IPRIMED's learning approach: preparing the next generation of learners and leaders

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the perspective of Navin Kumar, founder and CEO of iPRIMED, a workforce development company in India. The paper explores core adult learning concepts to focus upon iPRIMED's approach to training the next generation of learners and leaders. This is an important topic because India is faced with talent shortages and organizations there have been experiencing difficulties in recruiting employees who have been adequately trained to lead complex projects (The Economist, 2007; Khilji, 2012). Design/methodology/approach – This paper was based on a structured interview with Navin Kumar and informed by adult learning literature. Findings – The perspective of a South Asian leader in today's globalized environment indicates that experiential and transformational learning is important in educating the next generation of learners and leaders. If successful and sustained, it can have a huge impact on India, South Asia and the global community. By incorporating adult learning concepts, iPRIMED is considering the whole learner with the hopes of developing skilled people for the world's employers. Originality/value – Khilji (2012) has argued that economic development of South Asia is truly dependent upon its ability to engage in human development priorities and ensure its younger generation is educated and capable enough for meeting needs of the global economy. This paper provides example of one skill-strengthening organization in India that has taken on the challenge of adequately preparing next generation of leaders for the global environment. The paper describes iPRIMED's learning-based approach that may be very unique in the Indian context.