All India Management Convention, Interface 2014

37th All India Management Convention, Interface 2014 was organised by the Department of Management of BITS Pilani on 31 January to 2 February 2014. The three days Management Extravaganza with the theme, 'Ran-Neeti (or Military/war strategy)' had several events including Paper presentations, Finleshan Equity Research Event (Finance), Angry Traders Online Virtual Trading Event (Finance), Strategic CSR Plan Competition (HR) , Case Study Competition (HR), Redemption : Ad Campaign Event (Marketing), Street Smart Marketer (Marketing), Op-Arena (Operations), Sarachana : Short Story Competition (Reflexionar), Doodle in a Muddle : Doodle Making (Reflexionar) and Ran-Neeti@War-rooms : Expert talks on 'How corporate strategies are designed.

Speaking occasion of inauguration, Director of the Institute, Prof G. Raghurama spoke about management strategies in a university setting and said how it compared with the 'Military strategy'. Director said that openness, knowledge sharing and learning from each other is paramount in a university setup whereas secrecy prevails in a military environment. He added that in both environments, continuous innovation and investment is required for decades. However, in academic institutions, one needs to be patient to witness the impact over a period of time unlike in military wherein things are monitored on hour to hour basis. Timing and speed is a critical factor in both university and military setup, Prof Raghurama added.

Chief Guest, Mr. Harsh Juneja, Vice-President, Tata Teleservices Ltd. said that to succeed in the corporate world, the managers need to follow the principles of SIDI (S = Simple, but structured; I = Information gathering, be a good listener and move forward; D = Drive, have fire in the belly; and I = Improvement, make continuous improvement).

Guest of Honour, Mr Sameer Pathak, Senior Manager - PAC, Coca-Cola India Inc. said that a good manager does not merely sell, but adds value. He asked the young managers to regularly question the status quo so that he/she can improve and move forward. Seeking feedback from all stakeholders is very important, he said. Finally, he said that 'Fire-in-the belly is a must in order to succeed in the corporate world.

In the beginning, Head of the Department of Management, Prof Anil Bhat said that the Millennium generation managers are self-motivated, articulate, seek autonomy and wish to try new innovations in their work area. As companies are going more global, they become less hierarchical and the emphasis is on teamwork. Events such as Interface provide a forum for the graduate students to develop their skills and teamwork, added Prof Bhat.

Interface serves as a platform for students and professionals to come alive with the skills and ideas that are necessary to run the ever dynamic and fast growing industries in India. It's a Pan-India Management Convention where students showcase their exceptional managerial dexterity, innovative business ideas and incomparable entrepreneurial skills. Interface which started as an annual event in 1978 has been running every year with increasing participation from various colleges across the country.

About Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani:

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani is an all India institution declared adeemed to be University established under Section 3 of UGC Act. Its campuses in Pilani, Goa,Hyderabad and Dubai provide students an all-round experience while gaining knowledge in a learning environment. BITS offer programs in First Degree, Higher Degree and Doctoral levels in various disciplines of Science, Technology, Pharmacy and Management. BITS is accreditedwith an A Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with CGPA 3.71.

BITS Pilani's commitment towards setting exemplary standards of delivery have defined its history of producing talent who become confident, successful professionals and leaders of change and growth. This legacy reflects the continual initiatives of the University's management who have led change through innovations and educational reforms and catapulted its various programs to the national forefront. The momentum gained over the decades continues to produce leaders in diverse fields.

For further details contact:
Dr M Ishwara Bhat,
Unit Chief,
Publications and Media Relations,
Birla Institute of Technology and Science,Pilani
Phone:+91 9414082462

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