AFRAID you too will be just another MBA grad? Don’t worry, because Dr Alby Anand Kurian, who has been featured among the top thirty marketing people from around the world, makes a case for MBA at the Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS), a not-for-profit institute. He is the module leader for marketing, strategy and international business at the institute and he tells us why for the MBA grad, the world holds several opportunities.
Challenges facing MBA education
One of the challenges business schools face is the melding of the academic world with the business world. I remember joking that professors of advertising from some institutions would not last more than a day in the world of real advertising. Only a few MBA programmes construct the delivery of its syllabus around the real corporate world. Even while it does that, the latest global theories and concepts are taught. A strong theoretical foundation is important as it is easy for managers to lose sight of tested strategies. Integration of a theoretical foundation with it’s nuts and bolts is necessary to makes the student a truly effective professional.
The global economy
The global economy is improving steadily. If we say that China is slowing down, that just means that they will not have the meteoric growth of the past few years. Their growth rates are quite respectable, by any standard. The USA is clearly on its way back. India too is on track to be a global economic force which opens many opportunities for the MBA graduate. At a few centres, Indian students learn that they can source raw material and manufacture products anywhere to sell all over the planet. They gain international exposure, one of the reason being that the institute has teachers, students and staff from over 82 countries!
World-class brands
Next, India needs to create brands that conquer the global marketplace. We should strive to become the factory of the world, like China. We can surpass China if we create global brands. At colleges like MDIS, we provide them with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the skills to make this happen.
Industries most demanding of MBA graduates
The online space is certainly calling out to a number of graduates. This is where most of the exciting events happen and this trend is here to stay. The traditional sectors too, like banking and finance, continue to attract. We would be happy to see them become entrepreneurs as Indian students have all the necessary qualities to do so. Now, we are equipping them with the knowledge and skills to be global entrepreneurs.
A message to B-School students
This MBA programme instills an analytical way of thinking. Beyond that, it teaches you how to put your thoughts into action, how to surmount obstacles and achieve your goals. Our lectures are like discussions and we encourage all students to actively participate in them.
Reach out: mdis.edu.sg