Do you see any decline in the interest of Indian students to take Business degrees?
No. Programs in top Indian b-schools cater to a very different set of participants as compared to those in the US and Europe. In any case, online programs can’t completely substitute a classroom program because a big part of learning in B-schools comes from peers and discussions with the peers from diverse backgrounds inside the classroom. Likewise, academic components like group assignments, activities, and events, which form an essential part of classroom based programs, impart learning which an online program cannot. The Stepping Stones for a Good B-School The Stepping Stones for a Good B-School The Stepping Stones for a Good B-School
How can a B-school create value?
A business school has to be contextually relevant. A business school has to review its curriculum constantly to make its participants ready for the skill requirements post the fourth industrial revolution. Further, a B school can create value by bringing in diverse experiences to the classroom by a judicious mix of participants, study material and pedagogies.
Many good B-schools now are developing learning systems where
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) are blended with classroom
courses for wider dissemination
Tell us about the disconnect between theory and practice?
The connection is definitely present at those Indian business schools that use methods consistent with the aim of strengthening the academia-industry connect. At IIM Indore for instance, we use multiple methods to achieve this. Our method of instruction is case-method wherein we use cases centred around decision problems in an organization and it is through the discussion around such cases that learning is imparted. Further, we have compulsory summer internship project, live projects and guest speakers from the industry for the students to be updated about corporate world. Additionally our faculty engage in executive programs and consultancy projects, the results of which are ploughed back into the classroom curriculum.
What role can a technology play in a B-school classroom?
Technology is a big enabler in a good B-school classroom. From power point projections to e-material for pre and post course work we use them all. Many of the good B-schools now are developing learning systems where MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) are blended with classroom courses for wider dissemination and providing extra information.
Graduates from top B Schools have an advantage over those from Tier II B Schol cities?
The graduates from top b-schools are much better equipped to address business problems and exhibit leadership skills than graduates from Tier II b schools. Whether they are better human beings or whether they have greater potential to become better in future is not something that I can comment on.
What factors should a student consider while selecting a B-school?
Putting aside the personal constraints a student may have, there are three significant factors a student should consider before making the choice of the b-school. Foremost is the quality of the education the institute imparts and that would be reflected by the kind of courses the institute offers in its programs and the quality of its faculty that would be reflected in the kind of research they publish and disseminate. The second factor would be the ecosystem that the institute provides in terms of infrastructure facilities for well rounded development of individuals. The third factor would be the agility of the institution in updating itself to address the current business needs and this would be reflected by how the institution and its leadership is shaping the institute and with what speed!
What is your advice to students?
Never stop dreaming. Everyone has the potential to be whatever they chose to be. The key is to chase your dreams with passion and perseverance. While you are in a business school, don’t keep your learning limited to the classroom. Learn from your peers, learn from other people that you meet in the course of life, learn from nature. Focus on developing your personality as well apart from the functional knowledge and skills.
IIM-Indore Key ChangesSummer placements at IIM-Indore saw 24% jump in average stipend: The average stipend stood ` 1.54 Lakh for a two-month internship. Also, the median stipend witnessed an increase of 40%. IIM-I Students get an average salary of ` 20.79 lakh per annum: While the average salary of an IIM-I was ` 20.79 lakh, the highest offer in 2019 stood at ` 89.25 lakh per annum. Boost to Gender Diversity at IIM-I: According to data provided by the country’s premier business school, IIM-Indore has 42% women in its newest batch (199 out of 476). Overall percentage of women in Top B-schools rises to 33.5% in 2019. IIM-I bagged AACSB accreditation: Only 5% institutes across the world including 10 Indian B schools are accredited by AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). IIM-I launched Executive Program for working professionals in Dubai, UAE: This programme is uniquely designed to inculcate strong conceptual frameworks in Business and Management Skills by judiciously mixing classroom contact with group discussions and networking with practical frameworks; which can be applied at the workplace. The duration of the programme is over 8 months. |