Badruka School of Management (BSM), an institute of Badruka Educational Society, is a distinguished B-school located in the heart of Hyderabad.
New Delhi: In a recent interview with India.com, Dr. Prabhu Aggarwal, Director of Badruka School of Management (BSM), shared his insights on the intricacies of the B-school landscape, focusing on how BSM distinguishes itself in today’s competitive era. He has also held key leadership positions in esteemed institutions, including Vice Chancellor at Bennett University, President (Vice Chancellor) at NIIT University, and Founding Vice Chancellor at O.P. Jindal University.
Badruka School of Management (BSM), an institute of Badruka Educational Society, is a distinguished B-school located in the heart of Hyderabad.
Here are the edited excerpts from the exclusive interview to India.com:
1. What the Indian higher education system lacks and what needs to be improved?
India’s higher education system is ranked third largest in the world in terms of students, next to China and the United States. While strides have been made in India’s higher education, several challenges persist. One significant issue is the quality of education. Despite the large number of institutions, the quality often varies, affecting employability and competitiveness globally. According to the National Employability Report, only 45% of Indian graduates are deemed employable by the industry standards. Additionally, there’s a gap between academic curriculum and industry requirements, hindering practical skill development.
Furthermore, infrastructure deficiencies hinder the learning environment. Many institutions lack modern facilities and resources, impacting research capabilities and overall educational experience. The UNESCO Institute for Statistics highlights low public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP, indicating a need for increased investment in infrastructure and faculty development. Moreover, access to higher education remains a challenge, especially for marginalised communities and people in rural areas. Despite efforts to promote inclusivity, disparities persist in enrollment rates and educational outcomes.
To address these issues, reforms focusing on curriculum modernisation, increased funding for infrastructure, faculty development programmes, and initiatives to enhance access and inclusivity are imperative. Collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers is crucial to drive these improvements and ensure India’s higher education system meets the demands of the 21st century.
2. What B-schools need to do to make the students industry-ready?
To ensure students are industry-ready, B-schools must blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. This involves fostering a holistic learning environment that incorporates real-world case studies, internships, and industry collaborations.
Firstly, curriculum updates are vital to reflect current market trends and demands. Incorporating interdisciplinary subjects like data analytics, digital marketing, and sustainability management equips students with versatile skills. Secondly, hands-on experiences through internships or consultancy projects provide invaluable exposure to industry practices. These opportunities bridge the gap between academia and the corporate world, enhancing students’ adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, fostering soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership is crucial. Workshops, seminars, and mentorship programmes aid in honing these skills, making students more employable. Recently, BSM also organised a mentorship session in Vijayawada to help young management aspirants make informed choices about their careers.
Lastly, nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset encourages innovation and adaptability. Initiatives like startup incubators or entrepreneurship courses empower students to create opportunities in the dynamic business landscape. We, at BSM, have introduced BSM IGNITE, a business case competition which offers a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into growing ventures.
By implementing these strategies, B-schools can produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also well-equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving industry landscape.
3. Your views on the traditional model of teaching vs the new pedagogy.
You know, when it comes to teaching, there’s the old-school way and then there’s the new approach. The traditional model, with its lectures and textbooks, had its time, but nowadays, we’re all about shaking things up with a more hands-on, tech-oriented approach.
Studies have shown that when students are actively involved in learning, such as through problem-solving activities or group projects, they remember and understand more. There’s this cool meta-analysis that found students do better on exams and are less likely to fail when they’re actively engaged in learning. And let’s not forget about technology – it’s everywhere! By using online resources, simulations, and virtual labs, we can make learning more interactive and personalised. Plus, it’s way more engaging for students.
But the best part of this new pedagogy? It’s all about teaching students skills they’ll use in the real world, stuff such as critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. These are the skills that employers are looking for, and we’re all about making sure our students are ready to tackle whatever comes their way.
4. What does it take to establish a B-school with international standards in India?
Establishing a B-school with international standards in India requires a multifaceted approach encompassing several key factors. Firstly, accreditations from government bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is a crucial step to build international standards, as it validates the institution’s quality and ensures alignment with global standards. Secondly, recruiting faculty with diverse backgrounds, including industry experience and international exposure, enhances the institution’s academic rigour and relevance.
Investments in infrastructure and technology are paramount to create a conducive learning environment and facilitate innovative teaching methodologies. Collaborations with renowned international universities foster exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and faculty development, enriching the academic experience and global perspective. Curriculum design should emphasise practical application, case studies, and experiential learning to equip students with the skills demanded by today’s dynamic business landscape.
Finally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement through robust quality assurance mechanisms ensures sustained excellence.
India witnessed a surge in B-school enrollment, highlighting the growing demand for quality management education. Keeping in mind the same, BSM is backed by a global faculty pool with credentials from esteemed institutions worldwide, including Kellogg, Wharton, and NUS, as well as renowned Indian institutions such as ISB and IIMs, the programme offers a cutting-edge curriculum. This mix of expertise not only enriches the learning experience but also provides students with invaluable insights into global best practices and emerging trends. Establishing a B-school with international standards not only meets this demand but also positions India as a global education hub, contributing to its economic and intellectual growth.
5. How is BSM different from other B-schools?
In the fast-paced modern world, the importance of contemporary PGDM programmes, infused with Essential Skills and Perspectives (ESPs) and practical industry exposure, cannot be emphasised enough. The curriculum encompasses niche courses in Sustainable Businesses, Design Thinking, and Digital Businesses, ensuring students develop a comprehensive skill set tailored to the evolving demands of the workforce.
BSM offers five specialisations – Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Data Analytics & Digital Technologies. Emphasising experiential learning, students engage in live industry projects, corporate mentorship programmes, and a mandatory three-month internship, equipping them with real-world insights and practical skills.
BSM offers Essential Skills and Perspectives (ESPs) courses, and multidisciplinary 10-hour short-term courses integrated into the curriculum to ensure students are well-prepared for the workplace. This includes a comprehensive curriculum spanning critical areas such as critical thinking, problem-solving, persuasive writing, presentation skills, business analytics, ethics, diversity management, geopolitical dynamics, leadership, and AI applications.
The programme offered at BSM equips students with vital knowledge, adaptability, and comprehensive skills necessary for maneuvering through today’s intricate professional environment. At BSM, we prioritise innovation, technology adoption, and the development of a diverse skill set, distinguishing us within the industry. Our programme acts as a catalyst not just for academic achievement but also for moulding individuals who are fully prepared to succeed.