Dean Interview:Dr. Vaishali Kulkarni, MET Mumbai
In an exclusive reflection on a remarkable career in education, the esteemed Professor and Dean of PGDM at MET Mumbai shares insights from a journey spanning over 24 years. She has demonstrated expertise in quality management, strategic planning, and implementation by combining her industry and academic experience.
The professor’s commitment to continuous learning has been a cornerstone of their career. She has completed prestigious programs such as the HBS Online Disruptive Strategy Certification, CSM (Certified Scrum Master) Certification, and the KPMG Design Thinking Practitioner Program.
Her involvement in strategic planning committees and projects has honed her ability to develop and execute long-term plans. This includes designing new programs, enhancing existing ones, and ensuring alignment with industry needs and academic goals. The professor has played a pivotal role in establishing partnerships with industry, alumni, and other educational institutions, fostering a collaborative environment.
She has transitioned into several leadership roles, including department head and program dean positions. These roles have enhanced her administrative and management skills, enabling them to oversee academic programs, faculty development, and student affairs effectively.
As Professor and Dean of PGDM at MET Mumbai, she remains committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development. Her extensive experience and continuous quest for learning and improvement will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of the institution.
Q1: How has your PhD in Knowledge Management influenced your approach to both teaching and administration?
Ans: My PhD in Knowledge Management has profoundly shaped my approach to both teaching and administration. Knowledge Management (KM) is about consciously integrating people, processes, and technology to capture, share, and implement an organisation’s intellectual assets. This principle has become the cornerstone of my methodology in academia.
I prioritise collaboration and knowledge sharing in teaching by incorporating group projects, discussions, and peer learning into the curriculum. Digital tools, such as learning management systems and online forums, are crucial in facilitating this process, allowing students to contribute to and access a collective knowledge base.
Administratively, KM principles help me make informed, strategic decisions by analysing and managing institutional knowledge. I promote a culture of knowledge sharing among faculty and staff by organising formal sessions, creating online repositories, and encouraging continuous learning.
These strategies ensure that my teaching and administrative practices are aligned with KM principles, fostering a more efficient, collaborative, and innovative academic environment.
Q2: How has completing a Strategy Certification Program from Harvard Business School Online enhanced your strategic decision-making and planning?
Ans: Completing the Harvard Business School Online Strategy Certification Program has dramatically enhanced my strategic decision-making skills. Guided by HBS Professor Dr Christensen, the program emphasises focusing on the job the customer needs rather than just building profiles or finding data correlations.
It provided robust frameworks for analysing the competitive education environment, enabling me to develop and implement strategies under uncertain and agile conditions. This training has sharpened my ability to think critically and strategically about institutional challenges and opportunities, improving my capacity to innovate and adapt. Consequently, our educational offerings better meet the evolving needs of students and the broader market.
The insights from the HBS Online program have been invaluable in shaping my approach to strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring our institution remains at the forefront of business education.
Q3: What are the three most significant trends shaping today’s business education landscape?
Ans: I firmly believe that these three significant trends are shaping today’s business education landscape:
- Digital Transformation and Online Learning: Advanced technologies like AI and VR are being incorporated into the curriculum, providing students with practical hands-on experience with tools they will use in the business world. Online learning platforms have made business education more accessible to a global audience.
- Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Leadership: Business programs increasingly highlight social responsibility and businesses’ role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and social justice. Courses on ethics and corporate governance prepare future leaders to navigate complex moral and ethical difficulties.
- Interdisciplinary and Experiential Learning: Business education is integrating concepts from cross-functional fields to provide a more comprehensive and versatile learning experience. Programs focus on hands-on experiential learning opportunities, such as business simulations, internships, and consulting projects, creating an entrepreneurial mindset and innovation skills.
Q4: What are your views on traditional MBA programs being replaced by specialised courses?
Ans: The shift from traditional MBA programs to specialised courses marks a notable trend in business education, driven by industry demand for niche skills and targeted knowledge. Specialised courses offer in-depth expertise in areas such as data analytics, digital marketing, and design thinking, addressing the need for practical, job-ready skills. These online courses provide flexibility and are typically shorter, allowing professionals to upskill rapidly.
While specialised courses are gaining traction due to their focused content and accessibility, traditional MBA programs continue to hold significant value. An MBA offers a broad understanding of business operations, strategic thinking, and leadership, which specialised courses may not fully cover. Furthermore, MBA programs facilitate extensive networking opportunities and access to a diverse cohort, which is crucial for career advancement.
In my view, the rise of specialised courses is both a response to current industry needs and a complement to traditional MBA programs. While specialised courses are becoming increasingly important, traditional MBAs will persist, particularly for those seeking a comprehensive business education. The future likely holds a blended approach, where specialised courses enhance traditional MBAs, leading to a more diversified and adaptable business education landscape.
Q5: How does MET Mumbai collaborate with industry partners to enhance students’ learning experiences and employability?
Ans: MET Mumbai enhances students’ learning experiences and employability through strategic industry collaborations. The institution invites industry professionals for guest lectures and workshops, offering insights into current trends and practical applications of theoretical concepts. MET Mumbai also engages in corporate training and executive education to strengthen ties with the corporate sector and upskill professionals.
An essential curriculum feature is a 125-hour module that includes personality assessments, discovery interviews, CXO series, emotional intelligence evaluations, and practice sessions for group discussions and interviews with industry experts. This module helps students prepare for real-world challenges and job market expectations.
The institution facilitates internships through various corporate partnerships, providing hands-on experience. A dedicated placement cell works to secure job placements for graduates. MET Mumbai’s affiliations with professional bodies and MoUs with universities ensure the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with industry needs. Students also engage in industry-sponsored projects and research.
Specialised courses in emerging areas like Mark-tech, Fin-tech, and data science are developed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring students acquire relevant skills and practical experience in areas such as equity research and data visualisation. This approach effectively prepares students for their professional careers.
Q6: What distinguishes the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program at MET Mumbai from similar programs offered at other institutions?
Ans: The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program at MET Mumbai is distinguished by several unique features. Its industry-oriented curriculum is developed with expert input to align with current business practices and trends. It is continuously updated to stay relevant.
A key highlight is the emphasis on experiential learning, incorporating case studies, business simulations, and real-life scenarios to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program benefits from faculty with robust academic and industry backgrounds, enriching the learning experience.
Specialised courses in emerging areas like mark-tech, fin-tech, and data science, created in collaboration with industry partners, ensure students gain relevant skills. A 125-hour employability module also includes personality assessments, career modules, and sessions with industry professionals, preparing students for the job market.
State-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern classrooms and computer labs, supports advanced learning. MET Mumbai also offers global exposure through international tie-ups, student exchanges, and internships. Strong placement support and a vast alumni network further enhance career development, ensuring high placement rates and attractive job offers.
Q7: How MET Helps Students Build Their Career?
Ans: MET Mumbai ensures a smooth transition from academic life to professional careers through several strategic initiatives. The institution offers a curriculum that is both industry-relevant and regularly updated with input from industry experts to stay current with trends and practices.
Interactions with industry professionals, including guest lectures and workshops, provide students practical insights and guidance. Mandatory internships offer hands-on experience, helping students develop essential skills and understand industry dynamics.
MET Mumbai’s robust placement support includes a dedicated cell that assists students in securing employment and provides various resources to aid job searches. The institution also emphasises skill development programs to enhance professional skills and boost employability.
The strong alumni network at MET Mumbai offers mentorship and networking opportunities, with successful alumni guiding and supporting current students. The incubation centre provides resources and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs to refine business ideas and foster innovation.
Under Dr. Vaishali’s leadership, MET Mumbai drives academic excellence and comprehensive student development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for successful careers.