Published: 06 February, 2024

CXOToday recently conducted an exclusive interview with Ravi Sreedharan, Founder and President of the Indian School of Development Management. The interview focused on the Centre for Data Science and Social Impact (CDSSI), shedding light on the centre’s vision and initiatives. CDSSI aims to revolutionize the social sector's approach to data by empowering Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) to leverage the power of data science for greater and sustained impact.

The primary objective of CDSSI is to catalyze a transformative shift in how SPOs approach data, advocating for and raising awareness about the potential of data science. Through various initiatives, CDSSI plans to equip SPOs with the tools, infrastructure, and technology needed for effective data-driven decision-making. This includes the development of diagnostic tools, operating frameworks, and training modules to navigate the evolving landscape of data science.

Unlike focusing on developing analytical models, CDSSI aims to showcase possibilities through examples and use cases, emphasizing timely and relevant data utilization. The organization is also establishing a Knowledge Institute to curate large-scale data across Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing SPOs with accessible, high-quality information and data management tools.

Ravi highlighted the transformative opportunities presented by AI and ML in addressing pressing social issues in India, such as public health, skilling, agriculture, and gender equality. By advocating for the creation and dissemination of solutions, CDSSI aims to catalyze data science for social impact.

Ensuring active engagement and tangible benefits for the social purpose ecosystem is a core commitment for CDSSI. The organization plans to achieve this through research, convenings, collaboration, conversations, and workshops. CDSSI also emphasizes building communities of practice within the social purpose ecosystem, advancing the data maturity of organizations.

Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of data science, CDSSI collaborates with experts from various fields to address complex social issues. The organization advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that bridges data scientists, social scientists, and other relevant experts. This collaborative ethos extends to CDSSI's internal strategy, engaging experts across social purpose leaders, academics, data scientists, and social scientists.

Looking ahead, CDSSI aims to expand its influence globally by evangelizing cutting-edge technologies, researching emerging trends, and sharing insights. The organization aspires to become a pivotal hub for developing impactful data science and analytics models for social change. With a dedication to continuous knowledge creation and dissemination, CDSSI seeks to lead conversations, shape practices, and drive the adoption of data and data science in the Indian development sector, contributing significantly to a data-driven ecosystem.

Read the full interview here

Published: 19 January, 2024

Over the past decade, more and more people have been drawn to the social development sector, driven by a desire to find purpose and meaning in their lives and work. This surge in interest has led to a substantial increase in the sector's budget, reaching Rs 8.28 lakh crore ($100.77 billion) for the year 2023-24 in India. However, a significant challenge arises from the lack of effective management in the development sector.

Mr. Ravi Sreedharan, the Co-Founder of ISDM has stressed this issue in his TED Talk: Tedx Talk by ISDM Founder Ravi Sreedharan - Management for Development

To address this issue, the social sector requires development management to enhance societal growth and achieve economic and social freedom. Unlike corporate management, development management is not about individual projects; instead, it focuses on a process-based system to eliminate stagnation in public service.

Hence, to tackle the acute lack of management skills and knowledge in the development sector, a group of experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds founded India’s first institute dedicated to development management, ISDM (Indian School of Development Management). It was built on the importance of making the leadership and management of social purpose organisations (SPOs) more professional by introducing PGP in development management.

Introducing Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM)

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, the significance of hands-on learning and real-world application cannot be overstated. Aspiring to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world challenges, the Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM) introduced by ISDM is becoming the launchpad for individuals seeking not just knowledge, but the practical skills and insights needed to thrive in the complex realms of the real world.

The program is crafted to immerse students in the intricacies of development management through hands-on projects, simulations, and exposure to actual industry scenarios.

As we delve into the transformative journey of PGP-DM, it becomes clear that the magic lies in the synergy between theory and practice.

This article explores how the hands-on learning and real-world application in PGP-DM not only equip individuals with the necessary tools but also instill a mindset that is ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the real world.

Watch this video to understand what makes ISDM one-of-its-kind: What makes ISDM, ISDM

Nurturing Young Professionals: ISDM’s Approach

The Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGP-DM) at ISDM is an 11-month program with 75+ global faculty, 300+ placement partners, 100% placement assistance, and the highest salary being 16 LPA.

The PGP-DM program is carefully crafted by experts and has a blended synergy of development and management theories. The course offers high-tech in-class sessions with collaborative group work and a field experience.

This course aims to produce tomorrow’s skilled and dedicated management professionals who are adequate to manage complex circumstances, diverse locations, and cultures, specifically for Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs). It imparts exceptional knowledge and methods enabling its students to plan interventions, construct, lead, and manage organisations for lasting social impact.

Skills needed for success in the Development Sector: PGP-DM Curriculum and Pedagogy

ISDM with its Post Graduate Program in Development Management, fosters young professionals through its rigorous coursework divided into 8 terms that include:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability
2. Economic Reasoning & Public Policy
3. Intervention Design for Social Impact
4. Fund Raising
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
6. Technology for Social Impact at Scale
7. Network and Partnerships
8. Concepts of Social Work

The above-given eight courses offered over the year fall into the following clusters:

1. Curated Development Management Courses (Term 1 to Term 2)

- Courses on business and development management.

- Teaches critical thinking by exploring the boundaries of the market.

- Covers various topics like Perspectives on Society and Development, State, Market & Society, Systems Thinking,Financial Perspectives, Operations Management for Quality and Impact, Behaviour Change Communication, Marketing Management, Human Development in an Unequal World, Technology and Management, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

- ‘New age’ electives like Behavioural Sciences in Social Change, Introduction to Digital Marketing and Social Entrepreneurship are also offered for a more in-depth study.

2. Personal Mastery for Development Leadership (Term 1 to Term 7)

- Provides sessions and workshops like Personal Mastery for Development Leadership, Radical Transformational Leadership, and Group Dynamics.

- Focus on nurturing curiosity, courage, and compassion in students as they collaborate in teams, engage with communities, and design interventions.

- Throughout the year, distinguished speakers and leaders from diverse backgrounds are invited to encourage student discussions, debates, reflection, and learning.

- Workshops on Networks, Partnerships, and Alliances for Scale, Perspective on Organisations, Knowledge Management Systems, and Fundraising.

- In terms 5-7, students must complete self-paced Harvard ManageMentor Courses covering essential management topics such as Team Creation, Team Management, Budgeting, Project Management, Business Plan Development, and Negotiating. These courses offer a chance to enhance management skills.

3. Writing in the Discipline (Term 3)

- Students are provided individual mentorship and feedback on how to write, speak and present their ideas.

- Teaches choosing appropriate words, and tone that recognizes the complex nature of social change and the emergent nature of this work.

4. Context-Based Collaborative Learning (CBCL) (Term 1 to Term 7)

The context-based collaborative learning (CBCL) is an integral part of ISDM’s pedagogy. It is a method used to make the teaching and learning process more impactful.

- Lectures, case studies, workshops, group work, readings, and individual assignments are carefully integrated to enhance students' knowledge and application skills for the social sector.

- The course offers opportunities for practical application through specially designed group work, allowing students to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios.

- Central to the CBCL process is collaborative inquiry and co-creation, supported by learning mentors known as Bricoleurs, working with students on a one-to-one basis and groups to discuss individual learning journeys and key development lenses to differentiate management for the social sector such as collaboration, equity and social justice.

5. Realising India Immersive Experience (Term 4 to Term 8)

- Realising India Immersive Experience is a two-week project that emphasizes scale and sustainability.

- It provides a practical experience by working on live projects with Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs).

- Integrates previous term learnings into a real, viable, and scaling strategy for the SPO.

- Concentrates on the 'what' and 'how' of managing SPOs.

- Aims to deepen students' understanding of people's lives at the district level.

- Prepares students to design effective interventions by immersing them in real-world experiences.

In addition to the eight core courses, the program provides elective options to nurture your leadership skills for the future. PGP-DM students learn to address community issues with empathy and understanding, considering systemic and cultural aspects, all while keeping a focus on impact, scalability, and sustainability.

The course also prepares future policymakers with skills such as teamwork, effective communication, empathetic engagement, critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, networking, stress management, and willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn. These skills are taught by the unique method of ‘knowing’, ‘doing’, and ‘being’.

- 'Knowing' skills are about understanding the limits of the market and developing critical thinking skills.

- 'Doing' skills refer to thinking creatively and innovatively to frame and solve problems.

- 'Being' skills are about paying greater attention to personal development and grounding organizational decision-making in ethics and values of equity and fairness.

Assessment

The assessment process is a key part of the student's learning journey. It involves evaluating the student's progress through a mix of the following components to make you ready to kickstart your career in the development sector:

1. Classroom Attendance
2. Graded Individual and Group Assignments (Faculty and Bricoleurs)
3. Tests/Quizzes
4. Peer Assessment in Collaborative Groups

These assessments help build the students’ caliber and prepare them for real-world problems. With all these factors and a strong alumni network, the PGP-DM course can ensure the personal and professional growth of the student resulting in better career opportunities.

What job opportunities are available in the development sector for young development professionals?

Explore the myriad possibilities that await you as you embark on a journey toward a rewarding career in the social sector through our comprehensive PGP-DM program. Following are the career options in the development sector:

1. Programme Operations and Management:
   Develop program design aligning with the organisation's strategy.
2. Communications and Engagement:
   Shape the organisational brand and manage the communications strategy.
3. Fund Raising (Retail and Corporate):
   Formulate fundraising strategies and engage donors for organisational and programmatic funds.
4. Strategy & Data-based Decision Making:
   Contribute to the overall strategy and analyze data for informed decision-making.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
   Define CSR strategy, implement interventions, and ensure governance compliance.
6. Government Relations and Advocacy:
   Submit proposals, build relationships with government wings, and advocate for specific areas.
7. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances:
   Identify, onboard, and manage partners based on collaboration needs.
8. Monitoring & Evaluation:
   Develop M&E Framework, collaborate with technical partners, and analyze impact data.
9. EA to CEO:
   Assist the CEO in implementing organizational initiatives and data-driven decision-making.
10. Co-Founders:
    Collaborate with development sector entrepreneurs and organizations' founders.

ISDM Alumni Success Stories: Diverse Roles and Impactful Positions in the Social Sector

The Post Graduate Program in Development Management equips students with a plethora of career options, offering diverse roles and responsibilities within the social sector. With a commitment to fostering impactful careers, ISDM collaborates with over 300 placement opportunities, ensuring our PGP-DM students have access to a wide array of professional pathways. It offered 100% placements in its previous batches as the placement process at ISDM is student-centric, and not organization-centric.

No matter what your educational or professional background is, this program is designed to provide you with an enriching experience, empowering you to make meaningful contributions to the field of devlopment management.

One such example is ISDM alumna Ayushi Jauhari. Ayushi was an engineer at a multinational company before joining ISDM. Volunteering at the CSR of her former employee made her want to pursue the path of social development management as a career.

Here is what Ayushi has to say about her journey from engineering to social development management: From an Engineer to Changemaker: Ayushi's Transformative Journey in the Development Sector

So was the case with Simran Bhola, an ISDM alumna, who was working at EY as the Assurance Associate. Finding her zeal for the social sector, Simran joined ISDM for a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the sector and its problems. Here’s what Simran has to say about her experience with ISDM and her career journey: My journey at ISDM | The social sector's next place to be

Here is a list of ISDM alumni working in different positions in the social sector as per their interests and choices:

1. CSR Fund/Foundation:

- Rama Krishna Teja, PGP-DM 2019, CSR Lead at Tata Consultancy Services, B.Tech from K.L University.

- Viswanathan V, PGP-DM 2017, Assistant Manager CSR at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., BE in Electronics and Communication from Jeppiaar Institute of Technology.

2. Social Welfare Organizations:

- Nilanjan Panda, PGP-DM 2019, PRADAN - Professional Assistance for Development Action, BSW from Visva-Bharti and MA in Development from Azim Premji University.

- Akshay Jha, PGP-DM 2020, Program Manager Aftercare at M.A.D (Make a Difference), B.Pharm. & M.Pharm.-Pharmacy from Guru Nanak College of Pharmacy.

3. Policy Consulting Firms:

- B Shrija, PGP-DM 2018, Project Manager at Egov Foundation, B Sc Agriculture from Banaras Hindu University.

- Ashish Manjunath, PGP-DM 2020, Innovation Officer at Water Aid India, BE-Arts from M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology.

4. For-Profit Social Organizations:

- Swati, PGP-DM 2017, Project Manager at Janaagraha, B.Sc from St. Joseph's College & MA in Rural Development from IGNOU.

- Sanket Sunil Aher, PGP-DM 2019, Swades Foundation, BS in Physics from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.

5. Not for Profit/NGOs:

- Arpit Jain, PGP-DM 2017, Consultant at Dalberg, B.tech from NIT Karnataka, PG Diploma in Liberal Studies from Ashoka University.

- Abhishek Tyagi, PGP-DM 2019, Senior Associate at CSR Box, Political Science Hons from Delhi University.

6. Impact Investing Firm:

- Grishma Kajbaje, PGP-DM 2021, Samhita, B.COM from R A Podar College of Commerce and Economics.

- Priyanka Nalawade, PGP-DM 2018, Programme Associate MNE at Under The Mango Tree, B Tech in Computer Science and Technology.

7. Social Impact Consultancy:

- Supreeth V Kashyap, PGP-DM 2019, Wellbi, B.E in Computer Science & Engineering from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysore.

8. Social Enterprise:

- Tanushree Jain, PGP-DM 2018, Naushaura, Founder, Engineering, Mody University.

9. Education/Think Tanks/Research:

- Abinaya Rangarajan, PGP-DM 2018, Officer - Skill Education at Lend - A Hand India, B tech Industrial Biotechnology from Sastra University Thanjavur.

10. Bilateral Agencies:

- Radhika Nair, PGP-DM 2017, Consultant at Women's Fund Asia, BA in Communication from Amrita School of Communication.

Wrapping Up

The PGP-DM program is all about learning through hands-on experience. Perfect for those in or aspiring to join the social sector. The program's unique design acknowledges that regular management principles don't cut it for the complexities of the social sector. It seamlessly combines development and management, blending theory with real-world practice. Our community of teachers, mentors, and alumni is here to guide you at every step toward your dream opportunity.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, seize the moment and submit your application now!

Published:17 March, 2023

Development space is desperately looking out for people who understand the sector and are able to contribute in constituting world class, impactful, sustainable social organisations using mantras of leadership and management relevant to the development sector.

While the Indian civilization dates back to at least 6500 BC, India as an Independent nation is only 72 years old. As we complete 72 years of independence, it is a good time to step back and see how far we have come.

In 1947, India had a literacy of 12%; Life expectancy at birth of 32 years; 99% poverty; wide-spread epidemics like plague, malaria, tuberculosis, no infrastructure; no electricity; very few schools and colleges, limited access to villages. The world thought that this was a basket case and India would soon call the Brits back to save them.

But, we did amazingly well and in 72 years our literacy rate is today at 74%; Life Expectancy is at 68 years; Poverty Rates are down to 21%; Our infra-structure, Schools, Hospitals, Health Centers, Roads, etc. have all come a long way.

The social sector or the development sector in India has played a major role in this progress. Despite being a large and complex country, thanks to an active development sector, we have become a vibrant democracy, we are among few countries that have progressive reforms like the Right to Information and Right to Education, we have a Progressive Constitution and a clearly defined ‘idea of India’ captured beautifully in the Preamble of the Constitution.

After several years of working deep and wide in the development sector, I have realized that there is a problem in applying conventional Business Management ideas in the Social Sector.

Here are some ideas that will not make sense intuitively to a Business Management mind:

* There is no such thing as ‘poor people’ - there is ‘poverty’

* Affirmative action is not only about economic equality

* Livelihoods is not just about creating jobs but also addressing complex societal issues ranging from cultural norms and values to security and health issues, education, dignity, inter-generational equations, and more

* Addressing issues of education is not just about teachers and schools but also about issues related to community - culture, values, gender, health, nutrition, sanitation, rights, ecology, language, agriculture cycles, livelihood, hunger, poverty, etc.

* Even solving the problem of open defecation is not only about building functional toilets but also about changing complex behaviors, beliefs and attitudes.

The same subjects will be different or nuanced when it comes to Business Management and Development Management: Whether it is ‘Talent Management’ and understanding reasons for joining/ staying/ leaving or the kind of cultures that will motivate and inspire; Or ‘Finance’ and looking at questions like Return on Investments; understanding the monetary value of some social good like say gender equality; Or, ‘Communication and Engagement’, ‘Systems Thinking’, ‘Organization Behavior and Dynamics’ - they are all quite different.

Development space is desperately looking out for people who understand the sector and are able to contribute in constituting world class, impactful, sustainable social organisations using mantras of leadership and management relevant to the development sector. One should be able to approach a sensitive cause with a very practical, professional, goal oriented approach while still be agile and quick to adjust and stay motivated throughout. Strike a balance between empathy towards highly sensitive issues and pragmatic line of action.

Even the Corporate world has now realised that it is not just the increase in CSR spend which is going to assure their commitment to support initiatives aimed at impacting lives. Corporate sector has gradually started encouraging the hiring of professional leaders and managers for the development sector to create an impactful CSR team which can help them in achieving each milestone of their CSR programme in the most effective manner.

After discussions with numerous leading practitioners in the sector across the country and even around the world, there was universal agreement that it makes absolute sense and there is indeed a crying need for developing the domain of Development Management, as a distinct discipline.

This new discipline would require as its base high quality, world class institutions that can make a difference to the sector and society. These institutions will provide the much needed vibrant & active learning environment to the brightest minds passionate about social change. The institutions will also be at the forefront of research for deeper understanding of the complex multitude of factors that affect development issues. It is very important to realise here that great Development Management institutions will be created by Collective Wisdom and Collective Philanthropy.

(Author Sreedharan is founder and director, Indian School of Development Management (ISDM). Views expressed here are personal.)

ISDM | Published: 29 December, 2023

Hey future changemakers! If you’re reading this, you must be preparing for ISDM’s Online Assessment, which is a critical step that helps us assess your readiness for the program in the admissions process for the PGP-DM program. We know the Online Assessment might seem intimidating at first, but fear not – we've got your back!

Before you start prepping, let's make sure you’re aware of the basics. The Assessment has two main components — an Analytical Test and an English Test. Simple enough, right? If you’re wondering how long the Assessment will be, 40 minutes is all it takes.

Now, you have the option to take the Assessment on your preferred device — desktop, laptop, tab, or even your trusty smartphone. We're flexible like that, although a desktop or laptop might offer a smoother experience. However, if you wish to use an Android or iOS device, please make sure to download the Mobile App first, using the link provided in the Instruction Manual on the Student Dashboard.

Oh, let’s not forget — the Assessment is proctored, so you would need to have your camera and microphone connected and enabled, with a stable internet connection, in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

But hey, we won’t bore you with all the technical requirements here. You can easily find those in the Instruction Manual on your Student Dashboard. We've also curated Preparatory Material, which gives you a sneak peek into the questions that might pop up during the assessment, and added that on the Student Dashboard as well. All clear? Awesome!

With the logistics out of the way, let’s dive into what you’re here for — preparing for the Assessment!

Preparing for the Analytical Test

Let’s look at the Analytical Test first, which evaluates your numerical abilities, attention to detail, data-interpretation skills, logical reasoning and spatial reasoning proficiency.

• Are you worried because you haven’t taken a Math test in years? Just brush up on your 10th grade Math — percentages, ratios, mensuration, basic geometry and statistics. And you’re all set!
• Love playing games? Turn your prep into fun, with games and visual puzzles focussed on spatial reasoning, pattern-recognition, info-logical reasoning, sequencing, Sudoku, and so on.
• If you’re someone who can analyse graphs and datasets, and recognise patterns and identify anomalies, the Analytical component should be a breeze for you!
• If you’re more inclined towards solving questions the traditional way, you could practise with question banks targeting numerical and analytical aptitude — there are plenty available online.

And that’s all! Do these and you’re all set for the Analytical Test!

Preparing for the English Test

Now that we've conquered the intricate tapestry of numerical intricacies and patterns, let us embark on an exploration of the labyrinth of linguistic complexities that underpin the art of communication.

Ahem… sorry we got a little carried away.

Don't worry, this won’t be a plunge into Shakespearean sonnets or arcane literary complexities for eloquent wordsmiths. Our English Test offers a refreshing departure from traditional written assessments, and allows you to showcase your active listening and spoken English prowess in simulated conversations. It is a dynamic assessment that values practical communication skills, making it relevant and entirely manageable. This means that prepping for it is equally easy and intuitive.

• If you enjoy listening to podcasts, audiobooks or TED Talks with a variety of English accents, you’re in luck! The English Test is a breeze for a good listener who is comfortable with accents.
• Love watching English movies, with or without subtitles? Your movie marathons are about to pay off in this test!
• If you want to be better prepared for the Vocab and Grammar sections, you could brush up on English grammar guides and solve practice questions.

In addition to these, you can also look up practice questions for Basic Analytical and English tests online. Just make sure they’re aligned with the sample questions we’ve provided in the Preparatory Material.

Time Management is Key

Alright, seems like we've covered most of the things here, but we hope you remember that our Online Assessment is timed and of 40 minutes only. As you may be aware from your past experience of taking tests of any kind, when time is limited it is important to manage it effectively, so that you can attempt the Assessment in its entirety. This also makes it important to go through sample questions provided by us, especially for the Analytical component, and understand the time you would need to allocate for various question-types. Consider timing yourself when you take practice tests, so that you can find your pace for the actual Assessment.

If you follow these suggestions and utilise the Preparatory Material, you should be sufficiently prepared to ace the test. Did we tell you that unlike many other standardised tests, ISDM’s Online Assessment has no negative marking? Consider that as another concern taken off your shoulders!

Feeling confident yet? All the best with your preparation, and the eventual Online Assessment! We’re rooting for you, and can’t wait to welcome you to the ISDM community!