At ABBS, we use a more scientific teaching methodology that differentiates us from other colleges, says Dr Rajesh-ABBS

Professor ABBS, Dr Rajesh C, talks about the key aspects of the ABBS teaching style in an interview with Shiksha.com. To assist students become industry ready, he discusses inquiry-based instruction, story-telling, skill-based learning, and activity-based experiential learning.

Dr Rajesh Chandrashekar has worked with companies in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing space in India and China. He has a total of eight years of Industry Experience and six years of teaching 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: At ABBS, we use a more scientific teaching methodology that differentiates us from other colleges.

1. We use Inquiry-based instruction (including case studies) coupled with Technology (TCS LX, MS TEAMS and ICT classrooms) that makes our pedagogy facilitating for the Professional development of MBA students
2. Story-telling is one way we inculcate creative thinking among students
3. Skill-based Learning is imbibed in all courses we teach
4. Activity-based experiential learning makes students industry-ready.

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

A: At ABBS, we provide three projects to students namely:

Social Responsibility Project: Helping students to understand a social issue of their choice and laying the foundation for carrying out the field study. This also prepares students for preparing business plans enabling them to become social entrepreneurs

Internship: a four weeks’ project opportunity to understand organisations and work on a minor problem area

Dissertation: a 45 days’ project opportunity for students to work on their specialised area with a focus on a problem

These projects gives students Practical Knowledge.

ABBS has a systematic programme of developing student communication skills through ‘Communication Mapping’ and ‘Book Reviews’. Each student is provided with Daily Newspaper subscription which improves their current affairs knowledge. ABBS provides certification courses to showcase a students’ additional skills. ‘Mentoring’ (faculty members as mentors are allocated to each student) to overcome their weaknesses. Resume-building activities (online and offline) are conducted in regular intervals to make students' interview ready. The time management ability of the student is improved due to strict timings and deadlines. Networking with industry through guest lectures, alumni meets, alumni connect (a unique programme where alumni interact with current students) enhances learning. National and international immersions provided to students help in absorbing global perspectives.

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

A: At ABBS, we believe that every student has a uniqueness which makes them special. Surely we look into the Uniqueness of each student like a student’s True enthusiasm towards business studies, the ability of Good oral and written English, his/her Independent thought, team player attitude, collaborative mindset, dedication and perseverance. Most importantly, we also look for a student’s commitment towards the course before we really select a prospective student.

The important qualities which will help a prospective student to emerge as a successful MBA graduate are Adaptive Thinking, Communication and Collaboration Skills, Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills, Personal Management, Technology and Empathy.

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

A: At ABBS we have a strong AAB (Academic Advisory Board) and PAQI (Program Assessment and Quality Improvement Cell) which has industry and alumni representatives, who provide insights into the latest requirements of the industry. This helps us to enhance the value of the Course Curriculum. Our high attainment levels of Course Outcomes and Programme Outcomes leading to the attainment of PEOs (Program Educational Objectives) are proving that we are meeting the industry requirements by making our students’ industry-ready.

We provide Skill Enhancement courses such as Advanced MS Excel and Business Analytics as subjects adding value to students. Feedback from the placement department is considered in regular intervals and ABBS had Designed and delivered many Short-time value-added programmes to supplement the gaps of Changing Industry expectations and university curriculum.

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

A: At ABBS we have EDI (Entrepreneur Development Cell) which coaches students towards becoming successful entrepreneurs. EDI publishes Monthly Newsletter which covers the latest happenings in the Business world and emerging areas and opportunities. At ABBS we have an Incubation center which helps students to develop Business plans and help in raising funds.

Yes, in terms of Technology usage, ABBS has an ERP system and LX (Digital Learning) platform from TCS called TCS-iON. Our B School has subscriptions to the latest software and databases such as J-gate and Proquest which enables students for better learning.

Bangalore being a technology Hub, Students are exposed to new technologies and we experience this when faculty members and students bring in new Science and Technology concepts to the Classrooms and Incubation center.