Indian-American professor wins teaching award

An Indian-American assistant professor, who employs a game called "Baffa Baffa" to have students understand culture's role in business, has won the prestigious Peltier Award for her innovative teaching methods.
Rajani Ganesh-Pillai, who teaches marketing at the North Dakota State University, will be recognised for her efforts to bring hands-on experience, theory-based understanding and an enhanced global perspective to her students.
One of her innovative practices is a game called "Baffa Baffa," where the goal is to have students understand culture's role in business and how it can affect transactions and relationships.
"This is an eye-opening experience for a lot of students," said Chanchai Tangpong, professor of management at the university. "This makes them more aware of and more sensitive to cultural issue underlying marketing decisions."

Ganesh-Pillai is among four faculty members who would be honoured during the annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence on May 6, according to a statement.
"NDSU has many amazing and dedicated faculty members," said senior academic administrator Beth Ingram.

"The four faculty being honoured this spring have distinguished themselves as the best of the best. I am truly delighted to be able to recognize their accomplishments."
Ganesh-Pillai earned a bachelor's degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Pune. She also has a Master of Business Administration from Emporia State University, Kansas, and a doctorate from the University of Central Florida.

The Peltier Award was established by Joseph and Norma Peltier to honor innovation in teaching. The NDSU Development Foundation sponsors the awards.