Become Future Ready With The Design Thinking Approach At SOIL

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Become Future-Ready With The Design Thinking Approach At SOIL

24 Jan 2024
- admin
- Innovation & Design Thinking
Table of Contents
What is the future of work?

Evolution takes place at 3 points –
- Work
- Workforce
- Workplace
Evolution of work

Some 40 years back, the IT sector was missing in the world. Eventually, IT-related work was seen being outsourced, and the software experts were creating new software. Then the banks, retail stores, and manufacturing companies began outsourcing IT jobs and there was a surge in the ARP solutions.

This change in the work led to an entirely new repertoire of job types – coders, programmers, testers, UI-UX experts, software developers, etc.

Evolution of the workforce

Initially, candidates looked for permanent employment, job security, and perks while considering jobs. However, the youth today is inclined towards taking up projects and contractual jobs being outsourced by companies. This kind of work structure does not require them to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, they can work remotely/ on a part-time basis, for a U.S.-based company according to their timezone.

There are numerous roles for people in India in the foreign markets. So, the boundaries have blurred and the youth of today must be equipped with new skills to be able to handle this new workforce dynamics.

Evolution of the workplace

Having a proper full-fledged workplace was normal 20 years ago. However, will it make sense today, given the new work and job structures? No! It’ll be virtual or a shared space like the co-working spaces today.

Is the youth well-equipped and ready to handle the newness of the modern business world?
How do we future-proof the youth and the professionals of today?

30 years ago, people were required to go to the movie theatre and purchase a ticket. Today, the youth are doing it on their gadgets, on the BookMyShow app.

When we look at these changes that are happening, we must understand that the human being is also evolving, and so is society, simultaneously. The evolution has led to a different skill set, that is necessary to ensure that all these changes are being addressed.

The traditional MBA programs will train you, for today. But is it going to help solve the problems of the future? To become future-ready leaders of tomorrow, B-schools must have a curriculum that is relevant 5 or 10 years later, as well!

One of the most important skills defined by the World Economic Forum is creativity!

Example

Source – https://www.engadget.com/2020-02-27-ubers-app-update-offers-message-translations-and-makes-pickups.html

The Uber app evolved over the years. Initially, there was only a map that was displayed while the user booked their ride. However, now, there is a lot of relevant and useful information that is showcased like –

The car icon shows the user the exact route that is being taken.

The option to share their ride details with their near and dear ones.

ETA which shows the approximate time of arrival at the destination.

OTP to ensure that the driver, as well as the user, is Uber-verified and genuine.

An in-app emergency button, a safety feature for quick and timely assistance in case of an emergency.

Rating and review system that enables both the driver as well as the rider to share their opinions.

These changes did not take place overnight, but over years, with great observation and also by understanding the user psychology and behavior.

This is what SOIL is trying to inculcate in its students, through the Design thinking approach.

What is the Design Thinking approach? How is it relevant in today’s context?

Behavior is the manifestation of the individual’s thoughts. Observing people without judgment will help you understand the reason behind that particular behavior. Once you understand the cause, you can then leverage your knowledge, skills, and creativity to solve the issue – not by focusing on the symptoms, but by going behind it and seeing the root cause.

Companies hire professionals for two kinds of jobs –

Maintenance jobs which are routine/ manual jobs.

Managerial jobs that help the companies understand their fears.

This is where Design Thinking comes into play!

The biggest fear of any organization today is survival, with so much disruption happening, will these organizations exist 5 years later? The way AI, IoT, and Machine Learning are penetrating, the whole dynamics of business will change. Through design thinking SOIL wants its students to understand that maintenance jobs will perish, and managerial jobs will prevail and these graduates will have to help their organizations recognize their fears and also help them bridge the gap using the design thinking approach.
Let’s understand the innovative pedagogy offered at

The PGDM Program By SOIL

Responding to the growing demand for innovation in business and the need for creative problem solvers, the SOIL Institute of Management has introduced its Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) in Business Design and innovation. This marks a bold and radical shift in management education, with the program designed to cultivate business leaders who excel in problem-solving and creativity.

PGDM Curriculum

“SOIL Institute of Management has put together a curriculum for their 2 year MBA – PGDM in Business Design which will prepare graduates for the modern business world”

– Anil Sachdev
Founder & CEO, SOIL

SOIL has meticulously designed a learning journey, collaboratively crafted with Academicians, Top Industry Leaders, Environmentalists, Venture Capitalists, and Serial Entrepreneurs. This unique blend encompasses Management Subjects, Design Thinking, and Liberal Arts, ensuring that every day at the Soil Institute of Management is engaging and enriching.

Gaining Business Excellence

The primary aim of the PGDM program is to instill management expertise in students. At SOIL, we commence by enabling students to delve into foundational courses in Management, allowing them to acquire essential business skills across Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Human Resources. Following this, students have the flexibility to choose their specialization for a more profound understanding.

To bridge theory and practice, students engage in real-world applications through live projects, summer internships, and collaborative group projects, offering diverse opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge

Foundation Courses (Term 1 to 2)

Designed for students from any background, these courses provide a basic understanding of business. They are particularly beneficial for those with a non-business academic background, offering essential business knowledge to prepare for upcoming academic challenges.
- Marketing Fundamentals (Mktg)
- Problem Solving and Statistical Thinking (Stats)
- Financial Accounting and Decision making (Fin)
- Microeconomics Theory: Prices and Markets (Eco)
- Organization Behaviour for managing Self and Groups (HR)
- Operations and Supply Chain Management (Ops)
- Business Research Methodology(Core)
Advanced Management (Term 2 to 3)

In this phase, students delve into advanced management courses with a focus on case study discussions and group projects. The emphasis is on applying fundamental knowledge across various business subjects.

Courses in advanced management include:
- Marketing Fundamentals (Mktg)
- Problem Solving and Statistical Thinking (Stats)
- Financial Accounting and Decision making (Fin)
- Microeconomics Theory: Prices and Markets (Eco)
- Organization Behaviour for managing Self and Groups (HR)
- Operations and Supply Chain Management (Ops)
- Business Research Methodology(Core)
Specialization (Term 4, 5, 6)

The program offers specializations in Marketing, Finance, Analytics, and Human Resources. To specialize in a particular elective, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit points.

Marketing Understand markets, competitors, and portfolios of product offerings and operating technologies.

Finance Finance electives provides students with the tools required to take on financial leadership roles in both the private and public sector.

Human Resources Learn more about Organizational Behavior & Transformation, Compensation,, Labour Laws etc.,

Analytics Get Exposed to the state-of-the-art tools and techniques for solving business problems with real-world data

Focus on Design Thinking

Comprehending and fostering a design thinking-led methodology for problem-solving is a proven strategy to enhance students’ innovation and creative skills. At SOIL, students acquire knowledge of design thinking through diverse classroom subjects, case studies, project work, and design boot camps.

The curriculum includes courses like –
- Introduction to Design Thinking
- Design Dynamics.
Moreover, all permanent faculty members at SOIL undergo Faculty Development Sessions to understand design thinking better and incorporate it into their everyday classroom teaching.

Foundation in Liberal Arts

A liberal arts education goes beyond imparting career-oriented skills; it offers experiences and fosters an understanding of life’s purpose. In today’s job market, employers highly value soft skills.

Our foundation program is designed to teach students the following-
- How to communicate your ideas
- Find and analyze information and data
- Adapt to new technology and professional trends
- Work with others to solve problems
- Make confident, knowledgeable decisions.
Take a look at the subjects taught.

Curriculum Highlights

160.5

No. of Course Credits to Graduate

42

Required in subject specilization

10+

Design Thinking/Liberal Arts Courses

22

Core Courses as per AICTE

23

Courses Over and Above AICTE Requirement

45

Total Number of Courses

Industry & Career Learning

Industry Visits

The industry visits aim to familiarize students with the daily operations of various industries and address their operational challenges. They keep students updated on current management practices, instilling traits valued by the industry.

Industry Live Projects

These industry projects involve real-time projects where students analyze business situations and formulate implementable strategies. They can be secured by connecting with faculty members and SOIL’s career management services.

Leadership Series Talks

The Leadership Series Talks provides a platform for top industry executives to discuss leadership issues and share insights with SOIL graduates. It features influential leaders addressing topics ranging from personal leadership journeys to industry-specific examples.

View more conversations with industry leaders here.

Industry Academy Week

SOIL conducts Industry Academy Week annually to bridge the gap between industry, academia, and graduates. It offers a valuable opportunity for students to build networks, reflect on their learning, and plan their future careers.

Standout Experiential Immersions

Global Immersion Trek

The Global Immersion Trek at SOIL is a transformative two-week international study tour situated in one of the world’s leading business capitals. This comprehensive experience combines on-campus lectures, immersive projects, and hands-on workshops. It provides students with an up-close understanding of global business dynamics and equips them with invaluable insights into international business practices.

Himalayan Rural Immersion

In the pursuit of holistic education, SOIL’s Himalayan Rural Immersion program takes students to the scenic village of Sidhbari near Dharamshala, nestled in the Himalayas. The immersive experience includes interactions with local communities, offering students an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, and cultural dimensions. As students engage with the Cord Village, they collaboratively present ideas and solutions aimed at enhancing the well-being of the local populace.

Discover India Train Journey

SOIL’s Discover India Train Journey is a 10-day expedition designed to expose students to the rich tapestry of Indian cultures and historic business capitals. With a focus on understanding diverse business practices across the country, the journey becomes a unique educational odyssey. Students delve into the historical relevance of different regions, fostering cultural appreciation and business acumen.

Annual Innovation Festival

The Annual Innovation Festival serves as the crowning moment of the two-year PGDM program at SOIL. It is a showcase where students exhibit their learnings, reflections, and the tangible impact of their initiatives on the Manesar community. This culminating event is not only a celebration of academic achievements but also an opportunity for community stakeholders to acknowledge and build upon the innovative work of the students.

Social Innovation

In collaboration with non-profit organizations in the National Capital Region (NCR), SOIL’s Social Innovation program empowers students to contribute meaningfully. Engaging with real-world projects, students develop business plans, create marketing collateral through case studies, and devise innovative fundraising initiatives. This initiative not only imparts practical skills but also instills a sense of social responsibility among the students.

30+ NGO’s to
work with

Identify suitable
work areas

Real Time
Implementation

Create Social
Impact

Final Placements 2023

The following Placement Highlights will detail SOIL’s efforts toward guiding the career paths of our students.
19.3 LPA Highest CTC

10.3 LPA Average CTC

10 LPA Median CTC

49 No. of Companies Participated

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