SPJIMR, Mumbai

Historic milestone for Indian management education! Dean Varun Nagaraj has been elected to the AACSB Board of Directors. This is a landmark moment: SPJIMR is the first Indian business school to be represented on the board in AACSB’s 110-year history. While individuals of Indian heritage have served previously, they have always represented institutions outside of India. Starting July 1, 2026, Prof. Nagaraj will serve a three-year term representing the Asia Pacific region, joining a select group of Deans from member schools worldwide. Please join us in celebrating this global recognition of SPJIMR’s leadership and our mission to elevate the impact of business schools globally Read the full press release here: bit.ly/4c4F0TX #IamSPJIMR #ThoughtLeadership #GlobalImpact #ManagementEducation

Can machines become wise? Join Centre for Wisdom in Leadership (CWIL) - SPJIMR for an afternoon of deep-dive sessions with Dr. Igor Grossmann from the University of Waterloo. As artificial intelligence grows more powerful, we explore a critical frontier: moving beyond mere intelligence toward AI metacognition. In this interdisciplinary exploration, Dr. Grossmann, a leading expert in wisdom science, AI metacognition, and cultural psychology, will discuss how human capacities like intellectual humility, perspective-taking, and context sensitivity can be translated into AI systems to help navigate radical uncertainty and complex real-world problems. Session lineup Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 1:15 pm to 6:00 pm | SPJIMR Campus, Mumbai ☑️1:15 pm – 2:15 pm: Faculty Excellence Forum | Theme: Imagining and building wise machines: the centrality of AI metacognition ☑️2:25 pm – 3:10 pm: Round table discussion | Theme: At the intersection of wisdom, decision-making in complex situations, culture, and AI ☑️3:25 pm – 5:55 pm: Ph.D. scholars’ session | Themes: AI and the transformation of social science research; Understanding and predicting cultural change; and Igor’s research journey Open to: Researchers, scholars, and practitioners For more information and to RSVP, email cwil@spjimr.org. #IamSPJIR #WisdomResearch #WiseLeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #Research

Rethinking education starts with rethinking teacher well-being At a recent state-level conference in Pune on ‘Teachers’ Mental Health and School Education’, Prof. Amit Jain highlighted a critical but often overlooked dimension of teaching: emotional labour. While discussions on education often focus on infrastructure, curriculum, and student outcomes, the mental well-being of teachers remains under-examined, despite its direct impact on classroom processes. He noted: “The emotional labour involved in teaching is significant, yet frequently overlooked. It shapes not just teacher well-being, but also the quality of engagement and learning in the classroom.” The conversation also pointed to a deeper systemic issue: 1) Schools that do not enable psychological safety for teachers cannot effectively nurture critical thinking in students 2) Teacher mental health is not a peripheral concern, it sits at the core of: student engagement, learning quality, and classroom culture The takeaway is clear: supporting teachers is foundational to strengthening education systems. At SPJIMR, such engagements reflect a broader commitment to advancing research-led, practice-oriented dialogue on critical societal challenges, thereby bringing academic insight to areas like educator well-being that shape long-term institutional and social outcomes. Read more: bit.ly/4rQ9LRu #IamSPJIMR #ThoughtLeadership #TeacherWellbeing #EducationLeadership #MentalHealthInEducation

ACR Conference comes to Mumbai for the first time! In January 2027, the global consumer research community will gather in Mumbai as the Association for Consumer Research’s (ACR) Asia-Pacific ACR Conference 2027 comes to the S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) campus. Held under the theme 'Consumer Research for Societal Impact', the conference will bring together leading scholars, practitioners and policymakers to explore how consumer insights can address pressing challenges — from sustainability and health to digital transformation and financial well-being. For the first time in Mumbai, this landmark gathering places India’s financial capital at the centre of the global consumer research conversation. Hosted at SPJIMR, one of India’s leading business schools, the AP–ACR Conference 2027 will create a vibrant platform where ideas, evidence and perspectives from across the world converge, fostering collaboration across academia, industry and policy to advance research that benefits society. From January 7–10, 2027, Mumbai will become the meeting point for scholars and practitioners shaping the future of consumer research. Opportunities to participate include: ☑️Competitive papers for authors of scholarly research ☑️Collaborative Research Initiative (CRI) supporting doctoral researchers in developing publishable work ☑️Subsistence marketplace immersion, a pre-conference experience exploring bottom-up insights from local communities Call for papers opens: March 18, 2026. Know more: apacrmumbai2027.spjimr.org/call-for-paper… #IamSPJIMR #APACR2027 #ConsumerResearch #CallForPapers #MarketingResearch

Stories change the way the world listens In the social sector, data and reports alone rarely move people to act. What makes issues real—and urgent—are stories that connect human experiences with purpose. Prof. Sajit M Mathews explores how storytelling can amplify social impact by turning statistics into narratives that build empathy, trust, and action. By placing real people and lived experiences at the centre, development professionals can make complex challenges relatable and inspire meaningful engagement from communities, donors, and policymakers. At SPJIMR, this approach is embedded in the Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM), where communication and storytelling are treated as essential skills for driving lasting social change. Read the full blog: bit.ly/3PmITL4 #IamSPJIMR #SocialImpact #Storytelling #DevelopmentSector

Advancing women’s economic agency At the International Women’s Day 2026 event hosted by State Bank of India at its Corporate Centre, Tulsi Jayakumar, Professor of Economics and Policy at SPJIMR, addressed women professionals from across the bank’s workforce. Currently, 27–28% of SBI’s employees are women, with a goal, as articulated by Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, to increase representation to 30% by 2030. In her keynote, Prof. Jayakumar spoke about the “unaccounted multiplier” women represent in the economy. She highlighted the importance of economic agency, the shift from mentorship to active sponsorship, and the need to challenge structural barriers such as the sticky floor, not just the more visible glass ceiling. She also emphasised the importance of collective leadership, encouraging women to “lean back” and pull others up, strengthening leadership pipelines across organisations. Reflecting on the discussion, Prof. Jayakumar noted: “Women remain one of the most undercounted multipliers in our economic system. Expanding women’s economic agency through sponsorship, opportunity and leadership visibility is not just about equity; it is a strategic imperative for organisations and economies.” Engagements like these reflect how SPJIMR faculty bring academic insight into industry conversations, shaping dialogue on leadership, economic participation, and the future of work. #IamSPJIMR #ThoughtLeadership #IWD2026 #Leadership

What makes SOAR 2026 a distinctive opportunity for research scholars? Prof. Sajeev Abraham George shares what participants can expect from the Summer School in Operations and Analytics Research (SOAR) 2026 — an intensive five-day programme advancing rigorous, theory-driven research at the intersection of operations, analytics, game theory, and laboratory experiments. SOAR 2026 enables PhD scholars and early career researchers: ✔Refine and stress-test research ideas ✔Strengthen methodological and theoretical foundations ✔Engage closely with faculty ✔Receive focused academic feedback Application requirements for PhD scholars: ☑️ One-page CV highlighting quantitative background and relevant coursework ☑️ Statement of Purpose (max. 300 words) outlining alignment with the SOAR theme Applications close on February 21, 2026. If you are planning to apply, this is your final window. Learn more and submit your application: bit.ly/4kJMJJL #IamSPJIMR #SOAR2026 #OperationsResearch #GameTheory #AcademicResearch #ExperimentalMethods

From Day 1 introductions to final presentations — EnPower is where ideas find direction and voices find confidence Over five immersive weekends, participants didn’t just learn about entrepreneurship — they practised it. They debated, built, questioned, refined, and grew. The final presentations reflected more than concepts understood; they showcased sharper thinking, stronger articulation, and the confidence to lead. If you’re an undergraduate or recent graduate looking to enter the startup ecosystem early, strengthen your profile, and build real entrepreneurial capability — this is where it begins. Programme starts: June 20, 2026. Apply now: bit.ly/4aElnAp Book a 1:1 counselling session: bit.ly/4cwXayo Call us at +91-8369819631 or +91-8380070266. #IamSPJIMR #EntrepreneurialMindset #SummerProgramme #BusinessSkills

Management Practice Insights (MPI) now has a new home. At SPJIMR, we believe research matters most when it informs real decisions. MPI translates the world’s leading academic research into clear, evidence-based insights for managers and leaders navigating complexity — across strategy, markets, organisations, and policy. On MPI, you’ll find: ☑️Curated insights grounded in rigorous global research ☑️Practical, decision-ready takeaways, not academic abstraction ☑️Perspectives written for leaders and practitioners, not just researchers If your work depends on better judgement, not louder opinions, this is worth your time. Explore MPI → mpi.spjimr.org #IamSPJIMR #ManagementPractice #LeadershipInsights #AcademicResearch #ThoughtLeadership

Still waiting for a reviewer to 'get' your paper? What if, instead, you could refine your work with the journal that could publish it? This JSCM-focused workshop is not a routine academic event. It’s a rare opportunity to engage directly with the journal’s editorial leadership, receive written developmental feedback before the workshop, and sharpen your theoretical framing and methodological positioning with precision. You won’t just discuss ideas—you'll clarify a credible pathway to submission. Exceptional papers may even be invited into JSCM’s formal review process. For scholars serious about publishing in leading journals, this is the kind of access that doesn’t come often. Abstract submission deadline: April 15, 2026 How to apply: Submit an abstract (max. 750 words) of your working paper via the application form by April 15, 2026. Spots are limited. Know more: bit.ly/46dQLo1 Open to PhD scholars, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty across career stages. For any queries, write to us: jscmpdw@spjimr.org #IamSPJIMR #JSCM #ResearchExcellence #AcademicPublishing #JournalSubmission #ResearchWorkshop

SPJIMR’s PGPM has been ranked #74 globally in the Financial Times Global MBA 2026 Ranking, and recognised as the highest new entrant in this year’s table. For us, this is more than a ranking. It is affirmation. Our 18-month Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) for experienced professionals is designed to develop leaders who can navigate complexity, innovate with purpose and drive meaningful change. To feature in the Top 100 alongside institutions such as Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan School of Management, INSEAD, London Business School and Yale School of Management underscores SPJIMR’s growing global stature in contemporary management education. Commenting on the recognition, Prof. Varun Nagaraj, Dean, SPJIMR, said: “Being recognised among the world’s leading MBA programmes reaffirms our approach to developing managers who can lead, innovate and drive positive business and societal change.” Ranking highlights: • Fifth globally for faculty gender diversity, highest among Indian B-schools • #29 globally for Value for Money • #39 globally for Careers Service effectiveness • 199% salary increase reported by alumni three years after graduation, fifth-largest globally This recognition reflects the commitment of our participants, faculty, staff, alumni and partners who continue to strengthen SPJIMR’s mission: developing leaders who combine competence with conscience, and business success with societal impact. Read the full announcement: bit.ly/3OiAjN2 #IamSPJIMR #FTGlobalMBA #LeadershipDevelopment #ManagementEducation #FutureLeaders

Still building your career with yesterday’s skills? The job market is shifting faster than ever — and 2026 will reward the adaptable, not the comfortable. Join SPJIMR for an exclusive, high-impact webinar: The Future of Jobs: Top Skills You Need in 2026 to Stay Relevant with Bhishm Chugani, Director – Career Services & Alumni Relations, SPJIMR. Backed by years of experience shaping placements, careers, and industry partnerships, Bhishm will decode what employers are actually looking for — and what professionals must do now to stay ahead. This isn’t theory. It’s a reality check. 📅 February 22, 2026⏰ 11:00 am Seats are limited. Register now: bit.ly/4avQ1vG #IamSPJIMR #FutureOfJobs #CareerGrowth #FutureReady #LeadershipDevelopment

What if the only thing standing between 'small experiments' and a scalable business… is clarity? From testing ideas to building RN Elements in Surat, Jivitesh Nawka (EnPower Batch 1) proves that entrepreneurship isn’t about age — it’s about disciplined action, learning fast, and scaling with intent. His journey from EnPower to leading a sustainable manufacturing enterprise is a story of failing forward, embracing mentorship, and turning vision into velocity. Ready to see how clarity builds companies? Read Jivitesh’s full journey: bit.ly/3Mte46w Curious about the EnPower programme that shaped his foundation? Explore more here: bit.ly/4aztOwS #IamSPJIMR #EntrepreneurshipJourney #StartupToScale #SustainableBusiness #FoundersMindset

Gender equity policies are rising. So why are women still disengaging from their careers? Prof. Ashneet Kaur and co-authors unpack this uncomfortable paradox—examining how individual realities, organisational systems, and deep-rooted societal norms intersect to shape women’s career engagement in India, especially in male-dominated sectors. Using a two-phase study combining quantitative analysis (n=147) and in-depth qualitative interviews (n=32), the research applies a double-loop gendered framework to reveal how caregiving expectations, patriarchal structures, and implicit leadership biases quietly derail sustained career participation. More importantly, the study moves beyond diagnosis—offering actionable pathways for building inclusive networks, aligning policy with lived experience, and creating sustainable, future-ready career ecosystems for women professionals. If you care about retention, leadership pipelines, or designing workplaces that truly work—this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Read the full article here: bit.ly/3MEG6Mo Co-authored with Sudhanshu Maheshwari and Arup Varma To learn more about SPJIMR’s Doctoral Programme and stay updated on our research and academic initiatives, visit: bit.ly/45ZT9i4 #IamSPJIMR #ResearchSpotlight #GenderEquity #InclusiveLeadership #OrganisationalBehaviour

We are pleased to announce the TaSIC 2026 Special Issue of the IIM Bangalore Management Review (IMR), featuring selected peer-reviewed papers presented at the conference. As one of India’s pioneering management journals and a leading voice in Asia, IMR’s gold open-access platform ensures wide global visibility for research that is both rigorous and relevant. This Special Issue reflects SPJIMR’s commitment to advancing scholarship that informs responsible and sustainable management practice. The Special Issue will be edited by Prof. Janakiraman Moorthy, Prof. Shalini Talwar, and Prof. Snehal Shah, whose academic leadership will shape a body of work emerging from TaSIC 2026. If your paper has been accepted, register to present at TaSIC 2026 and engage in dialogue with our four distinguished global scholars and the wider academic community: bit.ly/4aqc8DQ Research that travels from ideas to impact. #IamSPJIMR #TaSIC2026 #AcademicResearch #WiseInnovation #SustainableLeadership

From project execution to strategic leadership, Saurabh Ramesh Doshi’s journey shows how the right learning at the right time can expand professional horizons. An alumnus of SPJIMR’s Post Graduate Executive Management Programme (PGEMP) Batch 49, he shares how the programme helped shape his strategic thinking, leadership approach, and ability to take on larger, growth-driven roles—across business development, executive leadership, and digital platforms like L&T-SuFin. A reminder that career growth isn’t just about expertise but about learning to lead with clarity and purpose. Read his full journey: spjimr.org/saurabh-doshi-… #IamSPJIMR #AlumniSpotlight #LeadershipGrowth #ExecutiveEducation #ExecutiveMBA #SPJIMRAlumni

Viraasat 2026 returns—anchored in legacy, focused on the future As we mark 28 years of advancing family business excellence at the Centre for Family Business and Entrepreneurship, SPJIMR, we are pleased to announce Ms. Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director, Godrej Enterprises Group, as the speaker for the Inaugural Address at Viraasat 2026. With deep experience across strategy, governance, sustainability, and leadership within one of India’s most respected business groups, her address will set the tone for conversations on continuity, stewardship, and long-term value creation in family enterprises. Viraasat 2026 continues to serve as a platform for dialogue on legacy, leadership, and the evolving role of family businesses in India’s economic landscape. 📅 March 14, 2026 | 🕛 9:00 am onwards 📍 Taj Santacruz, Mumbai #IamSPJIMR #Viraasat2026 #FamilyBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship

Applications for SOAR 2026 are open until February 21, 2026. Invitations to register will be sent out on a rolling basis starting today, February 9, 2026. Following strong interest and multiple requests from the research community, the application deadline for the Summer School in Operations and Analytics Research (SOAR) 2026 has been extended to February 21, 2026. SOAR 2026 is an intensive, five-day summer school designed to advance rigorous, theory-driven research at the intersection of operations, analytics, game theory, and laboratory experiments. The programme offers early-career researchers an opportunity to refine research ideas, strengthen methodological thinking, and engage closely with faculty. Application requirements: One-page CV highlighting quantitative background and relevant master’s- or doctoral-level coursework Statement of Purpose (maximum 300 words) explaining how your research aligns with the theme of the summer school If you have been planning to apply, this extension offers additional time to prepare a focused application. Apply now: bit.ly/4aIHaaf #IamSPJIMR #SOAR2026 #ResearchCommunity #OperationsResearch #AnalyticsResearch #DoctoralResearch #SummerSchool