Business Research Method

TITLE:

Nurturing Connections: Understanding the Relationship Gap

Between IIPMB and Its Alumni

SUBMITTED TO:

Dr. Dinesh Jain.

SUBMITTED BY:

Chaudhari Kalpesh Ravindra-23PGDM-ABPM50

Dafale Vaibhav Gokul-23PGDM-ABPM52

Padol Harshwardhan Prabhakar-23PGDM-ABPM75

Praveen Mathapati-23PGDM-ABPM79

INTRODUCTION
 Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru (IIPMB), founded in 1993 by
the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has been a cornerstone in
providing specialized education in Agribusiness and Plantation Management. Since its
inception, IIPMB has been dedicated to equipping its students with the necessary skills and
knowledge to thrive in the dynamic agricultural sector.
Over the years, IIPMB has introduced various programs tailored to meet the
industry's evolving needs. These programs, including Post Graduate Diploma in Management
(PGDM) courses in Agribusiness and Plantations Management (PGDM-ABPM), Food
Processing and Business Management (PGDM-FPBM), and Agricultural Exports and
Business Management (PGDM-AEBM), have played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of
numerous professionals in the agricultural domain.
Despite its long-standing history and the relevance of its programs, there appears to
be a noticeable disconnect between IIPMB and its alumni. This disconnection raises concerns
as alumni engagement is vital for fostering a sense of belonging, building professional
networks, and enhancing the institute's reputation and influence.
To delve into the underlying reasons behind this disconnection, we conducted a
comprehensive survey among the senior alumni of IIPMB. The primary objective was to gain
a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the gap between the institute and its
alumni, particularly in its specialized focus on Agribusiness and Plantation Management.
The survey findings shed light on various aspects affecting the relationship between
IIPMB and its alumni. These include factors such as limited communication channels, lack of
alumni involvement in institute activities, geographical dispersion, and changing career
interests among alumni.
In this case study, we aim to explore these findings in detail and propose potential
strategies to bridge the gap and strengthen the bond between IIPMB and its alumni. By
addressing the root causes of the disconnection and implementing targeted initiatives, we
aspire to foster a more vibrant and mutually beneficial relationship between the institute and
its alumni community.
Through collaborative efforts and effective communication, we believe that IIPMB
can establish itself as a hub of excellence in Agribusiness and Plantation Management,
supported by an engaged and supportive alumni network.

OBJECTIVES
 To identify factors contributing to the disconnection between IIPMB and its alumni.
 To analyze the impact of the disconnection on both the institution and its alumni.
 To propose strategies for enhancing alumni engagement and bridging the gap.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
Method : In-depth interviews with IIPMB Alumni
 Choosing People: We first decide who we want to talk to. We might pick alumni
based on when they graduated, what they studied, where they live, or how involved
they were with the institute.
 Asking People to Join: We then reach out to these alumni and ask if they want to be
part of our study. We explain why we're doing the research and how long it might
take.
 Making Questions: We create a list of questions to ask the alumni during the
interview. These questions are designed to get them talking about their experiences
with the institute.
 Talking to People: We have conversations with the alumni, usually one-on-one. We
find a quiet and comfortable place to talk, where they can feel relaxed and share their
thoughts honestly.
 Writing Down or Recording: We take notes during the interviews or record them with
permission. This helps us remember what was said and understand it better later.
 Finding Patterns: After all the interviews are done, we read through everything to see
if any common themes or ideas come up. We organize these into categories to make
sense of the information.
 Checking if it Makes Sense: We make sure our findings are believable and make
sense. We might ask the alumni if what we found matches their experiences.
 Being Fair and Keeping Secrets: Throughout the process, we make sure to treat
everyone fairly and keep their information private. We get permission before using
anything they said in our research.

FINDING
1. Poor Relationship between Management and Alumni:
 Lack of communication and engagement between the management, and alumni.
 Absence of efforts to maintain connections, seek feedback, or involve alumni in the
college's activities and decisions.
2. Disappointing Placement Opportunities:
 Students' expectations regarding placements are not being met.
 Lack of satisfactory job placements leads to a diminished sense of loyalty and
attachment to the college.
 Alumni feel disconnected and disenchanted due to perceived failures in the placement
process.
3. Inadequate Marketing and Brand Development:
 IIPM's efforts in marketing and branding are insufficient.
 The college is failing to establish a strong presence in the corporate world, which
affects alumni perception and career opportunities.
4. Lack of Alumni Engagement Initiatives:
 Insufficient initiatives from IIPM to engage alumni through events and activities.
 Reluctance to invest resources in organizing alumni events or programs.
 Failure to foster a sense of community and belonging among alumni.
5. Neglect in Recognizing Alumni Contributions:
 Alumni who assist the institute with placements are not adequately recognized or
appreciated.
 Lack of acknowledgment for alumni efforts may lead to resentment and
disengagement.
6. Ineffective Alumni Association:
 The alumni association is dysfunctional, primarily reliant on the efforts of a single
individual.
 Insufficient organizational structure or support to facilitate meaningful alumni
engagement.
7. Absence of Alumni Reunions or Meets:
 Alumni reunions or meets are not being organized by the college.
 Missed opportunities to reconnect with alumni, celebrate achievements, and
strengthen relationships.
8. Self-Sourced Placements Impacting Contribution Willingness:
 Students securing placements on their own without college assistance leads to
reluctance in contributing towards placement efforts.
 Lack of perceived value in supporting the college's placement activities due to past
experiences.

SUGGESTION
1. Regular Communication with Higher Position Alumni
 Establishing regular communication channels with alumni who hold higher positions
in their respective fields can facilitate mentorship opportunities, networking
connections, and potential collaborations.
 Hosting exclusive events or webinars for higher position alumni to share their
insights, experiences, and advice with current students and fellow alumni can foster
meaningful engagement and strengthen institutional relationships.
2. Data-Based Approach:
 Utilizing data analytics and alumni feedback to inform decision-making processes
related to alumni engagement and placement services.
  Analyzing placement data, alumni satisfaction surveys, and career trajectory
information can identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in
alumni engagement and career support initiatives.
3. Alumni as Placement Representatives:
 Engaging alumni as placement representatives to leverage their industry connections,
insights, and expertise in facilitating job placements for current students.
 Empowering alumni to serve as ambassadors for the institution by actively promoting
internship and job opportunities within their professional networks and advocating for the
college's graduates in the corporate world.

CONCLUSION
1. Identification of Challenges: Through a comprehensive survey and in-depth interviews
with IIPMB alumni, various challenges contributing to the disconnect between the institution
and its alumni have been identified.
2. Significant Findings: These challenges include poor communication with management,
disappointing placement opportunities, inadequate marketing efforts, lack of alumni
engagement initiatives, neglect in recognizing alumni contributions, ineffective alumni
association, absence of alumni reunions or meets, and the impact of self-sourced placements
on alumni contributions.
3. Proposed Solutions: To address these challenges and bridge the gap, suggestions have
been proposed, such as regular communication with higher position alumni, a data-based
approach to alumni engagement, and engaging alumni as placement representatives.
4. Future Prospects: Implementing these strategies can foster a more vibrant and mutually
beneficial relationship between IIPMB and its alumni. By strengthening alumni engagement,
enhancing placement services, and cultivating a supportive alumni community, the institution
can solidify its position as a hub of excellence in Agribusiness and Plantation Management.
5. Long-term Impact: Through collaborative efforts and effective communication, IIPMB
can enhance alumni support, strengthen its reputation, and ensure the long-term success and
sustainability of the institution.

INTERVIEW AUDIO RECORDINGS

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Uh2XvKSaxz3gdptklY5cScAecZf1NQF6