An autonomous program gives us the flexibility to teach an updated and innovative curriculum. Industry linkages will provide students an opportunity for live-projects and internships. One of the advantages also includes an illustrious team of professionals, alumni from leading Indian and International business schools will be teaching at the program.
Why a one-year program as opposed to the Indian norm of two year MBA?
One-year programs have been accepted by the Indian industry for sometime now, and students pursuing the one-year program format do not lose out in any manner in terms of salary or designation. Besides, even after completing a two-year program, companies often put employees through their in-house induction program. In this scenario, it then becomes a three-year program, which is not productive either to the organization or the individual.
In today’s exciting business environment, practical work experience and on-the-job training is crucial. So, a one-year program followed by practical on-the-job experience actually provides a better competitive edge.
Please describe the course structure, briefly.
We have Intensive program without compromising on the teaching hours, which equals to the total teaching hours in a two-year program. The course also includes Interesting and relevant case studies focusing on recent business situations such as Vodafone’s entry into India, Tata-Corus merger, Jet Airways-Air Sahara deal, etc. we have Compulsory literature studies, dance classes, Art of Living classes, and physical sport to ensure overall development of an attractive personality Live projects and internship opportunities to apply classroom theory in practice
Who awards the degree? Does it have AICTE certification and university affiliation? If not, what certifications do you plan to get for the b-school in the near future?
The PG program is a Diploma and is an autonomous program. We are seeking industry affiliation and tie-ups to make the program of value to employers. In the future, we plan to establish a Deemed University which would enable us to retain the flexibility in program design and content.
How many fulltime and part-time faculty members do you have? How many in each management area?
We will have approximately six full-time faculty members since this is our foundation year.We propose to augment the team with industry professionals as visiting faculty. The number of part-time or visiting faculty varies with the course requirement and design. In addition, we propose to invite trainers to conduct industry specific workshops for our students. For e.g. a workshop on merchandising or on selling skills.
Please describe the admissions process in brief.
Students are expected to download the admission form from our website, www.school.rustomjee.com and then submit it to the school office. We accept common competitive entrance examination scores. Short listed candidates are invited to a discussion and a personal interview round.
What would your newly admitted class look like in terms of experienced/inexperienced students?
We have offered admission to students with zero to five years of experience. So, the class will have an appropriate mix to make for invaluable lateral learning in the case study discussions. We propose to combine some of the modules for our post-graduate program along with our executive education programs so the class can leverage the network of a wider base of students.
Do you have residential facility? How do you help students from outside Mumbai with accommodation during the course?
We do not offer residential facility. Students who have been admitted to the program have received support from us in terms of finding rental or paying guest accommodation. Several out of State students have opted to stay with relatives. Since we are located in a densely populated residential area, we don’t foresee any problems for students to obtain accommodation.
I understand that RBS has just started out. What kind of help would you give students in finding jobs and internships? How much of the onus for finding these is on the students?
It is true Rustomjee Business School will launch its first batch in July 2008. However, we have been in the field of education for the past 10 years, and we reach out to more than 6,500 students through our various programs. We have a strong industry network, and we come with rich industry experience. We propose to leverage all of this to help our students find internships and final job placements.
I have authored a book, “All the Right Answers”, published by Macmillan, which aims at guiding young adults in their job search. We would provide students with resume writing workshops and interviewing skills training, and work at brining companies onto the campus for recruitment. Our efforts will be at 100% placement assistance.
How do you plan to grow RBS in the next 1-2 years?
We have acquired 160 acres on the outskirts of Mumbai to establish the Rustomjee University. We propose to shift our flagship business school programs to the new campus in a couple of years. The vision for Rustomjee Business School is offer specialized job-oriented programs with strong industry linkages. We propose to also offer undergraduate programs in retailing, and finance in the long term.