Building capabilities with research important says VC, JK Lakshmipat University

Same for engineering... What do you think will be the new age Engineering careers?

The engineering programs have grown phenomenally in the last twenty years or so. If we go by numbers then India produces the largest number of engineers. Again it is my opinion that our engineering and management education has become too narrow and we take pride in producing desk top technocrats and managers. We will have to reinvent ourselves. The new age careers may be expected in the areas of   environment, material sciences, medical and genetic engineering. Our schools will have to build capabilities through research in these areas.

As a Ph. D in Finance, what is the future of MBA in Finance & Accounts in India?

Finance has always been a discipline ahead of the curve in terms of research and innovation. A good finance graduate has always been in demand and it will stay that way. The Finance curriculum however will have to undergo a lot of change as global markets and institutions become more complex and sophisticated. A better understanding of risk management and markets by students will be a key of their future success. Business schools will have to invest more in research and procuring global data bases.

What career options would you suggest for students aspiring to pursue a career in Finance?

Other than corporate finance and banking the risk management area has been the fastest growing segment of the market. There will be more jobs created in banking in the years to come as financial inclusion touches the millions and helps credit markets to grow.  I expect the debt and derivatives markets also to expand in the years to come.

What should the students look out for in this year’s CAT question paper knowing that the paper will be set by IIM after so many years?

The exam paper was always set and overseen by IIM faculty. The only difference this year is going to be that CAT will be conducted over two days instead of ten days. I don’t see any change in the approach except that surprise element has been the hallmark of CAT over the years.

Any suggestions on how students should tackle the WAT (Written Ability Test) in the CAT paper?

No specific advice except they should attempt what they know. Time management has always been important in writing CAT.

Too much of supply and a declining demand vis-a-vis management schools in India. In 2014 alone, hundreds of MBA institutes had to shut down for lack of students. Your take on this?

There is still a large demand for a good MBA program in this country. The problem has been the quality and mushrooming business schools without adequate faculty. The students feel cheated, as there is very little value addition by many business schools. Good program will always and I believe there is always a space at the top.  

Also, the ROI on MBA education is declining, unless you are from a top B-School. How can we bridge this gap?

As I said it is the quality of graduates that matters in the end.  There has to be serious checks both at the input as well as at the output level. We need to prepare graduates for the market needs of today and tomorrow. And it is a serious business which many business schools do not realise.

What, according to you, should be the college selection process for students aspiring to take admission in MBA in 2015?

It is serious decision and they need to make it carefully. Other than buildings and infrastructure they need to carefully look at faculty and who are the people behind, and at leadership positions running the Business school. The reputation and capability of faculty, placement opportunities and industry interface are some of the important factors in making a choice of a school.  

What are the advantages of studying in JK Lakshmipat University?

We have a philosophy where academics become a means for achieving personal excellence. Our interactive and case based pedagogy and individual research projects offer enough opportunities to an individual to learn and grow in confidence as a professional. We have very close working relationship with many corporates at different levels of engagement. We guarantee preparedness for an exciting career.

What would you say, makes education in JK Lakshmipat University stand out from other institutions? (curriculum or industry connect or global exposure or any other thing)

We have all of these as our strength. Our curriculum is in line with the emerging trends in management and recruitment market. We are promoted by one of the oldest and most respected industrial houses. This offers ready opportunities for student projects and internships. We have tied up with seven major universities abroad and some of our students get opportunities to spend a semester abroad under student exchange arrangements.

Any initiatives taken by your university to ensure that your students are market-ready with the same skill set that the industry demands?

We make sure that our students are trained well and develop a broad based understanding of their profession. For this we regularly hold workshops and invite experts in different areas. We also make them do industry relevant projects so that they develop insights of their areas of interest. We also involve NGOs in our teaching learning model.