Up for major transformation

Updated on: Monday, August 30, 2010

While the MBA sector has experienced significant growth in the last decade, the level of dissatisfaction amongst both corporates and students is on the rise. There are many high quality management education institutions in India, but institutions at the bottom of the management education pyramid are often unable to meet quality standards.
Industry watchers feel that management education needs a major overhaul if the country is to produce effective managers and leaders for tomorrow. “Recruiters are unhappy with an average quality of MBA output. However, there are many positive trends too: India is emerging as the hub of global management practices and innovation,” said Amit Agnihotri, Chairman, MBAUniverse. com, organisers of the conclave to debate the state of ‘Indian Management Education’.

So, where does that leave the student? Selection in choosing the right B-school, say experts is the most important step. Nunzio Quacquarelli, Editor of TopMBA. com and Director of the QS World MBA Tour advises students to follow five steps…

Step 1. Career goals and feasibility: Try to narrow down the types of careers you might like to pursue. Understanding what employers want and where opportunities will be plentiful should figure in your thinking.

Step 2. Self-assessment: A realistic self-assessment of your abilities and skills will help you to make a more focused selection of schools.

Step 3. Budget and study mode: The full-time MBA is still by far the most popular programme. Part-time and distance learning MBAs are also options. Financial aid may be available and scholarships are offered by a variety of B-Schools.

Step 4. Research and selection criteria: Decide what criteria matter to you and aim to identify five schools. The most popular selection criteria, in order of importance, are: career placement record, return on investment, school reputation, academic staff quality, specialisations, student profile, rankings, scholarships and location.

Many candidates pick a school because of a specialisation. For example, someone seeking to start their own business should look for a school with a strong entrepreneurship faculty, incubator facilities and access to venture capital.

Step 5. Meet the schools face-to-face: It is important to meet school representatives and alumni to make sure there is a personal fit and to confirm your research findings.

Up for major transformation

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