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By Onslow, March 20, 2010 11:56 am

Management education delivery-Challenges & Opportunities

One of the many ads telecasted on various channels, that attracts the most is of BSNL where a son working in some foreign country is able to talk, to see and get seen by his family members in India.

Why I like this ad! It is because it gives a glimpse of the power of IT, it refers the fact that how this knowledge of IT has revolutionized our lives, our day-to-day activities, how it has increased the efficiency and effectiveness by supporting decision making process. With the further technological progress it is likely that IT will become more pervasive and will continue to make impact in our lifestyles in significant ways.

A lot has been said and done in terms investment in this technology by businesses but irony is that that this IT revolution has not been able to impress really the core processes of learning and teaching in business schools. Researches have shown that academic institutions lag behind corporates by almost a decade in the adoption of new technology.

But, do not loose all the hopes as few initiatives have been taken in this respect like at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy where PC’s have been installed with proper networking in classroom. However, the utilization of these PC’s to access common details about the real world is very limited. Secondly, University of Maryland has built up electronic classroom that enables group of students to communicate with each electronically and anonymously.

Educational institutions primarily deal with the creation, packaging and delivery of information and knowledge and to my belief IT can profoundly alter the ways in which tasks are done.

This following pages deal issues concerning IT in management colleges and standards of management programs offered by universities.

1)Issues concerning scope of IT in management colleges-

As, I have mentioned earlier that institute basically deal in CPD (creation, packaging, and delivery) of knowledge. So, it becomes all important for management institutions to comprehend the changes that an IT intensive system will demand in CPD.

(i) INCREASED EMPHASIS OF SELF LEARNING AND DISTANCE LEARNING:- I was having a discussion with the respected Vice-chancellor of Uttrakhand Open University (UOU),Dr.Hasan, where he was sharing his thoughts on the distance learning mode and he was working on the pattern of IGNOU to make this learning in a small state like Uttrakhand more interactive through satellite.

If this experience is any indication then one trend is clear that is distance learning is going to become more interactive and secondly there will be greater reliance on exploration and self-learning.

These trends have been promoted by the advent of multimedia and internet.

This implies that in due course of time the classroom teaching may become second choice or lesser significant. The enrollment in DLP has increased and at least seven Open Universities have been created. I have already discussed about UOU, Take case of INGOU, which uses two-way audio and one-way video to conduct classes in 50 centers simultaneously. It is a fact that more students are enrolling in Open Universities even in developed countries because of faster communication through electronic means moreover as the cost of two-way conferencing comes down, the necessity for classroom contact may totally disappear.

Moreover, upto now distance education and traditional educations are treated as two different entities. But this approach has to be changed. This will help in sharing the limited faculty resource with a large number of students located in different geographical locations.

Further, courses need to be redesigned as student is placing greater reliance on self learning rather than being taught by a ‘teacher’. The teacher has to assume the role of a facilitator and at the same time delivery process has to be changed from verbal-lecture based to computer-based lessons using multimedia.

(ii) IT Knowledge For Would-Be-Managers Of Tomorrow:-

Usually entrants to management education are having certain amount of computing knowledge thanks to their schooling. Building on this base, managers need to develop a level of comfort in dealing with spreadsheets, emails, word processing etc. By doing so, management institutions will be enhancing the working life of an executive in any function. Hence, the classes must be assisted by lot of lab sessions to give enough exposure and practice with regard to the productivity tools and platform to make themselves aware about different types of computing environment that they are going to face.

(iii) Internet Facility:-

1. The effectiveness of library searches can be greatly enhanced by providing access to electronic forms of journal in library.

Intranet, LAN can connect students in classroom to instructor in Lab, can promote communication between teacher / students etc.

(iv) EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS:-

Another point, that I would like to use to highlight the role of IT discussed in this paragraph: An adage goes conveying the essence that an intelligent is a person who learns not only by his own experience but also by the experience of others. One does not need to put hand in the fire to have first experience of what happens when it is does so but, believe me that most academicians do not have a chance to share the experience of other academicians to interact with other researchers, to share their own experience with others. One of the reason for this fact is that faculty does not have enough opportunities to attend conferences/seminars. (To some extent faculty working in University Departments, have this advantage but faculty associated with private institutions are not that privileged)

Here, role of IT comes into play with emails one can communicate with their counterpart in any part of the world. The researcher can create blogs where he can receive the solution from various source to this problem. Computer conferencing offers to researcher to work with colleagues working in other places.

(v) IT AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL:-

The aspect of this technological which a management institute must consider and in which as a teacher/facilitator. I am most interested in the effectiveness of IT as pedagogical tool. My own experience says that IT enhances the effectiveness of overall study, management exams, management games, and even of ancient time’s lectures. The case discussions in the live from can be shown to the students which will be enlivened activity. Tools of analysis like SPSS can also e provided to help the student to analyze the data to construct more realistic scenarios for their analysis. Moreover, a common problem that one comes across during case analysis is the inability to convey qualitative data through textual perception for example listening to Chief Executive’s speech on his company’s objectives be a better option than reading the text.

1. These presentation slides need not be confined to textual material, they can include photographs, audio/video clips, even the animation into slides can be introduced, in a different node, these slides are if carefully prepared and presented then, they can serve as teaching aids for the first time teacher (practices that I have seen in some English speaking classes where they give set of study matter to the faculty member and he is supported to teach in a standardized format). Another, important tool is how of teacher to make the students learn in management games.

Games which are computer aided can simulate complex real world experience and enable participants to perform defined roles in a competitive setting. IT also promotes communicative among students and between teachers and students. Such technologies can also be used to provide immediate and accurate feedback to the teacher. The use of IT as a pedagogical tool is quiet limited. The key task ahead is to generate enough motivation among the faculty members to upgrade their own slides and insert time in experiments with new forms of teaching.

I do not feel shy in accepting the reality that despite all the benefits of adopting IT cannot be treated as a solution for all educational problems. Moreover, a lot of research is still required to assess the impact of technology on learning and teaching.

2)ISSUES CONCERNING THE CONTRIBUTION OF UNIVERSITIES IN MANAGEMENT EDUCATION:-

The second issue that I would like to address is about the relationship between Indian Universities and Management education. Although lot of autonomous institutes have come up and are also making their contribution but I am going to restrict my concerns only about the value that should have been added ( but which has not happened) by such universities to management education because they account for 70%of the output of PG in management.

The activities which add value-teaching, training, consultancy, and research-are not adequately comprehend in the University system. The curriculum is fixed and no mid-course correction or changes are permitted. Curriculum change is made through an actual process that is initiated by Board of Studies and concluded by Academic council. The inadequacy of curriculum is often responsible for the unemployment of University graduates. This is probably the reason why industry is more enthusiastic about recruiting graduates from private, self finance, autonomous institutes in comparison to University graduates.

Another area where value addition can be done is in the area of training and research. Management is a field of study which is very dynamic and practical in nature. Keeping this fact in mind it becomes all important that academicians are in constant touch with the working executives so that they can feel the pulse about what is happening in industries and what are the problems being faced so that research or further studies can be carried out to search the solution. But, this culture is missing and if any training program that any University department conduct basically rely on the networking that few senior faculty members have developed.

1. This again reflects the complacency factor among the University teachers.

Next issue is the hard reality that agencies which can influence the university education are not able to make then impact. Broadly speaking, to some extent AICTE has made impact on the autonomous institutes but almost not at all on the University system. Even the UGC has not been in a position to enforce academic standards with regard to universities system.

The present scenario is not very encouraging but on a positive note we all know that to every problem there is solution that exists what is required in the true will to make things happen. If the readers are kind enough to pardon me, I would like to make following suggestions:

(1) IT should be treated as basic infrastructure in organization.

(2) continuous investment should be made in the development of IT in these education management institutes.

(3) Taking the examples of IIMs, XLRI. I strongly suggest trimester system of education in place of one exam or two exams in a year.

(4) The system of holidays should be different for management departments. It should be done in such a way that holidays are not gained on various festivals, however for major festivals a off of 1-2 days can be permitted.

(5) MBA department of universities should be run as a separate SBU and more autonomy should be provided to these. At the same time the interference in conducting exams or other activities by the respective Universities should be minimum.

Lastly but not the least, I would like to add that if universities do not want themselves to be treated only as a degree granting authority they should take instant & concrete steps to raise the standard of education by paying attention to the above mentioned problems and suggestions.

Let us hope for the best.

Research Associate, ICFAI National College, Pantnagar (INDIA)Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/management-education-delivery-system-980962.html

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By James, February 9, 2010 8:29 am

Management degree courses are one of the most favorable courses among the students. As these types of courses are needed in every type of profession. Whether it is medical, engineering, accounting, human resource, arts and so on in all themes there is a need of management degree for applying to high scale jobs. There are many universities in India offering quality management education to their students. But for admission one has to pass entrance exams for that particular university. Admission criteria, course menu, syllabus, boarding system etc all are differ from one university to another.

There are many top university in india that are excellent in providing A grade mba education to their management students. Like IIMs, ICFAI business schools, Singhania University, Symbiosis and many more. Today every student is so serious about their mba education that he or she does not want any compromise with their studies. Even for entrance exams preparation they have now started to pay high fees to entrance exams coaching centers to follow pattern, tips, guide from entrance exams experts. From the last few decades thousands of students enrolled themselves to management entrance exams to get admission in top universities of India.

On seeing interest and huge rush of students towards mba, many top mba universities in India are very strict with their management courses syllabus like bba, mba syllabus and its regular classes. These universities have straight forward syllabus that enables students to compete with corporate world. All these universities like Singhania University famous for its quality education, placement records and it helps economy in producing some of the best and talented MBA professionals. It is among the top in the list of reputed universities in India. Their bba syllabus and mba syllabus is so vast and updated that after completing bachelors and masters in management one can easily apply for managerial post.

Like in Bachelors of Business Administration – bba syllabus, Singhania University offers Principal of Management, Business communication, Cost Accounting, Production planning &control, Organizational Behavior, Business Economics, Marketing Management and lots more. All these topics in bba syllabus are covered in six semesters. After getting bba from above syllabus one can easily go through further master education in master of business administration. MBA syllabus of Singhania University consist Management Concepts & Organizational Behavior, Business Research Methodology, Managerial Economics, Industrial & Management Relations, Entrepreneurship Development, Compensation Management and lots more. All these topics are covered in four semesters including practical and on job practices.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/management-education-need-of-corporate-world-1760637.html

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By James, January 11, 2010 7:44 pm

GMAT is a critical requirement towards getting admitted to a prestigious business school as it demonstrates strong analytical skills which top most business schools look for. The exam might appear easy but succeeding on the GMAT is not an easy task as it requires lots of devotion, determination, and dedication to score high. The GMAT examination is quite challenging as it tests the student’s quantitative, reasoning, and analytical skills as well as the test taker’s nerves, their ability to cope with the pressure and tension. A test taker who can perform well in the crunch situation can score well on the exam. Various GMAT prep courses are available online and offline which guide the applicant with the right approach and direction. GMAT prep courses are meticulously planned and designed so that students can unlock their skills and potential and successfully achieve their GMAT score targets.

For securing a good GMAT score students need to have strong verbal and quantitative skills but many students find that difficult as they get bogged down by the complexity of concepts tested and essential to understand for a good GMAT score. With an undefined and unplanned study structure, students often land in a situation from where it is extremely difficult to perform well. To assist students during such stress situations there are many online GMAT prep courses available that guide the students in the right direction and familiarize them with the appropriate format of the GMAT test. These online GMAT prep courses provide comprehensive material and adequate course structure so that students can make great progress during the course. GMAT prep courses have also been designed keeping in mind the need and requirements of working individuals so they too can access their preferred online GMAT prep course at their preferred time.

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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/gmat-prep-course-invaluable-tool-towards-success-on-the-gmat-1640071.html

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By Onslow, September 4, 2009 1:07 pm

With so many companies downsizing and layoffs at an all time high, the need for educated professionals seems to be in demand. Furthering your education through business schools to advance your career can give you the upper hand when applying for employment, attempting to move up on the career ladder, or even starting your own business.

If you thought having a high school diploma was enough, think again. You’re up against stiff competition in the business world and the only way to get ahead is to have that extra something that will stand out. A degree just may give you that “extra something” that an employer is looking for.

There are many options when it comes to business schools to advance your career. Finding one that fits into your schedule is as easy as clicking your mouse. Whether you desire to earn a certificate, an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s or even a MBA, you can find what you’re looking for online. If you think your schedule is just too hectic to attend college on campus because of family obligations, the commute, the cost, etc., you can take classes online, from the comfort of your own home. When cost is a concern, business schools offer tuition assistance, and your employer may offer tuition reimbursement as long as you are studying to advance in a degree related to your current business.

There are really no excuses, even finding the right school is as easy as visiting Dazzlebound where you can find the perfect school that fits your needs. You no longer have to spend hours on end searching for schools individually because you have everything you need in one place. Here you can find out everything you need to know about business schools from class sizes to tuition assistance information. So what are you waiting for? The sooner you get started, the sooner you can advance your career.

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By Onslow, July 4, 2009 11:13 pm

Today, Business studies is one of the most popular subject amongst the students because it tells us the information how we can operate the commercial world. It gives the full coverage of functions to provide a firm foundation that can be applied in any sector. In this course, we understand organizational behavior and structure, able to create a problem solving approach and sound as well as good written and oral communication skills and much more. That’s why, now-a-days, every youngster wants to do business studies course from the top business colleges. Today in India, there are numerous business schools that are famous in terms of providing quality education. In this article, we are trying to provide some information about how to select the best business college for yourself. These parameters are:

Reputation:- First of all, we need to consider about the reputation of the business school in which we are going to take admission. We should know about its overall business school ranking because it has a major impact on business schools. There are many websites that provide information which college is the best where you can business school rankings too.

Faculty:- As we know that under the proper guidance of our teachers, we can achieve our goal easily. We can easily make our bright future. Most of premier business colleges provide a list of their faculty members and their credentials on the website. So students can make an assumption about the quality of the institute. Placement

Record:- Before taking admission in any business college, an individual should consider about its placement record. Many students do not consider as the major issue. But after completing the study, they have to struggle more and more for getting recruitment in the reputed organization.

Infrastructure:- While an individual is going to select the management institute, one should also check about Business college infrastructure. Infrastructure includes various things such as its facilities, classrooms, well equipped library, hostels etc. For considering all these things, an individual can visit the college or can ask to the his friends or relatives.

Sharda Group of Institutions, NCR’s largest educational group, also offers MBA program at its affiliated colleges. This institute has good business school ranking too. It also provides world class facilities to its students such as Wi-Fi campus, Internet connectivity 24 hours, well equipped computer labs, library with lots of books and journals and much more.

This article is all about what factors you should consider before taking admission in any business college. Sharda Group of Institutions also provides some management courses at its colleges. If somebody wants to know more about this institute, then he can visit the website:- http://www.sgei.org/index.htm

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/college-and-university-articles/business-colleges-how-to-select-the-right-one-995563.html