Our students’ theoretical knowledge is aptly supported by the IRE and finishing school classes, says Prof Nazia at GIBS

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Professor Nazia Sultana R at Global Institute of Business Studies talks at length about the andragogy teaching methodology. She goes into detail explaining the importance of adult learning. She believes students are groomed for their overall effectiveness while in finishing school, including goal setting, image management, language mastery, and aptitude for personal interviews and group discussions.

Professor Sultana is a psychologist with over 14 years’ experience in the HR domain, especially in the learning and development space. 

Read the complete interview below.

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: GIBS B School uses andragogy methodology, which highlights the importance of adult learning. The classes are tuned to the practical application of the theory, frameworks, and models to the corporate world. Case study analysis, role play, simulation, etc. are used to help the student comprehend the nuances of applying the theories in real practice. This is further enhanced by various activities that the college invests in, like the Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship (IRE) classes, Finishing School, and Business Mastery Program.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: Our students’ theoretical knowledge is aptly supported by the IRE and finishing school classes. In IRE, students investigate the realm of innovation through concepts such as Design Thinking and creative problem solving, investigate the feasibility of these ideas through research and personal entrepreneurship journeys, and learn the ins and outs of running a startup. Students are groomed for their overall effectiveness while in finishing school, including goal setting, image management, language mastery, and aptitude for personal interviews and group discussions. The main objective of finishing school is to bridge the gap between preparation and aspiration.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: They must be eager to learn and willing to challenge themselves, not only academically, but also with a desire to excel and achieve their career goals.

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up-to-date and meets industry requirements?

A: The curriculum is designed by industry experts who have vast experience not only in academia but also in the corporate world. Thus, the course design is continuously upgraded to meet the current and future standards of the workplace.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science, and entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A: Yes, our initiative with IRE is one of the best examples of inculcating in our students the awareness of being innovative, analyzing risks and benefits, and venturing into their own business ideas in the future. As part of the Business Mastery program, the students also have to establish their own business idea, which can be