The FIIB Faculty Spotlight series continues to celebrate the dedicated faculty members who shape the learning experiences of our students. This week, we are delighted to introduce Dr. Jaya, a faculty member with a fascinating journey from the field of zoology to finance. Dr. Jaya brings her expertise and passion to the classroom, offering students invaluable knowledge in finance.

Dr. Jaya is renowned for her unwavering commitment to teaching and mentoring students, driven by her deep passion for Finance. With a strong academic background, including a PhD in Behavioral Finance, she brings a wealth of expertise and practical insights to the classroom. Her dedication to integrating real-world applications into her teaching makes her an invaluable asset to the FIIB community.

Here’s what she had to say about her journey and insights on the current financial landscape.

Q: How did you get started in your current field and where did you attend for your Masters before coming to FIIB?

A: Initially, I was a science student, having completed a Zoology honors degree from Delhi University. However, after exploring the limited opportunities in that field, I decided to pursue an MBA. During my MBA, I developed a keen interest in Finance and subsequently secured a placement with Reniger Enterprises Limited. Despite this, my passion for teaching and research remained strong, leading me to pursue a PhD in Behavioral Finance from JP Institute of Information and Technology.

Q: Switching from zoology to finance is quite rare. What challenges did you face during your journey?

A: Yes, switching from a science background to finance wasn’t easy. As a science student, we didn’t have a foundation in accounting or finance, which made the transition a bit challenging. But the analytical skills I developed in science helped me grasp the underlying processes in finance. I was fortunate to have excellent professors during my MBA, which piqued my interest in finance. Over time, I became more comfortable with numbers, and the shift happened naturally.

Q: What motivated you to pursue research in behavioral finance, and how has your academic journey evolved since then?

A: My interest in behavioral finance was driven by my fascination with the psychological aspects of financial decisions. After completing my PhD in 2014, I published several papers in reputed journals and authored a textbook on behavioral finance with Sage. As of September, I will mark 10 years in academia, reflecting on a rewarding journey of teaching, research, and contributions to the field.

Q: What modules do you teach at FIIB, and how do they prepare students for the industry?

A: I teach four core Finance modules: Business Valuation, Portfolio Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Financial Markets. These courses are essential for understanding the intricacies of the financial world. I strive to make my teaching as practical as possible by incorporating real-world case studies, industry examples, and interactive exercises. My goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.

Q: How do the modules you teach align with the current needs of the finance industry?

A: The modules are highly relevant as they cover essential aspects of finance. Corporate Finance forms the basis for many advanced finance topics, while Business Valuation, Portfolio Management, and Mergers and Acquisitions are critical for understanding investment decisions, firm performance, and strategic growth. This alignment ensures that students are well-prepared for industry demands and can apply their knowledge to practical scenarios.

Q: What advice would you give to students who are unsure about their specialization but are interested in finance?

A: The choice largely depends on the individual’s comfort with the field and their career goals. For those unsure, starting with a general PGDM to build foundational knowledge in finance is advisable. If they find themselves comfortable and interested in finance, they can then pursue a specialized PGDM in Finance. Students with a clear background in finance and a defined career direction may opt directly for the specialized course.

Q: What are the basic requirements for developing financial acumen, especially for students transitioning from a non-finance background?

A: The fundamental requirement is a strong understanding of numbers. Basic mathematical skills are crucial, but it’s also important to comprehend the meaning behind the numbers. For those lacking a finance background, foundational knowledge can be developed through online courses or revisiting basic finance principles. The ability to interpret and understand the implications of numerical data is key for a finance professional.

Q: Why would you recommend pursuing an MBA at FIIB?

A: FIIB offers a comprehensive approach that covers areas often neglected by other institutions. It emphasizes learning and development from the start, including psychometric testing, personalized action plans, and continuous development throughout the program. The institution provides targeted mentoring, rigorous mock interviews, and industry-specific projects, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers. This personalized and in-depth approach to education and placement preparation sets FIIB apart from other institutions.

Q: How do you view the integration of AI and machine learning in the education sector, especially in relation to your field?

A: There is definitely a shift from traditional rote learning to a more problem-solving approach, driven by AI interventions. Routine tasks like giving lecture notes and making students do numerical are being replaced with exercises that encourage critical thinking and the applicability of knowledge. AI has freed up time for instructors and students to focus on higher-order thinking and strategic problem-solving, especially in real-life situations in finance.

How do you think the finance industry will evolve over the next 10 years with the advent of AI?

AI is playing a significant role in the stock market and in facilitating higher-order thinking by taking over routine tasks. This shift is enabling people to focus on strategic-level thinking and generate new ideas. AI’s integration is propelling businesses forward, making it easier for entrepreneurs to innovate.

Q: Do you have any plans to upskill yourself in AI?

A: While I am not currently pursuing any AI courses, I am definitely looking forward to attending workshops on AI. My goal is to learn how to integrate AI into my classroom to better equip my students with the necessary skills.

Q: How do you manage work-life balance as a faculty member?

A: Managing work-life balance as a faculty member can be challenging, but FIIB’s supportive environment and policies make it more manageable. The institution understands the importance of flexibility and provides various measures to help faculty members balance their professional and personal responsibilities.

For instance, FIIB offers unplugged weekends and mandatory breaks during winters and summers, allowing faculty to recharge and spend quality time with their families. Effective time management and a clear understanding of priorities are also essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Q: What piece of advice would you give to your younger self and to the younger generation today?

A: If I could advise my younger self, it would be to trust my instincts and pursue my passions. Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace new challenges. For the younger generation, my advice is to stay curious, keep learning, and develop a growth mindset. The world is constantly changing, and it’s important to adapt and evolve.

RAPID FIRE ROUND – 

So! Get ready for a lightning round of questions and get a glimpse into your FIIB favorites in a flash.

Q. What dream or goal are you currently chasing?

A: I am currently chasing my publication goals and working towards specific research targets.

Q. If given a chance, which profession would you choose apart from teaching?

A: I originally pursued a medical career, but teaching has always been my passion, so I can’t imagine being anything but a teacher.

Q. What advice would you give to your younger self?

A: Things will take their due course, so there’s no need to stress about it.

Q. If you could have coffee with anyone, who would it be?

A: I would love to have coffee with Dr. Neelam Gandhi, a professor I admire from Delhi University. She knew how to guide students in the right direction.

Q. What is your favorite spot on campus?

A: The campus entrance, where all the flowers are—it’s a beautiful sight.

Q. What is your favorite FIIB tradition?

A: The monthly birthday parties are my favorite tradition.

Q. If you could attend a lecture from any FIIB faculty member, who would it be and why?

A: Dr. Kokil, because I love the way she projects and expresses her ideas. Her teaching style makes me want to hear more and more.

The post Faculty Spotlight: An Insightful Conversation with Dr Jaya appeared first on FIIB Blog.

A Trainer, Researcher and Academician with over 15 years of experience, she has been consistently involved in training HR professionals, academicians and students to enhance their skills in leveraging technology in the field of HR.  An Inclusion specialist, she is known for contributing in helping organizations foster inclusive cultures by understanding unconscious bias, and build a diverse and inclusive workplace. Her dedication to integrating real-world applications into her teaching makes her an invaluable asset to the FIIB community. 

Q: How did you get started in your current field and where did you attend for your Masters before coming to FIIB?

A: My journey began with a passion for teaching, guiding, and mentoring students, driven by the “Never Stop Learning” philosophy. As an enthusiastic HR Analyst, I was keen to help organizations and individuals leverage HR Metrics for data-driven decision-making. Pursuing a people analytics course at IIM Rohtak equipped me with frameworks, models, and practical exercises that enhance participant learning and strategic HR insights.

I successfully cleared the UGC Net exam in one attempt, securing a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), which further fueled my career aspirations. In addition, through my research journey, I have embraced a role focused on creating positive change and fostering inclusive cultures by addressing unconscious biases prevalent in workplaces. This journey has continuously challenged me to innovate and redefine my impact.

Q: Why didn’t you go for a full-time PhD from a public university?

A: I always wanted to pursue a PhD alongside my job, which led me to explore part-time options. Before joining the EFPM program at FIIB, I was associated with a renowned Central University for my PhD. However, the EFPM program at FIIB offered rigorous research opportunities and extensive learning, which justified my decision to join. My research area focuses on persons with disabilities in organizations, aligning with FIIB’s mission and contributing significantly to companies and government policies.

Q: What modules do you teach, and how do you ensure they are relevant to real-world applications?

A: I teach People Analytics, Digital HR Transformation, and Organizational Behavior. These courses are crucial in today’s data-driven job market. I emphasize data sensibility and the application of business analytics in HR to prepare students for their future careers. The excitement among students about these courses is palpable, as they break the stereotype that HR is purely theoretical.

Q: What is your take on the impact of AI and emerging technologies on the teaching profession?

A: While AI and online resources have undoubtedly revolutionized the accessibility and dissemination of information, they cannot replace the unique and irreplaceable role of teachers in fostering student engagement and achieving meaningful learning outcomes. Teachers bring empathy, mentorship, and the ability to inspire and motivate students, which are aspects that technology cannot replicate. 

The fundamental interaction between faculty and students, characterized by real-time feedback, emotional support, and the nurturing of critical thinking skills, remains essential. While AI can enhance the educational experience, the core value of human educators in shaping and guiding students’ intellectual and personal growth is irreplaceable.

Q. In today’s business landscape, why is responsible management such a crucial area of focus for MBA students, and as the Center Chair for FIIB’s Center for Responsible Management, how do you equip students to become ethical and socially conscious business leaders?

A: In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, responsible management is more crucial than ever. MBA students must understand that their decisions can significantly impact society, the environment, and the economy. Being equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical dilemmas, promote sustainability, and foster inclusive growth is essential for shaping future business leaders who are not only successful but also socially conscious.

At FIIB’s Center for Responsible Management, we aim to contribute to and facilitate organizations in strengthening their practices toward ethical and sustainable development. Our goal is to support organizations in advancing responsible management while becoming socially relevant. We provide an up-to-date compendium of responsible management learning, supporting research and practices in this area.

Our initiatives include the SDG Dashboard in collaboration with the Haub School of Business, which tracks progress on Sustainable Development Goals to ensure alignment with global standards. Annual events like the Responsibility Summit, Purple Bharat Utsav, and Diwali Mela in partnership with the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA) serve as platforms for discussing the latest trends and challenges in responsible management.

Furthermore, our student-led initiatives, such as Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), engage students in rural development projects to foster a sense of social responsibility. Another initiative, FIIB GirlUp, empowers young women to take on leadership roles and advocate for gender equality. In addition, our Social Responsibility Committee encourages students to participate in community service and socially responsible projects. Through these diverse initiatives, we ensure our students are well-equipped to become ethical and socially conscious business leaders.

Q: How do you manage work-life balance as a faculty member and a mother?

A: Managing work-life balance as a faculty member and a mother is undoubtedly challenging, but FIIB’s supportive environment and policies make it more manageable. The institution understands the importance of flexibility and provides various measures to help faculty members balance their professional and personal responsibilities. 

For instance, FIIB offers unplugged weekends and mandatory breaks during winters and summers, allowing faculty to recharge and spend quality time with their families. The supportive culture at FIIB, combined with effective time management and a clear understanding of priorities, enables me to fulfill my roles as an educator and a mother successfully. This balance is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and ensuring that I can give my best in both areas of my life.

Q: What piece of advice would you give to your younger self and to the younger generation today?

A: If I could advise my younger self, it would be to join FIIB earlier. The enriching experiences and opportunities here have been invaluable, and starting sooner would have allowed me to benefit even more. For the younger generation, my advice is to maintain focus and work diligently towards your goals. I often see a lack of focus among young people today, which can be a significant barrier to success. If you stay focused and consistently work hard, you will achieve your goals. Despite the challenges and disheartening moments, perseverance and dedication will lead you to success.

Q: Why would you recommend doing an MBA at FIIB?

A: FIIB is committed to holistic student development, ensuring that students are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the modern business world. The institution offers engaging mentoring programs that provide personalized guidance and support, helping students navigate their academic and professional journeys. 

Additionally, FIIB places a strong emphasis on personality development sessions, which are designed to enhance students’ soft skills, leadership abilities, and overall confidence. The innovative pedagogical approaches adopted by FIIB ensure that learning is interactive, practical, and aligned with real-world business scenarios. Furthermore, the institution’s focus on emerging trends and industry readiness means that students are always at the forefront of the latest developments in the business world. 

RAPID FIRE ROUND – 

So! Get ready for a lightning round of questions and get a glimpse into your FIIB favorites in a flash.

Q: What is your current dream or target?

A: My primary goal is to complete my PhD on time without any extensions. I eagerly await the day I will hold my degree.

Q: What is your ideal way to spend a weekend?

A: My ideal way to spend a weekend is to spend a lot of time with my daughter, go to a family dinner, and watch a movie if there’s a new release. If given a chance, I love visiting my parents.

Q: If not teaching, what profession would you choose?

A: If not teaching, I would pursue social service, particularly running a pet care home for dogs, as I have a deep love for them.

Q: What is the funniest excuse a student has given for missing a class?

A: The most common excuse is claiming to be unwell, only to be seen partying on the same day. Technology sometimes reveals these little secrets!

Q: Your favorite spot on the FIIB campus?

A: My cabin is my favorite spot on campus.

Q: Favorite FIIB tradition?

A: The poojas we perform on every Saraswati Pooja and other occasions are my favorite traditions.

Q: If you were a student at FIIB, which faculty members’ classes would you like to attend and why?

A: I would love to attend Kokil Ma’am’s classes because I really enjoy her teaching style, especially in the EFPM classes. I would also like to attend Purnima Ma’am’s finance classes. Even though I don’t have a background in finance, I believe her delivery method would help me grasp the subject effectively.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

A: I would love to have dinner with Narendra Modi to discuss various topics and gain insights from his experiences.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Faculty Spotlight series!

The post Faculty Spotlight: An Insightful Conversation with Prof Snigdha Malhotra appeared first on FIIB Blog.

This week we meet Dr Sakshi Kathuria, Assistant Professor of Marketing and Head of Marketing Communications at FIIB – a voice that echoes beyond the classrooms at FIIB. With a multidimensional research portfolio and dedication to advancing marketing knowledge, Dr Kathuria has been guiding students through their academic and professional endeavours, empowering them to explore their interests, develop critical skills, and engage in impactful research projects. As a researcher and mentor, she inspires students to reach their full potential, leaving a lasting imprint on their academic and professional journeys.

Q. Where did you attend for your Master’s before coming to FIIB, and what was the focus of your Ph.D. research?

I completed my Master’s Degree in Marketing at Hansraj College, Delhi University. My PhD research focused on the influence of social media in shaping tourist preferences. 

Q. What areas of research do you focus on and why?

My research interests primarily revolve around Consumer Behavior. It extends to diverse areas such as blockchain, emerging technologies, sustainability, and tourism. I am drawn to these interdisciplinary topics because they represent critical areas of innovation and transformation in today’s global landscape. Exploring the implications of blockchain technology, emerging technologies, and sustainability initiatives on consumer behaviour allows me to delve into cutting-edge research that addresses industry challenges and societal needs.

Q. What module do you teach and what do you hope the cohort take away from it?

As a faculty member at FIIB, I teach courses designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills across various aspects of marketing. These include Marketing Management, Advanced Marketing Management, and Consumer Behavior & Insights.

Furthermore, as the program progresses, I focus on enhancing students’ employability through specialized training sessions and domain refresher courses. My overarching goal is to ensure that students gain a holistic understanding of marketing principles, advanced strategies, and consumer behaviour dynamics, equipping them with the necessary tools and insights to succeed in their careers and make informed decisions in today’s competitive business environment.

Q. How do you make your pedagogy unique for better student engagement and outcomes?

I believe in making learning enjoyable and engaging, inspiring students to return with enthusiasm. Learning involves challenging existing beliefs and supporting them with meaningful reasoning. As a knowledge guardian, I use experiential activities and games to enliven the theoretical aspects of our courses, particularly real-life case studies and role scenarios. I always leverage a collaborative approach for better interdisciplinary exposure to students. My students recently had a session on Unpacking Emotions for Effective Management through Improv theatre. The aim is to bring concepts to life, allowing students to explore and develop their knowledge actively and impactfully.

Q. Why would you recommend doing an MBA at FIIB?

I wholeheartedly recommend pursuing an MBA at FIIB for many compelling reasons. Firstly, our institution boasts an industry-ready curriculum meticulously crafted in consultation with industry experts. This ensures our students have the latest knowledge and skills that today’s dynamic business landscape demands.

Moreover, FIIB provides a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can academically and personally thrive. Our emphasis on personalized mentorship and holistic growth ensures that every student receives individualized attention and support throughout their academic journey.

Additionally, FIIB offers abundant opportunities for networking, collaboration, and experiential learning, allowing students to gain practical insights and real-world exposure. Our dedicated faculty members are passionate professionals deeply invested in our student’s success, providing unwavering mentorship and guidance at every turn. Pursuing an MBA at FIIB promises a transformative academic experience, a supportive community, and unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities.

Q. What should we expect from the future of business and work?

In the future of business and work, we can anticipate a continued evolution driven by technological advancements, globalization, and shifting societal values. This will likely bring about new challenges and opportunities, including the need for agile and adaptable business models, a focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and an emphasis on digital literacy and innovation. Individuals and organizations must embrace change, cultivate resilience, and continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement.

Q. If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

If given the opportunity, I would have dinner with Elon Musk. As an icon of modern innovation, Elon Musk’s technological breakthroughs, particularly in electric vehicles and space exploration, have revolutionized industries. His visionary ideas about the future and commitment to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges through technological advancement intrigue me. 

RAPID FIRE ROUND – 

So! Get ready for a lightning round of questions and get a glimpse into your FIIB favorites in a flash.

Q. Your favourite spot on campus?

The FIIB porch, with its iconic “I LOVE FIIB” selfie point, is definitely my favorite spot on campus. It’s not just a place for capturing memories but also a symbol of the vibrant spirit and sense of community at FIIB.

Q. Favourite FIIB tradition you wait for?

Gong Ceremony! The ceremony goes beyond merely a celebration; it stands as a powerful symbol of recognition and accomplishment at FIIB, resonating with FIIB’s academic culture.

Q. Your favourite dish at the FIIB Cafeteria?

I usually like to munch on poha and chai during my breaks.

Q. What class would you dream to attend at FIIB?

If given the chance, Dr. Kokil Jain’s lecture on brand communications would be a must-attend for me.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Faculty Spotlight series!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr Sakshi Kathuria appeared first on FIIB Blog.

It is therefore important to discern how celebrities’ engagement in activist actions affects their brand value – a crucial driver of their power and reputation as celebrities,  and combines different beliefs and perceptions about them. The study integrates the concept of brand activism with celebrity branding and aims to explore the outcomes of online celebrity activism for the celebrity’s brand. The study focuses on online celebrity activism because social media serves as a powerful bridge between celebrities and the masses (Liu et al., 2020). It is expected that the growth of social networking sites fuels the rise of celebrity activism.  

The findings support that perception of authenticity and hypocrisy affect attitude towards the celebrity and celebrity brand self-connection, which influences brand loyalty, identification, and intention to purchase the brands endorsed by the celebrity. A negative attitude towards celebrity activism negatively moderates the effect of celebrity brand self-connection on celebrity brand identification. 

Practically, the study offers crucial insights for PR and celebrity brand managers. It reasonably establishes an exciting and pertinent context of the role of digital platforms in mobilizing socio-political opinions induced and activated through celebrities. These platforms support a new league of opinionated celebrities actively vocal on a broad spectrum of social and political issues. This natural progression of a celebrity’s role from a spectator to an activist will significantly impact consumers’ attitudes towards the celebrity and the brands they endorse. Consumers today want brands to be empathic and humane, and perhaps using activist celebrities as endorsers can help brands signal a more compassionate side of themselves. Thus, this study will provide a starting point to investigate such celebrities as endorsers and the following outcomes.  

Despite the vast online following, brands must acknowledge that celebrities rendering support and voice to issues where they lack knowledge and expertise will fail to translate into sentiment shifts and can be detrimental to the celebrity and the endorsed brand. American pop star Rihanna’s single tweet on the farmer’s protest in India led to a powerful online storm. Many asked her to mind her own business despite having a successful history of supporting humanitarian causes.  The study ascertains the role of past celebrity brand authenticity perceptions, which is an outcome of strong celebrity character and past acts of charity and activism.  Celebrity brands with this dimension will gather support, mainly when their motives are genuine, innocuous, and trustworthy. This support and connected positive consequences will be missing if the celebrity’s stand is considered unjust or biased or perceived as an ulterior motive. This will further diminish their endorsement power.  

The study also importantly builds on the consequence of an individual’s negative  attitude towards the act of celebrity activism. It is pertinent to note that not everyone will assess the act as positive. Therefore, no matter how genuine the concern is, a  negative attitude will inhibit the possible favorable outcomes for the celebrity brand.  Also, it is essential to understand the limitations of a celebrity’s impact as an activist.  Using celebrities as activists can make the cause salient, but the celebrity might lack the required strength to propagate the cause further. 

The post Voice of the Stars – Exploring the Outcomes of Online Celebrity Activism appeared first on FIIB Blog.

However, despite the massive penetration of online commerce, the “touch and feel” factor remains one of the biggest challenges for online retailers, particularly in developing countries such as India. To overcome the challenges posed by the “touch and feel” factor, online retailers have deployed various initiatives including return policies (Pei et al., 2014), virtual try-on (VTO) technology, and in the specific context of a developing context such as India, the POD mode of payment. 

Through this study, a model is proposed and validated to understand the impact of Virtual-try-on technology, return policies, and pay-on-delivery (POD) mode of payment in stimulating online purchases. The study provides significant implications for online retailers because the return policy and POD mode of payment emerged as a significant predictor of trust, and thus its key impact in generating trust and repurchase intention. On websites, these policies must be elaborated to ensure that online shoppers can overcome the apprehensions related to online shopping due to the “touch and feel” factor. Liberal return policies not only increase sales but also increase trust in the online retailer. The emergence of POD as a significant predictor indicates that people remain apprehensive about online payments. Therefore, POD must be extended to the entire country through active support from third-party logistics providers. This will assist retailers in the hassle-free and quick delivery of products.

Please follow the link to read the full paper.

The post To Buy or Not to Buy – Challenges with Online Shopping and Simple Solutions appeared first on FIIB Blog.

Strategic Risk Management in Insurance

Strategies are the backbone of organizational success, providing a roadmap for sustainable competitive advantage. Strategic risk management becomes paramount in the insurance sector, especially life insurance, where policies span decades. This paper sheds light on the intricate relationship between strategy and risk management, emphasizing the need for a long-term perspective.

Once a pioneer in Bancassurance, the company’s failure to adapt its distribution strategy led to a decline in performance. Ignoring the market shift, the company, which played a crucial role in establishing Bancassurance, now finds itself at the bottom in new business premium income. The company had collaborated with banks to distribute its products under the Bancassurance model, which was initially successful. However, the company became too reliant on this distribution channel in the long run, which ultimately backfired. In Bancassurance, life insurance companies partner with banks to sell their products and pay them commissions for the sales they generate. 

Strategic risk management is critical in steering the life insurance sector by serving as a call to action, urging organizations to assess their long-term risks, adapt strategies, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. Are you curious to explore the entire narrative? Read the complete research paper.

The post The Crucial Role of Strategic Risk Management in the Life Insurance Sector appeared first on FIIB Blog.

Apple has enlisted the help of a large number of consumers and developers all around the world to help it expand by developing apps and podcasts that complement its products. In a similar vein, University of Washington biologists utilized crowdsourcing to map the anatomy of an AIDS-related virus that had baffled academics and industry specialists for more than 15 years. Despite an increasing list of success stories, only a few organizations effectively—or at all—use crowds (Boudreau & Lakhani, 2013). 

Crowdsourcing can take numerous aspects in today’s digital age, depending on a company’s goals (Ruiz et al., 2020). However, in order to successfully crowdsource a project, a firm must first divide it into micro-tasks. The participants are then brought together in one area via a crowdsourcing platform or an online “task market” (Ahler et al., 2021). Workers on these consumer-facing platforms offer their time, effort, and experience to solve a problem or develop something altogether new, similar to how bees in an active hive perform their allocated jobs to reach a common objective (Afuah & Tucci, 2012). 

There’s a reason why big businesses use crowdsourcing. For one thing, crowds aren’t afraid to give criticism because they are usually the ones who benefit from the product or service in question. As a result, firms anticipate helpful comments that will actually assist in the improvement of the brand. Firms expect significantly more creative range from “the crowd” than you would from a hand-picked consultant when they offer suggestions. In a nutshell, crowdsourcing is a fantastic creativity driver.

As every coin has two faces; the buzzword crowdsourcing is no exception. Crowdsourcing feedback, new product ideas and innovation in online communities have some pitfalls too. First, there isn’t much place for confidentiality in crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing tasks, like almost everything else on the internet, are available to almost everyone. Companies with very sensitive information tied to the problem they’re seeking to solve should be concerned about this (Dubey et al., 2017). Second, ideation crowdsourcing involves plagiarism of others’ content by crowd-workers. For example, if a company is looking for help designing a new logo, a challenge participant may suggest a logo that already belongs to another company without realizing it (Dixon & George, 2021). Third, if not properly managed, the disadvantage of intellectual property rights has the potential to be disastrous. Intellectual property rights usually belong to the person who came up with the idea. That implies businesses must ensure that the winning idea’s intellectual property rights are transferred to them after the challenge is completed (de Beer et al., 2017). Lastly, the probability of failure of crowdsourcing projects is the biggest concern in the organization because it involves a lot of time, effort, and financial resources for the organization (Khanfor et al., 2017). 

References

• Afuah, A., & Tucci, C. L. (2012). Crowdsourcing as a solution to distant search. Academy of Management Review, 37(3), 355–375. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2010.0146
• Ahler, D. J., Roush, C. E., & Sood, G. (2021). The micro-task market for lemons: data quality on Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Political Science Research and Methods, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1017/psrm.2021.57
• Boudreau, K. J., & Lakhani, K. R. (2013). Using the crowd as an innovation partner. Harvard Business Review, 91(4), 60–69, 140. https://hbr.org/2013/04/using-the-crowd-as-an-innovation-partner
• Crowdsourcing solutions to Europe’s growth gap. (n.d.). Mckinsey.Com. Retrieved April 5, 2022, from https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/new-at-mckinsey-blog/crowdsourcing-solutions-to-europes-growth-gap
• de Beer, J., McCarthy, I. P., Soliman, A., & Treen, E. (2017). Click here to agree: Managing intellectual property when crowdsourcing solutions. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2947096
• Dixon, Z., & George, K. (2021). Monitoring uncharted communities of crowdsourced plagiarism. Journal of Academic Ethics, 19(2), 291–301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-020-09381-2
• Dubey, A., Abhinav, K., & Virdi, G. (2017). A framework to preserve confidentiality in crowdsourced software development. 2017 IEEE/ACM 39th International Conference on Software Engineering Companion (ICSE-C).
• Estellés-Arolas, E., & González-Ladrón-de-Guevara, F. (2012). Towards an integrated crowdsourcing definition. Journal of Information Science, 38(2), 189–200. https://doi.org/10.1177/0165551512437638
• Khanfor, A., Yang, Y., Vesonder, G., Ruhe, G., & Messinger, D. (2017). Failure prediction in crowdsourced software development. 2017 24th Asia-Pacific Software Engineering Conference (APSEC).
• Lee, H., & Suh, Y. (2016). Who creates value in a user innovation community? A case study of MyStarbucksIdea.com. Online Information Review, 40(2), 170–186. https://doi.org/10.1108/oir-04-2015-0132
• Ruiz, É., Brion, S., & Parmentier, G. (2020). Absorbing knowledge in the digital age: the key role of integration mechanisms in the context of crowdsourcing for innovation. R and D Management, 50(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12349

Vincenzo, D., Mascia, F., Björk, D., & Magnusson, J. (2020). Attention to ideas! Exploring idea survival in internal crowdsourcing. European Journal of Innovation Management.

The post Wisdom of the Crowd’: Fostering Customer Ideation in Crowdsourcing Communities appeared first on FIIB Blog.

We at FIIB have the privilege of having a wealth of such ‘right people’- our talented faculty members, dedicated to nurturing our students, preparing them for success, and discovering new knowledge and ideas to improve the world through their impactful research. 

Let’s take a look at the brief synopsis of research conducted by some of our prestigious faculty members, which will advance society, strengthen the economy, drive innovation, and address some of the most vexing and challenging problems our world faces.

Prof Snigdha Malhotra, Assistant Professor of OB & HR, FIIB

Prof Snigdha Malhotra’s research paper on “Building resilience for the sustainability of MSMEs post-COVID-19 outbreak: An Indian handicraft industry outlook” aimed at evaluating the challenges and providing implications for the handicraft industry. The objective of the research was to understand how to enhance the resilience of MSME’s supply chain operations during uncertain pandemic disruptions while maintaining the viability and sustainability of operations post-COVID-19. Moreover, the study involved assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs and the critical challenges instrumental in bringing resilience to MSMEs. As a result of the study, the prominent challenges for MSMEs & the Indian handicraft industry were competition from machine-made products, insufficient government support and export incentives, and ineffective management concerns and response to internationalization.

Dr. Kokil Jain, Professor of Marketing, FIIB

Dr. Kokil Jain’s research paper on “Voice of the stars – exploring the outcomes of online celebrity activism” aimed at discerning how celebrities’ engagement in activist actions affects their brand value. The study integrates the concept of brand activism with celebrity branding and aims to explore the outcomes of online celebrity activism for the celebrity’s brand. Practically, the study offers crucial insights for PR and celebrity brand managers. It reasonably establishes an exciting and pertinent context of the role of digital platforms in mobilizing socio-political opinions induced and activated through celebrities. The findings of the study supported that perception of authenticity and hypocrisy affect attitude towards the celebrity and celebrity brand self-connection, which influences brand loyalty, identification, and intention to purchase the brands endorsed by the celebrity. The study also importantly builds on the consequence of an individual’s negative attitude toward the act of celebrity activism. 

Prof Rahul Kumar, Assistant Professor of Finance, FIIB

Prof Rahul Kumar’s research paper on “Russia-Ukraine War and the global tourism sector: A 13-day tale” aimed at finding out how the global tourism firms and stock markets have reacted to the Russia-Ukraine war. Study findings showed that global tourism firms’ stock returns were negatively affected on the event day, then significantly positive, and then negatively affected afterward. In addition, the firms listed in the Americas have been insignificant post-event, although the cumulative effect of the war is still evident. As a result of these findings of the study, policymakers and investors will have more power to take strategic action against the effects of war.

The post Revealing Faculty Research Impact: Changing Lives appeared first on FIIB Blog.

Through our pedagogy and curriculum, FIIB ensures students are well-equipped for reasoning and aptitude. These are the essential areas that every student must be armed with in order to land their dream job. As part of our curriculum, students are challenged to deal with a variety of situations they will encounter during their time at their respective companies, as well as during the interview process. We prepare our students for their dreams’ challenges by constantly engaging teachers with new problems. 

And it’s not just the curriculum that our teachers set. There are numerous conferences and events taking place at the FIIB campus that add value both in terms of learning and fun for students and faculty alike. These activities aim to develop students’ professional and personal qualities simultaneously. Business and management-related challenges, hackathons, seminars, conclaves, and conferences are among the events that instill professional skills and etiquettes in them, while cultural, social, entertainment and festive events help them establish a sense of belonging and social solidarity among themselves. Here’s a glimpse into how our faculty members implement the #neverstoplearning philosophy in their teaching methods and what IMPACT this has on our students.

Dr. Sakshi Khanna

As their educator and mentor, Dr. Sakshi strives to give every student a stimulating educational environment where they can grow emotionally, mentally, and physically. Her teaching methodology engages students and activates their learning through a variety of initiatives such as collaborative projects, themes, and individual work. She has always preferred a student-centric approach. Her sessions are tailored as per students’ learning ability so that they can effectively achieve the objectives set for the course. Students need guidance to reach their maximum potential and attain their goals. To foster such an environment, Dr. Sakshi provides students with knowledge of the subject supported by guidance and counseling at the right time. A passionate teacher who wants the best for her students, she invests her energy into giving them comprehensive career and course advice. This empowers them to understand the opportunities available to them on completion of the PGDM Program and make informed choices.

Impact on students

As part of her teaching practice, she has adopted the philosophy of “Guided Practice” – the I do, We do, You do the method, that was pioneered by Barbara Rogoff, an American academic who is a UCSC Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California. She uses the innovative concept of dialogue teaching, which was developed as an educational approach to train students in cognitive strategies that improve their chances of landing good jobs. The enhanced student performance in academic evaluations and successful corporate placements are the rewards for her teaching initiatives.

Dr. Bhajneet Kaur

Dr. Bhajneet teaches PGDM students a Business Problem-Solving course in which they analyze start-ups and small enterprises and identify their problems. According to her, it is essential that they understand the challenges these organizations face and then provide solutions and convert them into cases. Using various examples and cases, Dr. Bhajneet brainstorms ideas, and gives the students case-based quiz assessments in the context of “Experiential Learning” & “Innovative Teaching Methods”. According to her, the case-based approach can help students relate theory and concepts to real-life situations.

Impact on students

Through root cause analysis, students can identify business problems. As they move through the different phases of problem identification to the solution, they often face multiple challenges in identifying and defining the issues. Still, with proper guidance from Dr. Bhajneet, they are able to overcome them. 

Prof Shuchi Dikshit

Prof Shuchi has the vision to instill in her students a passion for becoming collaborators in the exploration of theory, research, and practice in their chosen fields. She works with the intention of bringing accuracy in conferring information, defining requirements, and asserting academic objectives. She aspires to make them witness and experience new thoughts and learnings, to inculcate ardor to think and perceive at a higher level.

Prof Shuchi has integrated three key elements in her teaching delivery mechanism which include: 

• active and collaborative learning
• practice and feedback
• experiential learning experiences

The workshop mode supports the learning outcomes that are targeted to be achieved and is backed by assignments of self-reflection. Experiential activities and games are used as a tool to make the theoretical aspect of the courses come to life and impact the learning of the student. Additionally, case analysis, role plays, scenario discussions, management games, and exercises help in maximizing learning.

Impact on students

It is of paramount importance that students are aware of academic objectives for their learning. Students are expected to make impactful learning journeys and understand what they can achieve through education. The focus remains to nurture students and inspire them to contribute to society for a sustainable future. Strength in domain knowledge, application of theories to solve real-world problems, and the zeal to keep learning is the expected outcome.

In a nutshell, the FIIB’s didactics, curriculum, rigorous experiential training, career-empowering community, and our esteemed faculty offer a comprehensive individual-centered, career-oriented education that impacts our students in such a way that they acquire the skills, attitude, problem-solving abilities, and management skills they will need to succeed in the society and a global workplace.

Curious about who teaches at FIIB? Visit https://www.fiib.edu.in/faculty

The post Crafting Lifelong Learners with Innovative Teaching appeared first on FIIB Blog.

As a counselor, why do you feel it is essential for people to openly start talking about their problems?

Prof Shuchi Dixit: Let’s take a logical perspective. In any given situation if we encounter a problem we try to find a solution that could resolve it. We try to devise different options and choose the most optimal solution. It is a very normal practice to refer to experts or different stakeholders for their feedback to choose the ‘right option’. We have a well-established procedure for problem-solving. I believe this model usually works. But in matters of any emotional or mental hurdle we encounter, the steps of the process are not followed. 

The reason for this could be understood in the following two ways: 

Firstly, many of us have grown with the impression that talking about how we feel about something, expressing our emotions or so is not right. It should not be done and should be avoided. Secondly, we feel talking about our problems is not right. We should always talk about things that make others smile or happy else no one would like us.

In both situations, we end up trying to either question our feelings being “right” or look at the situation in the same way without being able to make sense most of the time. It is important to understand that not every stressor or emotional dilemma we face requires medicines. Even when medicines like antidepressants are prescribed, Talk Therapy has to accompany that. Mental health is as serious an ailment as any other physical ailment we know of. 

What would you consider to be the leading causes of mental health issues today?

Prof Shuchi Dixit: Multiple reasons could lead to mental health issues. There are different risk factors and triggers like genetics, environment, childhood trauma, stressful events, unhealthy habits, and alcohol or drug abuse. These factors could be active for anyone and may become a cause. The prevalence of depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders are found to be most contributing to India’s rising mental disorders cases.

What is the importance of mental health for students and how do you suggest they should deal with it?

Prof Shuchi Dixit: At every stage of our life, we face some other challenges and usually it happens that we encounter a particular situation for the first time. Let’s simplify this with a few instances. Asking for help is like asking your mother, teacher, or friend to help you with your homework. As we grow, we ask for help for all sorts of things we are new at – cooking, cleaning, choosing a career, passing a competitive exam, selecting a college, switching jobs, and choosing a prospect for marriage. Asking for help is expected. But when it comes to handling our emotions or being overwhelmed by them we are teaching ourselves that we don’t need help. Eventually, we may not. But denying the right to seek help for ourselves to learn is not the right approach. And like we say there is no age to learn, so seeking help is legitimate at any age. The goal of every therapy is set in the beginning and the therapist is the helper who wants the client to acquire the skills that will be used to handle situations that he/she finds challenging.

Student life is like any other phase of life – you are full of energy, eager, easy to be influenced and suddenly standing at the door of a new and unknown life. Isn’t it obvious with all the above mentioned, a student would easily face self-doubt, anxiety, worry, and fear of failure? He/she is yet to learn. The top priority for us as educators is to provide that emotional support along with knowledge. Providing training on ‘coping skills’ is as equal as any other.

How does FIIB support the mental health of its students, faculty, and staff?

At FIIB we have always realized the importance of the holistic growth of a student. We aim to prepare students for a career and not just the first job. Some of the initiatives that are a part of the curriculum are Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth Lab. Outside the curriculum, regular sessions are conducted on mental health awareness and ways of dealing with stress like mindfulness. FIIB also has a unique Student Mentorship Program, which groups a handful of students with faculty mentors. They meet weekly to discuss not just academic progress but support or hurdles that need to be addressed.

FIIB also offers counseling services – Aarohan headed by me, for all students, staff, and faculty. As a psychological counselor, students are free to approach me at any time. They could also leave an email to take time as per convenience. The rule of anonymity and confidentiality is followed for all.

The post Understanding “Mental Health” appeared first on FIIB Blog.