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Marketing

Starcom launches course in Integrated Marketing Communications

Starcom MediaVest Group and KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research have joined hands to offer the Advanced Programme in Integrated Marketing Communications

Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) and KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (SIMSR) have recently announced a partnership to launch SSIMCAP-360°, a full-time Advanced Programme in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).

The 10-month programme, leading to a Certificate in Advanced Integrated Marketing Communications, is being offered at the Vidyavihar campus to graduates interested in IMC. Successful completion of SSIMCAP-360° will enable students to be placed in agencies offering marketing communications services.

Starcom launches course in Integrated Marketing Communications
Speaking about the development, Ravi Kiran, chief executive officer, South Asia, Starcom MediaVest Group, says, "We have been contemplating for a while to offer a world-class programme to young graduates, to equip them with knowledge of the best practices and a hands-on industry interface. The dream is being realised with the creation of SSIMCAP-360°. This intensive programme, in collaboration with KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, will set a benchmark in learning the art and science of integrated marketing communications."

Prof PV Narasimham, director general, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research says in an official release, "The world has become a large marketplace and it was a long-felt need to have an advanced programme in integrated marketing communication. Starcom MediaVest group has been a pioneer in the business of offering brands and organisations innovative marketing solutions. It was a natural progression to partner with SMG in bringing out a comprehensive programme that adds value to future marketers. This will be a one of its kind programme."

As a part of the programme, every student will be assigned to a senior advertising or marketing professional in the industry, who will act as an off-campus coach for the duration of the programme. This has been termed as Active Mentorship.

Another feature called The Learning Clinic will offer access to a dedicated space within the Starcom office in Mumbai for research purposes, for gaining hands-on experience on industry research and tools, as well as get select exposure to SMG's globally renowned tools and techniques.

Other unique features include Brand Shoes, where each student will get to spend a week as an assistant to a brand manager in a respected marketing organisation; and Live In, which will enable students to spend a week in a relevant consumer home in India, gathering practical insights into various aspects of consumer behaviour.

Four toppers of the programme will receive a full refund of the fees as a scholarship. At the end of the programme, students will be assisted in finding suitable placements.

A maximum of 60 students will be selected for the first batch through a national admission process. This includes a multiple choice online test -- covering general knowledge, language skills and marketing communications aptitude, a written communications test, group discussion and a personal interview.

SMG will be actively involved in planning and executing the programme, besides having representatives on the Advisory Council. The programme, spread across three trimesters, will include SIMSR's faculty, the leadership from SMG and industry stalwarts from a wide range of agencies and companies.

For the record, SIMSR was established in 1981 to serve the needs of management and research. The mini-university -- comprising 33 educational institutions in the heart of Mumbai and 2,500 teaching and non-teaching staff -- caters to the needs of nearly 25,000 students.

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