International Guest Visit for CAPS

The Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, in collaboration with the School of Business and Management – BBA, successfully organised a multi-activity academic engagement centred on the theme “Family Business: Managing the Generational Transition” on 05 February 2026. The programme was carefully designed to provide students with academic depth, global exposure, interdisciplinary interaction, and experiential learning beyond the classroom.

The primary focus of the engagement was on BBA third-year students, who participated in the keynote academic session held at the Auditorium in the Management Block. This session aimed to help students understand the structure and functioning of family-owned enterprises, as well as the challenges involved in leadership transitions across generations. Given the significant contribution of family businesses to both Indian and global economies, the discussions highlighted succession planning, governance frameworks, leadership responsibilities, and long-term business sustainability. The session successfully bridged theoretical concepts with real-world business practices.

The academic sessions were led by distinguished international academicians Dr Michael Graffius, Professor of Business Administration at IU International University, Berlin, and Dr Birgit Felden, Professor of SME and Succession at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. Their global experience and research expertise offered students valuable insights into managing generational transitions, professionalising family businesses, and adopting sustainable leadership practices.

The guests also interacted with MSc GFA first-year students from the Department of Commerce on the topic “Global Perspectives on Business, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Leadership.” This interaction exposed students to international business approaches, entrepreneurial thinking, and the role of sustainability in leadership. The session encouraged students to think beyond local contexts and understand how global economic, cultural, and governance factors influence business decisions.

In addition to classroom engagements, the programme included experiential activities such as a Lavasa tour and trekking, which provided opportunities for informal interaction, cultural exchange, and holistic learning. These activities strengthened student engagement and offered learning experiences beyond academic settings.

A focused academic discussion with BBA faculty members was held at the Council Room, where the visiting academicians and faculty members exchanged views on curriculum relevance, global best practices, teaching methodologies, and research perspectives. This interaction strengthened academic collaboration and encouraged the integration of international perspectives into business education.

The engagement was comprehensive and impactful, covering six key activities across academic sessions, student interactions, experiential learning, and faculty discussions. The programme promoted analytical thinking, professional awareness, global outlook, and cross-cultural understanding among students. It also reinforced CAPS’s role in connecting classroom learning with practical and global business realities.

Overall, the academic engagement was well-organised, enriching, and aligned with the University’s vision of providing holistic, value-based, and globally relevant education. CAPS remains committed to organising such meaningful academic initiatives that enhance student learning, career readiness, and global competence. The programme also strengthened institutional collaboration, encouraged knowledge sharing, and created a platform for sustained academic partnerships, while inspiring students to approach leadership, entrepreneurship, and business continuity with responsibility, confidence, and a broader global mindset aligned with professional and ethical standards for future careers worldwide.