A NEW ONE-PLANET MBA PROGRAMBY UNIVERSITY OF EXETER BUSINESS SCHOOL, UK

A PLANET-MINDED LEADER

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER BUSINESS SCHOOL, UK, IS REPLACING ITS TRADITIONAL MBA COURSE WITH A NEW ONE-PLANET MBA PROGRAMME IN SEPTEMBER.

 

(Students will learn how environmental impact can be incorporated into financial reporting)

HOLISTIC FOCUS A key strength of the One Planet MBA programme, feels Kirkup, is that sustainability is embedded throughout the programme, and is not a ‘bolt-on.’ In accounting, for example, he explains, the focus initially is on training students to understand financial statements and accounts and how to evaluate the performance of companies in financial terms. “We then extend their knowledge and skills by exploring how environmental impact, social impact and governance can be incorporated into financial reporting.”
   The programme will be offered in partnership with WWF, which will be contributing in terms of teaching a number of modules and bringing technical expertise on environmental management and sustainable solutions into the classroom. Secondly, Kirkup adds, “WWF has extensive contacts with some of the largest multinational companies around the world and will help students to find placements and projects with these companies.”

   Traditional MBA needs to be changed to reflect the realities of the global challenges that businesses now face. Future business leaders need to be more planet-minded and trained in how to develop more sustainable strategies. Hence, in keeping with the times, University of Exeter Business School, UK, is going to offer the One Planet MBA programme instead of its traditional MBA course. Says Malcolm Kirkup, director of the One

Planet MBA, “We have replaced the traditional MBA with the One Planet MBA because we feel that business leaders need to face up to the new global challenges, take a longer term and more responsible view and go beyond shareholder value to focus on shared value.”

   The full-time One Planet MBA starts at the end of September 2011 and is 12 months in duration. The cost of the tuition fees is £19,000 (Rs 1,371,828 approx), but a number of scholarships valued at £5000 are on offer from several major companies. Exeter is currently running a pilot course called the Innovation Cohort, where 40 students are from around 22 countries and the average age is 33.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Applicants need to have a minimum of three years work experience (ideally in a managerial capacity). They need to have a good degree, with a minimum of 60% (first class) and a high proficiency in English (equivalent to IELTS 7.0).
   For Indian students interested in pursuing the course, will they be able to apply the learning in a developing country like India where issues of sustainability concern a range of realistic issues? Yes, absolutely, says Kirkup, adding, “We understand the challenges of introducing sustainable approaches in developing countries where, for many, the first priority is to obtain work and ensure their families are provided for.” However, all businesses in every part of the world must adapt and be more sustainable as soon as possible. “If we deplete the natural resources of the world too quickly then there will be no resources on which to base business. So it is everyone’s responsibility to find more sustainable ways of living and more sustainable ways of doing business,” says Kirkup. For more log on to :  http://www.exeter.ac.uk/

Sunil Sharma
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IIM Indore offers PG Management Course after XII

Straight to IIM after school

IIM Indore has launched a five-year integrated postgraduate programme in management (IPGP), which will allow students to opt for the programme immediately after class XII.

   The Indian Institute of Management, Indore (IIM-I), is starting its five-year integrated postgraduate programme in management (IPGP) this October. It will allow students to directly opt for the IPGP immediately after their class XII board exams. Under IPGP, students will have a choice of opting out after completing three years of BBA or of continuing for two more years to complete the integrated MBA programme. “IPGP in management is a creative programme meant to meet the aspirations of students who are eager to become management professionals,” says N Ravichandran, director IIM-I.
   The eligibility criteria for this programme include an aggregate of 60% both at the secondary (class X or equivalent) and higher secondary (+2 or equivalent) level. Selection of candidates would be based on their academic performance, scholastic achievements and performance in the aptitude test and personal interview.

> FIRST BATCH

The first batch, which is scheduled to begin in October, will have 120 students. “We have adequate infrastructural facilities to start this batch size from this year. For the next year, we will have to create more infrastructures. We plan to do it rapidly to be able to invite roughly seven times of the batch size (approximately 850 candidates) for aptitude test and personal interview,” informs Venkat Ramanaiah, chairperson for IPGP at IIM-I.
   The aptitude test and personal interview would be held in various centres including Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata and Mumbai.
   As to the fee, Ramanaiah says, “Fee for the programme, for the first three years, would be Rs 300,000 per-annum and Rs 500,000 (per-annum) for the next two years. This comprises only the tuition fee and does not include expenses for board and lodging. Participants would need to meet costs related to field visits, if any.”
   According to Ramanaiah, accommodation would be organised on campus on a twin-sharing basis for the first three years. Single-room accommodation would be made available for the fourth and fifth year of the programme.
   The academic programme would consist of 15 terms. Each term would be for three months. Detailed programme design and academic curriculum will be made available to students by August.
   “The faculty will include retired and serving teachers of reputed commerce and science colleges in India along with industry experts and retired faculty members from central and state universities,” says Ramanaiah.

>LEARNING CURVE

40% focus on the following subjects
Mathematics, statistics, logic and computer-science Introduction to literature and political science Civilisation in history (national and international) Exposure to biological sciences Exposure to languages (one foreign language and one Indian language) Soft skills: Leadership development, personality development, team work and communication, both written and oral

50% focus on functional areas of management
Accounting Finance Organisational behaviour Decision science

Remaining 10% will focus on international exposure and internship in social organisations in India

Sunil Sharma

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Life at IIM Calcutta

Welcome to life at IIM Calcutta

 

SECOND YEAR STUDENT, POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMME, IIM-CALCUTTA, WRITES ON CAT AND LIFE IN ONE OF THE TOP B-SCHOOLS

 

ITS 4am and I am still sitting with my group members trying to crack a case study contest by one of the premier consulting companies in the world. By the look of it, it seems it is going to be yet another of the numerous night-outs on campus. And yes, I do have a class at 8.30am, which I have to attend. Welcome to life at IIM Calcutta. 

   Like most journeys to the beautiful places in the world, my journey to IIMC couldn't have been more exciting. Ever since my cousin studied for his MBA, I always dreamt of studying at one of the IIMs. A desire probably motivated by what you hear about such as high pay packages for IIM grads. But once I learnt more about an MBA, it became obvious that the degree was much more than just money. 

   The company of some of the brightest minds in the country, professors who know answers to just about any question that you can think of, guest lectures by country's leading entrepreneurs and CEOs, sessions by the likes of film-maker Mani Ratnam, adguru Prahalad Kakkar, talks by commentator Harsha Bogle and more. 

   Being at one of the best institutes in the country is an enriching experience. What I have gained in the two years is difficult to capture in words. 

HOW TO `BELL THE CAT' 

The most oft-asked question to most of us (IIM Grads) is there a sure shot formula to crack the CAT? A cursory look at the question papers for the last few years shows that the pattern of questions, number of questions, difficulty level of questions have been changing over the years. But one thing remains constant, the basics/fundamental aspects of the exam. Let us look at each of the sections: 

   

Verbal Ability: VA today has more emphasis on reading comprehension, where you are expected to understand the passage to answer the questions. Mere knowledge of vocabulary would not suffice. At the same time one must remember that you are judged relative to others, so more the number of questions you can solve accurately better you are placed. Reading speed plays a vital part in this. It is always advisable to start early with VA section as it is impossible to develop competence in the section in a short span of time. 

   

Quantitative Aptitude: 

Number systems and allied sections have traditionally been important concepts. I am a firm believer that one needs to have a decent level of mastery over all types of questions be it speed, time, distance or geometry. You can never be sure of the level of difficulty of questions of any section. 

   

Data Interpretation: Develop calculation speed. Knowledge of approximation techniques helps solving complex calculations. Understand that the CAT paper does not test your abilities to be a calculator; it tests your abilities to be a smart thinker, devising ways of simplifying calculations. I have always found the elimination of options an easier way to solve DI problems. 

LAST MINUTE JITTERS 

Now that CAT is just round the corner, lots of candidates go through last-minute jitters. How should one make use of the last few days before the exam? My advice to such queries is to have faith on your preparation. Lots of candidates take mock CATs from one of the many coaching institutes. Go through old question papers to analyse mistakes. Try to find out if you missed out on some easy questions. 

   Do not drown yourself in a deluge of mock CATs. Some students try to solve one or more papers a day. It does not help. Understanding your weakness, brushing up on your concepts are things you should be concentrating on. Solving two to three papers a week is more than enough. 

   Most importantly, remain cool before the exam, meet your friends, go for a social gathering, and watch a movie. Trust your abilities. If you have worked hard, your efforts would be rewarded. 

LIFE AT IIM CALCUTTA    

Contrary to public perception, life at a B-school is not just cases, presentations, projects and quizzes. We all have our share of parties, midnight football matches, and floodlit cricket tournaments. The highlight of the annual cultural calendar is the three back-to-back events, which are organised during December-January. 

   Intaglio is the annual international B-school fest, which boasts of being the 1st ISO certified Bschool fest in India. Each year it attracts participation from the likes of Harvard, Wharton, London Business School and NUS among others. Carpediem, the annual cultural festival and Census, the experiential marketing festivals are the other major events on campus. 

   Apart from that, IIM Calcutta also has the annual IIMC-B meet and the famed IIMC-XL sports meet. Add to that some 15 odd clubs/interest groups on campus; there is not a single day which goes by without something or the other happening on campus. 

   The two years at IIM Calcutta have been a roller-coaster ride.

 

 

 

   Sunil Sharma

     Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

            &

www.dilsedesi.org

BUSINESS OF MANAGEMENT

BUSINESS OF MANAGEMENT

 

WHILE ON THE ONE HAND, INDIA IS ADVANCING AS AN EMERGING MARKET FOR LUXURY GOODS, NEARLY 70% OF ITS POPULATION LIVE IN RURAL AREAS, OFTEN WITHOUT ACCESS TO WATER, ELECTRICITY OR EDUCATION. THE FOLLOWING MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES REFLECT THE SCALE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE SECOND FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY IN THE WORLD.

GLOBAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME ON LUXURY MANAGEMENT 

IIMA-ESSEC

 

This programme will provide an in-depth training on the luxury market and the exciting opportunities for India in this industry. Studying the business models and best practices of the luxury market participants will strengthen their understanding of management competencies in the luxury industry. Drawing on the expertise of both schools of higher education, students will expand and share horizons of knowledge in the business context of the Indian and French/European luxury markets. In understanding the nuances of this unique sector and the intangibles that make the industry unique, participants will gain a competitive advantage in these two challenging markets that will allow them to transform the 'emerging market' of India into an industry leader in luxury goods. 

   www.iimahd.ernet.in  

POST GRADUATE PROGRAMME IN RURAL MANAGEMENT 

Institute of Rural Management Anand

 IRMA recognises that, given the complex environment in which rural organisations work, there is a far greater need for professional management in these organisations. The institute attempts to prepare young talented managers through a well-structured two-year Post Graduate Programme in Rural Management to undertake challenging responsibilities in the rural co-operatives and the development organisations. The institute also recognises that there is a dearth of talented pool for imparting quality education with a sector focus. 

   www.irma.ac.in   

Sunil Sharma

   Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

&

www.dilsedesi.org

Management Studies in Asia

 

COST EFFECTIVE MBA DEGREES WITH INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE MAKE ASIAN COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG, FAVOURED DESTINATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT ASPIRANTS.

   While management studies continue to be a popular trend among Indian students, the destinations where one can acquire a management degree are multiplying by the day. Today, besides the much-sought-after B-Schools in the US and the UK, countries such as Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong too, are becoming favoured destinations for aspiring management graduates,with an increasing number of reputed institutes setting up their campuses in these countries. 

   According to Kiran Bhandari,area director (southern India, Sri Lanka and Maldives), Singapore Tourism Board, "In 2007, there were over 86,000 students of 120 nationalities in Singapore,an increase of 7.5% over the preceding year.India today,contributes the fourth largest number of international students in Singapore." Swati Salunkhe of Growth Centre, a Mumbai-based career-counselling centre,says,"Many Indian and international institutes of repute have opened campuses in Singapore and Dubai that ensure quality management degrees recognised both locally and nationally." Besides, the Hong Kong University (HKU) is also gaining considerable recognition for pursuing a management degree, albeit at a slow pace. 

ENTRY LEVEL 

According to study abroad counsellor, Karan Gupta, in order to gain admission to HKU, one needs to have at least three years of full-time work experience, along with an excellent GMAT score (generally above 650) and a good percentage (first class) at the Bachelor's level. B-Schools in Singapore generally follow the requirement criteria adopted by other institutes across the world. "However, entry requirements vary from institute to institute and from course to course," explains Bhandari."Universities consider various factors such as past academic record, standardised test scores, extracurricular activities,essays and so on.One needs a good profile, with a great GMAT/ CAT score and two years of work experience, says Salunkhe. Though the eligibility criteria for every school may vary, most institutes require students to appear for GMAT and TOEFL/ IELTS. 

   Commencement of the admission process also varies. Terms for business and management courses begin between June and August. Application deadlines for the intakes are between February and April. 

According to Gupta, "The costs of pursuing a management degree in Singapore and Dubai are not very low, when compared to schools in the US. In fact, in some cases, it may almost be the same." However, if one considers the cost of living, along with the tuition fees, then the entire cost of pursuing a management degree in Singapore or Dubai decreases significantly. "In the US, the average cost is between Rs 20 to Rs 30 lakh, depending upon the state and university. For a degree from Singapore or Dubai, this could vary between Rs six to Rs 12 lakh," elaborates Salunkhe. Concurs Bhandari, "Tuition fees in Singapore have remained affordable. The cost of living in Singapore is significantly lower than that of many developed countries, making Singapore an affordable option for international students." Kislay Pandey, who is pursuing her MBA at National University of Singapore Business School, says, "I considered pursuing an MBA from US B-Schools. But the expenses were steep and I had a tight budget.Besides, rather than pursuing an MBA at a US school ranked between positions 20 to 30, it made sense to study from a higher ranked one in Asia." Gaurav Dasgupta,who is planning to pursue a management course from HKU, adds, "The cost worked out 50% less than a US degree, with great quality of education." 

BETTER THAN THE BEST?

So, does obtaining a management degree from Singapore make more sense? "Students should compare individual universities and not countries. National University of Singapore (NUS) may be better than City University in the UK.However,studying in Oxford may be more advantageous than studying at NUS," informs Gupta. Says Bhandari, "Singapore is acknowledged as a global business hub and is home to more than 7000 MNCs and 1,00,000 dynamic SMEs in businesses ranging from hotel and tourism, banking, new media to design and technology. This gives students tremendous career and networking opportunities post their education." Also, for students who want to work in India after completing their Master's abroad, a Singapore degree gives knowledge relevant to the Asia Pacific region. However, according to Gupta, while an MBA from NUS or INSEAD in Singapore has good job prospects, Dubai and Hong Kong are yet to catch up. "Dubai is a relatively new destination for MBA aspirants. Most schools are yet to make their mark.Also,employers in India are still not very confident of employing graduates from HKU, as they prefer students with US and European MBA degrees. However, this is fast changing," he explains. Another factor to be kept in mind, when considering a management degree from HKU is that knowing Mandarin is necessary, though not mandatory. This at times causes a language problem for Indian students. 

   Finally, most Asian institutes offer campus recruitments, as is the norm. However, individual skill sets and knowledge give one the upper edge. "Most organisations will not accept even students who have a foreign degree, unless they prove their worth. The university and the student's performance in the course are crucial factors for employment," concludes Salunkhe. 

PRIVATE EDUCATION ORGANISATIONS IN SINGAPORE (PEOS) 

Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) PSB Academy's School of Business Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) 

DUBAI SCHOOLS 

SP Jain XLRI and the IIMs are setting up campuses London School of Economics University of Wollongong London Business School 

HONG KONG UNIVERSITY

HKU was recently rated as the 20 ^th best B-School worldwide The MBA programme has a tie up with London Business School and Columbia Business School, so a HKU pass out becomes an alumnus of one of the top five B-Schools PUBLIC BUSINESS SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE The Nanyang Business School (NBS) The National University of Singapore Business School Singapore Management University (SMU) 

LEADING FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES IN SINGAPORE 

ESSEC, France, one of France's top-tier B-School INSEAD, France S P Jain Institute of Management University of Chicago Gradate School of Business, USA

 

 

Sunil Sharma

    Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

 

MBA in Spain

IESE intensifies its Indian student ties

Aassociate professor at Spain's IESE Business School, University of Navarra, talks about the school's MBA programme and a steady increase in applications from India

In 2005, the IESE Business School beat its peers to emerge at the top of the Economist Intelligence Unit's annual ranking of full-time MBA programmes. Since then the school has seen a steady stream of MBA-aspirants from India make a beeline to its hallowed gates.Today IESE gets six applicants per-seat and as far as Indian applicants are concerned, the ratio is 25:1.

Velamuri, who has taught at the IESE for four years and is currently at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), China on a leave of absence from the former, is not surprised at the increase in interest. If anything, he says, it should have come sooner as IESE has been consistently figuring among the top 10 B-schools worldwide. Besides, there is another reason as to why IESE has finally opened up to Indian students. "In the past, the school wasn't very confident of placing Indians as labour laws in continental Europe were, and continue to be, quite difficult," explains Velamuri.

Unlike in the US, where an MBA student can get an OPT (occupational professional training permit) that allows him to work for a year, in Europe the company that hires a student has to sponsor him or her for a work permit. This is a lengthy process. "We are constantly saying that this is a mistake and that we should actually encourage human capital to stay in the country," says Velamuri, adding: "But despite that, today, we feel more confident of placing Indian students." And for good reason too, as the global demand for Indian MBA students has gone up. "Now, we can easily place them in either investment banks in London or consulting firms elsewhere in the world, or even back home in India because the salary difference between India and Europe is no longer as big as it used to be," states Velamuri.

IESE is also working towards intensifying its engagements with India and other emerging markets. "We already have a partnership with the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, for the 'Inside India Executive Education Programme'. Further, for the second class of our 'Global EMBA Programme' we are planning to launch a two-week module in India," informs Velamuri. The Global EMBA will now have five modules in Spain, one in New York and one in India.

Also on the anvil is an Emerging Markets Centre (EMC). "The centre will focus more on practice and not so much on emerging market research, as there are already a number of centres across the world, both in business schools and otherwise, that are generating some very good research on emerging markets both, at a micro and macro level," says Velamuri. The EMC will focus on developing courses on emerging markets that can be included in the MBA curriculum and on developing short-term executive programmes on emerging markets.

Sunil Sharma

Moderator

Dil Se Desi Group

Management: Practical Exposure

Academia-industry interface is the most critical component of B-School education. And this seems to be the core philosophy of reputed management institutions

A mix of industry interactive programmes combined with state-of-the-art infrastructure, superior faculty, an international exposure for its students and an engaging medley of courses defines the teaching mantra at IFIM Business School. The success of its industry interface programmes is evident from IFIM's 100% placements with high average salaries year-after-year.

Ranked among the top business schools countrywide, IFIM has the unique institutional equity of being accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). IFIM's programmes are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the Union Ministry of HRD and also recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

IFIM's PGDM and PGDM International Business (IB) programmes offer functional specialisations in marketing, HR, finance, IT and IB. IFIM's Industry Internship Programme (IIP) spans six months and imparts real-life experiences to students by helping transform theoretical knowledge into practice.IFIM has set up IIP centres in Ernst and Young, JP Morgan, the Bombay Stock Exchange and Reliance Capital among others.

The PGDM-IB curriculum at IFIM covers mergers and acquisitions, international logistics and supply chain management, international product launch strategies, business process outsourcing, international trade and export-import management, thereby developing business leadership skills to manage the business processes of global corporations. The IB programme imparts global exposure through its mandatory two-week international study programme abroad in collaboration with reputed universities.

IFIM boasts of an impressive infrastructure consisting of a state-of-the-art computer lab, business simulation lab and a complete wi-fi enabled campus. Come June 2008 and the campus will have 1,20,000 sq ft of additional institutional space along with 2.2 acres of wifi enabled residential facility. The IFIM Business School is among the few institutes in India that create knowledge through research and routinely dedicate a substantial budget for this activity. As a result of its efforts in management research, IFIM is one of the few privileged private schools that offers a PhD programme in conjunction with a prominent university in India. The institute's management journal 'Focus' is revered by the academic community, internationally. IFIM's research cell has published several books, research papers and case studies on strategic management, finance, socio-economic sectors and human resources management as well.

IFIM has also set up a centre for entrepreneurship patronised by bankers, venture capitalists and industrialists. This centre mentors and coaches young entrepreneurs by facilitating and incubating viable business ideas.

Admissions to the PGDM and PGDM - IB courses are done on the basis of CAT/MAT scores, academic record, prior work experience (quality and relevance), extra-curricular activities, group discussions and personal interviews. Further, the Padode Foundation has instituted scholarships by offering attractive grants for meritorious students who score above 85 percentile in their CAT exams. For further details contact at email: admissions@ifimbschool.com; website: www.ifimbschool.com



Sunil Sharma
Moderator
Dil Se Desi Group