“The prerequisite to success is health,” Prof. Utomo Sarjono Putro, the Dean of SBM ITB highlighted as an opening to the New Year’s Gathering of the MSM-DSM Program, Tuesday (12/01/2021). The event was followed by the welcoming of the new Director of the MSM-DSM Program, Yuliani Dwi Lestari, whose role was briefed to increase publications that will hopefully bring positive influences for the industry, people, and government. 

Prof. Utomo said that there are many ways we could take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic. One of them is that it is easier to invite foreign lecturers through Zoom meetings. This becomes the Director of MSM-DSM Program’s role to be a matchmaker between the researchers, and investors, alongside providing necessary support to the innovators and ensuring that the methodology used fits the internationally accredited standard.

Next in line was Yuliani’s introduction to Assurance of Learning which is the systematic process for determining and revising learning objectives for the degree program. It consists of designing, delivering, and improving curricula. “It is also our responsibility to educate students to be innovative leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset and to develop and disseminate knowledge of business and management for the betterment of business, government, and society,” Yuliani stated.

Later, Yuliani explained the roles that both students and the staff of the faculty should have. Those are to provide a clear focus, design teaching materials, and some activities that are consistent with the instructional activities.

“Though, everyone should aim to contribute to solving the global issues, global health, gender equality, primary education, food security, worker empowerment, and environmental,” Yuliani emphasized. 

Afterwards, the discussion about digital transformation followed. The pandemic has accelerated the growth of digital transformation, and although it may have its advantages, it also comes with risks. So, how does one deal with the existing risks? Yuliani established the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) concept, which is a combination of attributes that, taken together, define the nature of some difficult circumstances. “We must react quickly and decisively to tackle these challenges,” she summarized.

Written by Student Reporter (Mitsal Athaya, Management 2022)