Reimagining Business Education & Leadership: Insights From Fr. Dr. K S Casimir, Director, XLRI - Delhi NCR

Fr. Dr. K S Casimir, Director of XLRI - Delhi NCR, shares insights on reimagining management education, fostering entrepreneurship and tackling industry challenges

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, rethinking management education has never been more critical. Fr. Dr. K S Casimir, Director of XLRI - Delhi NCR, shares his perspectives on aligning business education with industry demands, fostering entrepreneurial spirit and addressing pressing challenges like placement dynamics and employee well-being. From integrating cutting-edge digital tools to cultivating socially responsible leaders, he highlights XLRI’s innovative approach to shaping the future of business education and leadership.

In this interview, Fr. Dr. Casimir delves into key strategies for preparing students to excel in the complexities of a tech-driven, interconnected world while staying rooted in ethics and sustainability.

 

How should business education be reimagined to align with changing needs of industry? What needs to change in management education? 

Business education must undergo a paradigm shift to keep pace with evolving industry demands. Today’s dynamic business landscape requires a stronger focus on skills such as communications, adaptability, resilience, interpersonal skills, critical thinking and data literacy. While traditional management principles remain essential, integrating cross-disciplinary knowledge is critical. At XLRI, we believe that management education should not only develop competent managers but also ethical, socially responsible leaders. This involves rethinking curricula to include modules on sustainability, digital transformation and leadership in a multicultural world. Additionally, a focus on experiential learning, where students tackle real-world business issues, would better prepare graduates for complex, unpredictable market challenges.

 

We have seen an uptake in online MBA courses since the pandemic. In these four years, would you say these online MBA courses have delivered? If not, where is the problem with them? 

Online MBA programmes have indeed opened doors to quality education for many aspiring professionals, yet the experience differs significantly from traditional learning. While online programmes excel in accessibility and flexibility, they sometimes lack the interpersonal dynamics and deep engagement that are crucial for leadership training. Core management skills often emerge through group discussions, networking, and interactive mentorship—elements that are more challenging to replicate online. However, innovations in virtual technology and hybrid models are improving these aspects, and institutions must continue to refine these programmes to ensure a robust, comprehensive learning experience. 

 

In what ways does your B-school integrate technology and digital tools to prepare students for future business challenges? 

At XLRI Delhi - NCR, we prioritise embedding cutting-edge digital tools and technological acumen into our curriculum to ensure our students are well-prepared for a digitally driven future. Our programmes incorporate advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence applications, and digital transformation strategies, giving students hands-on experience with tools they’ll encounter in the workplace. Additionally, we utilise simulation-based learning and industry collaboration for live projects, allowing students to understand the practical implications of technology in decision-making and strategy formulation. By integrating these technologies, we aim to cultivate tech-savvy leaders who can navigate and leverage innovation to drive business success.

 

What specific strategies or tools do you recommend to help HR professionals support employees dealing with stress effectively? 

HR professionals play a pivotal role in supporting employee well-being, especially regarding stress management. Establishing a proactive mental health framework is essential, and this begins with creating an open, supportive environment where employees feel safe discussing stress-related issues. At XLRI Delhi NCR, we emphasise evidence-based interventions, such as wellness programmes, flexible work policies, and continuous access to counseling resources. We also advocate for training managers to recognise stress indicators and foster empathy-driven communication. Tools like mindfulness training, wellness apps, and virtual support groups have also proven effective, promoting a resilient, balanced workforce equipped to handle the demands of today’s work environment.

 

There have been several news reports about placement challenges in B-schools last year. How is XLRI approaching this issue and ensuring healthy placements, and how do you guide students in this regard? 

Our strategy includes strengthening relationships with industry leaders, continuously aligning our curriculum with evolving market demands, and offering personalised career counseling. The career services team conducts rigorous training in interview techniques, soft skills, and professional development, ensuring students are prepared to navigate competitive recruitment landscapes. We also encourage our students to remain open to diverse career paths that align with their skills and aspirations. Through these concerted efforts, XLRI Delhi - NCR maintains its legacy of fostering career-ready graduates who bring significant value to their organisations.

 

How is the institution fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students? Are there incubators, accelerators, or special programmes to support student startups? 

XLRI has taken deliberate steps to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset among our students, recognising the critical role of innovation in today’s economy. Through our dedicated entrepreneurship cell, we provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to budding entrepreneurs. Our incubation and accelerator programmes offer structured support to student-led startups, from ideation to market entry. Additionally, we incorporate courses on entrepreneurship, venture funding, and social innovation into the curriculum, equipping students with the tools they need to turn ideas into viable businesses. By fostering this entrepreneurial culture, XLRI Delhi - NCR enables students to create meaningful, impactful ventures that address real-world challenges.

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Poonam Singh

BW Reporters The author is Assistant Editor at BW Businessworld
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Mayank Badhwar

BW Reporters The reporter works as Senior Correspondent with BW Businessworld

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