ITM PGDM iConnect Guidelines

7/29/2019 ITM PGDM iConnect Guidelines

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ITM Business SchoolChennai Campus


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1.0 THE iConnectPROJECT MANUAL PURPOSE

Over the last 2 decades of its meaningful evolution, ITM PGDM has matured into anintense & high value addition program that launched career of thousands of businessprofessionals in India and the world over. The purpose of this manual is to de-brief

the corporate partners & recruiters about the structure of the program and studentprofile.

The program is designed to give students a feel of corporate life along with academicrigor. Concurrently, providing the industry an opportunity to have ITM graduates asinterns, who, owing to the core five-months internship period will be well acquaintedwith the iConnectorganizations processes and thereby, more likely to obtain pre-placement offers, on satisfactory completion of their internship period. The manualalso goes on to provide key insights into the strictures imposed on ITM studentsduring the iConnectprogram and the discipline and work rigor that is expected ofthem.

The layout of the program:

January 12, 2013 onwards Orientation Program for iConnecton Campus

January 17, 2013 onwards Commencement of iConnectin company

March 04 , 2013 Initial Evaluation of Executive Training & Project

March 15, 2013 Submission of marks for Initial Evaluation

April 29, 2013 Interim Evaluation of Executive Training &Project

May 6, 2013 Submission of marks for Interim Evaluation

June 10, 2013 Final Evaluation of Executive Training & Project

June 13, 2013 Submission of marks for Final Evaluation

June 15, 2013 Relieving of Interns, Valedictory Function,iConnectClosure

The objectives of the program are:

1. Develop acumen for the business needs of today to contribute toorganizational effectiveness.

2. Facilitate the use of systems thinking among students to evolve possibilitieswhile addressing various organizational & personal challenges.

3. Develop a global perspective among students to respond to globalchallenges.

4. Impart values of intellectual honesty, justice and fairness.Responding to the changes in the external environment and in consonancewith the mission of the Institute, the program goes through periodic reviewsand updates to keep with long term perspectives. The program places great


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importance on both theory and practice; classroom teaching focusing onmultiple learning methods emphasizing conceptual clarity, as against practicalinputs provided through the rigorous iConnectcore. The insights emerging outof such an experience makes students conceptually grounded and successfulin the practice of the business discipline, they major in.

2.0 ABOUT THE ITM PGDM iConnectPROGRAM

The ITM PGDM iConnectProgram, offered by ITM Business School, is designed todevelop students to be professionally competent and socially sensitive managementgraduates, fully equipped to take on the challenges of the corporate world. Theprogram presents an outstanding prospect to explore the critical areas ofcontemporary core courses, with comprehensive knowledge and understanding ofthe key functions of management and business.

The iConnectprogram is meant to be a unique opportunity provided to students toget exposed to corporate culture and professional experience and learn to applytheoretical concepts studied in classroom to practice for developing managerialskills. The endeavor during this period is to optimize the students learning andconvert the iConnect opportunity into a placement opportunity through dedication,commitment and hard work. This requires the student to be disciplined and possessa positive attitude, focused approach and a genuine inquisitiveness to learn.

2.1 Experience

As the world of business and technology is converging, the complexity and volatilityof the business environment demands aspiring managers to be more knowledgeablein a wide array of areas. Essentially, the sheer mass of business knowledge andtechnological progress has overtaken the capability of any MBA program. At ITM, werealize the implication of this and focus on how we teach and develop our students.

The ITM PGDM iConnect experience commences with a start up program,induction and foundation course, which brings the students on one platform, to beable to meaningfully engage and decipher their course content, irrespective of thebackgrounds that they hail from.

2.2 Academic Rigor

Technology, economics and market dynamics are interlinked. Todays businessmanager is required to assimilate data, develop actionable insights and perform aspart of a larger team, often spread across geographies and time zones. TheAcademic Phase follows the Experience Phase, and it is subdivided into further fourPhases. The first year comprises of 6 Basic Compulsory Class-based Courses, 4Workshop-based Compulsory Courses, 1 Field-Based NGO/CSR project and 8Finance Electives for PGDM Finance Specialization and 8 Marketing Electivesfor PGDM Marketing Specialization. In other words, there are 19 Courses/Projectwith 71 Credits in first year of PGDM.


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The list of courses is given below:

Semester - I Contact Hours Credit percourse

Compulsory (Class Based)

111. Economics and Business and Legal

Environment

50 5

121. Finance and Accounting for Managers 50 5

131. Marketing Management 50 5

141. Managing People and Organizations 50 5

151. Information Technology & MIS 50 5

161. Decision Sciences 50 5

Semester I

Compulsory (Workshop/Lab based)

171. Business Communication 30 3

181. Life Style Management 30 3

191. DRCC & NGO CSR (field based) 30 3

192. Insight Session I 30 3

Semester I

Electives (Finance)

122. Corporate Finance 35 3.5

123. Tax Planning in Financial Management 35 3.5

124. Financial Markets and Financial Services 35 3.5

125. Advanced Excel and VBA Programming

With Business Applications (workshop) 15 1.5

Electives (Marketing)

132. Consumer Behavior and CRM 35 3.5

133. Marketing Research 35 3.5

134. Corporate Finance 35 3.5


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135. Sales & Action based learningSimulation (Workshop)

15 1.5

Semester II

Electives (Finance)

221. Security Analysis & PortfolioManagement

30 3

222. Investment Banking 30 3

223. Advance Corporate Finance 30 3

224. Financial & Commodity Derivatives 30 3

225. Entrepreneurship for Managers

(Workshop)

20 2

Electives (Marketing)

231. Digital & Social Media Marketing 30 3

232. Rural & Bottom of the Pyramid Marketing 30 3

233. Service Operations & Strategy 30 3

234. Event & Entertainment Marketing 30 3

235. Entrepreneurship for Managers(Workshop)

20 2

Total Class hours and credit points 600 60

191. DRCC & NGO CSR 110 3

Grand Total 710 71

Explanation of 3-digit code: First digit represents Term Number, Second digitrepresents Discipline Number and the Third digit represents Course Number say 1,2, 3 in a particular discipline in a particular term. Discipline numbers have been givenin the following order: 1- Economics and Business Environment, 2- Finance andAccounting, 3- Marketing, 4- Human Resource, 5- Information Technology, 6-Decision Sciences, 7- Communication, 8- Life Style Management, and 9-Field/research projects.

2.3 Internship Details

The program is completely redesigned, from day one, until convocation. The 2-months summer project is defunct and replaced by a 5-months integral internship,

forming part of the iConnect concept. The pre-placement training, usually a lastminute exercise is now stretched into a complete professional and holistic


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developmental experience for the student. The two-year full-time program isimprovised with revised schedule, curriculum, internship and training process. Thestudents intern for five-months in an organization divided in two phases; first twoand a half months spent on site, then a re-group session back on campus for fifteendays, followed by another two and a half months with the project company and

subsequently a fifteen days re-group session back on campus. One organizationrepresentative becomes the Industry Guide and one faculty member a FacultyGuide. Thus, students are mentored in a two-way process. The assignments rangefrom research, training and development, organizing events/conferences, policyreviewing, assisting in cross functional areas, etc.

It is pertinent to note that during the course of iConnect program, studentcontribution is significant in their field of work and over a period of time, the Instituteevolves a mutually beneficial relationship with number of organizations. Weunderstand and acknowledge the significant amount of effort taken by theorganizations in creating a learning opportunity for our students and at the Institute

we are committed to make students contribute meaningfully to the associatingorganizations and becoming responsible corporate citizens.

2.4. Placement Objectives for Internship Program

a. To provide learning opportunity for students to develop and practice skillsof Human Resource, Marketing, Finance and other disciplines offered, byapplying and integrating the classroom inputs with real life situations.

b. To help students develop systems perspective while dealing withorganizational situations.

c. To equip students with the ability to access and experience on-job(practical) situations and create new business knowledge.

d. To make students understand the influence of organizational context w.r.t.Human Resource, Operations, Marketing, Finance, etc.

e. To provide Faculty Mentors and Industry Mentors the data to evaluateand develop students ability to practice learnt management techniquesand methods, effectively and ethically in their respective areas ofendeavor.

f. To study and prepare a project report as per company requirement.g. To provide a platform to take up Executive Training and develop a

network which will be useful in enhancing career prospects.

h. To co-create new business knowledge, along with stakeholders in theiConnectprocess.

2.5. Professional Behavior

To ensure that the ITM graduate succeeds during iConnect program, followingguidelines have been framed for effective implementation and attainment ofobjectives of iConnect.

a) ITM expects that at all times, student interns conform to the rules andregulations of the workplace.

b) Be regular, punctual, obedient and honest at the workplace and during courseof ones general conduct.


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c) Unprofessional behavior, dishonesty, misconduct, indiscipline, irregularity atwork and unsatisfactory performance, will not be entertained, leading tocancellation of the iConnectproject.

d) Subsequently, students will not be permitted to register for Semester-IIIresulting in loss of at least one academic year besides any other form of

action ITM might deem fit.


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3.0 ORGANIZATION PLACEMENT: Structure, Process and Study Roles

The ITM PGDM iConnectstudents are placed in different organizations representingdifferent sectors during the period of their Masters program. The program is nolonger on a trimester or semester format rather as a set of discrete terms of study,

industry immersion and applied project work, that takes students through adevelopmental journey from an aspiring fresher to close to being Corporate-ready,as possible.

The process details are:

3.1 The Initialization

It commences with a brief pre-term startup session, where students are allotted theirspecialization at the beginning of the program, based on career assessment test.

On completion of the preliminaries, they are assigned a cross-functional workingteam of students from different specializations, which remain together throughout theprogram duration. With this starts the first academic term, called The Initializationfor 6 months. The Insight Sessions during this phase include a range of workshops,seminars, field experiences and other activities that prepare students in ways thatare beyond the ambit of an ordinary academic program, enabling them to build theright attitude, a holistic view towards business, incisive analytical skills, soundcommunication & strength of character.

Finally, students engage in co-curricular NGO/CSR live project with a NGO, NPO orCharitable Association to build their sensitivity to society and understand what itmeans to be socially responsible. (Complete details available in NGO Dossier)

3.2The iConnectCore: The 5-Month Internship

The iConnectCore is designed to integrate industry training and academics into aseamless experience which is a revolution in Concept Based Learning, wherestudent teams will be placed with companies to work on specific projects.Experienced and qualified ITM faculty members will be assigned to the internshipcompany to provide guidance and support to each student team. The faculties will berequired to mentor and train the students when they are back in the classroom. To

achieve this, the iConnectCore is structured to accommodate a 2-week academicintervention, called the Regroup Session for every 10 weeks spent working full-timewith the project company.

During each Regroup session, students will have to take up an intensive capsulecourse, in addition to a monthly review of their internship performance, via feedbackfrom the Internship Manager and the in-house ITM Faculty.

The entire industry immersion, including the regroup sessions will be subject toconcurrent evaluation by both the faculty and the project company guide and thiscollective grade, will determine the students overall performance in the program.


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Approximately 10-15 students from a batch will be placed with a Faculty Mentor tofacilitate effective learning during their placement period. All students will beinstructed to meet and discuss the project work with their Faculty Mentors beforetheir first visit to their respective fieldwork placement. The main agenda will bedeveloping the Learning Agreement. Students will have to finalize their Learning

Agreement on or before the 5th

working day of the internship project placement.

Students will have to meet their concerned Faculty Mentors on a specified time everyweek for 2 hrs for Individual Instruction (II) / Group Instruction (GI) to reflect on theirinternship project work experience. Attendance in II/GI is compulsory and it is treatedat par with classroom instruction.

3.3 A typical Individual Instruction (II) / Group Instruction (GI) would involve

a. Reviewing the industry exposure of studentsb. Developing a new agenda for learning

c. Presentation of questions related to assigned project work by students fordiscussion

d. Presentation of the students plan for the next weeke. Comments on students documentation, if anyf. Situational Analysis of experiences to analyze the skills used by students and

reflection in terms of using additional skills or changes needed in the existingskill sets

g. Making students reflect on their own attitude, sense of values and perceptualjudgments pertaining to their project company and work life in general

h. Critical review of the Learning Agreement and making necessary changes ifnecessary

The formal evaluation of the student at the work place is currently scheduled at theend of the project placement. The Workplace Mentor discusses all the critical pointswith the students in detail to facilitate professional & personal development.Importantly, students prepare and undergo a self-evaluation prior to assessments bythe Faculty Mentor and the Work Project Mentor. Efforts are made by the FacultyMentor to capture notations describing the challenges faced by the student inconsultation with the Work Project Mentor to help the student to develop an actionplan to perform better.

3.4 The Consolidation

Once the iConnectcore is completed, students take up the next full-time academicterm, called The Consolidation from July to December. Here they take 6 advancedlevel courses across their domain of specialization. The completion of these saidcourses lead to completion of students specialization focus and a second tranche ofthe insight sessions, designed to prepare them for final placements. Finalplacements begin in October, with recruiting companies coming onto campus forPre-placement talks and short-listing of candidates.


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3.5 The Capstone

The final session of the ITM PGDM iConnect is The Capstone. The Capstone is areal world multi-disciplinary project taken up by teams of students designed tochallenge their understanding of various courses taught in the preceding terms and

examines their proficiency in business analysis and strategy.

3.6 Reconnect

The program ends with a life-long connection with the people who manage thisunique learning experience. As an alumnus of the ITM Group, students getnumerous opportunities to reconnect with our highly experienced and qualifiedfaculty and help to extend the iConnect experience far beyond the boundaries ofbusiness education. Besides, through our Executive Education programs which areoffered all over India, ITM alumni are always in touch with thousands of executives,across all functions in many corporations across India.


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4.0 MENTORING & ROLE DESCRIPTIONS

The faculty mentors are teachers of the B-School and specialize at least in one areaof management. They mentor students who are placed in the work project with acompany and have expertise to relate curriculum with field issues. They directly

liaison between the B-School and the Organization and ensure that the studentslearning objectives are met and the project internship experience benefits both thestudent and the organization.

4.1 Responsibilities of the Faculty Mentor

a. Keeping pace with changes in practices and policies in the sector where theirstudents are placed.

b. Strengthening fieldwork segment by periodically evaluating its effectiveness,developing new agencies for fieldwork, and suggesting improvements inmanagement of the practice.

c. Guiding students to discuss and develop the Learning Agreement.d. Discussing the evaluation process, standards and instruments during the

first/second meeting.e. Finalizing the Learning Agreement with project details on or before the 5 th

Working Day.f. Conducting Individual Instruction (II) / Group Instruction (GI)g. Encouraging learnability in groups and exploring differences and similarities in

terms of practices among different organizations.h. Addressing the challenges faced by the students in assigned tasks given by

the project company.i. Contacting Work Project Mentor periodically and discussing learning

opportunities for the students and orienting them, if necessary, to make theplacement worthwhile.

j. Providing constructive feedback periodically to students for their development.Feedback may involve specific situational analysis and behavioral postulates.

k. Evaluating the students on specified parameters.l. Getting mid semester feedback from Work Project Mentor to guide students in

their areas of improvement and review the Learning Agreement.m. Keeping in touch with Work Project Mentor to collect their feedback by end of

the semester.n. Discussing the feedback of Work Project Mentor on specified parameters with

the students in context of Learning Agreement and help students to develop aprogressive key learning outcome sheet from their internship experience.o. Discussing with students and making recommendations about the

organization to the Work Project Coordinator.


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4.2 Work Project Mentor: Roles

Effective learning of students at workplace demands significant commitment from themanagement of the Work Project Organization. The Work Project Mentor plays avery critical role in granting necessary permission to the student to be in the

Organization to spearhead his/her learning process and make necessary evaluationof the student in the field of work. In sum, the Work Project Mentors observationsare critical for students progress in the iConnectprogram.

The indicative guidelines:

a. Providing or arranging to provide orientation to the students about theorganization, Human Resource Department and relevant information foreffective learning. This may include the office timings, dress code, contactperson in the organization, and other rules and regulations that are incumbentupon the students to follow.

b. Providing administrative and educational support to students.c. Informing other employees in the organization about the student and seeking

their support in the learning process of the student.d. Being familiar with experiential learning and helping the student in the learning

process.e. Helping the students to finalize the Learning Agreement by discussing the

project tasks assigned and finalizing it on or before the 4 th working day of thefieldwork placement.

f. Assessing learning needs and other abilities.g. Recognizing and responding constructively to the adjustment issues of the

students, if any.h. Helping schedule interviews with other managers.i. Providing access to manuals, policy documents and other relevant

information.j. Providing opportunities for students to observe managers/staff perform a

variety of tasks and debriefs.k. Providing opportunities for students to participate in organizational activities.l. Providing opportunities to students to attend to these tasks independently.m. Giving regular feedback to the Field Work Students, with behavioral

examples on their performance.n. Conducting a Mid - Semester review of the students performance and sharing

the same with Faculty Mentor as necessary input in the learning process ofthe student.o. Providing an opportunity for students to make presentations of the internship

work project to company managers and solicit their feedback.p. Completing the Final evaluation of the students and giving necessary

feedback for personal and professional growth of the student.q. Keeping a note of the attendance of the students and certifying it at the end of

the internship period.r. Informing the Faculty Mentor immediately in the event of identification of any

unacceptable behavior/performance of the student during the assigned workproject phase.


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4.3Students Role in the Internship Work Project

a. Inform the Work Project Mentor or the person concerned your placement inthe Organization, office timings and other relevant details. This will help theWork Project Mentor to make necessary arrangements in the organization.

b. Collect the detailed attendance sheet from the School Secretariat before thefirst day of internship / work project placement and keep it in safe custodyduring the internship period. Ensure that the Work Project Mentor or his/herrepresentative takes adequate notice of your presence or absence at theworkplace. Filled in Attendance sheet with signature of the Work ProjectMentor and company seal stamped on your attendance record should behanded over to the School Secretariat by the end of the semester.

c. Contact your Faculty Mentor before the start of your internship, to discuss anddecide on the draft Learning Agreement. Make sure that you study thewebsite of the internship Project Work Organization, read relevant articlespublished in business magazines and business newspapers and search

database for relevant information before the meeting. Do not carry any pre-conceived notions about your project work situation. Your experience may bevery unique and quite different from that of your counterpart.

d. Behaving in a professional manner at work place is given and essential at alltimes.

e. Strictly follow the organizations rules and procedures. Change at any point intime may happen only with the consent of the Project Work Mentor and thisneed to be communicated to the Faculty Mentor without fail. Changes mayinclude visiting other organizations for data collection, additional field visits toclients or plant sites etc.

f. Carry a field work diary to record (i) the time spent at the internship workorganization (ii) details about the meetings with various professionals (iii)details about the manuals and documents referred to (if any). Make sure thisdiary is submitted to the Faculty Mentor with other documents on Wednesday,every week.

g. Discuss and finalize the work project on or before the 5th working day toincorporate in the Learning Agreement.

h. Finalize the Learning Agreement with the Faculty Mentor before or during thenext II/GI.

i. Be completely responsible to follow the learning agenda and develop theability to get others support (buy in) in attaining these goals.

j. Actively seek learning opportunities in work project and situations.k. Take initiative to consult experts in the field to refine the learning agenda andmake the best out of the learning opportunities provided.

l. Inform the Faculty Mentor at the earliest in the event of any problem in theinternship work process and it affecting the completion of tasks.

m. Be present on all the days, as may be required, at the project work place.Absence at the internship workplace due to illness or any compelling reasonneeds to be informed to the Work Project Mentor and Faculty Mentor at theearliest and students need to compensate the absence by attending fieldworkon other days. Note that Students will not be permitted to leave the classesand IIs / GIs to attend to internship work requirements.

n. Take constructive feedback from managers and other relevant organizationmembers who actively participate in the internship work processes.


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o. Develop a learning strategy during the project internship tenure to co-ordinateyour efforts with the individual development goals.

p. Maintain contact with the project work organization even after the on-jobinternship process is concluded.

4.4 Fallacious Conduct during the program

Following behavior if found in the interning students, will be considered as fallaciousand detrimental to their grading and progress in the course:

a) Criticizing the Company policies and the Company Executivesb) Criticizing or making adverse observations about ITM and/or the Faculty

Guidec) Attending the office in casual clothingd) Getting into arguments and losing ones temper at worke) Misusing the facilities offered by the company. For example, facilities such as

web access, etcf) Going to meetings and presentations unpreparedg) Being lateh) Leaving the office without prior permission from the Company Guidei) Being impolite or rude to the Company Executivesj) Exceeding the mandate given by the Company Guide and attempting to or

collecting information that is confidential in naturek) Holding back any material/equipments/accessories provided by the company

on a returnable basisl) Collecting cash/cheque in ones personal name for any business transactionsm) Borrowing money or any other personal asset from Company Executivesn) Interfering in third party assignmentso) Encouraging friends to visit the workplace during office hours and causing a

nuisance /disturbance to the work environment.

Note: While the student internshall endeavor to secure a pre-placement offer in theiConnectCompany through dedicated work and result orientation, however, it is notincumbent upon the project organization to make such an offer, as mandatory.Interning Students must also note that non-submission of any reports or notattending the presentation should be treated as Total Absence for the entiretenure & the evaluation component will lead to Not Cleared grade.

4.5 Attendance Policy

Cent percent attendance (100%) is directly co-related to dedication and commitmentof a Student Intern. Unless there is a dire need for leave, the Student Intern shouldnot take leave. Dedicated effort from the Student Intern paves way for healthyrelationship with the nominated organization and enhances the placementopportunity. Analysis of the previous iConnect experiences prove that those withgood attendance record are more prone to being successful and securing pre-placement offers (PPO).

Students whose performance is evaluated as Low or Very Low (OverallEvaluation of the student: See Evaluation Form for Details: Appendix G) in the


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specified criteria in two semesters is not permitted to complete the course. In theevent of receiving a written statement of a students unsatisfactory performance withregards to project work, the concerned student is asked to explain their experiencewith the project company. In case, the student gets a memo on his or herunsatisfactory performance and the poor performance continues even after issuing a

memo, the project / company internship placement is terminated and the student isasked to repeat the semester. While in most cases this may be highly unlikely, it is ameasure and stance that the Institute takes seriously, for the overall credibility of theprogram and ensuring that students engaging in internships are well served and theirlearning interests equally well looked after. Students are strictly instructed to followthe rules and regulations of the work project organization where they are placed andadhere to all attendance norms, as required by the work project organization.

The following guidelines form the basis of the attendance policy:

a) Attendance system existing in the company in which iConnect is being

pursued should be followed.b) The Student Intern is not permitted to avail any leave during the period of

iConnect. For any leave availed, there will be a penalty levied in terms ofmarks. Absence without prior approval of leave will be viewed seriously andmay even lead to termination of the iConnectproject.

Leave(s) can be availed in the following situation(s):

a) Leave can be applied only for unavoidable circumstances and in theprescribed format.

b) Interns are not permitted to avail leave during the iConnect internship.c) Beyond 3 days leave, a penalty of 3 marks per day of leave from the

aggregate iConnect marks will be levied.d) Leave beyond 14 days (Including leave with and without penalty) during the

entire period of iConnect is strictly not allowed and would lead to repeating theiConnect internship.

e) Absence without prior approval of leave will be viewed seriously and may leadto termination of the iConnectproject. Absence beyond 9 days would lead tocancellation and thereafter repetition of the iConnectproject.

Ex: Suppose a student avails leave for 14 days during the iConnect; if the final marks

of the student is 74 out of 100, then he/she would suffer a penalty of 33 marks (i.e. 3marks 11 days) and thus the final marks will be 74 33 = 41. Grading for iConnectperformance will be based on 41 marks (and not on 74 marks).

A penalty of 5 marks is awarded per day from aggregate iConnectmarksin the absence of leave application.

4.6 Transfer from one iConnectcampus to another iConnectcampus

Once registered, an intern should continue at the same campus till the completion ofiConnect. However, under exceptional circumstances, transfer from one iConnectcampus to another iConnect campus is permitted with prior written approval of theHead of the Region subject to the following conditions:


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a. 50 marks will be deducted from aggregate iConnectmarks.b. Transfer of iConnect Campus for a second time is not permitted. This will

result in cancellation of iConnect and non-registration for Semester III.Request for change of iConnect Campus shall be made in writing in a

prescribed format given in Annexure- and forwarded to Head of the Regionthrough Faculty Guide/iConnectCoordinator. The application should give validjustification for seeking change of iConnectCampus.

4.7 Weightage for Evaluation

The iConnectcarries a weightage of 5 credit units and evaluation of the iConnectiscritical for overall performance. The evaluation schedule as prescribed in theseguidelines shall be strictly implemented. Any stakeholder of the program shall notextend the evaluation schedule under any circumstances. Non submission of anyreports or not attending the presentation should be treated as Absence for the

evaluation component, which will lead to Not Cleared grade. Evaluation of acomponent shall not be done unless evaluation of previous components iscompleted. Where the previous component of evaluation is marked as NC, studentshall be issued a letter to repeat iConnect.

The evaluation will be based on performance of the Student Intern during theExecutive Training and the Project work. The evaluation shall be carried out atdifferent stages viz. Initial evaluation, interim evaluation, final evaluation and weeklyprogress report. The weekly evaluation will be based on the report submitted by theStudent Intern.

iConnectis evaluated for a maximum of 400 marks. The aggregate marks awardedto each student shall subsequently be converted into grades (A, B, C, D & E).


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5.0 EVALUATION COMPONENTS

5.1 Weekly iConnectProgress Report (100 Marks)

By Monday, weekly reports for the previous week should be submitted to the FacultyGuide without fail till the completion of the iConnectproject.

5.2 Initial Evaluation (100 Marks)

The initial evaluation is conducted based on a report containing the following:

a) Overview of the iConnectCompanyThis shall include 3 Reports covering the company, the customer and thecompetition and a detailed SWOT analysis of the company (75 Marks) andProject Proposal (25 Marks). During the period of iConnect, intern should

understand the products of the company and the customer profile. Effortshould be made on various aspects of understanding the customers, theirsegmentation, product positioning, buying pattern, etc.

b) The CompetitionNeed to understand the competitors for the products marketed by iConnectCompany.

c) The EnvironmentIt is essential to understand the macro and micro economic environment inwhich the iConnect Company is operating. The national and internationalenvironment which has an influence on the Companys performance alsoneeds to be studied.

d) The TechnologyNeed to focus on the technology platforms and specific ERP packagesrelevant for the Company. It is important to get insights into the pre and post-technology productivity of people, customer service, and grievance redressed,etc.

e) SWOT Analysis

Need to study the economic environment in which the company is operating,understand its progress in the past and based on the same, analyze thestrengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the company. The SWOTanalysis should provide insights into the companys future prospects and thestrategic directions.

f) Whos WhoIntern should know and prepare a report on (i) the ITM team including thecompany guide and supervisors (ii) Departmental Heads at the iConnectCompany and (iii) the Chief Executive Officer/the Managing Director and othertop management team members of the company.


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g) Business ObjectivesClearly document the specific goals of Executive Training and targets for theiConnectperiod. The report shall further provide break-up of the targets on aweekly basis.

h) Interim Evaluation:The interim evaluation will also be on the project connected to the company inconsultation with the Company Guide that the student wishes to undertake.

Refer to the following guidelines for writing the Executive Training Interim Report.

5.3 Presentation on the Executive Training Report (75 Marks)

a) Objective: State the objectives of the Executive Training explaining clearlythe specific tasks by the iConnectCompany.

b) Target/Tasks: The target/tasks of the training should be stated, and also be

clearly measurable. The specific dates as to when these targets/tasks wouldbe completed / achieved should be mentioned.

c) Strategy: An outline of how the student is undergoing the Executive Trainingin terms of the various activities and plans employed (or designed) to achievethe set targets should be specified.

d) Achievements: The achievements vis--vis the targets and tasks of the jobassigned should be clearly mentioned.

e) Mid-course Correction: It is a review of the targets/tasks assigned by theorganization and any upward or downward revision thereof. The reason forthe revision may be detailed.

f) Limitation: The constraints in achieving the targets/tasks objectives shouldbe highlighted in this section. The student should outline any specificproblems or hurdles encountered. They should explain any one significantobstacle that they might have encountered if it calls for a change in plan. They should also outline the changed plan.

g) Conclusion: The student should draw together the main issues discussed inthe main sections and identify any implications of the work that he/she hasdescribed. The student should also describe how tasks and targets couldhave been better achieved, or the performance be improved upon.

5.4 Project Presentation (50 Marks)

A presentation on the progress achieved till date should be made to an audienceconsisting of the Company Guide and the Faculty Guide. The objective is to providean opportunity to get insights into the performance and consider them beforefinalization of the report. This would also help to involve intern actively in theoperational review and make it more meaningful to the host company. Presentationat the Interim Evaluation would be of 15-30 minutes duration. It will carry 15%weightage of the interim evaluation.

Normally, such presentation should take place in the company where the student isundergoing his/her iConnect. However, if for any reason, this does not take place in

the company, the Faculty Guide should facilitate the presentation at the iConnectCampus.


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5.4.1. Final Evaluation

Successful Executive Training shall enhance placement opportunity. It is thereforeessential that the student is result oriented and makes value addition to the iConnect

Company.

5.4.2.

In the final evaluation, intern should prepare a report on interns Executive Trainingcovering the following aspects:

a) Target/Task setb) Strategy adoptedc) Analysis of Performance v/s Target. Reasons for variance, if anyd) Problems/Constraints/Limitations

e) Learning in the Executive Trainingf) Awards/Rewards received during Executive Training including incentives etcg) Project report and presentation

6 ITM AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

Awards are given to the best performing students and faculty guides at an iConnectlocation in the ratio of one award for every hundred students. The minimum numberof students at an iConnectcampus should be 50 for being eligible for this award.Where the number of students at an iConnectcampus is less than 50, two or morenearby campuses in a region shall be clubbed together for awards; and each winningstudent and faculty guide would receive a cash award of Rs. 5,000/-, a citation and amemento.

Selection Process: At the iConnectCampus, a panel consisting of iConnectCo-ordinator (Corporate office) and iConnectCo-ordinator (Campus) would shortlist twobest performers for every hundred students. A panel of experts from the regionwould then evaluate those who are shortlisted. The Panel would announce the finallist of winners.

7 VALEDICTORY FUNCTION

The iConnectCampus Heads organize a valedictory function before the close of theiConnectprogram at their respective locations. All the Company Guides are invitedto this function. The interns themselves are encouraged to participate andcongregate over cultural activities during the course of the function.


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8 ConnectCOMPLETION

iConnect closes on June 15, 2013.

On successful completion of the 20-weeks, the iConnect program intern must collect

a Relieving Letter and a No Dues Certificate from the host organization and theiConnect Campus and both the documents should be submitted at the respectiveITM Campuses.

9 COMMENCEMENT OF YEAR II:

Year II of the PGDM program shall commence on July 01, 2013 at the respectiveITM Campuses. All interns are required to register for the Semester on June 30,2013.

10 BRIEF ON THE LEARNING AGREEMENT

The Learning Agreement is an outline of all the activities students undertake duringtheir Project Work/Internship Placement. Students have to discuss with the FacultyMentor and the Project Work Mentor the learning objectives and the organizationexpectations and are fully responsible for drafting the Learning Agreement. It is awritten understanding which guides the student, the Faculty Mentor and the WorkProject Mentor in the learning process. It helps in planning the learning opportunitiesand stays as a reference point for the periodic evaluation of the learning experience.It can also be the base document to sort out any disagreement, which may arisebetween the parties in the process of a students learning. Collectively, it is animportant indicator of learning for all the students in a batch and can contributesignificantly to both, theory and practice.

In the current context, the Learning Agreement focuses on five major areas forstudents learning: (a) Business (b) Human Resources (c) Marketing (d) Finance and(e) Self. While input for developing learning objectives in detail for first four comefrom class room instruction, students field experience, management books, articles,databases, and interaction with experts; the input for Self comes from selfassessment of the evaluation sheet, assessment center ratings, psychometric testsand previous project work evaluation. It is expected that students develop the

learning objective in such a manner that it fosters systemic thinking, analyticalthinking and helps in reflecting ones own experience to improve the practice of theHuman Resource Function.


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11 STUDENT GUIDELINES AT THE PROJECT ORGANIZATION

a. PurposeUnderstanding of Organizations Goals, Mission, Vision, and Values isnecessary for the intern. Analyzing how the values of the organization are

linked with the organizational systems and processes forms a vital cog in thelearning wheel.

b. Organization and External EnvironmentUnderstanding the organization from a historical perspective is imperative forthe study and further critically examining how the organization responds tovaried external environments over a period of time; studying the customers,clients, suppliers, distributors and other stakeholders; use theoreticalframework to analyze strategic orientations or strategies of organizations;comparing organizations that operate within the same space and sector andanalyzing them via means of a Confrontation Matrix and SWOT, to start

with.

c. Input/Output/ System DynamicsUnderstand the details about products/services, financial assets, capitalassets, human resources, profits, losses, etc.

d. TechnologyIn case of manufacturing, looking at the type of production, extent ofautomation, nature of linkage between people and technology, understandingdown time, cycle time, lead time, etc, disruptive, high end, low end andintensive technologies.

e. StructureDifferent forms of structures in Organizations: advantages and disadvantagesof each structure and how organizations are addressing their inherent andexternal environmental challenges; evaluating the linkages between structureand organizational culture, structure and strategy, etc.

f. Human processesEngaging in policy formulation, providing inputs for decision-making,managing conflicts, communication processes, problem solving, employee

relations.

g. CultureRead Edgar Scheins model for Organizational Culture and develop a critiquealong those lines for the project organization where you are interning. Thiswould require a sound understanding of the facts within the organization, theorganizations core values and the assumed values within the organization.


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12 TOOL KIT FOR LEARNING

a. What is the value proposition for the client/customer?b. What is the business model of this organization?c. If the organization doesnt have a business model, could you develop one for

them?d. What is the industry growth rate?e. What are the Government policies supporting this industry?f. What are the effects of the current financial meltdown on companys

performance?g. Does the culture of the organization impact HR policies and processes?h. Is there a relationship between corporate governance and strategy in the

organization?i. What makes organization the employer of choice, if such is the case?

j. What are all new research findings in the area of employee performance?k. Am I using systems perspective in my analysis?

l. Do I know how to make a business case for HR / Marketing / Financial /Operational initiatives within the organization?

m. Am I demonstrating strong analytical skills while diagnosing organizationalissues?

n. Can I identify departmental priorities within the context of a business plan?o. What is the marketing plan and roadmap for the organization?p. Am I aware of the operational issues within my department? Can I make

remedial recommendations (if sought), based on my observations, which arebacked by sound logic and evidence?

Focus Areas:

12.1 Sector: Manufacturing.

a. Manufacturing / Supply Chain

Overall operations/ production process: TPS (Toyota Production System),Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma etc.

Logistics and distribution of goods

Third Party Manufacturing V/s In house Manufacturing

Is part of the process outsourced?

Manufacturing Team Structure/Roles

Products, packaging, process and technology Critical parameters/ quality parameters in products

Other progressive activities like TPM, 5S

b. Commercial Operations

Planning and transport systems

Sourcing of raw materials

Costing methods

HR budgeting

Allotment of production requirements in different factories from HO Financial ratios like technical efficiency, conversion cost, overheads etc


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Dispatch of goods from the factory

Cost effectiveness programs initiated in the factory

Does factory supply to any other country? If yes, then why?

Does the company import from other places? If yes, then why?

c. Human Resources

Human Resource Planning

Recruitment channels at the factory

Disciplinary procedures

Grievance handling

Long Term Settlement- processes in detail

Legal audits conducted in the factory

Wage calculation

Time office operations and the way it is linked to payroll

Incentive schemes- Design its effect on productivity Linkage between productivity and payroll

Registers maintained - Contract Labor, Leave Registers, ESIC, PF, etc

Absenteeism and how it is addressed?

Canteen Management - Canteen committee, costing of food items

External Environment Interaction with Chief Inspector, LaborCommissioner

Interaction with union

Understand the unit HR strategy- role of the unit in the manufacturing

Strategy of the business, future outlook of the unit, issues of viability etc.

Understand the factory with its dynamics, its history, Current IR scenario

i. Corporate HR

Understand the company management

Performance Appraisal/Management System and EmployeeDevelopment plans

Recruitment processes at different levels

Tools to link HR to business

ii. Recruitment/Selection Process

HR requirement: Forecast in the context of businesschanges/employee turnover

The entire process of application screening

Psychometric/Psychological Testing

Process of interviewing

Participating as an observer in panels

iii. Remuneration

Principles and practices


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Pay and performance

Variable pay, Employee Stock Option

Principles of work levels and job evaluation

iv. Training

Design and delivery of a training program

Competencies required for training effectively

Learning portals

Various Learning methodologies

Principles of design of a session / program

Working with outside agencies to develop training module anddelivery

Principles of facilitation

Program evaluation and feedback

Learning as a part of capability building/Leadership Development

12.2 Sector: Service

Students may use the above mentioned pointers as applicable in service sector also.Additional pointers include:

a. Understanding the Business/ Understanding its Operations

Service Delivery Model

Distribution network in Retail Sector On-site and off-site employees and Human Resources

Technology platforms used in business

Sourcing Technology / Logistics /Equipments

Progressive practices like Six Sigma, 5S, Process Improvement Initiativesetc

Costing model

Revenue model

Business feasibility - Location, Proximity to other businesses andindustries

Customer Orientation Performance metrics / Service Level Agreements

Customer Service Quality measurements

b. HR in Service Sector

HR Budgeting

HR Planning

Legal aspects

Use of contract labor for housekeeping, canteen etc

Identification and Assessment of Critical Skills Retention of critical talent


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HR challenges for the industry

Challenges in attracting and retaining talent in some new sectors. Eg.Counseling

HR Practices to address key challenges like Talent Acquisition,Absenteeism, and Employee Turnover, etc.

Band / Grade Structure Compensation Structure - Fixed v/s variable, PF, Gratuity,

Superannuation, Stocks, Bonus etc

Recognition Schemes

Career Advancement process and methods

Succession Planning Process

Learning and Development Initiatives in detail

Recruitment and Selection process

Performance Management System

Assessment and Development Centers, if any

Line Mangers as HR Managers HR effectiveness


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13 .REPORTING & MIS (MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM)

The student intern as per the target date shall submit the following reports:

Target Date Activity Evaluator Weightage (%)

Every Monday Weekly Report Faculty Guide 100

Initial Evaluation

(Executive Training

Report & Project

Proposal)

Faculty Guide and

Company Guide

100

Interim Presentation

(Executive Training

Report & Project)

Faculty Guide,

Company Guide, and

iConnectCampus Head

(optional)

125

Final Evaluation

(Executive Training

Report & Project

Proposal)

Faculty Guide,

Company Guide, and

iConnectCampus Head

175


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APPENDIX A

STUDENTS LEARNING AGREEMENT

1. The draft Learning Agreement is worked out with the concerned FacultyMentor before the start of the Work Project Placement.

2. Learning Agreement is finalized in consultation with the Faculty Mentor beforethe 5th working day of the work project, after incorporating the project details.

3. In the absence of assessment details (work project assessment, assessment

center ratings etc.), students may use an evaluation sheet to make selfassessment and use this as an input for the Learning Agreement.

4. A detailed guideline is provided below to help you to decide on the learninggoals.

5. A copy of the finalized Learning Agreement should be handed over to theFaculty Mentor (on or before 5th working day of the work project placement)for periodic evaluation to provide you constructive feedback and for smoothconduct of II/GI. Another copy of the Learning Agreement, duly signed by theFaculty Mentor should be given to the School Secretariat just after the lastworking day with your comments. This copy will go to your office file toprovide inputs for deciding the best work project/internship student of the ITM

PGDM iConnectprogram.6. Learning Agreement is a working document. It should be reviewed and

revised during the work project placement to optimize learning opportunities.


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LEARNING AGREEMENT

Student Name:

Semester:

Details of Previous Work Projects/ Internships (if any) / Placements:

Faculty Mentor:

Fieldwork Organization:

Field Work Mentor:

Address:

Tel No: E-Mail:

Comments of Faculty Mentor:


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Learning Area Goals Time Frame & Tasksfor attaining the goals

How the student knowsthat he/ she has

attained the goal


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APPENDIX B

HUMAN RESOURCE EXPERTISE


How the student knowsthat he/ she hasattained the goal


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APPENDIX C

BUSINESS EXPERTISE




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APPENDIX D

MARKETING EXPERTISE




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APPENDIX E

FINANCIAL EXPERTISE




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APPENDIX F

SELF/NGO (UNFOLDMENT)


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APPENDIX G

WORK PROJECT /INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT EVALUATION

A. PLACEMENT DETAILS

Name of the student

Name of the Organization

B. EVALUATION OF THE STUDENT

Please use a five-point scale (1 = Very low, 2 = low, 3 = average, 4 = high and 5 = very high) to indicate ( ) the strength of thestudent on the following dimensions. In case, you / your colleagues did not get a chance to assess a particular dimension, skipand move to next).

Any other comments (Please use separate sheet, if necessary):

a Ability to gain others support to achieve goals 1 2 3 4 5

b Initiative to attain the goals 1 2 3 4 5

c Ability to work in unstructured situations 1 2 3 4 5

d Shows tendency to improve continuously 1 2 3 4 5

e Has an eye for detail 1 2 3 4 5

f Originality and creativity 1 2 3 4 5

g Shows awareness of overview of work place problems 1 2 3 4 5

h Shows commitment and discipline at work place 1 2 3 4 5

i Ability to get quickly to the core of any problem 1 2 3 4 5

j Ability to apply theory to analyze work situations 1 2 3 4 5

k Ability to communicate orally 1 2 3 4 5

l Ability to communicate in writing 1 2 3 4 5

m Knowledge of overall business 1 2 3 4 5

n Customer Orientation 1 2 3 4 5

o Ability to use systems perspective 1 2 3 4 5

p Managing Conflicts effectively 1 2 3 4 5

q Assess problem situations / resolve problems 1 2 3 4 5

r Establish and maintain relationship with working partners 1 2 3 4 5

s Demonstrates analytical skills 1 2 3 4 5


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APPENDIX H

PROJECT DETAILS

A. Title of the Project/s:_______________________________________________

B. Your comments about the usefulness of the project/s to the organization.

C. EVALUATION OF THE PROJECT REPORT

Please assess the project report using a five-point scale (1 = very good, 2 = poor, 3= average, 4 = good, 5 = very good).

a Coverage and the Content 1 2 3 4 5

bOral/Written presentation (preciseness, clarity,analytical)

1 2 3 4 5

Overall Evaluation of the Student 1 2 3 4 5

Any other comments (Please indicate suggestions for further improvement also)

Date Signature

Place Name

Office Seal


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APPENDIX I

EVALUATION CRITERION: II/GI & FIELD NOTES

II/GI will be evaluated on the following parameters.

1. Use theoretical frame work to analyze and explain organizational situations2. Analyze, compare and critically view organizational realities3. Develop own perspectives for reasoning4. Contribute to the body of Business knowledge5. Conceptualize and articulate organizational situations6. Execute with minimum error, proposed work keeping deadlines in mind7. Pays attention to details8. Is perceptive and shows empathy in dealings9. Develop concrete learning plans and refines existing ones to meet emerging

needs, if necessary

10. Adapt the Systems Perspective while dealing with situations11. Has referenced maximum possible sources during course of project study12. Is clear about ones own idea and others work13. Is able to communicate orally with a minimum degree of precision and

articulation, as is expected from a post-graduate student14. Is able to communicate in writing with a minimum degree of precision and

articulation, as is expected from a post-graduate student15. Shows tendency to improve continuously16. Has knowledge of Overall Business17. Has sound working knowledge and understanding about overall Business

linkages


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APPENDIX K

STUDENT PROFILE FORM

Profile of the student intern ITM Campus:

Name of the Student

Enrollment No

Program

Contact No. Mobile Residence

Permanent Address

Parents' Name Contact No.

Local Address

Email Blood Group

Height (in cm) Weight (in kg)

Recent Illness (if any):

Chronic Illness or Allergies (if any):

Physical Imparity (if any):

Other Relevant Information (if any):

Self Declaration:

I declare that the above information provided by me is true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature of the Student / Date:


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Details of IP Company and Guides

Name of the Faculty Guide Contact No.

Name of the Internship Coordinator Contact No.

Name of the Organization

Address of the Organization

Name of the Company Guide Contact No.

Documents

ITM PGDM iConnect Guidelines