It was a Monday morning at Iqra University’s Business School. The corridors buzzed with energy as students gathered in discussion corners, preparing for their presentations on sustainable business models. In one classroom, a group was analysing Tesla’s leadership strategy; in another, students were debating the ethics of artificial intelligence in HR decisions.
For Dr Ume Sumayya, Head of the Department of Business Administration, this was more than a typical day — it reflected how management education was being redefined. The department was not just teaching business; it was shaping leaders who could think critically, act ethically, and adapt globally.
The Transformation: From Classrooms to Living Laboratories
A few years ago, the department began an ambitious journey to transform its teaching philosophy from knowledge delivery to experiential learning. “Management cannot be memorised; it must be practised,” Dr Sumayya often reminded her faculty team.
This vision gave rise to a series of innovations:
Industry-linked projects, where students partnered with real organisations to solve contemporary business problems.
Case-based discussions replace traditional lectures, encouraging analytical and strategic thinking.
Research mentoring programs, where undergraduates explored emerging topics like green leadership and ethical HRM.
The Business School became a living laboratory, a place where theory met practice and where learning extended beyond textbooks into the world of business reality.
Bridging Ethics, Sustainability, and Innovation
As global trends shifted toward sustainability and responsible leadership, the department embedded Ethics, CSR, and Sustainable Management across its curriculum. Students were encouraged to explore how responsible decisions could align profit with purpose.
At the same time, the rise of digital transformation could not be ignored. The Business School introduced modules on AI in business, data analytics, and digital strategy, ensuring that graduates are future-ready.
“Tomorrow’s leaders must be fluent in both human and artificial intelligence,” Dr Sumayya emphasised during a recent faculty meeting. “They must lead with empathy but also make decisions informed by data.”
This balance between ethics and innovation became the signature strength of the Business Department, setting it apart as one of the pioneers in contemporary management education.
A Community of Learners and Leaders
Perhaps the most remarkable transformation has been in the culture of learning. The department now thrives as a community of learners, where faculty act as mentors and students as co-creators of knowledge. Group projects, leadership simulations, and global collaboration initiatives have become integral parts of the learning journey.
Through mentorship and engagement with industry experts, students discover not only how to manage organisations but also how to lead change. As one graduating student reflected, “We didn’t just learn management; we learned how to make management meaningful.”
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Business Education
Today, the Business School at Iqra University stands as a beacon of innovation and purpose driven education. Under the leadership of Dr Ume Sumayya, it continues to evolve, inspiring both faculty and students to challenge conventions, embrace sustainability, and lead with integrity.
Reinventing management education is not just an institutional vision; it’s a movement that begins in the classroom but reaches far beyond, shaping the next generation of leaders who will redefine the world of business.
By: Dr Ume Sumayya, Head, Department of Business Administration
