Guest Lecture

 Guest lecturers offer students the opportunity to meet passionate, committed and critical people and to learn from them in various ways. Guest lecturers can act as role models and bring an authentic, vivid picture of the real world to students, thereby enabling transdisciplinary learning. Experiences and perspectives from local actors and entrepreneurs inspire students in their own (entrepreneurial) projects, creating motivation and an action-orientation.

Strategic Thinking in Turbulent Times: Adapting and Thriving by Mr Gowtham Loganathan Sky-High Academy – Co- Founder, Syndicate Space, Chairman, Nilgiris Biosphere National Park, Nan Sei Foundation

on December 4, 2024.

 The key highlights of the lecture included, embracing change in uncertain environments, strategic frameworks for turbulent times – the speaker emphasized the value of “adaptive leadership,” where decision-making balances short-term responses with long-term vision. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A round, where students and faculty discussed challenges and opportunities in strategy planning and implementation. The guest lecture was organized by Dr. Hema Priya M

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Best Practices in Resource Management by Mr. Saravanan S, Project Manager – Ramco Industrial and Technology Services Ltd, Chennai

on December 9, 2024.

The Department of MBA – Project Management organized an online guest lecture on “Best Practices in Resource Management” for 56 students (Batch 2024 – 26) on December 9, 2024. The lecture aimed to provide practical insights into effective resource management strategies crucial for project success.

Mr. Saravanan S, Project Manager at Ramco Industrial and Technology Services Limited, Chennai, was the resource person for the guest lecture The online guest lecture provided the students with valuable insights into the principles and practices of effective resource management. Students gained a deeper understanding of resource allocation, optimization, and the use of collaborative tools to address real-world challenges. The session bridged academic concepts with industry relevance, featuring practical strategies and case studies shared by the speaker, Mr. Saravanan S. Emphasizing team building, motivation, and conflict resolution, the lecture also enhanced students’ problem-solving skills and confidence in applying resource management techniques. The session was coordinated by student coordinators Vaishnavi T (24MPM028), Kamatchi Dharshini V (24MPM010) & Priyadharshini K U(24MPM018) and faculty coordinator Mr. Buggavarapu VSS Subba Rao, Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator- MBA-PM

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Vision to Victory Strategic Implementation in Action by Mr. Saravanan S, Project Manager – Ramco Industrial and Technology Services Ltd, Chennai

on December 13, 2024.

The Department of MBA – Project Management organized an engaging and informative online guest lecture on Vision to Victory – Strategic Implementation in Action” for 26 second-year students of the MBA – Project Management program (Batch2023-25). The lecture was designed to offer practical insights into the effective implementation of strategies that are vital for the success of any project. The guest lecture on “Vision to Victory – Strategic Implementation in Action” significantly enriched students’ understanding of strategic implementation by providing practical insights into tools, techniques, and leadership practices essential for project success. It enhanced their knowledge of resource optimization, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive planning, while inspiring them to approach projects with a structured and action-oriented mindset. Mr. Saravanan provided real-world examples of challenges faced during project execution. He demonstrated how adaptive planning and resource optimization could address these challenges effectively.  The interactive Q&A session clarified doubts and provided tailored advice, fostering active learning. By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry practices, the session equipped students with real-world skills, offered networking opportunities, and received positive feedback, reflecting its success in preparing students for future professional challenges. The session was coordinated by student coordinators Harshith S, Tharani & Dishwant and faculty coordinator Mr. Buggavarapu VSS Subba Rao, Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator- MBA-PM

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Optimizing Resources for Effective Project Delivery Insights from Industry Experts by Mr. G. Lakshmi Sekhar, Regional Director- Infocareer Pvt Ltd, Chennai

on December 19, 2024.

The Department of MBA – Project Management organized an online guest lecture titled “Optimizing Resources for Effective Project Delivery: Insights from Industry Experts” for 24 second-year students of the MBA – Project Management program (Batch 2023-25). The session aimed to provide valuable strategies on optimizing resources, a critical component for achieving project success. Mr. G. Lakshmi Sekhar commenced his lecture by emphasizing the importance of resource optimization in today’s competitive project environments. Students gained valuable insights into practical strategies for planning, allocating, and optimizing resources effectively. The examples and techniques shared by Mr. G. Lakshmi Sekhar bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This guest lecture was a significant step towards bridging academic learning with industry practices. It provided students with a practical perspective on resource management, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their future roles as project managers. The session was coordinated by student coordinators Harshith S, & Dishwant and faculty coordinator Mr. Buggavarapu VSS Subba Rao, Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator- MBA-PM.

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Corporate Expectations in VUCA World by Mr. S. Gowtham, Analyst, Category Specialization, BEROE Inc.

on December 21, 2024.

A guest lecture on Corporate expectations in VUCA world was organized for 200 I MBA students of Batch 2024-26 on December 21, 2024. The guest lecture facilitated by Mr. S Gowtham, Analyst-Beroae Inc helped the student gain a profound understanding of a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world, corporate expectations emphasize adaptability, resilience, and innovation. Companies require leaders and employees to embrace change, think strategically, and make swift decisions amidst uncertainty. Agility becomes crucial, with an emphasis on continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging technology to stay competitive. Organizations expect employees to demonstrate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to manage ambiguity effectively. Communication, transparency, and trust-building are key to navigating complexity. Businesses must prioritize sustainability and social responsibility while fostering a culture of innovation to thrive in unpredictable environments. Success lies in balancing short-term goals with long-term resilience. The speaker elucidated all the above relevant details, giving the students a practical outlook on the VUCA world. The guest lecture was coordinated by Dr. Thamaraiselvi P, Associate Professor.

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Key Takeaways for Aspiring Project Managers by Mrs. Abinaya Rajendran- Agile Master, Process Coach & Compliance Expert, Bosch Limited. on December 23, 2024.

The guest lecture on Key Takeaways for Aspiring Project Managers for 20 IMBA students of Project Management (Batch 2024-26) provided valuable insights and practical advice from an experienced industry professional. Mrs. Abinaya Rajendran, a seasoned Agile Master, Process Coach, and Compliance Expert at Bosch, shared her expertise on key aspects of successful project management in today’s dynamic environment. She reiterated the importance of Adaptability and Agility, to embrace agile methodologies and adapt to changing requirements and unforeseen challenges. Mrs. Rajendran emphasized the importance of flexibility, iterative planning, and continuous improvement in achieving project success. She elucidated that successful project management hinges on strong communication and collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and clients.

Mrs. Rajendran highlighted the crucial role of active listening, clear and concise communication, and building strong relationships to ensure project alignment and stakeholder satisfaction. Project managers must shift their focus from simply delivering projects on time and within budget to delivering value to the organization and its customers. Mrs. Rajendran emphasized the importance of understanding customer needs, Leadership and Team Building and Ethical Considerations in Project Management. The guest lecture provided valuable insights and practical guidance for aspiring project managers. The insights and advice shared by the speaker will undoubtedly benefit participants in their future careers and contribute to their success in the field of project management. The session was coordinated by student coordinators Vaishnavi T (24MPM028) & Kamatchi Dharshini V (24MPM010) and faculty coordinator Mr. Buggavarapu VSS Subba Rao, Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator- MBA-PM