JUST TISS

PEHEL Tata Institute of Social Sciences Batch of 2012

Just TISS….A PEHEL initiative…

A glimpse into what TISS HRM&LR is all about, brought to you by the TISS HRM&LR Aspirants’ Cell ,Batch of 2012


Here are a few snippets which the HRM&LR batch of 2012 has collated for you all, We call it JUST TISS.. few reflections into the world that TISS is, the unique pointers that make it stand out from all other institutes...truly.. a glimpse of TISS...

Insight into the course: TISS HRM&LR

As I secured a seat in my dream institute, several apprehensions flickered through my mind, apprehensions about the course, about why i had decided to take up HR in the first place, why I was so keen on this particular course when there was a wide plethora of diverse courses being offered. Even today, I may not realise what lies in store for me as a budding “HR Professional” from one of the best institutes in the country, but as I look back upon a year gone by, I definitely feel glad for how the course called “HRM & LR” has impacted me in more positive ways than just acads…

What I felt was unique is the “social grounding” that TISS tries to inculcate in you as a person, not just through the course curriculum, but everything around you radiates the same thought: the faculty, many of your peers etc. The foundation courses wherein a person is acclimatized to the social, political & developmental aspects of India as a society truly make you feel you have landed up in a place that’s “different”. Interaction with a diverse range of students from varied backgrounds, cultures, schools of thoughts has helped me grow not only professionally, but personally as well.

Coming to HRM & LR, the course structure is designed to develop the HR knowledge, skills & abilities to work on the human resource front in the corporate sector. This programme presents an outstanding prospect to explore the critical areas of contemporary human resources management, in concert with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the key functions of management and business. The broad objectives of this programme are to sensitise students to the social, political, economic, and ecological environments of the society; to enable students to become effective business leaders and decision-makers to contribute to organisational effectiveness; to facilitate the use of systems thinking among the students to evolve possibilities, while addressing various personal and organisational challenges; to develop a global perspective among students to respond to global challenges; and to impart values of intellectual honesty, justice and fairness. Responding to the changes in the external environment, a futuristic orientation and in consonance with the mission of the Institute, this M.A. HRM & LR has undergone a major restructuring of its curriculum. The programme places importance on both theoretical and hands-on learning. While classroom learning through participation in discussions, case study analysis, presentations, simulation games, assignments, etc., emphasises conceptual clarity, practical inputs are provided through the rigorous field work system, which complements the classroom inputs by throwing light on the practical dimension of the


profession. The insights that emerge out of such an experience make students conceptually strong and successful in the practice of the profession.

The course is designed in such a manner that a wide range of subjects covered from all domains of management expertise help students develop not only an understanding of HR, but a strong foundation of business knowledge as well. This makes them competent professionals capable of taking up any challenge head on in an ever dynamic corporate sector.

With the kind of academic rigour the course is designed with, there is never a dull moment. Whatever backgrounds, stream of education or inclination you come from, the course ensures that at the end of 2 years, everyone is at the same level field in terms of building upon strengths & overcoming one’s weaknesses. A noteworthy point is the concept of research where an individual has to take up a topic and do an end-to-end research on it under the guidance of a faculty guide. Thus a strong foundation of knowledge & hard work & the freedom to pursue your area of interest is intrinsic to the course that is HRM&LR.


Life and fun at TISS

So when I came into TISS, still recovering from those ‘good ol’ college days’, I had little idea of what lay ahead of me. From the rigour of ‘One Whole Hour’ for one class that had taken me by surprise back in my undergrad, two hours per lecture seemed a different ball game altogether. The campus as I had seen during my interview seemed the kinds you d like to get lost in, green and pleasant, it gave you a feeling of being away from the city. And this was the campus which came to be home to many for the next two years to come.

Before I relate my experiences at TISS, I’d like to tell you that different people feel differently about this place: they enjoy different things, they get attached to different things and most often differ on the aspects they dislike. In short, these are my personal experiences and opinions. So do take them with a pinch of salt.

If I look back on the past one year and were to state what I remember the most, then the following would definitely top the list.

On those days, when operations, compensation, motivation seems muddled in my head, the one thing that keeps me up and about: the sole saviour is Tapri Chai. Be it weekdays, weekends, morning evening, a break from class is almost synonymous to going to the tapri. The same maggi that I make at home doesn’t taste half as good, as when I gulp it down, boiling hot, in flat ten minutes (with ample help from my classmates of course), to ensure that I have just enough time to enter the class before the professor returns from his break.

And tapri isn’t the only thing that is the life line of the hungry souls at TISS, who wake up, just about in time to reach class. The canteen has proved to be and continues to be the hot favourite of all those who do not win in the race to reach the breakfast table on time.

The next important portion of life at TISS, is the cyber library. It has been home to innumerable students who have spent nights (cause the days are generally unavailable) to complete their assignments and project, of course as a result of a late realization of the deadlines. The library has sheltered many of those, whose instant tendency, if they go back home, is to fall asleep, when they actually need to study. The library has also provided solace to those who have been unable to locate their books, a day before the assignment was due.

One cannot possibly, completely paint a picture of HR at TISS without mentioning the persistent negotiations that are carried on with the faculty to ensure the concept of weekends does not become extinct. Of course the Class Representatives are strongly heading this cause to ensure that these do not follow the trail of the poor dinosaurs or the dodo. The faculty and the students both have realized the inadequacy of having only 24 hours in a day and are possibly waiting for a miracle to change the same.


When your personal sources of information are exhausted, there’s one more source that you can turn to - the ones who may or may not be older, but are definitely one year wiser at TISS: the seniors. Be it the subjects that you should take up, the method of studying/not studying, understanding a little more about the million dollar question of ‘Why HR’, or even knowing the places that you can venture off to when the course blesses you with a short holiday, the perennial, inexpensive and knowledgeable inventory of information, at least for most of us, have been our seniors. So don’t think you re alone when you’re about to enter the corporate world or in some cases, re-enter the corp world, cause there will be those before you, more than willing to give advice, in all probability, free of cost.

Life in HRM & LR, at TISS cannot be complete without Manthan, the most awaited event in our calendar. The time that we spend in organizing and preparing for the event, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, the topic of conversation does not deviate from the omnipresent, all encompassing ‘Manthan’. And for weeks to come after the event is over, the situation remains quite the same.

I’m not sure, if I’ve presented too rosy a picture, or if I’ve done justice to what I intended to write. And nothing that I’ve mentioned above would probably seem grand to an outsider. But then again, over the past one year I’ve realized, things are just as grand, as you make them out to be.


Field Work at TISSThe Field Work Program is an integral part of HRM&LR curriculum and provides opportunities for students to reflect, apply and integrate acquired skills in HR to work situations in various field work organizations.

The Field Work Program comprises the following:

1. Concurrent Placement: in the first two semesters, students attend field work twice every week, a different organization every semester.

2. Block Placements: In the third and fourth semester, students undertake a one month block field work placement in one organization per semester.

3. NGO Placement: At the end of fourth semester, students work in a nongovernmental organization for a month.

The faculties try to ensure that the students get maximum exposure to HR/ IR across various sectors like FMCG, Media, Consulting, Pharma, Banking, Manufacturing, I.T, etc by allotting a company from a different sector in each semester. Thus at the end of two years, the fieldwork program augmented with summer internship results in a diverse work profile and balanced learning. The students get a chance to understand the business of various sectors, experience diverse working cultures in different firms and the varying character of HR in them.

Key Facts about the Field Work in TISS

• Field Work placement is different from Summer Internship. Field Work placement is a part of the TISS HRM&LR curriculum and carries certain number of credits, which the student is expected to attain at the end of each semester.

• Students are not paid any stipend during the Field Work placement in each semester.

• Students are assigned a Faculty Mentor from the college and a Field Work guide from the organization. Focus Group sessions as well as individualized feedback sessions are conducted on a regular basis between the students and faculty mentors

• Students are expected to record their learning and compare the actual business with the theory


Students’ Field Work Experiences:-

I was allotted a new start-up organization in the media sector during my first semester of Field work. Even though I have worked before in an I.T organization, doing my field work in a start up was a completely different ball game all together. I not only got to experience how start-ups work, the HR issues they face, their organization structure, their culture etc but I was also given a full-fledged project on designing the training effectiveness of their Sales Training program in my first semester. The second semester Field work too is also turning out to be an amazing opportunity since I now visit a 5 star hotel, hospitality being a completely different sector from media, the experience just adds to my learning!!

- Ketaki SakhardandeM.A (HRM&LR) - 2010-12

I had the opportunity of being placed in a brown goods manufacturer in my first semester and a Pharma giant in my second semester for fieldwork. The exposure to different sectors and how their business works has been very enriching. First of all, the guides’ insistence on understanding the bigger business scenario and the company’s needs has given us a much broader overview than just HR. Secondly, a lot of things taught to us in theory are not what really happens in organizations, to analyze these gaps and see their effect on firm culture and performance is quiet amazing. Field Work affords us the incredible chance of looking at organizations from an outsider’s perspective and yet retaining the privilege of suggesting changes and making a difference.

-Soumya Mishra M.A (HRM&LR) - 2010-12

During my second semester, I am currently working in a manufacturing factory (Siemens, Airoli). Here also my first project was developing a manual for new employees. But after completing that, I have got chance to write a case study report on workmen absenteeism, its causes and concerns. I also got a chance to study the Employee resourcing methods in Siemens and hence interviewed some of the senior people of the company. As a part of my IR studies I interacted with workers and supervisors, this is nice place to learn IR. And I am getting lots of support from Personnel Department to learn Industrial Relation and Laws. As a part of my operation management assignment, I am currently studying their Process management, inventory control system and Quality control mechanism.

- Mantheshwar Nath M.A (HRM&LR) - 2010-12


Manthan

Manthan, the annual business and student event, is organised by the School of Management and Labour Studies. It aims to build an interface between the Academia, industry & students, as well as increased network amongst students through building a shared cultural bond. Manthan has a primary focus on cutting edge issues in Human Resource Management and Business Management. This event has, in the past witnessed the participation of distinguished visionaries from the industry.

It spans across three days devoted to the Business Events, Student Events and Cultural Events and hosts students from top notch B-Schools and undergraduate colleges participating in a variety of competitions.

Business events include:

Chief Guest address by an intellectual politician or corporate of immense standing.

Key note address by CEO of a leading business enterprise/conglomerate.

Leaders Round Table is held between CEO's and business heads of leading enterprise.

Bi-partite Discussion is held between ILO+ Global Trade Union and management.

Last business event was attended by corporate delegates from TCS, Wipro, Microsoft, Siemens, BPCL, HPCL, ICI Paints, Deutche Bank, Thomson Reuters, NDTV, Yahoo, M&M, SHRM, Tata Sons, etc. The student delegates includes colleges - IIM- Bangalore, FMS-Delhi, XLRI-Jamshedpur, XISS-Ranchi, IIM-Indore, Nitie-Mumbai, SPJIM&R-Mumbai, IIM-Kozhikode and many more.

MANTHAN: Student events

Jigyasa where teams from leading colleges in India as well as corporate teams racked the brains to be the ultimate quiz champions.

IR Event where teams from leading colleges for HR and IR come up against powerful union leaders, and make an agreement on settlement.

Udghosh, in this event the teams have to assume the role of a CEO and bring out the best possible solution in Operations, Marketing, HR, finance and others.


Student events Committee Student speak: “The student event committee is one of the most important committees in Manthan. The flagship event of Manthan , Udghosh comes under the

umbrella of the student events which gauges the managerial capabilities of students in different domains like Finance, Marketing, HR and Operations. The event aims at testing the business acumen of the budding managers by the mode of case studies which are judged by eminent academic and business personalities. Another event which is eagerly awaited by the student community across the b schools is Think Tank. Think Tank unleashes the HR Czar by throwing up various challenges pertaining to different dimensions of Human resource Management and Labour Relations. It has received huge student participation for the second consecutive year. The third event under the gamut of Student Events is the quiz which tests the student knowledge on anything and everything of business. Overall experience of being a part of student events is unmatched as it makes it absolutely essential for the participants to put on their thinking caps and address the business problems by inculcating innovative thinking. Also it is a great learning experience for the team of students organising it as it makes them think differently while preparing the case studies, research on various concepts of business and work under strict timelines.”

MANTHAN Cultural Events

Every year, the cultural team of the HRM &LR batch organizes different competitions like dance, singing, Ad-Mad and shows like theatre performance and the main star-night.Antaragini : group dance, in which students from various colleges perform dance and keep the audience mesmerized.

Kalrav: solo singing, is a musical extravaganza where budding singers from all over the country enthrall the audience.

Trishna, is a treasure hunt sort of an event with an intricate maze of tasks and clues at the end of which only the brave few win the amazing race.

Abhivyakti, is an ad-mad show where students have to prepare an on spot ad and the best one wins the prize.

Both the dance and music events included both Indian and Western styles. There were efforts to categorize dance as western and Indian and Western and to make it a little more structured and also to categorize Kalrav as solo and Group with instruments.There were plans of introducing fashion show as new event but all this couldn't happen due to logistic issues. This year we will be aiming for the same. This year Faridkot was invited to perform for Star-Night. The whole convention center was filled by students. It was indeed a success!


All the events are organized by the students with little help from faculty. Kalrav is the most looked forward to competition with the convention centre total filled. This year the judge was the singer from Taare Zamein Par- Mr. Raman Mahadevan.

Last year Manthan was scheduled from 23rd till 25th September 2010 with a theme as "Think, Explore, Create". The three words that capture the essence of every change, organizational or individual, which begin with a thought, a vague unrest and a desire to achieve.

MANTHAN: Tatvabodha

Every year School of Management and Labour Studies (SMLS) at Tata Institute of

Social Sciences (TISS) conducts Tatvabodha, the annual business summit of TISS.

Tatvabodha is a unique forum for Industry Stalwarts, academia and students alike to focus

on emerging trends in the business landscape. It also serves as a platform to focus

industry attention on emerging trends in the business landscape.

Tatvabodha 2010 was based on the theme, ‘Shaping New Realities: The role of

Knowledge Creation, Innovation and Values’. Mr. Adi Godrej, MD Godrej Industries

graced the event as the Key note speaker. The Leaders’ round table had some of the big

leaders from various industries sharing their views on the topic which include CEOs of well

renowned organisations and Leaders from various Industries like Mr. M Suresh – MD

TATA-AIG and Mr Allwin Agnel – CEO, PaGaLGuy.com. A Tri Party Conference on “The

Changing Composition of workforce” where HR / IR Specialists, Speakers from ILO and an

Academician shared the same stage and presented their opinions and views. Mr. Ajit

Rangnekar, Dean, ISB, also graced the occasion and gave the Academician address.


Alumni interaction & experiences

TISS has an illustrious alumni base spread across the world. It is very distinguished in its

cadre, with many of them occupying major positions in their respective fields. The

positions and status of the alumni in various industries talks volumes about TISS as an

institute. We, as students are bestowed with various opportunities to meet, interact and

learn from their vast experience. There are various events planned to ensure a regular

interaction with the Alumnus. And in spite of their busy schedules, they wholeheartedly

support the activities.

Intermittent guest lecture sessions on the current and relevant topics in the field of HR are

taken by the distinguished alumni. In these sessions, a lot of knowledge sharing takes

place, which serves as a vital link in connecting theoretical gyaan to its practical

application. Thanks to the HRM&LR forum.

We also have a dedicated Alumni committee, which takes care of maintaining a perennial

and cordial relationship with the Alumni. Each year various Alumni meets are organized to

provide a platform to alumni and student community to come face to face in an informal

environment. “Dharohar” being the biggest example of such an event, it’s planned around

the Manthan (annual fest of HRM&LR). At Dharohar, Alumni all across the globe turn up

for a gala dinner. Apart from it, there are various City chapter meets named as ALTIDA (for

Delhi), ALTIBA (Bangalore), ALTIHA (Hyderabad), etc. organized during the summer

internship period usually between April and May.

Recently, we had an Alumni Reunion of 1984-85-86 batches on the theme of “25 years

younger”. It was a 3-day event, which witnessed Alumni coming from countries such as

USA, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, etc.


The HRM and LR Forum

The HRM and LR forum has a long tradition at TISS, erstwhile known as the PMIR (Personnel Management and Industrial Relations) Forum. It serves as a medium for interaction with the industry. The forum invites people from the industry to share the industry practices and personal experiences through guest lectures, seminars and workshops.

TISS Alumni hold prestigious positions in almost all of the big players in the corporate world. Mahindra and Mahindra, FirstSource, Essar Group, Colgate Palmolive, Pfizer, AOL, Deutsche Bank, IDBI Bank, Yahoo, Aditya Birla Group and a host of other companies. Most of them are based in Mumbai and we are at an advantage to invite them over to campus for discussion on various topics. Our alumni are also more than willing to share their knowledge with us. Besides people from industry, we also invite people from other walks of life like drama, cinema and engage in discussions.

The forum serves as a platform for us to learn beyond the textbooks and develop perspectives on various topics of interest. It gives a realistic preview of HR, its intricacies and complexities, and the richness of the experience shared by the industry stalwarts.

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JUST TISS

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