1. How is your experience in VIT?
I should say it has been very good so
far. As Director/Dean of the fledgling Business School at VIT Chennai, during
2011-14, we could quickly scale up the operations, improve admission quality
and placements and organized a lot of events, chief among them being The
Weekend Leader event, Corporate Conclave, ET Quiz, and VITMAA the alumni meet.
As Dean at Vellore campus during 2014-15, we could attain B School ranking in
the range of 29-53, which was very satisfying.
2.
How is your
teaching experience different from corporate industry?
In industry, the focus is on action, tactical
thinking, networking, obtaining resources and intra organisational
coordination. Decision making, team building, risk taking and interpersonal
communication skills are of paramount importance.
In Academics, we have to inculcate the spirit
of inquiry in young minds. In management teaching , imparting conceptual skills
goes hand in hand with application, be it through case method , simulation or
live projects. One has to be constantly on the vigil regarding changing
industrial landscape and requirements.
3.
Can you tell us something
about the books you have written?
I have edited a book ‘Management
Paradigms -Twenty-first Century Perspectives,’ which is a compilation of
research papers presented at an International Conference at PESIT, Bangalore
during January 2009.
The other book Corporate Social
Responsibilty on Karnataka details case studies of social enterprises and CSR
experiences of corporates.
4.
You have been part
of many other institutes, so how do you think VIT is different from them?
VIT is more system driven. Global
collaborations, internships and international student and faculty exchange
programmes are very much a part of the system. Research culture is strong here
and there are very good placement opportunities for the deserving students.
5.
Any message for
the aspirants?
Have no second thoughts about opting for
VIT Business School at Vellore and Chennai. You will get value for your money,
a very good ROI, Excellent learning environment, and opportunities for
international exposure.
Dr. Kalyani Rangarajan,
Senior Professor,
VIT Business School, Vellore