Unlocking Management Excellence: Insights from Prof. Pradip N. Khandwalla's Book

Join us as we are excited to welcome Prof. Pradip N. Khandwalla, who will share valuable insights from his groundbreaking book, Quest for Management Excellence: Compassion, Creativity, and Competence for Social Transformation.
In this episode, Prof. Khandwalla delves into the essential elements of effective management, emphasizing the roles of compassion, creativity, and competence in driving social transformation. Discover how these principles can lead to not only organizational success but also positive societal change.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to inspire and empower managers and leaders alike!
About Guest:
Dr. Pradip N. Khandwalla’s leadership at IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) marked a pivotal era of transformation and resilience. After earning his MBA from Wharton and a Ph.D. in Organization Theory from Carnegie Mellon, he joined IIMA in 1975, becoming a key figure in shaping its academic and financial future.
In 1991, as economic pressures mounted, Dr. Khandwalla steered IIMA through a period of financial austerity. With government funding frozen amidst rising inflation, he implemented the first-ever fee increase in the Institute's history, raising PGP fees from Rs. 500 to Rs. 6,000 in 1992 and Rs. 13,700 the following year. Administrative positions were cut, recruitment was frozen, and resource mobilization became a priority. Under his guidance, frugality became a valued practice-recycled paper was transformed into notebooks, and financial self-reliance was encouraged. His forward-thinking approach was mirrored by broader economic changes, as India moved towards liberalization. Notably, Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, key architects of India’s liberalization, delivered convocation addresses during this period, highlighting IIMA’s growing role in the nation’s economic future.
Despite financial constraints, Dr. Khandwalla emphasized academic excellence and globalization. New faculty groups focused on entrepreneurship, international management, and industrial policy were established. The executive education programs also expanded, drawing greater corporate participation as the economy opened up. Under his tenure, IIMA’s postgraduate programs were ranked among Asia’s top institutions, and the Institute’s digital infrastructure was strengthened with V-SAT connectivity in 1995.
Dr. Khandwalla’s tenure at IIMA was one of strategic adaptation, balancing the demands of a liberalizing economy with the Institute’s commitment to social relevance. His leadership set IIMA on a path of financial sustainability and academic innovation, laying a strong foundation for future growth and excellence.
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