Alok John: Pioneering the Transformation of Education Leadership in Innovative Times

Alok John
Alok John

The disruptions brought about by education leaders are reshaping the landscape of education, providing new opportunities and challenges for students, other educators, and institutions. By embracing innovation and staying adaptable, education leaders are striving to create a more inclusive, effective, and future-ready education system.

In these innovative times, the contribution of leaders like Alok John is immense. Alok, an educator, management expert, and academic leader, currently serves as the Dean of National, International Collaborations and Consultancy Services and the Director of Mother Veronica Excellence and Innovation Centre at Patna Women’s College (Autonomous), Patna.

Prior to this, he served reputed organizations like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) Bodhgaya & Calcutta and Aditya Birla Group’s Hindalco Industries Ltd. He is an alumnus of the prestigious St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) Kolkata and XIDAS Jabalpur. He has also undergone courses in Management of Self in Organizations and Management of Creativity and Innovation at IIM Calcutta. He has been awarded NET Certification in HRM by the University Grants Commission.

He is currently pursuing his doctoral research at the National Institute of Technology, Patna. At IIM Calcutta, he was associated with the MBA courses related to Organisation Behaviour, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship Development, Corporate Social Responsibility, etc., and served on the committee for the Review of Students’ Feedback Mechanism.

He has received appreciation from Padma Shree Prof. Shoji Shiba (Eminent Japanese Management Expert) for seamlessly conducting the Breakthrough Management Workshop at IIM Calcutta in the year 2014. As a founding member, he was instrumental in the setting up of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya in the year 2015, the first of its kind in the state of Bihar during its formative years.

Unmatched Leadership

Alok is the recipient of the Most Iconic Educational Leader Award by Times Ascent and the World HRD Congress, Mumbai. The Management and Governing Body of Patna Women’s College (Autonomous) has awarded him with the Institutional Leadership Award for his unprecedented efforts in inculcating the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among young minds in the promotion of several creative startup ventures.

He also serves as the Mentor for the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) – Business Incubation & Innovation Foundation, Patna.

Under his able leadership, Patna Women’s College has gained remarkable achievements in establishing Academic Collaborations with reputed Institutions of India and successfully established linkages with notable Government agencies and industries. In recognition of his unmatched services as the Dean – National, International Collaborations and Consultancy Services (NICCS), he was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award by the Management of Patna Women’s College.

He is the recipient of 1st runner-up award for Best Teacher Coordinator representing Patna Women’s College in CONFLUENCE 2.0v – An International Level Student Faculty Exchange Programme hosted by St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Jabalpur, Best Resource Person Award under the Management Subject category in the International Level Student Faculty Exchange Programme conducted by St. Aloysius College Jabalpur (Autonomous) and Certificate of Excellence as a Notable Mention Award by Internshala for achieving students internships through Internshala.

He has successfully conducted several Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, Faculty Development Programmes, and Webinars at both National and International Levels, which were funded by reputed institutions like DST, Govt. of India, NAAC, Strategic Management Forum, etc.

Alok has handled training and consulting assignments from the National Commission for Women (NCW), Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd. (BHEL), Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO), New Delhi (under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Government of India), Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC – a Govt. of India Enterprise), TATA Motors, Head Start Kolkata, etc. He has been invited as a resource person at various National Level Forums and has publications of repute to his credit.

From June 2013 to September 2015, Alok John was an integral part of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta), where he held the position of a Teacher Associate. During this period, Alok made significant contributions in various domains, including Human Resource Management, Organizational Behaviour, Strategic Management, Business Ethics & Communication, and Public Policy and Management. His roles and accomplishments during his time at IIM Calcutta exemplify his commitment and skills.

Demonstrating the Dedication to Excellence

Alok John’s academic journey started with a bachelor’s in business administration (BBA Honours) from St. Xavier’s College, an autonomous institution affiliated with Calcutta University in Kolkata, West Bengal. After successfully completing his undergraduate studies, he furthered his education and obtained a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Guru Jambeshwar University of Science & Technology (GJUST) in Hisar, Haryana.

Driven by his passion for Human Resource Management, Alok pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) with a specialization in this field from Xavier Institute of Development Action & Studies (XIDAS) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. This program, approved by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), provided him with a solid foundation in HR practices and principles.

Demonstrating his dedication to excellence, Alok successfully obtained UGC NET certifications in Management (Subject Code – 17) and in Human Resource Management & Labour Welfare and Personnel Management Industrial Relations (Subject Code – 55). These certifications further solidify his expertise and competence in the management and HR domains.

Making Meaningful Impact

Throughout his academic journey, Alok John has consistently excelled in his studies, earning a reputation for his diligence and commitment to learning. He began his educational pursuits at St. Michael’s High School in Patna, Bihar, where he laid the groundwork for his future academic and professional achievements.

Alok’s extensive and diverse educational qualifications make him a valuable asset in the field of Human Resource Management, and his ongoing pursuit of a Ph.D reflects his desire to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and practices in this domain. With his unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience, Alok is poised to make a meaningful impact in the realm of HR management.

Demonstrating Professional Versatility

In his professional journey, Alok John has demonstrated remarkable versatility and competence, taking on various key roles and making significant contributions in the field of education and program management. Here are the key roles, contributions, and skills he has achieved:

  • Case Teaching: Alok has extensive experience in case teaching, involving the careful selection of relevant cases, providing insightful commentary during classes, and effectively guiding students through case execution and evaluation.
  • Simulation and Exercises: He is adept at administering simulation exercises, which play a crucial role in enhancing students’ practical understanding of real-world scenarios.
  • Soft Skills Programmes: Alok has successfully managed soft skills programs focusing on grooming, etiquette, and attitude development, enhancing the overall personality of students.
  • Mock Interviews: A skilled interviewer, Alok conducts mock interviews, preparing students for the challenges they may face in real job interviews.
  • Student Induction Programs: He efficiently manages student induction programs, ensuring a smooth transition for newcomers and providing them with necessary information about the institution.
  • Guest Lectures and Industry Visits: Alok takes the initiative in organizing guest lectures and industry visits, enabling students to gain insights into the corporate world and fostering valuable networking opportunities.
  • Placement Coordination: Alok actively reaches out to companies, coordinating the placement processes and facilitating smooth interactions between students and potential employers.
  • Student Affairs Management: He effectively manages the students’ affairs office, ensuring a conducive environment for academic and personal growth.
  • International Exchanges: Alok is instrumental in managing international exchange programs, fostering global exposure for students, and facilitating the exchange process.
  • Academic and Administrative Process Design: Alok devises various academic and administrative processes, streamlining operations and enhancing overall efficiency.
  • Term End Examination Management: He plays a key role in preparing examination question papers, supervising invigilation, coordinating the evaluation, and releasing results and grades.
  • Committee Membership: Alok has served as Member Secretary to some of the very effective committees.
  • Employee-related Support: He has successfully dealt with faculty and employees affairs.
  • Compliance and Regulations: Alok ensures compliance with government guidelines and regulations, adhering to legal and statutory requirements.
  • Training Facilitation: He supports and facilitates training programs for staff development.
  • Advisory Role: He provides administrative and advisory support for various institutional activities.
  • Strategy Implementation: Alok monitors the implementation of overall strategies, systems, tactics, and procedures across the institute.

Alok John’s exceptional skills and diverse contributions have been crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning and success of various educational and administrative initiatives within his organization. His commitment to excellence and dedication to fostering a conducive learning environment make him an asset in the field of program management and education.