucked. He encouraged them to prioritize taking calculated risks and embracing fresh opportunities, emphasizing that their success in the programme would largely depend on their own initiative, hard work, and dedication.

Col. Pamidi emphasized the unique nature of the programme, stating that it not only enables participants to implement their existing knowledge but also provides an opportunity for further learning. “This programme is a mutual learning journey where faculty members would also benefit from the experiences of the participants. Learning at IIM Indore goes beyond classroom walls, and thus, I encourage you to actively seek knowledge outside formal sessions”, he told the batch. He urged them to ask questions and remain curious, as it would open a fountain of information, enriching their understanding.

Prof. Kajari Mukherjee proudly noted that IIM Indore holds a distinguished position among the world’s top 100 business schools, boasting Triple Crown accreditation from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA. This accreditation serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and global standards of excellence in management education. She highlighted the overarching goal of the course, emphasizing its intent to equip defense personnel with essential knowledge and skills in international business management. She expounded on the course structure, saying, “Leveraging a multifaceted approach to learning, the programme combines lectures, case studies, discussions, group activities, field visits, and prescribed reading material to provide a comprehensive and immersive educational experience.”

The curriculum of the programme encompasses a diverse range of subjects, including Business Economics, Financial Accounting and Control, Introduction to Quantitative Methods, Managerial Communications, Operations Management, Organizational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship Orientation, and Innovation, among others.

Batch Profile

Army:

Colonel                  :           06

Lt. Colonel           :           06

Major                   :           21

Airforce:

Wing Commander     :     06

Sqn Leader                  :     05

Navy

Commander          :  03

Captain                  :  01

The induction programme culminated with comprehensive briefings on the array of essential facilities available at IIM Indore, including the library, IT resources, medical services, and sports facilities.