Having a foreign accreditation for an MBA institute adds a feather in the cap of its achievement. Some of the notable accreditations are EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB to name a few. Another accreditation is that of ACBSP.

The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is a US based accreditation founded in 1988. PSG Institute of Management (PSG IM) Coimbatore is the first MBA institute in India which got the accreditation. Talking about this achievement by PSG IM, Director of of Accreditation, ACBSP Steve Parscale said, "PSG Institute of Management has shown their commitment to teaching excellence and to the process of quality improvement by participating in the accreditation process." He added, "This accreditation is evidence that PSG Institute of Management is committed to providing the highest quality business education for their students." ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes within the business school at PSG Institute of Management meet the rigorous educational standards established by ACBSP.

To know more about PSG IM and the accreditation, we interviewed Dr. R Nandagopal, Director, PSG IM. Dr. R.Nandagopal is currently the Director of PSG Institute of Management. He received his Ph.D in Finance in 1985 from the University of Madras. He has worked in leading Institutions like Institute of Public Enterprise Hyderabad, and Loyola College, Madras in various capacities.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Q: What is the significance of the ACBSP accreditation that PSG IM has achieved?

A: ACBSP is a global accreditation body based in Kansas, USA that accredits business programs worldwide. PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore is the first institute in India to be accredited by ACBSP. This accreditation indicates that the teaching standards followed at PSG IM are world-class. This accreditation, which is valid for ten years, acknowledges the emergence of PSG IM as one of the top B-schools in India.

Q: What according to you are the factors of PSG IM that have propelled the prestigious accreditation?

A:The accreditation process assesses quality parameters based on Malcolm Baldrige quality parameters. PSG IM has been able to prove themselves in parameters related to Leadership, Strategic Planning, Student, Faculty, Staff and other stakeholder focus, and Educational and Business Process Management. The main factor that helped us to win the accreditation is the existence of processes that creates excellence in education. PSG IM, part of the PSG Group, has a multi-decade legacy of conducting business programs. The institute has strong infrastructure, competent faculty, excellent learning resources and growing research capabilities. The faculty members of the institute conduct management development programs (MDPs) and faculty development programs (FDPs) for the industry and academic community. They also conduct international conferences and seminars.

We were one of the earliest B-Schools in India to include Yoga among our curriculum. PSG IM is the only institute in India to incorporate regular outbound training for students. We have a 30 acre outbound training center located in the foothills of Western Ghats. The institute also has student exchange programs with foreign universities. The faculty and students also engage in a number of social outreach activities.

Q: What are the unique features of PSG IM?

A:While we do give an MBA degree, it is incidental. We put in efforts to train our students for Life, not just for living. We provide academic inputs from the basics through introductory and core courses and take the students to specialized learning through a number of elective courses; be it in Finance, Marketing, HR, Systems, Entrepreneurship, Operations or International Business. Our academic curriculum also includes courses on 'Indian Ethos and Values', 'Corporate Social Responsibility' and 'Environmental Management.' While PSG IM is the first institute in India to be accredited by ACBSP, we are also among the lead runners for being accredited by AACSB, another international accrediting body. Such accreditations are given only when these accreditation bodies are convinced about the research and teaching standards of an institute.

Once a student enters the PSG IM campus, we offer them a plethora of opportunities to develop themselves, physically, intellectually and emotionally. The students conduct a number of social events that helps them to development managerial skills and sensitivity towards society. For example, as part of this years' induction, the students of PSG IM are selling cloth bags/ products from NGOs. They actively take part in events like 'Joy of Giving Week'.

Q: What are the management programs offered by your B-School and what is the pedagogy?

A:In addition to the two year full-time MBA program, the institute also offers an Executive MBA (EMBA) program with duration of three years. Classes for EMBA are held on weekends. A number of faculty members in the institute are also guides for Ph.D. research scholars.

Q: For whom are the MBA programs of PSG IM meant for?

A:The institute tries to bring diversity among its student community. We welcome students from all parts of India. While a work experience is preferable, it is not mandatory.

Q: What are the selection criteria of PSG IM?

A:We use TANCET and MAT for selecting students.

Q: What are the scopes and opportunities the students receive after completing their MBA from PSG IM?

A:We have an impressive placement rate. Facilitated by our placement cell, our students get recruited by leading companies, Indian and multi-national. Many of our students go abroad for higher studies and some of them enter into academics and governmental services.

Q: What is your message to the MBA aspirants and students?

A:Build character and work hard. Then you will be successful. While selecting a B-School, students should not just go by advertisements and B-School rankings. B-School rankings may give an indication related to the standing of an institute among the peers. The students should personally visit the campus, speak to the alumni and faculty members, and to people from the industry. Then make an informed decision. Too much focus on placement is not advisable. Getting placed in a good organization is a by-product of the student excelling in the development of her/his personality.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more B-School Director interviews.