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ISB introduces curriculum review for a more customised PGP: Focus is on flexibility, action-based learnability, constant renewal

Hyderabad; [16th April 2024 ]: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has unveiled a comprehensive curriculum review for its Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), responding to the ever-changing business landscape.

It has a three-pronged focus, which includes a move towards a more customised and flexible programme structure, given the diverse needs of the students, who come from backgrounds varying from engineering to the armed forces to art or sports. With it, learnability is the second pillar, as the school will now use more activity-based methods that build the ability to constantly learn. The third key point is a built-in system of renewal in the curriculum so as to respond to future needs proactively.

The revised curriculum, in its delivery, emphasises personalised and experiential learning opportunities, for which the newly set up Centre for Learning and Teaching Excellence will play a pivotal role. It will drive continuous improvement in content and curriculum design.

Increased flexibility was seen as imperative as the school consistently has a diverse cohort. Up to now, half the curriculum could be built by the student from the list of elective courses, while the other half, the core, was fixed. Now there is much more flexibility. This directly addresses not just the variety of jobs but also the diversity within the PGP cohort. The incoming cohort, for instance, has a national-level badminton player, a civil servant, and students with a background in the armed forces.

Customisation in action, thus, means an expanded list of elective choices, all tailored to students’ career goals, besides flexibility in core courses as well. PGP students can now build up to 60% of the programme from an expanded list of elective credits. The Core credits are reduced to 14; of those too, four can be chosen from a wider list.

The school has laid emphasis on enhancing its Analytics curriculum to align with the demands of today’s data-driven business landscape. Among new courses would be those covering innovative technologies. Elective offerings include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

Amidst these advancements, the Centre for Learning and Teaching Excellence will play a pivotal role in driving continuous improvement in content and curriculum design at ISB. Technologists and cognitive psychologists will be part of this faculty-driven centre, and innovations will be driven by their expert inputs too.

To make space for innovations in the one-year programme, the school has also realigned the structure. While earlier there were standard six-week terms, now there are four ‘block weeks’ built in — making space for a variety of shorter-term courses in between the usual terms.

Additionally, ISB’s Office of Experiential Learning will offer immersive experiences that bridge theory with practice through activities such as field immersions and industry-sponsored projects. This holistic approach aligns with prominent global trends and is informed by a thorough study of the learning landscape by ISB.

“The overarching impetus for the changes was the evolving nature of jobs, and the reduced shelf life of knowledge,” said ISB Dean Madan Pillutla, “In such a period of constant change, what one knows for sure is that people who have a variety of skills will succeed. But if you make the curriculum too rigid and give them what you think is ideal fit for this environment, it is simply not going to be enough for them down the line. So, that was the impetus for us to begin to examine it very carefully.”

Changes will be phased in constantly. For instance, from next year, the school will provide academic advisory services to the students, which will help them choose a more cross-functional or multi-disciplinary set of elective courses. This would mean that a student has the choice of not majoring or specialising in any one area from next year, and instead building a variety of skillsets to remain job-ready for now and be adaptable for the future.

The specifics of the review were determined by the faculty’s research on the future of work, and on related aspects such as technological shifts, according to Dean Pillutla. “We also spoke extensively to the alumni, the recruiters, industry at large, to inform this exercise. The result is an ever-evolving curriculum, which ensures a real-time response to newer trends and requirements,” he said.

A Paradigm of Architectural Excellence and Innovation, now open in Lonavala

Lonavala,Maharashtra -16th April 2024 – Enrise by Sayaji, a masterpiece in hospitality, emerges in the heart of Maharashtra in Lonavala, transforming a vintage bungalow into a beacon of innovation and sophistication. Nestled within the heavenly confines of Lonavala, Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala transcends traditional hospitality paradigms, seamlessly blending historical heritage with modern elegance. With 32 rooms based on European designs, 1 banquet hall, 02 ambient lawns, and a multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, the property caters to the discerning tastes of today’s cosmopolitan travelers. Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala is more than just a hotel; it is a lifestyle destination designed to offer a comprehensive experience tailored to every guest’s needs. The boutique MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities position it as the premier destination for a wide range of events, ensuring convenience and efficiency for organizers and attendees alike.

At the heart of Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala lies a commitment to innovation through architecture and design. The hotel’s innovative lifestyle concept, characterized by high-quality European design and personalized service synonymous with 4-star properties, sets a new standard for luxury and comfort in Lonavala’s hospitality landscape.

Mr. Ajay Kanojia, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala represents a convergence of heritage, innovation, and hospitality excellence. We are thrilled to introduce a new paradigm in lifestyle accommodation and event hosting, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences in Lonavala.”

Mr. Sanjay Totalni- one of the Partners at Enrise by Sayaji – Lonavla expressed their pride in the project, stating, “Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala embodies our vision of architectural brilliance and unparalleled hospitality.”

Mr. Deepak Lakra, Partner & Operations Head of Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala, added, “We are committed to delivering exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for our guests.” Enrise by Sayaji Lonavala invites guests to embark on a journey of discovery and indulgence, where every moment is infused with sophistication and style. For bookings and inquiries, please drop an email to reservations@enriselonavala.com

Vinod Cookware Introduces Cutting-Edge Triply Pressure Cooker Combo Sets for Superior Kitchen Performance

Mumbai, 16th April 2024: Vinod Cookware, a leading name in kitchenware, introduces the latest Triple Pressure Cooker Combo Sets under its Platinum Range with a common Lid. The innovative combos include the pairing of a 3-liter Pressure Cooker and a 2-liter (Mini) Pressure Cooker, both equipped with a shared lid, at Rs 6470/- as well as a 5-liter pressure Cooker paired with a 3.5-liter (Junior) Pressure Cooker, priced at Rs 7895/- with a common lid. Notably, customers can enjoy a cost-saving of Rs 300/- when purchasing a Combo Set. These sets boast a Triple-Layer Construction with SAS Metal, ensuring durability and versatility for a wide variety of dishes. The cookers are ISI and CE certified, backed by a 24-month warranty, providing customers with a safe and efficient cooking experience. With features like sustainable, hygienic, and faster cooking, and a fusible safety valve, the Platinum Cookers Combo Sets are set to revolutionize modern kitchen experiences.

The Platinum Cookers Combo Sets are designed to offer a convenient and efficient cooking solution for households, promoting faster and healthier cooking practices. The common outer lid makes this combo set the perfect choice for contemporary minimalist kitchens supporting storage efficiency.

With 3-times the safety features, including the Gasket Release System (GSR), fusible safety valve, and safe lock system, there is a special focus on maximum safety in the kitchen, enhancing user confidence and ensuring a secure cooking experience. Customers can choose from two variants – the pairing of a 3-liter Pressure Cooker and a 2-liter (Mini) Pressure Cooker as well as a 5-liter Pressure Cooker coupled with a 3.5-liter (Junior) Pressure Cooker, both equipped with a common lid.

Available offline, these Combo Sets are accessible on the official brand’s website and Amazon, allowing more customers to benefit from the advanced features of Vinod’s Platinum Cookware.

Mr. Sunil Agarwal, Director of Vinod Cookware, expressed his excitement about the new Triple Pressure Cooker Combo Sets, stating, “We are thrilled to launch these innovative Combo Sets under our Platinum Range, offering a perfect blend of efficiency and safety. At Vinod, we prioritize customer satisfaction, and these new additions reflect our commitment to delivering top-notch kitchenware solutions. Designed with a steadfast commitment to customer safety and convenience, Vinod Cookware ensures that these Combo Sets offer customer-friendly features, making them the ideal choice for every kitchen. Coupled with an attractive pricing strategy, we are confident they will be well-received in the market.

With the value share, CRE dominates PE deals in FY24 – ANAROCK Capital

Mumbai, 16th April 2024: The ANAROCK Capital FLUX report for FY2024 finds that the aggregate value of private equity deals in Indian real estate has declined steadily over the past 5 years – from USD 5.1 Bn in FY20 to USD 3.7 Bn in FY24.

“The decline in PE investments in Indian real estate has been due to lower activity by foreign investors, due to global macro-economic factors and geopolitical instability,” says Shobhit Agarwal, MD & CEO – ANAROCK Capital. ”The share of foreign capital in total investments declined to 65% in FY24, against 78% in FY20. Correspondingly, investments by domestic investors have increased to 29% of the total capital inflows into Indian real estate in FY24, as compared to merely 8% in FY20.”

Top 10 PE Deals in FY24

Top 5 Equity Deals

Top 5 Debt Deals

The share of the top 10 deals has increased primarily due to the USD 1.4 Bn GIC-Brookfield deal (approx..40% of the overall deal value for FY24), reported at the beginning of FY24.

Share of top 10 deals – FY23: 54%, FY24: 72.5%

No. of Deals & Average Ticket Size

While the number of deals in FY24 is largely constant, the aggregate deal value has reduced due to a sharply lower average deal size. The average ticket sizes have reduced by 30% – to USD 75 Mn in FY24 from USD 107 Mn in FY20.

Movement of Capital Inflow

Multi-city transactions clearly stole the limelight during FY24, with the GIC-Brookfield transaction and the fund raised by Prestige Estates. NCR witnessed a relatively muted year, while MMR continued to dominate city-specific deal tables.

Equity vs Debt Funding

PE investors prefer equity investments, as evidenced by the fact that the share of equity deals remains healthy and at par with the average of ~75% in the past 5 years.

Asset Class-wise Funding

The commercial offices segment dominated PE transactions in FY24 with a 57% value share. This was largely due to the GIC-Brookfield deal, which accounted for approx.40% of total transaction value in FY24.

“While there has been a consistent share of PE investments in residential real estate at 28% YoY, there is a yearly decline of 17% in the same by value,” says Shobhit Agarwal. “This is due to a very high base in FY23, when investments had doubled over the previous years.”

         (in USD Bn)

Domestic vs Foreign Funding

In the overall investments during FY24, foreign capital saw its share drop to 65% in FY24 while the share of domestic investors rose to 29% (against 8% in FY20).

For all charts:

Numbers rounded off to the nearest decimal; All transactions in USD ($) unless otherwise stated

FY = Financial Year (1^st April – 31^st March)

Source: ANAROCK Capital Market Research

FY24: Key Highlights & Events

• Residential

 “Residential real estate witnessed another year of a strong upcycle due to increased project launches, sales volumes, and price appreciation. Demand for affordable housing reduced, and that for larger homes increased,” says Aashiesh Agarwaal, SVP – Research & Investment Advisory, ANAROCK Capital. “The luxury homes market continues to post a robust performance. Interestingly, demand for under construction properties rose sharply during the year. The improved sentiment has also encouraged large investor to increase their participation in the market. However, the aggregate investment in the sector is lower than in FY23, due to some larger-than-average transactions during the last year.”

• Commercial Office

Commercial real estate deals remained very thin on the ground, due to multiple factors such as the delayed notification of SEZ amendments, elevated interest rates, and global uncertainties. However, given strong demand fundamentals of commercial real estate, driven by leading IT companies’ determined push to return to office, increased traction of co-working spaces, a favorable capex cycle, the amendment of SEZ laws, and expectations of lower interests, commercial office real estate activity should strengthen over the coming quarters.

• Retail

The retail segment of Indian real estate is thriving due to economic growth. Key names in the nation’s mall development arena, including DLF, Lakeshore, Inorbit, Nexus and Phoenix, are aggressively pursuing expansion. This surge in capital allocations aligns with the expansion strategies of leading retailers, resulting in a substantial uptick in store numbers. Rentals are expected to firm up, since economic buoyancy and robust consumer sentiment has led to healthy demand and trading densities for retail assets.

• Industrial & Logistics

The industrial & logistics segment continues to hold promise for investors, with strong growth prospects on the back of robust consumption and expectations of manufacturing-led growth. While transactions in this segment were thin in FY24, they are expected to revive in FY25.

• SM REITs

Towards the end of FY24, SEBI notified amendments to REIT regulations, paving the way for Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (SM REITs). This move aims to regulate fractional ownership of properties. Under these regulations, the minimum subscription size is INR 10 lakhs, the minimum number of investors is 200, and asset size can range between INR 50 Cr to INR 500 Cr.

• Stressed Assets

While this segment has seen the emergence of a class of investors specializing in stressed asset resolutions, lenders are increasingly likely to settle with the promoters to avoid litigations.

• AIFs

In December 2023, RBI issued a circular barring lender from investing in AIFs where the AIFs had lent downstream to companies wherein the lender had exposures. For existing investments, lenders were required to liquidate within 30 days or to set aside higher provisioning (100%) for their investments in such AIFs.

However, the end of March 2024 brought a breather – lenders were allowed to invest AIFs which has invested in a debtor company of the former. The RBI also gave relief on provisioning norms – provisioning would be required only to the extent of the lender’s investment in the AIF scheme, which is further invested by the fund in the debtor company.

Pravaig strengthens its product portfolio with the introduction of Ram Mandir inspired Cufflinks

India, 16th April 2024: Pravaig, a fast-emerging Indian company with expertise in deep tech and manufacturing building EVs, advanced batteries, and AI products in India, has today announced the launch of Nritya Mandap Cufflinks on the auspicious occasion of Rama Navami. The cufflinks, priced at INR 3,900, are crafted using Pravaig’s AI tools. Following the unveiling of the Kedarnath-inspired Cufflinks, Pravaig marks yet another milestone for its AI product line with this launch. Pravaig blends AI design with spirituality in its latest fashion addition with India-inspired Cufflinks showcasing the brand’s cutting-edge technology and reverence for heritage.

Inspired by the revered Nritya Mandap of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, these limited-edition cufflinks encapsulate the essence of Indian heritage in a contemporary fashion statement. Crafted with meticulous precision and reverence for tradition, each pair of Nritya Mandap Cufflinks epitomises the timeless elegance of Vedic architecture while seamlessly blending with modern design principles.

In a world where tradition meets innovation, Pravaig continues to redefine standards of excellence and creativity. The Nritya Mandap Cufflinks represent a harmonious fusion of heritage and contemporary aesthetics, embodying the ethos of Vedic Futurism.

With its AI Labs, a specialised Technology backed Designing and Manufacturing arm, Pravaig is committed to build India’s technological foundation. Conceptualised using generative AI and manufactured using 3D printers, under their AI Labs, the limited-edition Cufflink is a testament towards the Pravaig’s focus on creating edgy Indian products for the world.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Ram Divedi, CSO and Co-Founder, Pravaig, said, “Technology has never been more omnipresent yet inaccessible. We, at Pravaig, are committed to democratise technology by continuously innovating to meet the ever-evolving needs of our consumers. We are excited to expand our lifestyle product portfolio with the new Cufflinks, blending fashion with functionality.”

He added, “Our Ram Mandir Cufflinks are a special addition, inspired by the profound significance of the Ayodhya temple. They symbolize not just style, but also reverence for our cultural heritage. We’re proud to offer products that reflect the values and traditions that are essential to our customers”.

Each of these products are limited edition and showcases the essence of spirituality or heritage. This one is dedicated to the Ram Mandir while incorporating contemporary design elements, reflecting a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. Just as the temple stands as a symbol of faith and unity, these cufflinks serve as a tangible representation of devotion and reverence for consumers.

Pravaig’s Ram Mandir Cufflinks encapsulate the sacred aura of the historic temple in Ayodhya, intertwining tradition with modern elegance. Each pair embodies the reverence and cultural significance of the Ram Mandir, serving as a treasured adornment for every momentous event.

Sayaji Hotels – Balancing tradition with Innovation

Indore, 16th April 2024: Sayaji Hotels, renowned for its commitment to world-class hospitality services, proudly announced the launch of its revamped logo as part of their brand entity. The updated logo marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey as it represents a harmonious fusion between tradition and innovation. With the core principles of the brand remaining unchanged, the brand identity has been refreshed to reflect its evolving nature.

“Our logo, the face of our brand, has undergone a subtle yet significant transformation”, remarked Mr. Raoof Razak Dhanani, Managing Director of Sayaji Hotels Ltd. “While preserving the iconic elements that our guests recognize, the refreshed logo embodies a more contemporary and dynamic aesthetic.”

The revitalized logo features vibrant colors and refined lines, serving as a visual testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Detailed enhancements include a gentle touch of green adorning the tree element, representing growth, vitality, and the group’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Complementing this is a delicate peach line that accentuates the logo’s horizontal aspect, infusing a sense of warmth, elegance, and modernity to the brand.

“The amalgamation of green and peach hues in the logo encapsulates the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, authenticity, and creativity”, shared Ms. Saba Dhanani, Director – Marketing & Communications of Sayaji Hotels Ltd. “It creates a visual identity that is both timeless and contemporary and represents our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry, resonating with guests and stakeholders alike.”

The revitalized visual identity serves as a beacon of the brand’s evolution. With the launch of its upgraded brand entity, Sayaji Hotels reaffirms its commitment to deliver unparalleled experiences while embracing change and innovation.