Institutions are an outcome of a leader’s dream, vision and strategy. In the context of knowledge organizations like educational institutions, which involve talent management, its intangibility, values and culture define the institution. These characteristics differentiate it from all other forms of organization. For example, the culture of collegiality and consensus building helps in making a great institution. It is such institutions that contribute to growth of societies and civilizations. They also develop thought leaders who, in turn, influence geo-political developments, policies and contribute to value system. History is replete with examples of such linkages between institutions and society, and nation states where educational institutions have influenced the emergence of a nation as a superpower.
Institutional leaders therefore have the onerous task of growing and managing such institutions that have the potential to
contribute to the development of many generations. It is the leader who has to uphold values and morality, and guide the
development of students put under his or her charge.
This article is a leader’s reflection on transformation of a management school into one of the best multidisciplinary universities in a span of 10 years. 2003 was the year of inflection in NMIMS history as Government of India conferred Deemed University status on it on January 13, 2003. Apprehensions on being a University were voiced in the institution and parent trust. But it also opened doors for disruptive thinking on NMIMS’ future. The option at that time was to continue as a management school offering Management Programs only or to expand the horizon and scope of management education. Up to 2006, not much happened. NMIMS continued to remain a Management School. But the change in leadership at NMIMS Board level led to a new agenda. The institution now challenged the boundaries of management education and redefined its purpose as developing professionals who were technocrats and domain specialists with management capabilities. This led to the establishment of two schools – School of Engineering and School of Pharmacy, both of which now offer innovative 5-Year Integrated Tech Management Programs. Though industry had expressed the need for such domain specialists with management capabilities, it was NMIMS that took the lead. Beside these, three other schools were established – one in Sciences and other in Architecture and conventional Commerce education, which also offered a BBA program. This was the start of making NMIMS a multidisciplinary institution. The establishment of Shirpur and Bangalore Campuses by 2008 also announced the institution’s intent to be a network of campuses within India that would strive to offer quality education and develop employable graduates.