Interview by Yash Panchal

Dr vs pai

Dr. V. S. Pai is currently the Director & Senior Professor, Strategy Area at KIAMS, Harihar. He has over 32 years of work experience. His expertise in Management teaching is in the areas of Corporate Strategy, Business Strategy and International Business. Besides KIAMS, he has worked with TA Pai Management Institute, Manipal, ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad and the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Dr. Pai’s publications, which number around 80, have been published in reputed journals in the US, Canada, the UK, Singapore and other countries.The publications have appeared in journals published by Elsevier, World Scientific, Sage, Springer.He has also been actively involved in delivering executive education programs for many organizations. He has held academic administrative positions such as Associate Dean and Dean. He has visited various countries abroad including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia to present his research papers and for academic .

Dr. Pai’s wonderful experience in the education sector

Education sector keeps you in touch with young minds who are bubbling with enthusiasm and energy. I have worked with the Royal Government of Bhutan’s education system, TA Pai Institute at Manipal and ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad. My experience teaching and researching have been wonderful.

Having a very large young population in India, there is a need for educational institutions of repute. The scope for growth and achievement as well as the contribution is enormous.

A leadership style based on empowerment

Create an environment where there is scope to be creative and to excel. My leadership style is based on empowerment and guidance.  

KIAMS’ curriculum

By using cases published in premier publication globally. Inviting industry executives to interact with our students and faculty. Keeping abreast of latest industry practice by tracking news, reading books and attending conferences.

Keeping in touch with the students

I teach each term/semester and thus am in touch with students. We have student forums, which I attend regularly. I have an ‘open door’ policy of encouraging students to meet and discuss their issues with me.

Views on an ideal school environment

A setup where concepts, theories, models, frameworks, paradigms are constantly linked to practice. This can be implemented by constantly engaging with industry professionals, undertaking case analyses and working on live projects.

Changes noticed in the education industry

The emergence of too many competing B-schools, stress on analytics, big data, internationalization and cutting-edge curriculum.

Must-have qualities for an aspiring manager

Knowledge, dedication and a passion to excel. The constant desire to learn and unlearn, and deliver results to the organization employing one’s services.

Goals in mind for KIAMS for the next 5 years

We are going to submit our report to the NBA (National Board of Accreditation) this year and then go for international accreditation next year with AMBA (UK). We are also exploring a tie-up with B-schools abroad. We have created an ICC (Industry Coordination Committee) that is assisting us in being industry-relevant in all our endeavors. I intend to strengthen this.

Path to success

Success has come to me because of commitment to excel, reflected both in the excellent student feedback I have received and my global publications over the years.