Q. There is an explosion of B-schools everywhere. What according to you are the three basic strengths that helps a b-school sustain in the clutter?
Three basic strengths required by a good b-school will include,
1. Strong industry interface
2. Research-driven competent faculty members
3. Curriculum and culture that is conducive to making of tomorrow’s mangers
Q. How does the varied experience you have in working with International Universities factor in your current position as Dean at Amrut Mody?
My experience at XLRI helped me in understanding what makes a holistic management program. From that learning I am able to chart the route for AMSoM faculty development and curriculum design in addition to charting most focussed co-curricular and extra-curricular programs for the students of MBA as well as Entrepreneurial MBA programmes.
Here at PGIM, AMSoM now we design curriculum, co- curricular and extra-curricular programs with a common goal clearly defined through faculty dialogue
My exposure to various state and private Universities in USA and also in Lebanon, where I spent a semester as a Senior Fulbright Scholar, gave me fairly good idea about how does academia in the other parts of the world work for nurturing faculty and student aspirations, especially in the context of local culture.
Q. Being from a Finance background, how does it influence your decisions as a Dean of a Management institute?
My finance background has been very helpful in understanding how businesses work. This understanding became richer while working for 15 year at XLRI where through executive training, consulting and projects, I learned the interdisciplinary approach, especially with human side of business. I can now bring interdisciplinary approach at PGIM, AMSoM curriculum through mapping of common threads, KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Attitude) as well as active learning components across the courses in curriculum while remaining focussed on the industry need for tomorrow.
Q. How do you keep yourself abreast with the happenings on the research front in the areas of your interest/ expertise?
Of course, for any academician teaching and research writing has to continue. I do research and write books in addition to serving on the Editorial Boards either as Managing Editor or member, of many national and international journals published from India and abroad. My research and writing has become more interdisciplinary in nature.
Q. What are the top 3 qualities you are looking for in a student when you are recruiting them for your program?
Three most important qualities that we are looking for in a student are,
1. Willingness to accept uncertainties and challenges
2. Ability to work with unstructured problems
3. Humane managers with inter-disciplinary thinking