Standing tall and unique in its management education delivery to its learners is Sparsh Global Business School. In a short span, this prestigious institute has carved a unique niche in the landscape of management education through incorporating in the curriculum innovative learning methods and immersive and engaging learning experiences.
Keeping to its commitment to imparting excellence, SGBS recently sent a group of talented students to the prestigious Domestic Immersion Programme at the Indian Institute of Management Nagpur (IIM Nagpur). This transformative initiative redefined how management students tackle real-world business challenges in India.
Through this collaboration, SGBS participants enjoyed an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in varied business landscapes across the country, acquiring practical expertise that enriched their academic understanding.
Beyond the Classroom Walls
The committment of SGBS to experiential learning proved especially impactful for its students. By emphasising on immersive, hands-on experiences, SGBS enabled participants to gain unique perspectives and practical knowledge that went beyond traditional academic instruction. Participants were strategically placed in various regions of India, from bustling metropolitan centres to emerging tier-two cities and rural locations. This carefully orchestrated exposure enabled them to witness firsthand the stark contrasts in business operations, consumer behaviour and market dynamics across the nation's varied economic landscapes.
The immersion experience fundamentally changed how students perceive business challenges. They returned with perspectives that cannot be taught through case studies alone.
During the programme span, SGBS participants engaged with local businesses, conducted market research and developed solutions to authentic challenges identified by partner organisations. This hands-on approach proved particularly valuable for students with limited exposure to India's diverse market conditions.
Building Cultural Intelligence
Beyond business acumen, the domestic immersion cultivated what educators call "cultural intelligence"—the ability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. This skill holds tremendous value for aspiring business leaders in a country as heterogeneous as India.
SGBS participants learnt to navigate regional business etiquette, communication styles and negotiation practices that vary dramatically across the country. Business protocols vary significantly across regions, necessitating adaptability and an understanding of local contexts.
The IIM Nagpur programme offered valuable insights in areas like Data Visualisation, Emerging Trends in Finance, Strategic Brand Management, Managing Self, Design Thinking, Technological Trends in Data Analytics, and Entrepreneurship & Incubation.
Industry Visits and Cultural Exposure
Participants gained practical experience through visits to manufacturing units and local businesses. Students were further enriched and given an insight into the culture and history of Nagpur by visits to Nagpur’s iconic landmarks, including the National Academy of Defence Production, Futala Lake, and the Zero Mile Stone.
Entrepreneurship & Incubation
Students explored the basics of startup ecosystems, including business model development, funding strategies, and scaling techniques to drive entrepreneurial success.
Student Engagement Activities
Networking was accomplished by taking part in campus events, including cultural celebrations and collaborative team-building exercises.
A Model for Management Education
The partnership between SGBS and IIM Nagpur sets the stage for diving deep into exploring more of such immersive experiences. This approach has caught the eye of both educational collaborators and competitors, prompting many to consider adopting similar initiatives.
Leadership at Sparsh Global Business School emphasises how students apply classroom concepts in these diverse settings. Students had transformed perspectives on business challenges in emerging markets.
For SGBS, the domestic immersion programme at IIM Nagpur represented not just an educational initiative but a committment to developing business leaders who possess both analytical rigour and contextual wisdom—a combination that promises to shape the future of business leadership in India and beyond.
FAQ’s
- What is the Domestic Immersion Programme at IIM Nagpur, and how does it benefit SGBS students?
The Domestic Immersion Programme at IIM Nagpur is a strategic initiative that allows students from Sparsh Global Business School (SGBS) to gain hands-on experience in diverse business environments across India. Through this programme, students engage in real-world market research, interact with local businesses and develop solutions for industry challenges. The exposure enhances their practical knowledge, cultural intelligence and adaptability—key skills for future business leaders.
