Jamshedpur: In a landmark collaboration aimed at reshaping quality management education in India, XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM). This strategic alliance seeks to strengthen academic-industry ties and equip management students with practical skills aligned with real-world challenges in quality and performance excellence.
The partnership is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practices. Through the introduction of modern teaching methodologies, case-based learning, live projects, and insights from experienced professionals, the initiative will prepare future-ready leaders capable of driving sustainable improvements in Indian enterprises, particularly in the MSME sector.
The MoU outlines plans to introduce elective courses in quality management tailored specifically for postgraduate management students at XLRI. These courses, launching in the upcoming academic session starting June 2025, will include industrial visits, hands-on projects, and classroom sessions led jointly by XLRI faculty and IFQM experts. The collaboration is expected to provide students with an in-depth understanding of quality systems, business excellence models, and strategic improvement tools.
During the signing ceremony, XLRI Director Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, S.J., stressed the importance of turning this agreement into measurable outcomes. In his address, he remarked, “Signing an MoU is not even the first step—it’s the zero step. Our real goal must be to focus on practical, verifiable results that benefit students, industry partners, and the wider academic community.”
The event, held on the XLRI campus in Jamshedpur, began with a welcome speech by Dr. Dipankar Bose, Associate Professor at XLRI. It was attended by key representatives from both institutions. From IFQM, attendees included CEO and Director Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, along with senior executives Mr. R. K. Shenoy, Mr. Jayakumar M, Mr. Nagabhushan M, Mr. Samir Banerjee, Mr. Sampath Krishnabhat, and Mr. Ankur Gandotra, as well as Dr. Pankaj Kumar, IFQM counsellor.
Tata Steel, a key supporter of IFQM, was represented by Mr. Peeyush Gupta, Vice President of TQM, GSP & Supply Chain, and Ms. Tripti Srivastava, Chief of TQM and CQA. XLRI’s academic leadership included Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics); Dr. J. Ajith Kumar, Associate Dean (Fellow Programmes); and Dr. Abhishek Chakraborty, Chairperson of the Production, Operations and Decision Sciences area.
The event concluded with a guided tour of XLRI’s academic and research facilities, reinforcing the beginning of a deeper engagement focused on quality, innovation, and educational excellence.
Founded in 1949, XLRI is India’s oldest management institute and is renowned for its commitment to responsible leadership and academic rigor. Now in its 76th year, XLRI continues to set standards in management education. The Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM), supported by leading organizations including Tata Steel, is a not-for-profit body dedicated to fostering quality awareness and institutional excellence across industries.
