Get ready for competition from international B-schools: Experts at AIMA Directors’ Conclave

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MBAUniverse.com News Desk |
July 21, 2016
Globalization of Indian management education is not too far off in the horizon and Indian business schools have to get ready to deliver the goods.

This was a clear message from the Directors’ Conclave organized by AIMA in New Delhi on 7th March. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Prakash Apte, Director, IIM Bangalore, said, “Indian business and the economy is undergoing globalization in many ways. Indian management education will also see global competition from international schools like Harvard and Stanford.”

Prof M R Rao, Dean, Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, reinforced the view when he said: “We expect many top-tier global schools to enter the Indian management education market. Competition from international schools is imminent.” The AIMA Directors’ Conclave, organized in collaboration with the International Management Institute (IMI), focused on the topic – ‘Globalization: Issues and challenges for Indian business schools’.

The conclave was addressed by directors of B-schools, industry figures and members of AICTE. Speakers included Dr. Pritam Singh, Professor of Eminence, MDI Gurgaon; Dr. S.P. Parashar, director, IIM Indore; Dr. N.M. Kondap, vice chancellor, NMIMS; Dr B.S. Sahay, director, IMT Ghaziabad; Dr. K.K. Nohria, advisor, Crompton Greaves Ltd, Mumbai; Mr C.S. Venkat Ratnam, director, IMI; and Mr. Subir Raha, president, AIMA.

While addressing the issue of globalization, Dr Pritam Singh said, “The world has now become borderless due to which it has endless horizons and tremendous inter-linkages. Global competition is a reality.

What prevents Indian management schools from being competitive? Lack of quality of management education in over 1,000 management institutes was a major concern. While many factors are responsible for this quality gap, faculty shortage is a major point – a fact highlighted by all the speakers.

Dr R.A. Yadav, vice chairman of AICTE, said, “Only about a quarter of Indian management graduates are employable. Quality of education is important. Primary reason for this [lack of quality education] is an acute shortage of faculty.” Prof Yadav said that AICTE was working on a major faculty development program to address this concern.

Several speakers highlighted the gap between industry expectations and academic programs’ delivery. While commenting on how industry and B-schools can work together, Dr C.S. Venkat Ratnam suggested: “Business schools have to take initiatives to move out from their ivory tower and reach out to stakeholders, particularly alumni and corporates. They need to seek inputs from industry in program design, curriculum development and courses offered.”

Speakers were also of the opinion that marketing, branding and visibility of individual B-schools will hold key. Management schools should identify their distinct value preposition and communicate it to the prospects and stakeholders.

While globalization of management education in the near future will usher in a new era, are top Indian B-schools ready to face the challenge? Prof. Apte believes that top schools like IIM Bangalore are ready to compete with Harvard, Kellogg and others of their ilk: “We are ready to compete with the best in the world. Let them come and establish their base here.”

MBAUniverse.com, India’s most comprehensive management portal, will continue to bring learnings and highlights from the AIMA Directors’ Conclave. Stay tuned.