Paper by IIMA prof criticizes PGPX

[mbawhizz]

It particularly comes down heavily on the PGPX program as being a distraction for IIMs. May be important for those considering PGPX as an option to get an insider's viewpoints. Also, from what I heard, not everyone in the first PGPX was happy with the placements.

http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/publicati...7-05rgupta.pdf

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with an MBA. In fact, headed for MS in US. But, was considering an MBA at some point in time and just happened to bump into this paper while surfing the net.

[Suvrat]

Originally Posted by mbawhizz

It particularly comes down heavily on the PGPX program as being a distraction for IIMs. May be important for those considering PGPX as an option to get an insider's viewpoints. Also, from what I heard, not everyone in the first PGPX was happy with the placements.

http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/publicati...7-05rgupta.pdf

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with an MBA. In fact, headed for MS in US. But, was considering an MBA at some point in time and just happened to bump into this paper while surfing the net.

Another imp point that prof is making is that the resources of IIMs are grossly underutilized and they shud increase their batch size. I concur with the prof as many great B-Schools have 800 strenght including Harvard, Wharton etc and I find the concerns on dilution of quality ridiculous...IIMs are the most competitive exams in the world for management. One concern of Prof has been addressed by increasing the fees of PGPX program which will remove the subsidy. But I feel PGPX caters to a very imp section of management , India requires mature ppl as managers not the freshers who have no idea abt real world management isssues

[loka]

It is strange that even an IIMA prof feels that other programs like PGPX have "free ride" on the reputation of its flagship PGP program. That shows that PGPX will always be given step motherly treatment. If this is the thinking even within IIMA, what will other recruiters understand. They will know that the PGPX program will always be second fiddle to PGP.
I feel best is to do regular 2 yr MBA in IIMs or if you want to do a one year MBA, do it in ISB. Atleast there is no confusion in their minds what they stand for. Fresher - IIM, Experienced - ISB. I think it is clear. No confusion, great combination.

[avomc]

How can u generalize institutes view/ treatment based on a prof's view?

Do you know the importance IIM's give to One Year - PGP in every area?

[ajithsmiles]

Originally Posted by mbawhizz

It particularly comes down heavily on the PGPX program as being a distraction for IIMs. May be important for those considering PGPX as an option to get an insider's viewpoints. Also, from what I heard, not everyone in the first PGPX was happy with the placements.

http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/publicati...7-05rgupta.pdf

Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with an MBA. In fact, headed for MS in US. But, was considering an MBA at some point in time and just happened to bump into this paper while surfing the net.

If IIM A PGPx is grossly subsidized why cant they increase the Fee. If it is worth taking ( as the author points out PGPx junta is getting the benifits of IIM brand name) People will join, right?.

[The Raven]

Originally Posted by Suvrat

But I feel PGPX caters to a very imp section of management , India requires mature ppl as managers not the freshers who have no idea abt real world management isssues

That can be remedied by admitting them in the regular PGP program itself. And 2 years is till the predominant international norm. So 2 year course shouldn't be such a big issue.

One of the expectation of the PGP-X program was to see international students (as in Firangs) coming to India for their MBA, making IIMA truly global. But that has not happened so far. That is the cause for his mention of NRI software engineers. Nowadays even on exchange program, many NRIs have started coming to IIM-A. So instead of foriegners coming and enhancing IIM-A brand globally, the trend is more towards NRIs coming here to utilize the IIM-A brand in India.

[loka]

Even if we don't take the opinion of a single prof as a stance of the institute, I feel that IIMs will find it very difficult to build a coherent brand which will encompass both the one year and two year programs. They are both based on such differing value propositions that in the long run, they will be forced to choose what they stand for. Name a single other b-school in the world which has two MBA programs for freshers and experienced people and has been successful in both simultaneously. In my opinion, it is simply impossible.

[mbawhizz]

In my opinion, IIMs are caught in a big muddle -
Reservation or no reservation
More fees or less fees
More intake or same intake
2 yr or 1 yr
Experienced or freshers...

Classic case of competition threating your position and instilling doubts in your mind. Just like what Google is doing to Microsoft now

[avomc]

In a changing environment, new models evolve. Successfull models adopt them. Leaders always take a lead in setting those trends. IIM's may be in the same phase.

Today our economy is booming so much so that, there is a short supply of skilled labor at entry level. Recruiting at entry level is one of the easiest in regards to skills and availability of freshers. If this is the case of freshers, think abt mid level managers, who lead these entry level.

These are people who are recruited years ago nurtured to take up mid level positions. Today every company is facing a short supply of mid level managers.

The only solution in the given context where opportunity costs are v high for taking up a 2 year MBA, 1 year MBA is solution.

Time only will tell us ... who is right

[loka]

Originally Posted by avomc

In a changing environment, new models evolve. Successfull models adopt them. Leaders always take a lead in setting those trends. IIM's may be in the same phase.

Today our economy is booming so much so that, there is a short supply of skilled labor at entry level. Recruiting at entry level is one of the easiest in regards to skills and availability of freshers. If this is the case of freshers, think abt mid level managers, who lead these entry level.

These are people who are recruited years ago nurtured to take up mid level positions. Today every company is facing a short supply of mid level managers.

The only solution in the given context where opportunity costs are v high for taking up a 2 year MBA, 1 year MBA is solution.

Time only will tell us ... who is right

Well, no one doubts the need for people at all levels.
But, will one school excel in providing both is the question? To use your own example, the market for both high end luxury and small cars in India is booming. But, does that mean that Mercedes will start producing a small car like Maruti.
My only point is i think no one disputes that IIMs are the no 1 program for freshers. Similarly, as far as No.1 position in one year program goes, it is unlikely that ISB will be dislodged. They are focused and their positioning is clear. If you are willing to settle for No.2, no arguments. The fight is for No.1. Thats the point.