Unlocking innovation: How SPJIMR’s Design Thinking Lab is transforming business leaders
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The challenges faced by organisations today are often complex, ambiguous, and require creative solutions. To navigate these challenges effectively, professionals need more than just traditional management skills—they need a mindset that encourages creativity, empathy, and continuous innovation. This is where S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) Design Thinking course in the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) comes into play.
Learn Design Thinking, the SPJIMR way
Design Thinking is a human-centred approach to problem-solving that is both iterative and immersive. It involves understanding the needs of users, challenging assumptions, redefining problems, and creating innovative solutions to prototype and test. While the concept of Design Thinking is not new, its application in the corporate world has gained momentum as companies realise the importance of tackling ill-structured problems with innovative strategies.
SPJIMR, one of India’s leading business schools, has recognised the transformative power of Design Thinking and integrated it into its PGPM curriculum. The Design Thinking course at SPJIMR is a strategic tool designed to prepare executives and innovation leaders to drive change and foster an innovative culture within their organisations.
What makes SPJIMR’s Design Thinking approach truly unique?
Tailored to the business context
SPJIMR’s Design Thinking course is uniquely tailored to address the challenges and opportunities in the business environment. It draws on the best international practices, along with local insights and examples, making the learning experience highly relevant to participants. This context-specific approach ensures that executives can apply the principles of Design Thinking directly to their organisational challenges, driving meaningful change.
Immersive learning experience
At SPJIMR, Design Thinking is taught through an immersive, hands-on approach. The programme emphasises learning by doing, where participants engage in real-world projects, applying the Design Thinking process from empathy and ideation to prototyping and testing. This experiential learning approach helps participants internalise the concepts and techniques of Design Thinking, enabling them to implement these strategies effectively in their professional roles.
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Integration with leadership and innovation
Design Thinking at SPJIMR is not treated as a standalone subject but is integrated into the broader themes of leadership and innovation. The programme encourages participants to view Design Thinking as a leadership tool that can drive organisational change and innovation. By understanding the philosophy and process of Design Thinking, executives can lead their teams more effectively, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
How does SPJIMR’s industry-relevant pedagogy bring Design Thinking to life?
SPJIMR’s Design Thinking course is highly interactive, with a strong focus on experiential learning. The pedagogy includes:
- Fieldwork and industry experts: Participants engage in fieldwork, interacting with users and stakeholders to gather insights. Industry experts are also brought in to provide real-world perspectives, enriching the learning experience.
- Case studies and co-created sessions: The programme uses case studies to illustrate the application of Design Thinking in various contexts. Co-created insight sessions allow participants to share their experiences and learn from each other.
- Design Thinking challenge: The course culminates in a Design Thinking challenge, where participants apply what they have learned to solve a complex problem within the workshop itself. This hands-on experience solidifies their understanding of the process and its practical applications.
What impact does SPJIMR aim to create with Design Thinking in its PGPM curriculum?
By the end of the Design Thinking course, participants at SPJIMR will be able to:
- Understand and apply Design Thinking: Participants will gain a deep understanding of the Design Thinking process and how to apply it to solve complex, unstructured problems within their organisations.
- Foster an innovative organisational culture: The programme equips leaders with the tools to build and nurture a Design Thinking mindset within their teams, promoting a culture of innovation and creativity.
- Enhance creative problem-solving skills: Through various techniques such as rapid prototyping and divergent thinking, participants will rediscover their creative potential, enabling them to generate innovative solutions to business challenges.
One of the unique aspects of SPJIMR’s emphasis on Design and Innovation is the Design Thinking Lab or Maker Space, a pioneering initiative among Indian B-schools. An interdisciplinary team of faculty and external experts guides participants through their innovation journey, utilising design thinking and other methodologies. This hands-on Lab experience provides a robust foundation, enabling participants to continue developing innovative and practical solutions to complex business challenges throughout their time at SPJIMR.
SPJIMR’s course on Design Thinking is tailored for CEOs, CMOs, Chief Innovation Officers, and senior executives tasked with fostering innovation in their organisations. Leaders aiming to create or strengthen a culture of innovation in their teams will find this programme extremely valuable.
To summarise, in a world where the only constant is change, the ability to innovate continuously is a critical differentiator for organisations. SPJIMR’s Design Thinking course in the PGPM programme offers a unique opportunity for senior executives to develop the skills and mindset needed to drive innovation in their organisations. By integrating international best practices with a deep understanding of the Indian context, SPJIMR ensures that its participants are not just learning Design Thinking, but are equipped to lead with it.
SPJIMR’s PGPM programme curriculum.
If you’re serious about upskilling and eager to provide significant value to your organisation, consider enrolling in a programme that enhances your Design Thinking skills and equips you with the holistic knowledge needed to drive innovation and sustainable growth in today’s competitive business environment.
