Digital Assignment – I

Winter Semester 2023-24

Course Code : BMGT101L

Course Name : Principles of Management
Faculty Name : Dr. Arjun Singh K
Class Number / Slot : VL2023240504608 / A1+TA1

Interview Report
Submitted by : ADITYA BONNERJEE

Register Number : 21BEC0384

1. Introduction:

List of Team Members:

1. Aditya Bonnerjee (21BEC0384)

2. K Mohammad Suhail (22BEC0825)

Details of Person Interviewed:

Name : Professor Sharmila Bonnerjee

Designation : Chairperson of MMS Program
Organization : Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies
Place : Mumbai, India
Email : sharmila.bonnerjee@dsims.org.in

Interview Details:

Interview mode : Online

Date and Time : 26-02-2024
Total Duration : 52 minutes
Video file link : https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KtiCfyQ4ihUfpodpP-
HkQhVWy5qbqfK/view?usp=sharing

Short profile of the Professor:

Prof. Sharmila Bonnerjee is a faculty in the area of Human Resource

Management and General Management at the Durgadevi Saraf Institute of
Management Studies (DSIMS), Mumbai. She is a graduate from Calcutta
University with Honours in Botany (B.Sc. (Hons.)) and has completed her Post
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) from Symbiosis
Centre for Distance Learning, Pune, specializing in Human Resource
management. She has also completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Software
Exports Management (GNIIT S/W Exports) from NIIT Ltd. Prof. Sharmila has
been working as an Assistant Professor for the past fourteen years in
Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies (DSIMS), Mumbai. At DSIMS
she heads, as a Chairperson, the Mumbai University affiliated, Masters in

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 Management Studies (MMS) program for the past six years. Prof. Sharmila
has a rich experience of over nineteen years in both Industry and academics.
She has worked in the past with premier organizations like NIIT Ltd. and Asset
International (a division of APTECH Ltd.).

2. Interview Summary:
• Professor Sharmila talked about some of the challenges managers and leaders face in
current times like the takeover or AI and the ever-changing platforms. She also talked
about the readiness of including a diverse workforce and the advantages and challenges.

• The Professor talked about the importance of empowering your subordinates and the
letting them make crucial decisions. She also talked about the idea of reverse mentoring
and the impact of constructive criticism.

• She also talked about the importance of having a high EQ (emotional quotient) if you want
to be a good leader and the need for excellent communication skills especially
interpersonal skills and the ability of having cross cultural conversation with your team.

• Giving the students the habit of critically thinking by giving them open ended questions
and the requirement of critical thinking in the future for success. The importance of
practical knowledge and research.

• The Professor talked about that as a teacher she feels it is important for students to have
a business acumen and the want to be part of an organization or team, to pursue a career
in management. She also spoke about how the trend in which only people who have done
a B. Com on B. BA should pursue advanced studies in management and how wrong it is.
It is more important to have an alignment for management.

• She also talked about how the field of management is continuously evolving and how you
have to have good adaptability to keep up with the latest technologies, like AI, Digital
Marketing and Blockchain. She talks about ethical management and the importance of
an ESG course (Environment Social and Governance).

• She talks about what success means from a manager and leaders’ perspective.

• Finally, we ended the interview by expressing our appreciation for the professor for giving
us her valuable time and attention for this interview.

3. Question Analysis:

• 1st Question: This question delves into the contemporary issues that managers and
leaders encounter in their roles. It encourages discussion around current trends, such as
navigating remote work, adapting to technological advancements, fostering diversity and
inclusion, and managing change amidst uncertainty.

• 2nd Question: This question prompts leaders to share specific examples of innovative
strategies they've employed, allowing for a deeper understanding of effective leadership

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 practices. It encourages reflection on practical solutions and their impact on team
performance and organizational outcomes.

• 3rd Question: This question addresses the core competencies needed in today's dynamic
business environment. It explores qualities such as adaptability, emotional intelligence,
strategic thinking, and effective communication, providing valuable guidance for future
leaders.

• 4th Question: This question focuses on fostering critical thinking and problem-solving
skills among students studying management. It prompts discussion on active learning
methods, case studies, and real-world applications that stimulate analytical thinking and
decision-making abilities.

• 5th Question: This question offers aspiring scholars’ insights into pursuing advanced
studies or research in management. It encourages discussion on academic and career
pathways, research methodologies, and the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge in
advancing the field.

• 6th Question: This question explores potential shifts in research, education, and industry
practices. It invites speculation on emerging trends such as sustainability, digital
transformation, and global interconnectedness, highlighting the opportunities and
challenges for both students and organizations.

• 7th Question: This question probes the concept of success in management roles,
encouraging reflection on metrics beyond financial performance. It invites discussion on
aspects such as team development, stakeholder satisfaction, and personal fulfilment,
providing a view of managerial effectiveness.

4. Learnings and Takeaways:

• Adaptability: In today's rapidly changing business landscape, managers must adapt to

new technologies, societal shifts, and diverse workforce dynamics. Classroom
discussions on AI, digital marketing, and ESG principles prepare students to navigate
these challenges effectively.

• Empowerment and Feedback: Encouraging student participation, providing

constructive feedback, and promoting a culture of empowerment in the classroom mirror
real-world practices that encourages team collaboration and innovation.

• Emotional Intelligence and Communication: Classroom activities focusing on

interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication, and emotional intelligence help
students develop the communication skills necessary for effective leadership and team
management in diverse organizational settings.

• Critical Thinking and Practical Knowledge: Classroom exercises that promote critical
thinking and hands-on application of theoretical concepts prepare students for real-
world decision-making and problem-solving scenarios they will encounter as managers.

• Business Acumen and Alignment: Discussions on business acumen and the

importance of aligning personal values with organizational goals equip students with the
strategic mindset needed to drive organizational success and make ethical decisions in
managerial roles.

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5. Conclusion:

The interview highlighted the importance of adaptability, empowerment, emotional intelligence,

and critical thinking in real-world management practices. Classroom learning focusing on these
areas prepares students for the challenges of diverse work environments, ethical decision-
making, and effective leadership.

Appendix:

List of questions asked during the interview:

1.] What do you believe are the most pressing challenges faced by managers and leaders today?

2.] Can you discuss any innovative approaches or strategies you've implemented as a leader
that have had a positive impact on your team or organization?

3.] In your opinion, what are the essential skills or qualities that aspiring managers should
possess in today's competitive business environment?

4.] How do you encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your students within the
context of management ?

5.] What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies or
research in the management domain ?

6.] As we look ahead to the future of management studies, how do you envision the field
evolving, and what benefits do you foresee for both students and organizations as a result of
these changes ?

7.] What is your definition of success from a manager’s perspective ?

Screenshots

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