1. Management education in India today is lagging behind in terms of frameworks, learning and implementable knowledge. What’s your take in this?
Yes, the most of the management schools, especially those affiliated to the university lack vision, framework and even knowledge, leave alone implementable knowledge. Most of the schools lack vision, do not think of the needs of the industry and society. They are busy getting students / large number of applications rather than imparting knowledge. One reason may be AICTE / University, impose the syllabus, dictate what books to buy etc. Hence, many are satisfied with complying with the norms. Secondly the purpose of starting a business school is not so much to offer good and relevant education, but commercial. The commercial motive is exceptional in other countries, it is the rule in India. Thirdly, scarcity of faculty who have vision.
2. What are the top 5 things that you would want an MBA grad to learn inside the 2 yrs that he/she spends at LIBA?
a. A strong base in concepts and theory. It is the base for any discontinuous innovation.
b. Analytical skills – any problem, should be analysed 360 degrees. This will help strategizing.
c. Ethical base – so that one can discern in different situations, what is right and wrong.
d. Spirit of innovation, spirit of risk taking and entrepreneurship.
e. Interpersonal relations.
3. It is high time that Indian MBA programs accept aspirants who have established work experience similar to the requirements for MBA in US or UK. What do you think?
Many of the parents want their children to finish their studies and be “settled”. Unless children are enlightened, it is very difficult to convince the parents. It is ideal that we admit students with work experience but as long as we have too many business schools, it will not happen.
4. How do you keep yourself updated on the latest business frameworks (like disruptive innovation) and teach the same in a classroom?
I update myself by:
a. Reading journals, magazines and research papers
b. Interacting with the faculty and the business people I do not find much spirit of academic discussions, presentations etc. Academic involvement is lacking.
5. What do you think of faculty members who aren’t active on industry assignments during their teaching tenure?
In general it (industry assignment) is essential.But there are some who are immersed in research, applied / pure. They too are needed and should be encouraged.
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