The Chronicles

Monthly Newsletter of NICMAR University Pune

Nurturing Ideas and Shaping the Built Environment of Tomorrow!!

May 2025, Volume 3, No. 5

A crucial part of the development of project management as a discipline has been the way of thinking about project success. Normally project success is measured in terms of
  - Iron triangle (Time, cost & quality) this means project outcome
  - Process outcome (Quality of project management process employed)

But very often both these criteria work in contradiction. That is where issues of project governance and ethics comes into picture.

We are aware of widely recognised concept in project management – a concept of critical path. Traditionally project management has always focused on the quality of project outcome, and its time and cost. However, recent research trends in project management suggest that many researchers have focused a great deal on determining the alternative concept of critical paths in terms of good communication, good leadership and good understanding of how people think, behave, collaborate, and operate over the project. Issues like ESG (Environment. Social & Governance), emotions in projects and sustainable project management have gained attention nowadays. Hence, the time has come for the profession to see beyond the technical requirements of project and take a look at wider world of environmental, psychological and social realities. The project ethics codes followed and promoted by The International Project Management Association (IPMA), The UK Association for Project Management (APM) and The Project Management Institute (PMI) attempt to answer following questions:
  - Do project leaders truly measure the project success only in terms of time, cost, & quality, or do they also consider stakeholders’ welfare, in particular the non-business stakeholders?
  - Do project leaders consider ethical factors in their projects and do they conduct ethical risk assessment?
  - Is there a way to describe a simple framework that guides project leaders in evaluating ethical aspects of their projects and account for possible ethical risk?

We attempt to answer these questions at School of Project Management by offering very latest and cotemporary topics like sustainability, ESG, ethics & professionalism in project management as a part of the curriculum of MBA APM. The aim is not just to build project management capabilities of students but also to sensitise them with environmental and social issues.

Dr. Devang Desai
warm regards,
Dr. Devang Desai,
Interim Dean,
School of Project Management
update-1
MOU Signed with Ecoren Energy India Pvt. Ltd

We are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ecoren Energy India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, marking a significant step toward fostering industry-academia collaboration and enhancing student employability. This partnership will focus on key areas such as industry-relevant programs, hands-on training and internships, real-world exposure, placement support, and inclusive skill development. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Swamy Reddy Uradi, Head of HR & Technology at Ecoren, Mr. Pavan Kumar Bodi, Project Director, and Mr. Malya Banoth, Manager, PMO. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping our students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic job market.

update-2
update-2
update-2
update-2
MOU Signed with Forum of Critical Utility Services (FOCUS) Pune

NICMAR University, Pune, participated in the first conference of the Forum of Critical Utility Services (FOCUS) Pune, "Rise of High Rise." Recognizing the growing importance of utility services in the built sector, NICMAR University, represented by Vice Chancellor Dr. Sushma Kulkarni, signed an MOU with FOCUS, initiated by Shri. Ashish Rakheja (President of FOCUS) and Mrs. Pranati Shroff (Chair, Pune Chapter). Dr. Sagar Malsane and Dr. Pankaja Bagul also participated. This collaboration aligns with NICMAR's strong emphasis on Building Services across its academic programs and aims to promote resilience in the built environment.

Address by Vice Chancellor

Proud moment for all of us as our Vice Chancellor, Dr Sushma Kulkarni, was invited as the Chief Guest at the Graduation Ceremony of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan's Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai, held on 25th April 2025. Dr Kulkarni addressed the graduating students, sharing inspiring insights on engineering leadership, innovation, and sustainability in the built environment. Her presence and message were deeply appreciated by students, faculty, and dignitaries alike.

HR Summit 2025

On 4th April 2025, HR Summit was hosted to bring together HR leaders and industry experts from Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Projects, Manufacturing & IT/ITES. Dr. C. Jayakumar, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate HR at Larsen & Toubro, and Mr. Sahil Nayar, HR Leader and Influencer, delivered thought-provoking keynote speeches on change, adaptability, and upskilling. Four dynamic panels explored themes on multigenerational workforce, academia-industry synergy, AI's role in the future of work, and future-ready skills.

on Friday, 4th April.

Panel Discussion 1 : Shaping the Future Workforce: Generations at Crossroads Eminent speakers, including Sunil Sharma (Larsen & Toubro), Sahil Nayar, Baliram Mutagekar (Saksham Bharat), Manav Prasad (GoKloud), Nusheen Master Nalwala (TCS), and Nilkanth (Ravi) Jatar (AFRISO India Pvt. Ltd.) explored the evolving workforce dynamics and the impact of generational shifts on career development.

Panel Discussion 2 : Gearing Up for Tomorrow: Academia’s Role in a Skills-Driven World Industry experts such as Manasi Pande (SoftTech Engineers Pvt. Ltd.), Nitin J. (NTT Data), Nilesh D. (Rocket Software), Saswati Chakraborty, Ph.D (Vodafone Intelligent Solutions), Prachi Patwardhan Joshi (HRipple Solutions), and Roshani Rathod (Neova Solutions) emphasized the need for educational institutions to align curricula with industry expectations and bridge the skill gap.

Panel Discussion 3 : AI and the Future of Work: Friend or Foe? Industry leaders like Anand Kumar Sinha (BirlaSoft), Kamal Singh Kashyap (One Subsea), Anuj Singh (Capita), Mukta Huprikar (Schaeffler Group), Jagdish Purandare (Kirloskar Industries Ltd.), and Mrinal Mazumdar (KPIT Technologies Ltd.) debated the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping job roles and the necessity for professionals to adapt to a tech-driven work environment.

Panel Discussion 4 : Future-Proofing Your Career: Skills for Paying the Bills Speakers, including Abhisek Majumdar (Capgemini), Siddharth Thite (Thite Valuers & Engineers Pvt. Ltd.), Shekhar Bharne (B.Sc, MMS, LL.B) (Turner International), Archana Badera (Shubham EPC), and Aishwarya Pillai - Nair (Linesight) provided valuable insights into the essential skills that professionals need to thrive in an evolving job market.

Faculty Development Program

We were honoured to have Dr Mark Everard, Associate Professor-UWE Bristol, U.K., as a resource person for the session on “Funded Projects & Quality Paper Publications” held on 4th April 2025. He shared invaluable insights into the nuances of securing funded projects and the essentials of producing high-quality academic publications. The session emphasized the importance of originality, ethical research practices, careful journal selection, and maintaining a strong alignment between research objectives and societal needs. Let’s continue to strive for excellence in research and innovation!

Faculty Symposium

Centre of Excellence for Academic Practices organised a full day faculty symposium on, ‘Effective Teaching Learning Practices’ in association with IUCEE (Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education) at NICMAR University, Pune on 19th April, 2025. The symposium involved discussions and hands on workshops on student engagement strategies, curriculum design and delivery, impact of AI on education, effective teaching practices and assessment and facilitating best practices through teaching learning centres. Dr. Veena Kumar (University of Maryland Global Campus/IUCEE) led sessions on teaching-learning practices, student engagement, and curriculum design. Dr. Krishna Vedula (IUCEE) discussed AI's impact on education and facilitated experience sharing. Dr. Sushma Kulkarni (NICMAR University) conducted a workshop on collaborative academic leadership and teaching-learning centers. The event, held at NICMAR Pune, was attended by faculty from engineering and management colleges across Maharashtra and other Indian cities, as well as NICMAR faculty.

Expert talk

Construction Engineering Research Foundation (PCERF) speakers discussed construction safety management. Er. Satishkumar Nair, Director and Head of Training at Safeskill Safety Services, stressed the necessity of proactive construction safety. He noted the growing number of workplace incidents and called for a safety-first culture. Er. Ramnath Bhat, Managing Director of A.R. Engineers and Consultants, Pune, discussed his structural engineering expertise. Er. Bhat examined the practicalities of construction safety protocols. He showed case studies of the dangers of ignoring safety and the benefits of incorporating it into design and planning. Attendees debated themes like technology in safety training and the economic impact of comprehensive safety systems

Fire Protection System Training & Mock Drill Report

Fire Protection System Training & Mock Drill Report was undertaken on 21st April 2025, as part of our ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness. The session was facilitated by M/S Vaishali Fire System Pvt. Ltd., and attended by members of our Security and Maintenance teams. The training was designed to enhance awareness and operational knowledge of various fire safety systems and emergency response protocols. The session included hands-on demonstrations, interaction with equipment, and real-time practice to ensure thorough understanding.

National Level Postgraduate Research Symposium (NLPGRS-2025)

The School of Construction, NICMAR University, Pune, successfully hosted the National Level Postgraduate Research Symposium (NLPGRS-2025) on April 11–12, 2025. The event served as a vibrant academic forum for postgraduate students, researchers, and academic leaders from across the country. The inaugural session was graced by the Chief Guest Mr. V.N. Heggade and Guest of Honour Mr. Mehul Ved, who addressed the gathering with insightful and motivational remarks. Across two days, a total of 261 research papers were presented, including 18 Innovation and Entrepreneurial Venture (IEV) proposals. The event created opportunities for scholarly exchange, collaborative dialogue, and interdisciplinary engagement. To recognize academic excellence and innovation, prize money totalling Rs 30,000 was awarded to winners from across various categories. NLPGRS-2025 emerged as a successful platform fostering knowledge-sharing, academic discourse, and networking within the postgraduate research community.

Guest Session on BIM for MEP

The School of Project Management of NICMAR University Pune recently organized a guest session on 18th April 2025 on the topic ‘BIM for MEP’ for their MBA APM students, as a part of their elective subject ‘BIM for MEP Projects’. The speaker for the session, Mr. Vishnu Melwani (Engineer, Dar Group) briefed the students on the concept of BIM for MEP Projects. The speaker shared insights on BIM phases and workflow, BIM platforms and BIM tools for MEP coordination. The case studies on Navisworks and BIM platforms (such as ACC) provided valuable information to the students.

Following management development programs (MDP) was organized by the School of Executive Education Programmes, NICMAR University, Pune in April:

Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Construction Management
(E-PGD-ACM)

Adani Airports Holdings Limited
(Module 2)

20th to 26th April 2025

25 Participants

International Study Tour – UAE

As part of the Global Immersion Program, 16 MBA students specializing in Advanced Project Management at NICMAR University, Pune, participated in an International Study Tour to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from March 11 to March 16, 2025. This program offered students a valuable opportunity to explore international business practices, innovative project management techniques, and advancements within various industries through a combination of academic sessions, industry visits, and cultural experiences. The tour was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in the fields of real estate, infrastructure, and project management on a global scale. Students attended an academic session at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai, where they focused on global project management strategies. Additionally, industry visits to prominent firms in the real estate sector, such as Fakhruddin Developers, and in the construction sector, including ACE Cranes, provided meaningful insights into project execution in the UAE. These visits particularly highlighted sustainable development in real estate as well as logistics and supply chain management. Participants were engaged in interactive discussions, hands-on experiences, and professional networking opportunities, empowering them with a global perspective on project management

Exploring Sustainability at Tamini Ghat

As part of curriculum, students from the MBA and FBE programs embarked on an insightful field visit to Tamini Ghat on 9th April 2025. The experiential learning trip offered a real-world perspective on crucial topics such as water and forest resource management, soil and agriculture practices, and the effects of residential and industrial development. Students closely observed how human interventions impact the natural ecosystem, gaining valuable insights into the balance between progress and environmental preservation. This immersive experience is a vital step in nurturing socially and ecologically responsible future managers.

Learning Beyond Classrooms

On 14th April 2025, IMBA students from NBS undertook an enriching field visit to Alibaug, diving deep into real-world scenarios of environmental and resource management. The visit offered a close look at forest ecosystems, agricultural practices, land use patterns, and the environmental implications of human activities. By stepping outside the classroom, students engaged directly with the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development. The trip sparked meaningful discussions and reflections, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility in managerial decision-making.

International Media Expo Visit

MBA students visited the prestigious International Media Exhibition at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Goregaon, Mumbai on 12th of April. Renowned for spotlighting cutting-edge trends in media, advertising, and digital communications, the expo offered students a firsthand view of innovations shaping the industry’s future. Through interactions with professionals, live demonstrations, and exploration of diverse exhibits—from digital signage to sustainable branding —the visit deepened their industry awareness. This experiential learning initiative underscores NICMAR Business School’s dedication to cultivating future-ready leaders equipped for evolving global markets.

C4i4 Lab Visit

On 3rd April 2025, MBA students visited the C4i4 Lab (Centre for Industry 4.0), set up by the Department of Heavy Industries, Government of India, under the SAMARTH Udyog initiative. The visit offered students hands-on training with cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies, including smart manufacturing tools and digital transformation systems. Engaging directly with these innovations, students gained practical insights into the future of industrial processes. This immersive experience greatly enhanced their technical understanding and prepared them for the evolving demands of modern industry.

TECHNIKALA 2025 – Where Ocean of Exploration Awaits

NICMAR University proudly hosted its annual intercollegiate extravaganza, Technikala 2025, from 6th March to 8th March 2025. The event aimed to provide a dynamic platform for students from various colleges to exhibit their talents across academics, cultural performances, and creative arts. With a strong focus on holistic development beyond academics, Technikala 2025 sought to create an energetic and immersive experience, fostering a spirit of enthusiasm, innovation, and collaboration among participants.

At NICMAR University, Pune, our commitment to diverse placement opportunities is exemplified by our month-on-month placement milestones. In April 2024 at NICMAR University we witnessed a plethora of opportunities for our students both for Final Placements as well as Internships. Organizations like POLARIS INTERNATIONAL, SHALIMAR CORP, SYSTRA, TATA REALTY, MADHURI ENGINEERS, KEOLIS INDIA, BADIYANI CONSTRUCTIONS, AGRIVIJAY, KRYTON, CORE ENERGY SYSTEMS etc were the notable participants this month. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed recruiters for their ongoing trust and support.

Chief Patron

Dr. Anil Kashyap

President and Chancellor,
NICMAR University, Pune

Patron

Dr. Mrs. Sushma S. Kulkarni

Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University, Pune

Advisor

Dr. Rahul Deshpande

Dean QA, NICMAR University, Pune

Editor

Dr. Vandana Bhavsar

Associate Professor, NICMAR University, Pune

Editor

Dr. Soumi Rai

Associate Professor, NICMAR University, Pune

Assistant Editor

Dr. Shripada Patil

Assistant Professor, NICMAR University, Pune

25/1, N.I.A. Post Office, Balewadi, Pune - 411 045, Maharashtra, India