The pursuit of an MBA qualification goes beyond the mastery of traditional business fundamentals like finance, marketing, operations, and human resource management. New-age business schools recognize the need for a holistic approach to education—one that nurtures not only technical skills but also fosters leadership qualities, critical thinking, design thinking and adaptability in students. These institutions aim to shape individuals who can navigate business scenario complexities, inspire teams, and envision innovative solutions to routine problems beyond the confines of spreadsheets.
In this context, Sasmira’s Institute of Management Studies and Research (SIMSR) emerges as a beacon of contemporary management education. Situated in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, SIMSR is more than just a traditional business school; it is a transformative ecosystem where students are empowered to evolve into confident and forward-thinking leaders. With a curriculum designed to blend academic rigor with practical insights, SIMSR equips its students with the skills and mindset required to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
SIMSR in a Nutshell
SASMIRA’s Institute of Management Studies and Research, a constituent of the esteemed SASMIRA organization has over seven decades of legacy and approved by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, operates under the affiliation of the University of Mumbai, Maharashtra. The institute offers a comprehensive Master of Management Studies (M.M.S.) / Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program, spanning a duration of two years, alongside its Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Research program.
The B-School holds the distinction of being one of the few establishments in Mumbai accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). It also benefits from grants from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and offers various student certifications from organizations like the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), Quantum Learning, CASI Global New York, Rubicon among others.
In line with industry demands, SIMSR conducts skill development sessions encompassing areas such as Personality Grooming, Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, and more. Additionally, boasting a rich network of Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) and collaborations with esteemed entities such as the NCDEX Institute of Commodity Markets and Research (NICR), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), National Council of Vocational Education & Training (NCVET), Nucleus of Learning and Development (Vadodara), and several others.
With a track record of successful placements, SASMIRA’s Institute of Management Studies and Research has forged partnerships with prominent recruiters including Nomura, Morgan Stanley, Amul, Britannia, Glaxosmithkline (GSK), Yes Bank , SBI Securities, HDB Financial Services, Indusind Bank, Morning Star, Insync Analytics, Oppo, and numerous others, ensuring promising career prospects for its graduates.
A Rich Hub of Faculty Dynamics
The faculty at SASMIRA’s Institute of Management Studies and Research (SIMSR) predominantly comprises individuals holding Ph.D. qualifications, consisting of a blend of global exposure, industry expertise and academic experience. The institute benefits from the guidance of visiting faculty members who bring rich corporate insights to the classroom environment.
SIMSR prioritizes research-oriented learning, offering students exposure to subjects such as Business Research Methods and Business Statistics, complemented by practical training in SPSS software. Under the mentorship of dedicated faculty members, students actively engage in research activities, with many presenting their findings at conferences and university-level competitions.
Furthermore, the faculty at SIMSR demonstrates a strong commitment to scholarly pursuits, with faculty having patents and several members authoring books in their respective fields and contributing research papers to esteemed journals indexed in platforms like Scopus and ABDC.
State-of-the-Art Facilities at SIMSR
The facilities at SIMSR are designed to provide students with a conducive learning environment equipped with modern amenities. These include recreation rooms, seminar rooms and auditoriums for various academic and extracurricular activities. Additionally, students have access to outdoor play areas for sports like cricket and badminton.
In line with the digital age, SIMSR integrates advanced technologies into its infrastructure. Smart boards, Google Classroom, and Zoom facilitate interactive and remote learning experiences, while an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system streamlines administrative processes.
The institute leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Educational Technology (Ed Tech) software to enhance student learning outcomes. This includes tools such as Language Lab, SPSS, Tally, and Microsoft Office for skill development and research analysis. Students receive comprehensive training in these software applications to bolster their corporate readiness.
Furthermore, SIMSR prioritizes access to digital resources for academic and research purposes. Students are provided with e-books of subject textbooks, access to digital newspapers, and databases like EBSCO, J-Gate, and Proquest for research and project work. Plagcheck software is also available to ensure academic integrity in research projects.
To foster a global perspective, SIMSR hosts online sessions with national and international speakers using platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. Interactive classroom teaching is facilitated through applications like Kahoot, Prezi, and Canva, promoting engagement and comprehension among students.
Insights from Dr. Prashant Gundawar
All in all, when we got an opportunity to interview Dr. Prashant Gundawar, the Chief Academic Officer at SASMIRA Group and Director for SIMSR, we asked him to talk on how the B-school maintains its industry connections. For which he shared – “At our B-School we try to cultivate robust partnerships with industries and businesses through dedicated initiatives such as the Institute Industry Cell, Alumni Relations Cell, Placement Cell, and Corporate Interface Cell. These entities actively engage with industry stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, internships, and placement opportunities for students.” Stating a few points regarding the placement process Dr. Prashant Gundawar added – “SIMSR boasts a strong database of companies and maintains relationships with a diverse range of recruiters. The institute consistently achieves notable placement achievements, with students securing competitive packages for both international and domestic placements and internships.”
Also through the conversation, Dr. Gundawar spoke on how SIMSR graduates are highly sought-after across various industry sectors, including Retail, Banking, FMCG, Financial consultancy and services, IT, and Education. And how companies from these sectors regularly recruit from SIMSR due to the institution’s reputation for producing skilled and competent professionals who meet industry requirements.
Dr. Prashant Gundawar – Director
Drawing from 27 years of extensive experience across corporate and educational sectors, Dr. Gundawar brings over a decade of academic leadership to his role. Renowned for his innovative approach, commitment to excellence, strategic acumen, and prowess in branding within the education realm, he demonstrates an exceptional aptitude for tailoring teaching and training methodologies to accommodate individuals of diverse ages and learning preferences. With expertise in areas such as International Business and Soft Skills, coupled with superior administrative, organizational, and motivational abilities, Dr. Gundawar is a personality with a remarkable track record in both academia and professional practice.
