29th June 2025, Kathmandu
MBA students of Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM) recently gained valuable real-world business insights during an engaging session on Operations Management. The guest speaker was none other than Mr. Gagan Pradhan, the Founder of Himalayan Java, a leading specialty coffee brand in Nepal.
Himalayan Java Founder MBA Session
His session, titled “Strategic Success Begins with Strong Operations Management,” emphasized the critical connection between operations and long-term business growth. The program was part of the second-semester MBA curriculum under the Operations Management course.
Real-World Insights from A Successful Entrepreneur
Mr. Pradhan began by sharing his entrepreneurial journey. He explained how Himalayan Java started small but grew into a well-recognized Nepali brand. According to him, the company’s success did not just come from passion or good coffee. Instead, it came from strong operational systems and smart decision-making.
He spoke about the need for a clear operations strategy, covering everything from supply chain efficiency to process standardization. Mr. Pradhan emphasized that every successful business must prioritize quality, consistency, and innovation. These, he said, are the foundations of a sustainable and scalable enterprise.
Strategic Operations Drive Business Success
Throughout the session, Mr. Pradhan repeatedly highlighted that operations management is not just a support function. Rather, it is a key driver of strategic advantage. He explained that in today’s fast-changing market, companies must align operations with long-term goals.
He discussed how Himalayan Java maintains consistency in product quality across multiple locations. He also touched on how proper resource planning and workflow optimization help reduce waste and improve customer experience.
Students learned how topics like inventory control, process design, and supply chain integration directly relate to strategic growth. The message was clear: without strong operations, even the best business ideas can fail.
Engaged Learning For Future Managers
The MBA students at KUSOM actively participated in the session. Many asked questions related to challenges in supply chain management, workforce development, and maintaining quality standards in a growing company. Mr. Pradhan answered with practical examples, giving students a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of managing operations in the real world.
By linking textbook concepts with live business scenarios, Mr. Pradhan made the subject come alive. Students said they appreciated learning from someone who has built a brand through operational excellence in Nepal’s competitive market.
Bridging Academia And Industry At KUSOM
The event was a part of KUSOM’s ongoing initiative to connect MBA students with industry leaders. Such interactions help students build practical knowledge, gain new perspectives, and prepare for real-world management roles.
KUSOM continuously focuses on experiential learning, and sessions like this are essential to that goal. The Operations Management faculty at KUSOM expressed their gratitude to Mr. Pradhan for his time, energy, and willingness to mentor future managers.
About Himalayan Java
Himalayan Java is Nepal’s first specialty coffee brand. It introduced premium coffee culture in Nepal. The first café opened in Thamel, Kathmandu. Today, it operates over 35 outlets in Nepal and abroad.
The brand sources high-quality Arabica beans from mid-hill farmers in districts like Gulmi and Palpa. It supports over 2,500 local farmers and promotes organic farming. Himalayan Java ensures fair trade and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
Each café offers fresh coffee, light meals, and a cozy Nepali-modern vibe. It also sells roasted beans and merchandise online and in-store. The brand has expanded to countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Himalayan Java blends quality, sustainability, and local impact. It uplifts rural communities while promoting Nepali coffee globally. With strong values and a clear mission, it continues to lead Nepal’s growing coffee scene.
Conclusion: Operations As A Strategic Tool
To conclude, the session served as a strong reminder that strategic success begins with operational strength. Mr. Gagan Pradhan’s experience showed students that behind every successful brand lies a framework of disciplined operations, focused execution, and continuous improvement.
As future business leaders, the MBA students of KUSOM walked away with a clearer understanding of how Operations Management influences not only daily performance but also long-term business success.
For more:- Himalayan Java Founder MBA Session