A WIDE CHOICE

WHILE CONVENTIONAL STREAMS OF MBA CONTINUE TO BE IN DEMAND,OFFBEAT COURSES ARE FAST FINDING THEIR WAY INTO THE CURRICULUM,SAYS SHILPA SACHDEV


Earlier if someone had to do an MBA,the choices were limited.Finance,marketing or human resources would be the only options to choose from since these were the important sectors in any organisation.However,with the growth of information technology,systems management became a key area to master and hence many schools introduced an MBA programme that offered a specialisation in computers.But with time as job opportunities multiplied and more areas opened up requiring specialised knowledge.And today we have schools offering MBA programmes for retail,hospitality,media and so on.
For those who enjoy number crunching and math calculations,MBA in finance is the ideal choice.With the Indian economy growing and becoming more global in nature,there is an undying need for finance experts to manage the growth.Those with finance expertise can work with banks and financial institutions like the stock market and brokerage firms and different wealth and finance consulting companies in various analyst and associate capacities.It is a rewarding proposition especially for those doing a CA,ICWA or CS.All in all,an MBA in finance offers a highly challenging job environment and a very stimulating career.
If the word 'brand' ticks with you,marketing is the place to be.It involves putting the product in a market and making it sell.It is a complete front-end activity that requires one to be in the market to gauge what works and what does not.An MBA degree in marketing will prepare you in different areas like ideating a concept,research,advertising,marketing strategies and promotions.As a part of your final projects you can expect activities like creating your own brand and marketing it to the public to give you a feel of the actual market.If brand management and sales management is what interests you,an MBA in marketing is the way ahead.
Interpersonal relations are at every level in the organisation and those in the human relations department are responsible to strike a balance.The role of a human resources person involves dealing with people at various levels in the organisation and maintaining cordial relations with one and all.The common role of an HR person includes dealing with recruitment,staffing,organisation structure,work environment,employee retention,and a host of other activities.An MBA in Human Resources will train you to deal with people,maintain calm and deal with unstructured situations at hand.If you are a people's man,a smooth talker,someone who can negotiate well,this is your domain.
Operations management deals with taking care of the supply chain activities of an organisation starting right from areas like inventory management,vendor management and the overall sourcing activity.It mainly looks into the back-end processes of the company that help achieve efficiency levels in an organisation.Since this field involves need of technical knowledge,an MBA in Operations Management will help you train better if this is your area of interest.
With all activities increasingly getting computerised,systems management has assumed great importance in current times.The IT department of a company integrates all the systems and creates linkages.Under systems management,one has to handle the entire IT requirement of the company starting with creating,coding,updating different software,regular monitoring and maintenance of the computer systems and the server and so on.
Different B-schools are known for their different specialisations.So once you have decided on your field of specialisation you should choose your B-school such that it is the best in your chosen field.Also,one must also decide whether one wants to pursue a one-year or two-year MBA.The one-year course is more intensive and so it is preferably a better choice to opt for a two-year programme that allows more time and further specialisation in the second year.There is also an option of doing part-time MBA which runs over three years.
Several universities have also started offering dual specialisations that help the students get knowledge of two different fields during the course tenure.Generally,one subject has to be chosen as the major and another one as the minor subject.So if you are interested in both finance and systems,you could major in finance and select systems as your minor subject.Apart from the conventional streams available,many schools are offering highly specialised subjects like retail,hospitality,media and so on as other options to choose for within dual specialisations.Many schools also offer comprehensive twoyear MBA programmes for the same.
The MBA programme today is no more restricted to the conventional streams;there is an MBA programme for even a peculiar field of interest - be it arts or biosciences or pharmaceuticals or even something as niche as Islamic banking,petroleum management or even wine management.However,it is advisable that one clearly understands what subject one is most comfortable with to select the right programme for maximum effectiveness in their job run.And those with a chunk of experience on their CV can always consider an executive MBA programme to up their resume.

MBA-OVERSEAS OR AT HOME

AT IMT-DUBAI,ALL PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO DELIVER BOTH ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL KNOW-HOW


Excerpts from a chat with Dr.Farhad Rad-Serecht,Director,IMT Dubai,wherein he speaks on the need of a holistic approach in choosing a management institute...
Internationally,management education is changing rapidly and prospective students looking for the "right" management program should consider various factors in making their final choice of the school to attend.Too frequently,students tend to consider exclusively the rankings as a sole criterion for choosing the school or the program.However a more holistic approach is necessary to identify a suitable program to shape your life-long career.
Some of the recent trends in management education and their implications are highlighted below:

Experiential Learning:

Management education can no longer be confined to the boundaries of the classroom and the campus.Companies are increasingly looking for graduates with right operational skills and not just academic knowledge.The ability to apply the tools learnt in the classroom to the workplace is therefore of paramount importance.Programs offering within their curriculum opportunities such as fieldwork,internships,company projects etc.are undoubtedly of a higher value as they lead to a better preparation and employability.
At IMT,Dubai,experiential learning is at the centre of the learning philosophy and all programs are designed to deliver not only pure academic knowledge but also the practical knowhow and the skills required in a workplace.

International Exposure:

Cross-cultural exposure,both academically and practically,is increasingly valued by the corporate world particularly the MNCs.In an increasingly global world,the ability to understand and cope with different business cultures and practices and operate in various markets is highly valued by the prospective employers.As a result programs offering study abroad opportunities (for a semester or more) and international internships assignments add more value by increasing the geographic mobility and employability of the graduates.
IMT,Dubai is offering double degree options with various international partners in addition to the regular student exchange programs.

Industry Relevance:

Programs in line with the industry needs,having a more practical approach,and with continuous industry interface are perceived to be of a superior value by the industry.Therefore industry interface,adequacy of the curriculum to industry requirements and professional orientation should be considered as a major criterionin selecting the right program.

Interpersonal skills:

The growing complexity of both international markets and corporations,the volatility of the environment,the necessity to cope with change and diversity require strong interpersonal skills to adjust,adapt and cope with the requirements of businesses and career development.
In summary,management programs that combine internationalisation of program;are aligned with industry needs;have an intensive interface with the industry and develop interpersonal multidisciplinary skills,deliver better value to the student.

MANAGEMENT CAREERS IN GERMAN ORGANISATIONS

IGTC PARTNERS WITH TOP COMPANIES FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING


For years,German companies have been industrial leaders,admired globally for their technical expertise,precision,and perfection.One of the cornerstones of the successful brand Made in Germany is their professional training based on the German Dual Education System,whereby practical training is imparted by German organisations and theoretical classes are conducted and certified by Chambers of Commerce.
In India,Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC) - the Management Training Division of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce - has partnered with the leading German companies like Audi,BASF,Bayer,Bosch,Deutsche Bank,Evonik Degussa,Hella Electronics,Lanxess,Merck,Schaeffler,Siemens,and Volkswagen to replicate this German Dual Education System and groom potential management trainees for their future requirements.Jointly,they conduct an 18-month full-time Post Graduate Programme in Business Administration,wherein one year of general management theory at IGTC is integrated with three cross-functional,on-the-job training stints in partnering organisations.
Ms.Radhieka R Mehta,Director,Indo-German Training Centre,says: "Our distinctive program offers graduates an excellent opportunity to shape sustainable careers in commercial and techno-commercial functions such as Marketing,Accounting,Controlling and Finance,Purchasing and Procurement,Logistics and Supply Chain,Human Resources and Corporate Communications in German organisations.
Since the companies are involved during the admission process,the student becomes an intern of an assigned organisation right from the beginning of the programme.The training process is preplanned and he/she receives projects and assignments according to his growing abilities.He/she develops under real conditions,being a part of live projects in the industry and benefits significantly by acquiring business knowledge and soft skills from his/her experienced colleagues and industry mentors.It is also a win for the partnering companies as they have the opportunity to develop the trainee to meet the company's specific requirements,thereby eliminating induction costs as well as wrong hiring decisions.
IGTC boasts of an impressive placement record with majority of the students continuing to work with their training companies in exciting and meaningful profiles.Final recruitment packages at IGTC range between Rs.4 to 8 lakh p.a.The alumni have scaled great heights on the corporate ladder to hold senior managerial positions in organisations."
IGTC is now opening admissions for its Batch 2012 - 2014.Fresh / experienced graduates,especially engineers (mechanical,production,chemical and electronics/electrical) and commerce students,with a good academic record are invited to apply.The twostage selection process will consist of the IGTC Written Test and Group Discussion in May 2012 followed by Personal Interviews with the partnering Indo-German member companies for selection as a management trainee in June 2012.
To apply,students can download the admission form from www.igtcindia.com.The last date for application is Monday,16th April,2012.Contact: IGTC Mumbai: +91-22-22822002 / 22834773 mumbai@igtcindia.com,www.igtcindia.com

INDIAN B-SCHOOLS CLIMB UP THE RATINGS

A GLOBAL SURVEY NAMES FOUR INDIAN INSTITUTIONS AMONG THE TOP 10 IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION


Four Indian institutions have made it to a list of top-10 Bschools in the Asia Pacific region,in a recent survey,in a strong indication that Indian business schools have strengthened their standing among international employers.The QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2012 notes that Indian B-schools have moved up in almost all specialisations in Asia-Pacific rankings.
The report,which names 36 top business schools in the region,including 11 in Australia,points out that India has improved considerably in recent times,with six schools on the list,including four in the top 10.
The Indian B-schools that have made it to the top 10 among the Asia-Pacific region are Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (2nd),Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (5th),Indian School of Business (7th) and Indian Institute of Management Kolkata (8th).The other two business schools named include S P Jain Institute of Management and Research at 16th rank and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade which made the cut this year for the first time at 21st place.
Business schools in India are continuing to climb up the ratings,the report observes."In an economy that is rapidly growing in global importance,the rise in employer opinion of MBA graduates is extremely promising in ensuring development of future business leaders to sustain the fast-paced economic growth,"the report said.It also observes that business schools in the Asia-Pacific region are strengthening their position in the global MBA education scene.In 2004,only 10 Asian and Australian schools had been included;the number has gone up to 36 this year.
"Economic growth in some Asian countries,particularly in China and India has heightened the demand for more accredited business schools in the region in order to train the next generation of successful business leaders,"the report said.
"In a world that is growing more integrated by the year,the importance of future business leaders having an international outlook cannot be underestimated,"says the recent report on B-Schools,the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2012.
"In their quest to ensure MBA students are given the international exposure needed to operate in the heavily globalised world that they work in,many business schools place a high importance on international class diversity."
The report,based on details provided by 2,000 employers who recruit MBAs,notes that while business schools in Asia are still in the developing stages,the rapid rise in the number of schools meeting their criteria are very impressive.
It points to a fastpaced increase in the quality of the region's MBA programs which are increasingly being recognised by international employers".
The report notes that management education is globalising,with the last decade having seen an increase in the number of accredited business schools in emerging markets such as in the BRIC countries (Brazil,Russia,India,and China).Pointing out that while B-schools in Europe and the United States are still the most popular,it finds that those in the Asia-Pacific region are gaining in popularity.
The report refers to the rise of the BRIC nations,saying: Throughout the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report,one theme in particular stands out: Indian business schools are fast gaining popularity among MBA employers.In almost all specialisation ratings,Indian schools have climbed considerably when compared to last year.
The QS report observes that this is even the case for international management,as while Indian business schools feature lower down the rating than they do in other specialisations,they are still climbing and showing promise in developing a greater international outlook among their MBA graduates.

Consulting Companies to save the day for B - Schools.

More freshly - minted MBAs from top B - schools are likely to make their way into consulting this placement season. Record hiring by Boston Consulting Group and Mckinsey & Co at B - school campuses this year and fewer offers from the traditional top recruiters, investment banks, have shifted the focus from the high - paying finance sector to the all weather consulting companies.
BCG kicked off the IIM placement season by hiring 17 at the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad on Monday, six more than the previous year. Last month, Mckinsey picked 17 grads from the Indian School of Business, stepping up its 2012 hiring by 50% at the institute.
Apart from BCG and Mckinsey, companies like Bain & Co, AT Kearney, Accenture and Oliver Wyman visited IIM - A on the first day. An IIM - A alumni says consulting compnies offered packages between 22 lakh and 27 lakh for domestic roles this year.
Higher consulting offers are a bright spot in what is turning to be a tough year for B - school graduates.
Tier II B- schools are feeling the slow - down pitch a bit more.
IIM - Calcutta, which kicks off its final placements, expects consulting to be strong. " I - banking is looking tough, and some of the i - banks are not participating. We will see more offers from consulting compared with last year." says placement chairperson Amit Dhiman.

7,000 STUDENTS TO TAKE CMAT TODAY

All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will start the first ever nine-day testing period of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) on Monday. About 70,000 candidates have registered for this computerbased examination that is being conducted at 69 centres in 61 cities.


With around 7,000 candidates are appearing on Day 1, Mumbai, Pune and Jaipur have registered the highest
number of candidates who wish to appear for the CMAT. SS Mantha, chairman of the AICTE said, “Our only aim is to not put undue pressure on candidates. Hence the objective of a single test for admission to management courses across the country.”


The CMAT will be conducted from February 20 to 29, 2012 with two sessions on each day. Registration for the first session will start at 8am. The first testing session will start at 9.30am which will continue for three hours. Immediately, at 12.30pm, registrations for the second session will start and the test will be conducted from 2pm to 5pm. “We have taken care at our end to ensure zero glitches during the test. But, considering it is a technology-based system, and we are also conducting it for the first time ever, we will see how it fares
on day one,” said Mantha.

CET has fewer takers, CMAT to replace it.......

The number of students who have registered for the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (MH - CET) for management this year has fallen to 85000 compared to 90000 applicants last year.

Two years ago, 1.05 lakh aspirants had appeared for the CET. This is the last year of the state CET, and will soon be replaced by the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) that is being introduced by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

This year business schools in the state will accept both CET and CMAT scores from candidates. "Fewer students may have registered for the CET because they have the option of CMAT as well," said a senior official from the directorate of technical education, which conducts the state CET.

The last date to apply for MH - CET was Saturday. Candidates who missed the deadline but still wish to appear for the CET can pay a late fee of Rs 1000 and submit their applications on Februaury 22 and 23 at Sydenham College, said the official.