Emphasise learning by doing Dr GL Sharma, advisor: Corporate Interface, Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Delhi, emphasises the need for equipping MBAs with practical skills

Emphasise learning by doing

Dr GL Sharma, advisor: Corporate Interface, Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, Delhi, emphasises the need for equipping MBAs with practical skills

The aim of management education is to develop managers who are able to manage resources optimally, which leads to lower costs, higher profits and better economic performance. The other objective is to create managers who are sensitive to the needs of society and act in a socially responsible manner. The second objective is often neglected. With the rising opportunity cost of 2 years of absence from the job and the risk associated with turbulent job markets, the alternate delivery models of MBA are on the rise. These include one year Executive MBA, part-time MBA, online MBA. Even though 2-year MBA still accounts for a large share, educationists must think about alternative delivery models. However, market feedback suggests that mixed models are more acceptable than completely online delivery. Critics have pointed out that MBA curricula have overstressed on functional knowledge and analytical skills. In additional to the functional and analytical knowledge, we need to equip the MBA with practical skills- like how to hold a meeting, how to give feedback, how to get work done by others, how to lead a team and so on. Then, the MBA must also develop self-awareness, about how he can influence others and also develop social conscience. In today's global marketplace, a MBA needs to develop 'cultural intelligence' in order to be able to function in different culture, countries. The curriculum should include more project work and 'learning by doing'. With the accelerated pace of knowledge creation and obsolescence, connect of the B-School with the manager must change. The previous model of B-School as a refuelling station, where you come in once and fill your tank and move on for the rest of your career, needs replacement. The B-School should become a service station, where you come in at regular intervals for a top-up.