Pedagogy not only ensure that students learn their subject but also develop holistically, says Chairperson HCM programme

During an interactive session with Shiksha.com, Chairperson of Healthcare Management Programme at GIM - Goa Institute of Management Professor Arif Raza talks in detail about the curriculum, pedagogy and industry connect at the institute. He elaborates on the course design which involves case-based learnings so that students not only learn concepts but understand the practical aspects of it and can also put their learnings and management skills into practice when required. Raza has over thirteen years of work experience in health care industry and has a rich exposure to various hospital organizations and public health systems.

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: Based on the inputs received from various healthcare industry leaders, we designed a curriculum that embraces a higher proportion of application-based learning and practical exposure. About 40 per cent of teaching happens through field visits, project works and work assignments that students undertake both individually and as groups. Most courses involve case-based learnings where students get an opportunity to apply management skills to real-world situations. Pedagogy not only ensures that students learn their subject but also develop holistically in form of teamwork, time management, coordination, communication, imitativeness, problem-solving, etc. All these traits are extremely important to succeed as a business manager.

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

A: Most courses included in the programme curriculum are industry-relevant. We regularly take feedback from recruiters and industry and update the courses as per present and future requirements. In addition, several people from the industry teach the HCM programme at GIM, thus sharing the industry-relevant content with students. Summer internships, live projects, sectoral projects are few other opportunities for students to learn what the industry needs.

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

A: We look for the positive attitude and mental aptitude to take on the challenging role of managing complex healthcare functions. In addition, we look for a good academic track record, interest in pursuing management as a career and up-to-date with current world affairs in our applicants.

And, to perform well in the curriculum, they need to be regular and attentive during the sessions. In addition, pre-preparation before the class and self-study after the class is also important to grasp the concepts to the utmost detail.

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

A: As mentioned in previous answers, we maintain a strong connection with our alumni, recruiters and other industry experts. From time to time, we take feedback from them on what is happening in the industry and update our curriculum accordingly

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

A: We firmly believe that technology and innovation is the future of the healthcare sector. As a result, the entire programme is characterised by the inclusion of innovation and technology-related content. Entrepreneurship is an essential trait in a business management professional. Our campus encourages entrepreneurship in multiple ways. We have a student club that drives entrepreneurial skills in the student. GIM also has ‘Atal Incubation Centre’, to help those who would like to build their start-up idea. From HCM, many students have come out with entrepreneurship ideas in past.