How B-Schools have changed over the years?
B-schools have come a long way from trade schools to incubators of academic innovation and social science research. The history of management education can be divided into three phases. The 1st phase (1819-1945), which saw the rise of initial management schools, was a result of the demand for more managerial, leadership positions. In the 2nd phase (1945 -2000) institutions started developing and aimed at a scientific approach to make business administration & management standalone disciplines. B-SCHOOLS AT THE DAWN OF GLOBALIZATION B-SCHOOLS AT THE DAWN OF GLOBALIZATION
The 3rd phase (2000 – present), which saw the dawn of globalization. Post globalization, with the entry of international B-schools into the country, the education landscape became much more competitive. Several B-School rankings, such as the those in The Economist and The Financial Times, came into play. As a result, Indian B-schools geared up to meet international standards, aiming to provide exceptional education and training to Indian students.
Where do students stand who pursue their career in B-schools other than IIMs?
IIMs have surely made a significant mark on the global B-school landscape. However, IIMs are not the only institutions that are flourishing in the country. India would have witnessed a very wide demand and supply gap had private B-schools not been producing exceptional business professionals.
Recruiting excellent faculty and implementing the best research practices, these schools are enabling a nurturing environment for aspiring business professionals.
What factors are considered to evaluate the true value of B-Schools?
These days commodification of business schools is not uncommon. This confuses candidates who want to pursue an MBA but can’t distinguish between those promoting genuine thought leadership and the not-so-genuine players in the country.
While evaluating the true value of a business school, one must look for players that combine industry linked academic curriculum and core faculty base with cutting-edge research and consultancy. A good business school delivers technical competence to its patrons. It encourages critical examination to enable students to assess the state of business and design relevant solutions.
How do you define an International B-school?
International exposure of a B-school could be judged based on the number of faculty and student exchange programmes in place with top tier international universities or institutions. Secondly, programmes offered by B-schools with international component. Third parameter to evaluate could be international exposure in each aspect of a B-school such as teaching, training, research and consulting. B-school like MDI Gurgaon has a policy even to include one international faculty in Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) of each fellow programme student in addition to international exposures in various other aspects such as teaching, training and research.
Tell us about work experience before MBA?
Look at the MBA class composition of top tier B-schools in India, you will find a mix of freshers and students with prior work experience. Two to three years of work experience allows students to connect class discussions and insights with practical application and this is very useful for freshers through peer learning process. Since top tier B-schools largely rely on case studies and simulation, prior work experience is helpful in classroom.
At the same time, while pursuing an MBA, sometimes it is better to enter as a fresher. As a fresher, you are more flexible to gain new skills and your absorption rate is high. Many companies coming for campus placements prefer to hire freshers as they are interested in filling entry-level positions.