MBA students attend an enriching session on product management

The Department of Operations Management at Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dwarka recently organised an enriching session with Mr. Prashant Misra, Director of Digital Product Management at American Express (Fraud Servicing). This initiative is part of ASM’s ongoing effort to bring real-world management experiences into the classroom, enhancing the practical understanding of its students.

Mr. Misra’s session focused on the intricacies of product management in the services sector, a vital yet often complex domain. He began by emphasising the importance of aligning product capabilities with the overarching product roadmap vision. This alignment, he noted, is crucial for ensuring the success of any product, particularly in a competitive market landscape. Through his insights, students gained a deeper appreciation of how strategic vision translates into practical execution, ultimately leading to product success.

A key highlight of the session was Mr. Misra’s exploration of the various roles within the broad spectrum of product management. He detailed the responsibilities of each role, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse career paths available within this field. More importantly, he underscored the critical skills required to excel as a product manager. These include strong communication abilities, effective collaboration, people management skills, objectivity, and a solid foundation of technical knowledge. Mr. Misra stressed that mastering these skills is essential for anyone aspiring to a successful career in product management.

In addition to these insights, Mr. Misra took the opportunity to clarify the distinctions between product management and project management, two terms that are often used interchangeably but represent different functions. He introduced students to key industry terminologies such as RAG (Red, Amber, Green) status reporting and RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) logs. These tools, he explained, are crucial for managing the close coordination between product and project management teams, ensuring that projects remain on track and aligned with the product’s strategic objectives.

The hour-long interaction was highly engaging, with students actively participating and asking questions. Mr. Misra’s practical insights and industry expertise provided them with a clear roadmap for how to prepare for a career in product management. By the end of the session, students had gained a valuable understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the dynamic field of product management successfully.

This event exemplifies ASM’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. By inviting industry leaders like Mr. Misra to share their experiences, ASM ensures that its students are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving business world.