PhD scholar Manan Gandhi publishes 2 case studies at IIM Ahmedabad Case Center

Studies produced in collaboration with Prof. Vishal Gupta, IIMA

5 December, 2024, Bengaluru: IIM Bangalore PhD scholar Manan Alpeshbhai Gandhi, from the Organizational Behavior & Human Resource Management area at IIM Bangalore, has published two case studies at the IIM Ahmedabad Case Center, in collaboration with Prof. Vishal Gupta, IIMA. 

The cases examine the planning, execution, and impact of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj (PSM) Shatabdi Mahotsav, a month-long centenary festival held on a sprawling 600-acre site near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from December 2022 to January 2023. Case study 1 provides an overview of the event's grand scale, showcasing the diverse attractions, including a 67-foot replica of the Akshardham temple, vibrant exhibits, cultural performances, and extensive infrastructure to accommodate visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Case study 2 contextualizes the organizational feat of constructing PSM Nagar within a time span of 9 months, while simultaneously mobilizing a total of 80,000 volunteers.

Collectively, the objective of the cases has been— to learn intricate dynamics of leadership and organizational culture that lent a profound spirit of seva (selfless service) among volunteers—an ethos that proved pivotal to the project’s seamless execution. They also seek to uncover the organizational pillars that enabled the delivery of a valuable experience to thousands of participants over several days.

Further, the cases offer rich insights for organizations across sectors—non-profits, corporates, and public institutions—on critical dimensions such as leadership, people management, innovation, and project execution. Finally, they encourage an exploration of the nuanced differences and similarities between the conceptualization and management of the nagar and the functioning of other Indian cities.