The preparation of the industry transpires with the people of the industry, says Prof. Deepak at GIBS

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Professor Kumar Sai Deepak at Global Institute of Business Studies talks at length about the learner-centered teaching methodology. He goes into detail explaining the complete approach which includes 30% theory, 20% fieldwork, and 50% practical. Practical training includes assignments, case studies, video tutorials, live projects, role-plays, B-quizzers, E-quizzers, and group discussions that help students become industry-ready

Professor Deepak has over 13 years of teaching and working experience. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. During his teaching experience, he has served in five educational institutions in South India where more than 6,000 students have benefited from his expertise in HRM, Systems, and General Management subjects.

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' learner-centered method is a unique process that provides a new dimension to the teaching system. Faculty and students are completely part of the process. The process is composed of 30% theory, 20% fieldwork, and 50% practical. Practical training includes assignments, case studies, video tutorials, live projects, role-plays, B-quizzers, E-quizzers, and group discussions. We try to give maximum practical training to the students and, hence, give them an opportunity to join the industry. The classroom has also been made so practical and interactive that students can express themselves freely. As a faculty, I always believe in giving new challenges to the students. Due to this, they are able to enhance their abilities and improve their understanding.

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

A: The preparation of the industry transpires with the people of the industry. With the help of our core group, which is large and combined with extensive industry experience, we are able to provide practical education to the students. Through virtual and physical meet-ups, we regularly connect with top people in the industry. The knowledge transfer is always helpful to the students.

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 come across hundreds of applications. It is always challenging to create a good pool of trainees. We consider this aspect from the very beginning and select students by keeping them within our set parameters. We focus on the attitude and potential of the students. We also accept such students who have potential but have not yet flourished. We try to nurture every talent to the fullest by keeping the students in the right environment.

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

A: It has been GIBS' specialty to regularly update the curriculum to match the requirements of the industry. Having a good group of industry experts makes such updates easy. A closer look at the emerging opportunities makes it easier to define skillsets. GIBS molds the curriculum according to these skills. It is due to the nature of regular revision that our curriculum appears to be the best match for the industry.

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

A: In this aspect, our college belongs to the top league. The amount of effort GIBS is putting into innovation, technology, science, and entrepreneurship is rarely seen in any other business school. Workshops are held weekly at GIBS, where students connect directly with industry experts. Students share their ideas, and then they get a chance to convert their ideas into reality under the guidance of industry experts. In this process, they get all possible support from the college and faculty.