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Social Impact Challenge
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To advance in social science research that promotes mindful living, drives impactful change, and contributes to the betterment of society.
The Social Science Research Lab at KJSIM Mumbai is dedicated to advancing research that addresses pressing social concerns, cultural dynamics, and environmental issues within the Indian context. As part of a leading B-school, our Lab is uniquely positioned to explore the intersection of business, society, and sustainability.
India's diverse social fabric presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in the community and society at large. Our research delves into these complexities, offering insights into how businesses, communities, and individuals can collaborate to achieve meaningful social impact. We focus on issues such as social responsibility, equity, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that our work is relevant to the unique needs of India.
The Lab comprises faculty, researchers, students and alumni of KJSIM, along with domain experts from academia and industry, committed to producing knowledge on various aspects of social, cultural and environmental concerns in India.
In an era of rapid globalization and environmental challenges, the need for sustainable community livelihood and development has never been more pressing. This approach emphasizes the importance of fostering economic growth and social well-being while preserving the environment for future generations. By promoting sustainable practices, communities can achieve long-term resilience, self-sufficiency, and prosperity. The focus is on empowering local populations through education, capacity-building, and the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives that enhance their quality of life. Sustainable community development is a holistic strategy that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions, ensuring that progress in one area supports and reinforces advancements in the others. This preamble sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of sustainable community livelihood and development, highlighting the critical role it plays in creating vibrant, resilient, and equitable communities.
At K J Somaiya Institute of Management, we understand that meaningful engagement with external stakeholders is key to addressing the complex social, environmental, and economic challenges of our time. Our Social Sciences Research Lab, in collaboration with partners from various sectors—business, industry, government, and education—strives to bridge the gap between academia and practice.
Through the formation of advisory boards, we aim to connect educators, students, and practitioners, ensuring that our projects remain relevant, innovative, and impactful. These boards are not only instrumental in guiding our initiatives but also in fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives lead to sustainable solutions.
To support the effective operation of these advisory boards, we have developed a comprehensive set of guidelines. These guidelines are designed to enhance the structure, format, and overall functioning of our boards, ensuring that they continue to serve as a critical link between our institution and the broader community.
We invite you to explore our initiatives and join us in our mission to drive positive change.
Raman Ramachandran, Ph.D.
Director and Dean
K J Somaiya Institute of Management
To advance in social science research that promotes mindful living, drives impactful change, and contributes to the betterment of society.
Dr. Ketan Mulchandani
CMA, FRM, FMVA, FIII, is a Professor specializing in Accounting and Finance at K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai. With over 17 years of experience, including roles at NMIMS Deemed to be University, Mumbai, GITAM School of Business, Bengaluru and IBMR, Indore his expertise spans academia and industry, notably in commodities and banking sector.
His research, published in esteemed journals like ABDC, Scopus, and Web of Science, focuses on earnings management, corporate governance, and ESG. A seasoned presenter at national and international conferences, he brings a wealth of knowledge to both academia and practice.
Dr. Sumagna Bhowmick
Presently works as an Assistant Professor in the HR department of KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. She has completed her graduation in Psychology (Hons) from Calcutta University and post-graduation in Psychology from Andhra University. Her M.Phil-Ph.D. was from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. For her M.Phil research, she focused on the emotional labor of policing.
The findings of the research are published as articles in academic journals. Her doctoral research focused on the role of emotions while giving negative performance feedback. The research focused on how negative feedback can be given in a good way by utilizing specific emotions. She current research interests involve use of animal-assisted therapy as stress management tool in high stress professions, diversity and indigenous community, giving negative feedback, and exploring emotions in the workplace.
Dr. Barsharani Maharana
Is presently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Analytics at K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. She holds Ph.D. degree in Population Studies from International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai along with a Master degree in Statistics and Population Studies.
Dr. Barsharani has competency to handle statistical and demographic software packages, and strong ability to implement numerous surveys. She has handled large scale survey data like National Sample Survey, National Family Health Survey, District Level Household Survey and India Human Development Survey and published research articles in areas of health economics, ageing, mortality, reproductive health, maternal and child health in peer reviewed journals
Dr. Barsharani has more than five years of teaching experience to post graduate students and research experience as a team leader in National level research projects under the aegis of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Govt of India, UNFPA, USAID and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, Washington DC.
Prof. Mayura Rupesh Nagar
With 18 years of academic experience, is a dedicated educator and researcher currently pursuing her Ph.D. from Mumbai University. Holding dual Master degrees in Computers (M.Sc and MCA), she is an Assistant Professor at K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management, specializing in Data Science and Technology.
Notable achievements include winning the Avishkar research convention twice (2022, 2009), and publishing over 10 papers in esteemed International Journals. She's actively involved in teaching subjects like Deep Learning, Machine Learning, and Data Science, alongside organizing research activities and conducting workshops. Prof. Nagar is also recognized as a panellist on CNBC (Awaaz) discussing AI Deepfake regulations and has contributed insights on IT Act modifications in BW Businessworld. She moderated a panel discussion on MedTech and Data Privacy in Healthcare showcasing her expertise in the field.
Dr. Krupa A Rai
Is an Associate Professor- Marketing & IB, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. She has a 16+ year record of achievement and demonstrated success in developing and delivering management courses to the MBA programme and holding responsible administrative positions at different state universities in India.
She specialises in qualitative and quantitative research methods such as structural equation modelling, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), phenomenology, and applied ethnography. She has presented over 30+ scholarly articles on the national & international professional forums of high repute, such as Marketing Science (USA), Corporate Communication Conference (UK), Global Marketing Conference (Hong Kong & Japan). She has her publications in ABDC listed journals such as Journal of Business Research, Journal of Strategic Marketing and Journal of International Consumer Marketing.
She is also on the European Marketing Academy's editorial board (EMAC), GMC, International Journal of Consumer Studies (A-cat), and Business Perspectives & Research ('C' category journal) to name a few. She is an approved PhD Guide of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai. She critically investigates conspicuous consumption, conscious consumption, consumption paradox, and consumers' well-being as her research interest. Her Doctoral work is in Women’s irrational purchase behaviour and conscious consumption.
Dr. Satyendra Upadhyay
Is General Management faculty at K J Somaiya Institute of Management and Director-International Relations at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai with two Ph.D. (from India and China), MBA in Marketing from Mumbai University and alumnus of Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).
He has 18 years of industry experience in India and abroad. His research interest lies in International Relations, internationalization of education, BRICS, Affiliate Marketing and sustainability. He teaches General Management Course, ESG, Business Ethics, Strategy, International Relations and Diplomacy and Mandarin to MBA students. He is Co-investigator in four International Funded Projects, three projects of British Council Going Global Partnership Grants in collaboration with Aston University (2021-22) and Coventry University (2022-23), UK and one project from SPARC in collaboration with Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia (2023-25). His work has been featured in various national and international media.
Prof Pallav Bose
Is a faculty member in the General Management area at K J Somaiya Institute of Management. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication and is pursuing a PhD in Strategic Management at the Indian Institute of Management Ranchi.
He is nearing the completion of his thesis submission. Pallav has 4+ years of industry experience in the IT industry. From 2023, he started providing consultancy services in Impact Assessment/M&E for socio-economic projects. His research interest lies in industry evolution, international business, and sustainability in emerging markets. Pallav has teaching interests in strategic management, corporate strategy, and management consulting.
The Social Impact Challenge celebrates student achievement and agency in solving the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by providing a platform for UG, PG and PhD students to showcase their innovative ideas. The challenge invites students to submit their idea for a current project that is making an impact in their community. The challenge provides students with a remarkable opportunity to share their talents, validate and refine their ideas, and gain experience. Selected finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their idea in front of a panel of judges, as well as a live audience at K J Somaiya Institute of Management.
Students with a project idea are encouraged to apply during the application process.
Undergraduate/post-graduate students and PhD scholars are encouraged to complete the online application process to be considered as a finalist or semi-finalist for the Social Impact Challenge.
Early Entry | Application Fee: USD 35 | September 20, 2024
Final Entry | Application Fee: USD 60 | September 21 - October 30, 2024
This award is given to the Social Impact Challenge’s winner with a cash prize of USD 2000. The recipient of this award must recommend innovative solution to a clear problem, strong execution plan, proof of concept, potential for impact, and unique perspective of the team.
