All of our programmes have the goal of preparing students to be lifelong learners, says Prof Pavan, PGDM-GIBS

Prof. Pavan Kulkarni, PGDM department at Global Institute of Business Studies, talks in length about the curriculum design in an interview with Shiksha.com. He goes into great depth regarding the centre for extraordinary learning experiences, which includes faculty members who are actively engaged in academic research. GIBS recognises the current market demands and strives to prepare students to be industry ready.

Pavan Kulkarni is an MBA in Marketing and Healthcare Management from Acharya Bangalore Business School (ABBS), affiliated with Bangalore University. He has over 4 years of academic and research experience.

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: One of the main purposes of GIBS has always been to improve an aspirant's employability. The programmes are underpinned by research, have a solid curriculum, and are taught by faculties who have received their education and training from some of the country's greatest educational institutions. The academic infrastructure at GIBS is currently on par with the best in the world. We are committed to making GIBS a center for exceptional learning experiences, with faculty actively involved in academic research. Given the socioeconomic circumstances of our country, we feel GIBS has a unique role to play in improving the employability of young Indians and assisting the economy in gaining a competitive edge. All of our programmes have the goal of preparing students to be lifelong learners.

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

A: The GIBS Business School is distinguished by a number of unique characteristics. GIBS is proud of its exclusive industry-centric approach, which understands the industry's requirements and prepares students accordingly. In today's world, the industry is involved in institutional governance, student selection, programme design and delivery, and faculty research. Our students become job-ready as a result of their participation in various innovative programmes. GIBS has partnered with industry to create specialised research and training facilities, such as the IRE School and the Finishing School. GIBS also focuses on the development of cognitive, interpersonal, and execution skills, as well as building the learner's foundations. As a result, we've had a great deal of success with placements.

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 have defined a skill-set and we like to see a glimpse of these skills in a student. These skills include impactful leadership, innovative thinking, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork, a solution-oriented approach, global awareness, realistic career planning, and entrepreneurial ability.

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

A: The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) at GIBS Business School is a two-year full-time management programme. It covers a wide range of management-related topics. From a management standpoint, the curriculum emphasises key skills such as decision-making. There is a dedicated team of full-time faculty in key management disciplines and functional areas of management. A panel of distinguished management specialists and senior practicing managers from several sectors of management also serves on the Institute's board of directors. The Institute's close proximity to India's commercial capital is a plus. All these have leveraged GIBS' connection to business leaders, prominent alumni, and a huge number of distinguished visiting faculty.

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

A: We work hard to stay updated with industry expectations, and we provide the knowledge, skills, tools, and practices to match those demands. Our knowledgeable professors hold management positions and thus contribute real-world expertise to the classroom. At GIBS, we believe in educating and enlightening the youth in order to help them improve and become self-sufficient.

The GIBS IRE School (Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship) is a full-fledged, action-based learning avenue. Every Friday, students actively participate in the IRE school, which includes an Innovation Lab, a Research Lab, and an Entrepreneurship Lab. Through events, workshops, expert sessions, and other means, the IRE School prepares and equips first-year PGDM students in the areas of innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. The evaluation will be based on the student's innovative approach, concept, real-time research, and business plans. IRE ensures the development and execution of these plans by collaborating with business leaders.

GIBS finishing school focuses on bridging the gap between our students' talents and the demands of the industry. We ensure that our students are well-prepared to begin a successful career at their ideal company. Corporate professionals and trainers provide career advice to all of our students. To prepare them for their interviews, the GIBS finishing school offers a variety of activities and courses.