Decades ago, soon after my graduation, I was crazy to do an MBA but I could not do so for many reasons, instead, I went to work. My friends enrolled in MBA after a tough entrance exam and other selection procedures. After their MBA (with high grades), they attended many interviews, but almost all of them took the job of non-MBAs, doing some insignificant work!
This was quizzical to me at that point in time.
Let us come back to the present day, wherein the situation hasn’t changed much, especially in cases of MBA courses other than those offered by top tier business schools. So, where is the exact problem? Is it before MBA, after MBA, or during MBA? I kept analysing these until I got some clarity on the situation – the problems and the probable solutions.
Reading about business was my hobby, for more than 25 years. My hobby became my passion and that, along with my perception of the current scenario and my entrepreneurial experience, has led me to write this management book that will suit all stages of a management profession -‘before MBA’, ‘after MBA’ and ‘during MBA’.
My first set of dreams: ‘Before MBA’
The syllabus for entrance tests should be more of a case study based approach rather than mathematics and quantitative analysis. Screening should be based on the ability to integrate right and left brain, right from the MBA entrance level.
During group discussions, priority should be given to the students who speak more logically and about their brand knowledge, than their command over English.
In some personal interviews, the candidates are expected to answer in nanoseconds (as if they are warplane pilots ejecting from the cockpit before it crashes!). Speed is certainly an important factor in the corporate world but not essential during MBA admissions.
My second set of dreams: ‘During MBA’
During the course, it is disappointing to see that the students are still focussing on the textbooks covering the syllabus and notes from their professors. Our teaching system and methods should be changed drastically.
First of all, the professors should stop dictating notes in the management class and they should bring business dailies or magazines to the class to regularly discuss the current management scenario.
Though many professors are intelligent, they are forced to follow the system. Initiatives such as intercollegiate quiz events or seminars should be conducted exclusively for the professors too, to enrich their knowledge in the current industry trends. Best faculties could be recognized and honored on such occasions. Entrepreneurs and business leaders should be frequently invited as Guest speakers.
Films based on business biographies and leadership strategies should be frequently screened and debated.
My third set of dreams – ‘After MBA’
Many MBA graduates never continue to read about the evolving Businesses. The last time they would have ‘read’ about business or management, would have been those few minutes before their last exam, near the exam hall!
This education system is short-memory based and that’s the reason it should be changed. Employers should give priority to MBA graduates who are knowledgeable and updated with the latest market trends.
Whether the MBA graduate is an employee or an entrepreneur, one should be willing to be a lifelong student