The Institute has well equipped Corporate Resource Centre (CRC) which is working on 3-I model, says Dr Kumar

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Professor of Information System Dr Anant Kumar Srivastava at Asia-Pacific Institute of Management, New Delhi talks at length about the outcome-based learning teaching methodology which is a perfect blend of theory and practical sessions through interaction-based learning. The faculty at Asia Pacific Insitute of Management believes in an experiential learning system where students learn by doing and hence, the faculty leaves no stone unturned to facilitate a quality learning experience to students.

Dr Kumar is a PhD degree holder from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, and has more than 20 years of experience in teaching and academic administrations of management and engineering colleges.

Read the complete interview below

Q: What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

A: Teaching Methodology at Asia-Pacific Institute of Management, New Delhi is based on outcome-based learning. It consists of a blend of theory and practical sessions through interaction-based learning. The trimester-based system incorporates lectures, seminars, research projects along with the followings:

• Case Study and Analysis: Every course is supplemented with relevant case analyses from the industry. It is based on understanding management concepts with extensive discussions among the students where the professor plays the role of facilitator. It helps in enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills among graduating students
• Experiential Learning: Students of the Asia-Pacific Institute of Management takes various projects during their study. The objectives of these projects are to develop real-world business and industrial perspectives and challenges. Students are required to identify the problems and research them. With this, our students learn the application of management concepts beyond the traditional classroom settings
• Team-Based Activities: Working effectively in a diverse team and leading the teams are important aspects for successful management professional. Interpersonal skills, communications and understanding the deliverables of the tasks are critical for success in team management. Students at the Asia-Pacific Institute of Management get the chance to work and learn in a team when they complete the assignments and projects. The assignments are given to students at an individual level as well as in groups also.
• Course of Independent Study (CIS): Asia-Pacific Institute of Management is having a credit-based system that is flexible with the choices of courses from a large pool of specialisations. During their study, students can undertake one issue of industry or business organisation to have an independent study under the guidance of faculty or mentors from the industry.  With this, our students are able to understand the problem of organization within the selected industry, research & getting it validated and coming out with suitable acceptable solutions.

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

A: The Institute has well equipped Corporate Resource Centre (CRC) which is working on 3I (Institute, Industry Interface) approach. It is headed by experienced persons from the industry. We are preparing our students to be industry-ready with the following activities

• Interaction Sessions with the experts from Industry
• Industrial visits
• Real-Time Short Duration projects
• Team-based assignments
• Role Play
• Debates and Discussions
• Personality Development Sessions
• Industry Analysis Projects
• Certification Coutrses

Q: What quality do your students have which other college students lack?

A: Our Students are equipped with the required levels of skills and competency as per the expectations of the industries when they complete their programme. Specifically, our students are having followings:

• Positive Attitude towards work and profession
• Life-Long learning Approach
• Adaptable for the changes
• Willing to take challenges
• Sufficient levels of competencies
• Effective decision making
• Tech Savvy and Innovative
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent Interpersonal Skills
• Ability to work in Team
• Leadership Skills
• Managing in Risks and Uncertainties

Q: Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?

A:  Yes, the curriculums of all PGDM programmes at Asia-Pacific Institute of Management, New Delhi are designed scientifically and vetted by experts from the industries. It consists of a blend of teaching, experiential learning and personal transformation modules for achieving the objectives of management education with professional ethics. The academic processes are rigorous enough on the following aspects to achieve the objectives of professional education.

• Continuous Evaluation
• Credit-Based System
• Project-based assignments
• Seminars Presentations
• Research work presentation
• Lab modules to enhance practical skills

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

A: Yes, the Asia-Pacific Institute of management is very much receptive to innovations and technology acceptance. We believe that innovations drive quality and it must be fostered in the teaching-learning processes of a good academic institution. We have a centre of Innovations and Entrepreneurship to organizes various events and promote technology-based startups.