Insights From MBA Chair - Prof. Venkatesha Murthy, SME, IIT JODHPUR

Dr. Venkatesha Murthy holds a doctoral degree in the area of Social Sciences from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai. His research areas include Start-ups, and Micro-Small-Medium Scale Enterprises. He undertakes research in these empirical domains using theoretical underpinnings from Economic-Sociology and Institutional Economics. He also writes case studies concerning various dimensions of entrepreneurship. His research attempt is to capture business and entrepreneurship at the intersections of social and economic behaviour. His work has been published in the leading international and national journals, and case-study outlets. Selected few include Journal of Small Business Management, Journal of Workplace Learning, International Journal of Social Economics, Economic and Political Weekly, Journal of Social and Economic Development, and Emerald Emerging Market Case Studies.

Q) What makes SME, IIT Jodhpur different from other B Schools in India?
A:- Our unique positioning as a mix of tech and non-tech courses makes our school one of a kind in India. Our research-oriented faculties use a case intensive pedagogy to teach the future business leaders. At SME, we have got faculty-driven systems to cater to the needs of the students. With closely-knit faculty-student engagements throughout the academic year, we have promoted a bonhomie relationship. 

Q) We have the word 'Entrepreneurship' in our school's name. How do you think SME is going to trigger the entrepreneurial mindset of the students?
A:- We have courses that are specially designed for our entrepreneurship program while keeping the emerging market needs in mind. We plan to trigger the entrepreneurial mindset of the students by engaging real-time entrepreneurs to work with them throughout the year. With the vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem at place in IITJ, we are providing an unmatched platform for the students to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.

Q) How does our curriculum inculcate technology with management?
A:- We look at tech as a tool to achieve effectiveness and efficiency in management. The tech ecosystem of IITJ makes it possible to choose between a plethora of tech specialisations. Our specialisation courses in the second year cater to that need. Our flagship program, Tech-MBA is the first-ever course in Asia to provide such an amalgamation of management studies with such cutting edge technology specialisations.

Q)  COVID 19 has transformed the way we live, and technology has paved the way forward in this new normal. What kind of managers are the recruiters looking for in these trying times?
A:- I believe that the recruiters are looking out for someone who is flexible in working with changing times, a quick learner and most importantly, someone who is clear on what he/ she wants to do.

Exordium Episode-2: In Conversation with Dr. Venkatesha Murthy