Dr. Divya Bharathi – Influencing marketing and management students through expert mentoring

Dr. Divya Bharathi, Associate Professor, Ballari Institute of Technology & Management

 

I am a dedicated professional with a background in research, academia, and teaching, driven by a passion for utilizing innovative teaching methods to inspire and educate management students. Serving as a motivated role model, I am also a trained mentor and coach committed to establishing strong relationships with students to foster values and ethics. My expertise lies in marketing, strategy, digital, and lifestyle marketing. Beyond teaching and research, I actively engage in consultancy, accreditation, and organizing various events such as FDPs, student enrichment programs, seminars, workshops, webinars, and conferences. I have served as a keynote speaker on both national and international platforms, contributing as an article reviewer and session chair for reputable international forums. As learning is a continuous journey, I eagerly anticipate exploring new opportunities and assignments.

 

In my role as a Senior Executive Account Manager, I showcased industry proficiency in Mobile Advertising Platform, white-label DSP solutions, Ad Verification, Optimization, and Performance Reporting on DSP and SSPs. My knowledge extends to RTB, Ad Exchange, Campaign Matrices (CPM, CPC, CPI, etc.), Campaign Management, and Optimization. Additionally, I have experience as a delegated Business Development Lead, handling e-commerce projects, serving as a functional analyst, and managing clients globally.

 

I bring a wealth of core competencies to the Academic Journey:

 

• Teaching/Training/Mentoring: With a dedication to innovative teaching methodologies, I excel at guiding and motivating students, serving as a mentor and coach.
• Teamwork & Multi-Tasking: Demonstrating a strong ability to collaborate within a team, I efficiently handle multiple tasks, ensuring effective and timely outcomes.
• Interpersonal Skill: My strong interpersonal skills enable me to build meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
• Adaptability: Embracing change, I thrive in dynamic environments, adapting seamlessly to evolving challenges and circumstances.
• Commitment to Excellence: I am committed to maintaining high standards in all endeavors, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and professional engagements.
• Integrity: Upholding principles of integrity, I prioritize honesty and ethical conduct in all aspects of my work.
• Career-Focused & Avid Learner: With a keen focus on career advancement, I am an enthusiastic learner, continuously seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Strategy/Marketing/Digital Marketing/Lifestyle Marketing: Specialized in these domains, I bring expertise in crafting and implementing strategies, as well as a deep understanding of marketing, digital marketing, and lifestyle marketing principles.

 

 

Educational and professional journey

 

I hold an educational background:

 

• Ph.D. in Management: Conferred by Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India, in 2022, my doctoral research contributes to the field of Management.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA): I earned my MBA from BITM, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, Karnataka, India, graduating during 2012–2014. This program provided a comprehensive understanding of business principles.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBM): My academic journey began with a BBM from Veerashaiva College, Gulbarga, Karnataka, India, completed during 2007–2009. This foundational degree laid the groundwork for my subsequent academic pursuits.

 

These educational milestones form the basis for my expertise and contributions in the realms of academia, research, and professional practice.

 

Early in my education, I became a keen observer of my teachers, comparing their different philosophies and approaches, thinking about their teaching methods, and assessing which methods enhanced my own learning. By continuing this analysis throughout high school, college, and graduate school, I slowly and deliberately amassed a collection of effective teaching techniques. The distillation of those years of observation and analysis, combined with the lessons I am still learning from my own teaching experience, yields the overriding principle that I strive for in the classroom: clarity—in presenting material, detailing expectations, and expressing educational goals.

 

My goal in all of the courses I teach is that each student develops a picture of the world and, at the same time, influences students, inspiring and motivating them to study, whether by changing their perceptions and beliefs on a given theme, based on reflections developed thanks to new information transmitted, and/or by reviewing existing knowledge. To accomplish this, the imagery and words I use to explain concepts must be clearly presented. This does not mean, however, that I equate clarity with simplicity; to the contrary, simplistic explanations often raise more questions and create more misunderstandings than do organized lectures that carefully present the subtleties, nuances, and complexities of most concepts. Thus, clarity manifests itself in my teaching by directing my selection of the most effective methods of teaching the various marketing and strategy concepts covered in my courses to the diverse range of students in my classes. Often, I find the most effective method of teaching to Learn while Doing. In this learning process, 2 years of my industry experience in digital media platforms as a senior executive account manager have helped me to co-relate the theoretical concepts into real-world examples and provide experiential learning and practical exposure for the students to be employable in the future.

 

Thus, while my primary mode of teaching falls under the broad category of "lecturing," it is significantly augmented with a range of techniques specifically selected for each different topic taught—a selection based on the careful observation and analysis of a number of teachers and modified by my own teaching experience. Regardless of which methods I use, however, I feel that my class sessions must be highly organized. I must anticipate and address potential misunderstandings, and I must constantly check with my students to ensure that they understand the material.

 

 

Research, training, and consulting

 

In the dynamic landscape of education and professional development, our expertise spans across crucial domains, driving impactful contributions in research, placement, proctoring, training, and consultancy. This report aims to illuminate our proficiency in each area, showcasing a commitment to excellence and innovation.

 

1. Research: Our research endeavors are marked by a dedication to exploring cutting-edge topics in various disciplines. With a focus on relevance and applicability, our research initiatives contribute valuable insights to academia and industry alike.
2. Placement: Navigating the complex realm of placements, we excel at connecting talent with opportunities. Our strategic approach ensures a symbiotic relationship between aspiring candidates and organizations, fostering a seamless transition into the professional sphere.
3. Proctoring: In the era of remote learning and examinations, our proctoring solutions uphold the integrity of assessment processes. Leveraging advanced technologies, we provide secure and reliable proctoring services, ensuring a fair and transparent evaluation environment.
4. Training: Our training programs are crafted to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. Through interactive and tailored sessions, we bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.
5. Consultancy: Drawing on a wealth of experience, our consultancy services offer strategic guidance to institutions and businesses. From accreditation to process optimization, our experts provide insights that drive sustainable growth and success.

 

Conclusion:

 

In conclusion, our multifaceted expertise in research, placement, proctoring, training, and consultancy positions us as a dynamic force in the education and professional development arena. As we continue to evolve with the ever-changing landscape, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering. This report serves as a testament to our dedication to shaping the future through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.

 

 

Roles and responsibilities at BITM

 

As an Associate Professor, my roles and responsibilities encompass a wide range of academic, research, and administrative duties. Here is an overview:

 Teaching:

• Delivering high-quality lectures and seminars in the assigned subject area.
• Designing and updating course curriculum to align with industry trends and academic standards.
• Mentoring and advising students on academic and career matters.

Research:

• Conducting original research and contributing to the scholarly community.
• Publishing research findings in reputable journals and presenting at conferences.
• Supervising and guiding graduate students in their research projects.

Service to the Institution:

• Serving on academic committees to contribute to institutional governance.
• Participating in the development of academic policies and procedures.
• Collaborating with colleagues on various academic initiatives.

Professional Development:

• Engaging in continuous learning and staying current with advancements in the field.
• Pursuing professional development opportunities and attending conferences.

Community Engagement:

• Establishing connections with the local community or industry for collaborative projects.
• Participating in outreach programs and contributing to community development.

Administration:

• Assisting in administrative tasks related to academic programs.
• Evaluating student performance and providing feedback.
• Contributing to the accreditation process and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Providing leadership within the department and fostering a positive academic environment.
• Mentoring junior faculty members and supporting their professional growth.

Collaboration:

• Collaborating with other departments for interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Facilitating partnerships with external organizations for research or student programs.

Innovation in Teaching Methods:

• Incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and technology into courses.
• Exploring and implementing new approaches to enhance the learning experience.

Professional Ethics:

• Upholding ethical standards in research, teaching, and interactions with students and colleagues.
• Serving as a role model for academic integrity and professionalism.

 

These responsibilities collectively contribute to academic and institutional success, showcasing the multifaceted role of an Associate Professor in the academic journey.

 

 

Publications of Dr. Divya Bharathi

 

Research Output:

• National/International Publications: 55
• Papers Presented: 35
• Patented Case Studies: 2

Academic Engagements:

• Conferences Attended: 40
• Workshops/Webinars/Seminars: 60
• Faculty Development Programs (FDPs): 30

Professional Credentials:

• Certifications: 15
• Awards: 7

Speaking Engagements:

• Keynote Speaker/Guest Speaker (National/International): 8

 

 

Key Highlights:

 

• Authored research papers published in Scopus-indexed, reputed-indexed, and listed journals nationally and internationally (SSRN, Elsevier, Scopus, ABDC, SHINEEKS Publishers USA, IEOM Society, US Library of Congress, UGC care listed journals, etc.).
• Article reviewer for IEOM and other esteemed platforms and journals.
• Presented research papers globally in locations such as the USA (Detroit, Houston, Texas), Malaysia, Harare (Zimbabwe), UK, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Pune, and Kadapa, covering diverse topics including lifestyle marketing, women's buying behaviors, retail atmospherics, branding, the sports industry, digital marketing, and responses to COVID.
• This comprehensive profile showcases a prolific academic journey, featuring a substantial body of published work, active participation in conferences and workshops globally, and notable recognition through certifications, awards, and speaking engagements.

 

 

Achievements, honors and associations

 

Proud Moments in My Professional Journey:

 

1. "Smart Journal Young Management Scientist Award 2023": Honored with an international award by Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
2. "Excellence in Education" Award: Recognized on International Women’s Day by Women of Substance Network & Award 2023, organized by She Inspire magazine &Hypedge.
3. Speaker at the ESMED General Assembly - Madrid, Spain: Delegated as a session speaker at the European Society of Medicine's 2022 General Assembly in Madrid, Spain.
4. "Young Women in Management" Award: Acknowledged with an international award by Venus International Group.
5. "Best Academician of the Year Award": Recognized internationally by Global Education and Corporate Leadership (GECL) in 2019.
6. "Nurturer of Talent Award": Honored with an international award by Indo Global Events and Production.
7. "Young Scientist Award": Acknowledged by the VDGOOD Professional Association for contributions to the field.
8. "Award of Excellence in Research - 2020": Recognized by the Bestow Edutrex International Award Association for excellence in research.
9. "Best Paper Presenter" at ICAET 2023: Acknowledged for presenting the best paper at the International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology.
10. Moderator at the International CEO (Communication Economics Organization) Social Sciences Congress: Served as the moderator/session chair at the 6th International CEO Social Sciences Congress in collaboration with global universities USA, Turkey.
11. Jury Member at the GECL-2020 International Awards: Headed as a jury member at the GECL-2020 International Awards.
12. Session Chair and Reviewer at IEOM Harare, Zimbabwe: Chaired sessions and reviewed at the IEOM Harare, Zimbabwe, African International Engineering and Operations Management Conference.
13. Guest Speaker on Soft Skills & Personality Development: Invited to speak at SAVT Government First Grade College, Kudligi, Vijayanagara, on soft skills and personality development.
14. Certificate of Appreciation for Ph.D. Completion: Received recognition for outstanding research work and completion of a Ph.D. from the BITM Research Centre at VTU University.
15. Guest Speaker at Indu Degree College: Invited as a one-day guest speaker at Indu Degree College, Kottur, to discuss "Career Advancement and Placement Training for Corporate Aspirants."
16. Membership Associations: Active memberships with AIMA (All India Management Association) and VDGood.

 

 

Dr. Divya talks about student life, learning, and growth

 

I would advise MBA students to prioritize building a strong network, seeking diverse experiences, resilience, adaptability, and embracing continuous learning. Develop strong communication skills, seek diverse experiences, prioritize building a professional network, and embrace a lifelong learning mindset. Stay curious, be open to change, and remember that setbacks are often stepping stones to success. These elements can contribute significantly to their professional growth and success.

 

Students should be self-motivated to align their career goals with their passion, emphasizing the importance of pursuing entrepreneurship if it resonates with them. Stress the value of adaptability in the ever-evolving business landscape and urge them to proactively seek opportunities that align with their long-term vision.

 

My own experience, both as a student and as a teacher, suggests that students who are unclear about expectations often get frustrated and tend to resist learning. I strive to clarify, both in my syllabus and in what I say that I have high expectations for my students. I want them to master the material so that when they take exams, they are confident they will do well. This was the standard set by my general marketing professor in college, and I have directly adopted it from him. This standard requires students to know not just the specific details of the markets we have covered but also how those details connect to the broader marketing concepts we have studied. My fundamental philosophy is that the level of student performance is generally dictated by the level of expectations. We have all talked with graduates who say that they did not like a particular course because it was difficult at the time, but that, in retrospect, they realize the value of that course.

 

Overall, India is growing in a big way, and markets are becoming competitive, not just local markets but also national and international markets, so my advice for the students is that you need to be a professional graduate with the highest standards in moral and ethical behavior by being very compassionate and empathetic towards others in society.