The Student Development Research Cell (Shodha) of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), School of Commerce, organized a national level two-day virtual student development program titled Security Market Hands-on Trading and Indian Commodity Market Awareness on August 26 and August 27, 2021. The event took place in collaboration with the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Commodity Derivatives Exchange. On day one, 342 participants attended the session, and day two witnessed the attendance of 283 participants. The objective of the program was to enhance the stock market understanding and commodity market awareness among students.

The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Prabhakaran - Empaneled Resource Person at SEBI, NCDEX, and NCFE. Dr. Prabhakaran spoke about the due diligence needed for investing and the points to be kept in mind by an investor before investing. He discussed the rights of a shareholder and the steps to open a demat account for trading in shares. He offered an understanding of the primary and secondary markets. He helped students understand how to apply for public issues and explained the term ‘ASBA’ related to IPO. He showed the live market screen where participants could understand the market watch list and related terminologies. The participants could understand the live buying and selling of shares, which helped them develop a practical understanding of the aspect. He shared a live screen displaying the placing of the order, checking the order book, etc. He enlightened the participants on the post-trading checks, such as receiving a contract note and its content. Students got to know about the Digital BSE StAR MF distribution system. The program enhanced the basic knowledge of the financial market (primary and secondary market) and recent trading technologies. Students were able to understand the market and its trading pattern. The program enlightened the participants on precautions to be taken, the importance of opening a trading account, its operation, and account and documents linkage to the demat account. The speaker briefed the students about the National Commodity Derivatives Exchange of India. Students learned about the varieties of products in the commodity market and also derivatives. Speaker introduced certain precious metals and their operating system and market where investors can invest in E-metals. Students understood the options and swap market transactions and the need for future and forward formats in the commodity market. At the end of the second-day session, regulatory institutions and their norms were discussed.

The students asked questions on electronic transactions, PPF, market analysis, working hours, software used, market website, etc. The speaker addressed all the queries and provided an overview of market performance and investment analysis. The program offered knowledgeable inputs, ideas, and suggestions to the students and provided a valuable source of learning and hands-on experience. The program was well-organized and helped all the participants learn and understand the stock and commodity market scenario.

On August 30, 2021, the Student Research and Development Cell (Shodha) of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), School of Commerce, in collaboration with Miles Education, organized an international level student development program on Approach towards Analyzing Case Studies. The program highlighted how to investigate a case study, examine alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solutions using supporting evidence. The program was open to students across the globe, and 260 participants were in attendance.

The guest speaker for the program was Mr. Uttam Pai – Manager, CPA, CMA - Miles Education and adjunct faculty - JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). He shared his knowledge on the approach to analyze case studies. Citing a fund fraud case study, he explained in depth how to understand the theme of a case study, apply the framework, and put the case study events in chronological order for better understanding and solutions. He mentioned the components that establish the foundation for sound internal control in an organization through directed leadership, shared values, and a culture that emphasizes accountability for control. He mentioned that potential risks should be identified and assessed routinely at all levels and within all functions in an organization. He added that control activities and other mechanisms must be proactively designed to address and mitigate significant risks. He said, “Information critical to identifying risks and meeting business objectives are communicated through established channels across the company. The entire system of internal control should be monitored continuously, and problems must be addressed timely.” He explained how the individuals occupying certain roles contribute to internal controls, fraud prevention, and ethical climate and thus to good overall corporate governance. The session helped the participants understand the framework, which the senior management and other decision-makers in any organization often use to assess the current internal control system. The session signified the importance of understanding the system to meet all of the effectiveness standards required to make plans for improving the model. How managers and employees should familiarize themselves with the COSO framework was explained very well. The speaker also suggested how to put together a committee of employees at all levels to brainstorm ideas for a stronger internal control system. The program emphasized that employees should take their roles very seriously in preventing fraud, and organizations need to conduct work in a way that supports the COSO framework. The program provided several ideas and suggestions for analyzing case studies to help future managers protect the organization from fraud.

 Highlights of the Program

1. The explanation of the fraud triangle; identifies conditions and circumstances that are often predecessors to a financial fraud
2. The three categories of fraud risk factors in the form of a fraud triangle with specific examples for each
3. How the fraud triangle model is commonly used in auditing to explain why an employee decides to commit fraud in the workplace
4. The elements of Donald Cressey's fraud triangle; pressure, opportunity, and rationalization
5. Knowledge of how using the fraud triangle can help identify fraud risk factors present in Le-Nature’s case study discussed during the program
6. The implications of these factors which has the reliability of Le-Nature’s accounting and financial reporting process
7. Introduction to Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), the framework which identifies the five principal components that should be present in an organization’s system of internal control
8. The model of COSO, which defines internal control as a process affected by the board of directors, management, and other personnel designed to provide reasonable assurance of the achievement of objectives
9. The five components of an effective internal control system; control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring

During the session, attendees asked questions and clarified their doubts. They also shared their opinions, thoughts, and suggestions on analyzing a case study. The well-organized program allowed the participants to learn about the case study analysis and offered a good overview of what an organization can do to prevent fraud. The discussions were lively and openly addressed in the session.

JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)’s National Service Scheme (NSS) wing in partnership with Kalagangotri, a Bengaluru-based NGO that promotes performing plays and conducts workshops on acting skills, hosted Swatantrya Amruta Mahotsav Bharata @75. The event, adhering to covid protocols, was hosted on September 1, 2021, at the JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) J C Road campus. Around 120 students, including NSS faculty coordinators from other campuses, participated in the event.

Students from JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) - Performing Arts Department sang the state anthem ‘Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanu Jaate’, as the dignitaries lit the lamp. The event was inaugurated by Sri. Pratap Lingaiah, State NSS Officer, NSS Cell, Government of Karnataka in the presence of Dr. N.V.H Krishnan, Registrar, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Prof.Sridhara Murthy, Director, Academics, and Planning JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Dr. Rajani Jairam, Dean, Students’ Welfare, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Dr.B.V. Rajaram, Director, Kalagangotri, Bengaluru. 

Dr. Rajani Jairam welcomed the dignitaries, guests, audience, and participants. Dr. R Sreenivasaiah, NSS Program Officer, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), gave an introductory speech reflecting on the significance of organizing such events. Sri Pratap Lingaiah appreciated the social service work undertaken by the faculty and students of the university. Addressing the NSS volunteers, Prof Sridhara Murthi and Dr. N.V.H Krishnan shared their valuable insights and advice. The Kalagangotri team performed a drama ‘Sihi Kahi Kathana’, written by Sri. Srivatsa K.L. and directed by Dr. B.V. Rajaram. Musical ensemble by Smt. Sridevi Gartikere, Smt. Chandni and her team introduced a euphonious vibe to the gathering. A talk on Malnutrition and Gender Inequality by Dr. Na Someshwar of the DD Chandana ‘Thatt anta Heli’ fame was next. He also conducted an engaging quiz session for the students and distributed books as prizes.

The master of ceremonies for the program was Prof. Rajeshwari Y.M., HoD of Kannada, School of Commerce, CS, and IT JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). To conclude, Dr. Geetha Madhusudan, Head of Department - Samskrita at School of commerce, CS and IT JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), offered the vote of thanks.