Friday, March 12, 2010

Future managers should put theory into practice

The pursuit of success unfolds many challenges and choosing right career option is the first step towards meeting them. However, a few understand that it's not the end but a beginning. Certain careers beckon students for their good job prospects.

Management education is one of the most sought after options today. Aspiring MBA set their eyes on getting a toehold in the best business school. However, the industry professionals say students are under a wrong notion that entry into a premier management institute makes things easier for future. More than teachers, infrastructure or syllabus, it is perception that makes the best business institute stand out. Management is not just a lucrative career option but it's an attitude, the experts feel.

Students should understand the whole concept, says Dr (Capt) Chitale, dean, department of management sciences, University of Pune. "In order to become good managers, students should know what management is. It is part of every walk of life. Many aspirants have some vague idea about management. There are sub-options like finance, human resources, marketing, IT, communications and so on in the management field. Students should zero in on the branch they would like to pursue. When one is clear about one's goal, it can be approached easily," Chitale adds.

According to him, management schools should act more as academic institutes. "They give knowledge and create a solid foundation. Nowadays, many of them appear acting more as placement agencies. The syllabus is more or less industry-centric but all that matters is its implementation. There are certain things, current affairs for instance, we cannot incorporate in the syllabus. B-schools should organise seminars and workshops on issues like global warming, terrorism, budget and the like. Management is required everywhere, right from home to traffic to governance. These could be good lessons for budding managers," he says.

Students should not be learning the basics after joining jobs, he feels. "Proper orientation is needed. Many of them can't recollect in the fourth semester what they learn during the first. If they want to succeed, they should think beyond jobs. Most industries are not happy with today's management school products. Why have any disparity between needs of the industry and education?" he wants to know.

Putting theory into practice will take students far, he opines. "Perfect application of theory is crucial. Learning process continues all through the life. Management education is mere preparation and real learning starts with experience. They should hone their skills and get the basics right. Basically, why should one learn for getting jobs? If we study to build competence, success follows," Chitale says.

Good business schools should develop students' ability to think and anaylise, he says. "This is what management is all about. That's why it is called an attitude and way of life. Let students learn the basics and rest assured. B-schools should focus on this ground reality," Chitale avers. 

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