Curriculum is designed to bridge gap between campus and corporate, says Dean

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dean and Professor of Xavier Business School Dr Soma Sur talks about industrial connect as the most important aspect of quality education today. To justify the same, she mentions about the institute’s pedagogy and initiatives undertaken such as regular workshops, seminars, live projects that help students learn beyond classroom. Dr Sur has rich academia experience of over 25 years and her research papers have been published in several renowned international and national journals and books.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: What are the three things that St Xavier University is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from competition?

A: An institute differs from its competition in context to teaching pedagogy and opportunities offered to students. At Xavier Business School, we-

• offer a two-year fully residential MBA programme that teaches students self-management and versatility in real life.
• aim to maximise industry interaction for the students. For every new batch, we begin the curriculum with a three-day industry orientation with industry stalwarts. They facilitate seminars, workshops, G-talks and entrepreneurial meets regularly.
• emphasise not only on classroom teaching but also focus on learning beyond boundaries. We give students scope to apply the concepts learned through case studies, assignments, presentations, group projects and industry visits. In live projects and practical environment. 

Q: What are the top three initiatives undertaken by you that are helping your students become more industry-ready?

A: We take continuous steps and initiatives to make our students to industry-ready, However, here are the top three initiatives that have proven to be effective:

• Different progammes and one-to-one sessions with Behavioral Science experts are organised to train the students about communication, emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. It helps students to develop the right attitude and orientation required for the corporate world
• In addition to the eight-week summer internship project in leading organisations across various industries such as, ITC, Dabur, Kellog and HDFC, the students are given exposure to live projects, both social and corporate.
• The curriculum is designed in a way to bridge the gap between the campus and the corporate, taking valuable inputs from the industry. It is delivered by faculty members with rich experience in both industry and academia.

Q: What are the key attributes that a student should have in order to-

• Qualify for your institution
• Get top grades in your institution

A: To qualify for admission in Xavier Business School, the applicant must fulfil the eligibility criteria-

• Minimum 50 per cent of aggregate in full-time undergraduate programme in any discipline
• In the case of SC, ST and Christian candidates, 45 per cent aggregate will suffice.
• Candidate must have a valid score of any nationally accepted qualifying exam for MBA admissions such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT and CMAT.

Eligible students are then called for written aptitude test, group discussion and personal interview round where they are evaluated on the basis of:

• Good verbal and written communication
• Domain Knowledge
• Analytical skills
• Interpersonal skills and Qualities of a Team player
• Innovative mind
• Eagerness to learn

We emphasise more on student-oriented curriculum and continuous evaluation. Is not only about good grades but students must also inculcate knowledge. For that purpose, the student must be-

• Active in classroom response
• Able to apply the theoretical concepts
• Hard-working
• Regular in classes
• Able to research on the concepts taught in class to have deeper understanding
• Active in co-curricular activities to showcase skills and keep mind fresh

Q: Which programme would you say is your best? What is it that helps your institution differentiate itself for this programme?

A: Xavier Business School of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata offers MBA Program. The programme is residential in nature and it ensures maximum involvement and participation of the students and the Faculty members in the different activities. Students must also make the best use of infrastructural facilities such as library, computer labs, gym, sports facilities and food court.

Q: What are you doing to improve/drive better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your university/college (observed over the past years at SXUK)?

A: Placement cell works continuously throughout the year. Organising workshops, seminars , conventions driven be industry leaders is also a focus point. This helps students gain insights of current developments in industry.

The placements of the first batch of MBA students of Xavier Business School has been phenomenal. The recruiters of the final placements and the summer internships include Deloitte, PWC, EY, ITC, Dabur, Philips, Berger, Goodricke, HDFC, Bajaj-Alliance, Edelweiss, Godrej& Boyce and many more.