Department of Commerce — Profile

 Department Profile

The establishment of the Department of Commerce in the year 1980, with the introduction of the B.Com. Degree Programme, is an important milestone in the history of Holy Cross College, Tiruchirappalli. Beginning with 60 students and a single staff member, the Department of Commerce has now grown into the largest department of the College with about 850 students and 20 staff members together in the B.Com. and M.Com. Programmes.

The B.Com. Programme provides specialised knowledge and skills relating to Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Entrepreneurship, Research, and other emerging areas in the field of Commerce. Incorporated under the School of Management Studies from 2018 onwards, the department follows the Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) approach.

 Our Journey

The department has continually expanded its academic repertoire and research status over the decades:

 Key Highlights & History

Introduction of the M.Com. Degree Programme in the year 1993 has been a boon in the annals of Holy Cross College, Tiruchirappalli. The programme provides advanced knowledge and skills in the fields of Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance and Research. B.Com. with specialisation in ‘Office Management and Secretarial Practice’ was introduced in the year 1995 to fulfil the need for vocationalisation of higher education. Students enrolled in this Vocational Programme were trained in typewriting, shorthand, stenography and office practices. ‘On the job’ training was given to these students through various agencies such as banks, insurance companies and other industrial concerns and the students had better prospects in the employment market.

The Consumer Club was started in the year 2004 as an extension activity of the department and it was further extended to all the students from 2017 onwards under Service Oriented Course (SOC). The aim of the club is to make the students realise the fundamental rights and duties of a citizen and to inculcate the knowledge and skills relating to consumer rights which facilitate them to take effective grievance redressal measures. The Consumer Club of Holy Cross College won the third prize from Food Supply and Consumer Protection Department in the year 2012 for Consumer Protection State Award and Best Consumer Club Award for the year 2015–2016. Along with Consumer Club, the department also started Disaster Management Club in the year 2015 and trained the students in helping the people affected by fire accidents and other disasters.

In 2004, Research Scholars were inducted for the M.Phil. Programme and in the same year B.Com. with Specialisation in Computer Applications was introduced, to meet the demand for computer professionals with accounting knowledge. The department was conferred with the status of PG and Research Department in the year 2010 to prepare the students for high quality research in various fields of Commerce. As an outcome of the ‘National Conference on Financial Literacy in India – Challenges and Approaches’ organised in March 2011, the Financial Literacy Club was started in the year 2011 as an extension activity of the Department of Commerce and it has been incorporated under SOC for all students from 2017 onwards.

The department was incorporated under the School of Management Studies from the year 2018 onwards. In the light of the radical and dynamic transition in the business world, Holy Cross College in association with TalentEase, started the Commerce Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Programme in the year 2018. In addition, to develop vocational skills of the students and enhance the employability of the students in the financial sector, B.Voc. (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) Programme was introduced in the year 2018. In the year 2020, one more section of Commerce Stream was added to meet the unabated demand for B.Com.

Endowment funds for the benefit of commerce students have been created by the retired staff of the department to the extent of a total of ₹ 5,00,000, for economically weaker section students of the College and non-teaching staff for ₹ 4,01,000 and by alumnae of the department for the benefit of present students and department ₹ 1,17,700.

We are proud to mention that the department has been endowed with eminent faculty members with more than 25 years of service in our college. To mention: Dr. Sr. G. Sarguna Mary and Dr. Sr. A. Christina Bridget, Former Principals of our college who have served in various administrative capacities in the college and brought laurels to the college through their hard work and dedication; Dr. Valsamma Antony, Former Head of the Department of Commerce for 24 years who played a major role in designing the curriculum of the department under autonomy and also Former Dean of Arts; Dr. SM. Pushparani, Former Dean of Arts, who initiated Consumer Club; Dr. P. Annal Lourdhu Regina, who initiated Financial Literacy Club; Dr. P. Latha Kennin Jes, Former Coordinator of Department of Business Administration; Dr. A. Sahayitta, Former Coordinator of Exam Committee of the college; Dr. S. Lilly Rosari, Former Dean of Extension who served as NCC Officer and NSS Coordinator and Dr. L. Jenitra, HoD and Former Vice Principal and Dean of Arts who initiated Commerce Book Bank.

Prominent alumnae of the department include Honourable Former Mayor of Tiruchirappalli Corporation, Ms. S. Sujatha (B.Com. 1991–1994 batch) during whose tenure, Tiruchirappalli City was ranked 6th in the national rating of cities under the National Urban Sanitation Policy and Ms. Jecintha Lazarus IAS, (B.Com. 1997–2000 batch) Executive Director (South), Food Corporation of India, Chennai from November 2023, under whose able administration, the district of Churachandpur was bestowed the National Award for the best performing district under MGNREGA for 2009–10 by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

 Uniqueness

Comprehensive Curriculum with Industry Relevance: The curriculum offered by the Department of Commerce is constantly updated to meet industry standards and expectations. It balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, covering areas such as accounting, finance, economics, business law, taxation, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods: The department adopts a blend of traditional and modern teaching methodologies to cater to diverse learning styles. Interactive learning environments foster critical thinking, problem-solving and collaborative skills. Real-world business case studies, group discussions, and guest lectures from professionals are regularly organized.

Strong Industry Interface: Strong partnerships with leading businesses, financial institutions, and professional bodies ensure that students receive real-time industry exposure through guest lectures, workshops, industrial visits, and robust internship programs.

Focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Provides students with tools, mentorship through IIC activities, and entrepreneurial development courses to help them start their own ventures.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Modern facilities including classrooms equipped with LCD projectors.

Commitment to Research and Development: Encourages research among faculty and students, paper presentations at conferences, and research publications.

Focus on Holistic Development: Emphasizes overall development through leadership programs, soft skills & communication workshops, and courses covering corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and ethical commerce practices.

Active Alumnae Network & Outstanding Placements: Vast alumnae network providing mentorship, guest lectures, internships, and campus recruitment opportunities in top banking, finance, consulting, and e-commerce firms.

Student Support Best Practices

• Commerce Book Bank: Department book bank where books contributed by faculty, alumnae, and students are issued to students for each semester at a minimal charge.
• ‘Earn while you Learn’: Platform for students to exhibit entrepreneurial skills by setting up stalls for food, handicrafts, etc.
• Professional Course Guidance: Encouraging and supporting students to pursue professional courses outside the college.
• ‘Know Your Commerce’: Daily newspaper reading initiative (Business Line / Business Standard) to build financial literacy.
• Guest Faculty Exposure: Inviting auditors, lawyers, and industrialists to handle specialized classes.
• Environmental Concern: Arranging exhibitions and guest lectures to instill sustainable consumption habits.

 Vision & Mission