India’s journey of educational development since Independence has been significant, yet it has not been without disparities. While some cities have witnessed remarkable progress in education, others continue to grapple with limited opportunities, leaving many students deprived of quality learning experiences. However, there lies a beacon of hope in the amalgamation of technology and education, offering a promising path toward transformation for these underserved cities.
This vision finds resonance in initiatives such as NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies. As part of the National Centre for Rural Development (NCRD), the Sterling Institute of Management Studies is committed to bridging the gap in management education accessibility across diverse regions. By leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods, the institute endeavors to extend its reach beyond urban centers, empowering students from rural areas with quality management education.
Sterling Institute of Management Studies in a Nutshell
NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies (SIMS), established in 2004, stands as a distinguished institution within the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai region, renowned for its excellence in management education. Nestled amidst the Parsik hills and the tranquil township of Nerul, SIMS enjoys a unique location adjacent to Seawoods Railway Station, providing an ideal setting for academic pursuits.
The institute boasts a team of dedicated and highly experienced faculty members, coupled with state-of-the-art infrastructure, fostering a conducive learning environment. Also, SIMS prides itself on its well-designed courses, diverse range of activities, and strong corporate interface, setting it apart as a premier institution in the realm of management education.
This commitment to excellence was recognized in 2023 when SIMS received accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an ‘A+’ Grade, reaffirming its standing as a leader in the field. Additionally, SIMS consistently earns accolades as the Best B-School from various ranking organizations.
Nurturing Managerial and Technical Excellence
Sterling Institute of Management Studies offers the University of Mumbai’s Two Years – Master of Management Studies (MMS) and Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programs.
Through the MMS and MCA programs, students acquire a balanced blend of managerial and technical skills, enabling them to excel in diverse domains. In addition to traditional classroom learning, the institute emphasizes experiential learning through various activities such as Events & Project-Based Learning, Industrial Visits, Campus-to-Corporate initiatives, Seminars, Workshops, Conferences, and the opportunity to write and publish research papers. Students also engage in hands-on experiences of the corporate world through Summer Internship Projects, Mini Projects, and Final Projects with reputed organizations and NGOs.
“The MCA program’s curriculum is specifically tailored to meet the evolving demands of the IT industry, with a focus on the latest technology, tools, and project-based learning methodologies”, shared – Dr. Murlidhar Dhanawade, the Director of the B-School.
State-of-the-art Facilities
SIMS is home to ample infrastructure and physical facilities conducive to teaching and learning, including classrooms, laboratories, and cutting-edge computing equipment.
Its campus features a well-stocked, air-conditioned library housing over 15,000 books and providing students with access to contemporary literature and journals across various specializations in Management and Information Technology. Additionally, students have access to leading newspapers, magazines, and more than 50 journals and periodicals. An e-library facility, including subscriptions to e-journals such as I-Gate, Proquest, and IEEE, further enhances research capabilities.
The Institute’s state-of-the-art, air-conditioned computer laboratories ensure that students have access to the latest hardware and software for practical work and academic pursuits.
Furthermore, the Institute boasts a well-equipped, air-conditioned auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 students, providing an ideal venue for various academic and extracurricular activities.
Outside the academic realm, the Institute offers a 2.5-acre playground for outdoor sports like cricket, football, and volleyball, along with a sick room and doctor-on-call facility.
A Hub of Tailored Guidance and Right Industry Exposure
The placement assistance program at NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies extends far beyond mere job placement, encompassing personalized career guidance tailored to individual needs. Career counselors and placement professionals collaborate closely with students to identify their skills, interests, and career aspirations.
The Placement Cell keeps students informed about current job market trends, salaries, and industry demands, empowering candidates to focus on fields and roles that are not only high in demand but also align with their abilities and interests. Recognizing the increasing importance of soft skills in the eyes of employers, the placement assistance program includes workshops and training sessions aimed at honing communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills.
Moreover, through the same program students are offered internships alongside educational programs. These opportunities provide candidates with hands-on industry experience, enabling them to develop practical skills and enhance their employability.
Also, as a result of the impressive industry-academia relationship existing at SIMS, the campus attracts a diverse range of companies spanning various sectors, including Logistics, IT, Startups, Product Companies, FMCG, Manufacturing Units, and the BFSI Sector. This diverse array of opportunities ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of career paths.
Fostering Innovation and Research
With an aim of cultivating an ecosystem that fosters students’ creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and research aptitude, there are several projects undertaken by SIMS. And one such prime collaboration was with MSDA LLP Company on a project leveraging Python to estimate real estate sales, showcasing the practical application of academic learning in real-world scenarios.
In line with its commitment to promoting startups and entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneur Cell provided a platform for Mr. Mohinish Shende, a student from the 2019-21 batch, to launch his own venture in the Steel Industry.
Lastly, the institute’s research committee facilitates exploration of novel concepts in research and development by academic and staff members. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the institute conducted an online International Conference during the academic year 2021-22. Along with publishing two online journals, NCRD’s Business Review and NCRD’s Technical Review respectively, providing a platform for scholarly discourse and knowledge dissemination in various domains.
Dr. Murlidhar S. Dhanawade – Director
Dr. Murlidhar S. Dhanawade currently serves as the Director at NCRD’s Sterling Institute of Management Studies in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, and also holds the position of Chairman of the MCA Board of Studies (BoS-MCA) at the University of Mumbai. With over 27 years of experience, Dr. Dhanawade is a seasoned professional in the field of Information Technology and its social implications.
With MCM, MCA, and Ph.D. qualifications, Dr. Dhanawade is an approved Ph.D. Guide for JJTU University, Rajasthan, along with having worked as a corporate trainer for five years and served on various University and State level committees related to academics.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Dhanawade has contributed significantly to research, presenting numerous papers at national and international conferences and publishing in prestigious international journals. His Ph.D. research focused on the Design, Role, and Implementation Issues of Health Management Information System (HMIS) for optimal rural health care delivery, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of existing public health systems in India. Dr. Dhanawade is also the author of the book “Health Management Information System for Rural Development,” published by Advance Academic Publisher.