K J Somaiya Institute of Management Hosts MSME-Focused MDP on Quality Management Systems and Export Documentation

K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) successfully conducted a five-day Management Development Programme (MDP) titled “Quality Management System and Export Documentation”, reaffirming its continued engagement with MSME entrepreneurs following the INDAM Conference. The programme was jointly organised with Career Raiser and saw participation from MSME owners across a wide range of sectors.

The MDP was jointly inaugurated by Mr. Istulkar, Joint Director, MSME Testing Centre, along with Mrs. Deepa Raut, CEO, Career Raiser, and Mr. Ramnath Sarma, Head – MDP, K J Somaiya Institute of Management. The programme saw participation from MSME owners across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, services, consultancy, and education. 

Designed as a hands-on learning initiative, the MDP focused on helping MSMEs strengthen their understanding of quality management systems, export documentation, logistics, digital supply chains, and internationalisation critical areas for scaling operations and improving global competitiveness.

The programme followed a structured and practical learning format, covering topics such as Lean Management and productivity tools, process quality techniques, export documentation and logistics, packaging for exports, digital export ecosystems, international market entry strategies, and government schemes available for MSMEs. Sessions were led by KJSIM faculty along with experienced industry professionals, including Mr. Kuvalekar, Director, Prasanna Rasayan; Dr. Sawant from Shruti Flexipack; Dr. Jakhere, Assistant Postmaster General, India Post; and Mr. Gujrati, former Director, MSME IDEMI Testing Centre.

Experts highlighted export facilitation initiatives such as India Post’s Dak Niryat Kendra, quality certifications including ZED, and the importance of product testing through accredited laboratories to enhance global market access. 

Speaking about the initiative, Raman Ramachandran, Dean & Director, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, said, “MSMEs play a central role in India’s economic growth. Empowering entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, strong systems, and a global perspective is essential. This programme reflects our effort at KJSIM to move beyond academic discussions and support MSME owners in building quality-driven, export-ready businesses.”

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and KJSIM’s experiential learning approach, students enrolled in experiential learning courses actively supported the programme. Their involvement provided valuable exposure to real-world business challenges while contributing to the overall execution of the MDP. 

The programme helped participants gain a stronger understanding of export compliance and documentation, practical knowledge of quality management and lean practices, awareness of government export facilitation initiatives, and strategies for MSMEs to grow in digital and international markets.

Through initiatives such as this, K J Somaiya Institute of Management continues to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by bringing together academic expertise, industry experience, and policy awareness to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.