Times of india ratings

PhD admissions in Alliance Academy

   

LNM IIT

 

IIT-K grads can secure two degrees in 5 years

Kanpur: The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur will be the first IIT in the country to introduce a new concept of awarding two graduation degrees in a time span of five years to its students. This concept will be introduced in the academic session 2011-12.
The decision to this affect will bring to an end the five-year MSc integrated programme presently being run at the IIT. Instead, the changed approach will give rise to a much integrated 4-year degree course called Bachelor of Science (BS). Any student interested in taking an extra graduation programme will have to indicate his/her wish anywhere between second to sixth semesters of his/ her current graduation course. Based on the candidate’s performance in the present engineering course and the credits gained, the IIT-K will give individual student an opportunity to pursue an extra engineering course. Thus, in a period of 5 years, the individual student will have two graduation degrees in his/her kitty.
“Suppose a student pursues BTech in electrical engineering also has a keen interest in the mechanical branch, he/she will be able to pursue his graduation from the mechanical stream as well,” explains IIT-K director SG Dhande.

UK to slash foreign student visas by 100,000 annually

British Home Secretary Theresa May would reportedly announce that the number of foreign student visas issued annually would be slashed by 100,000.

May would also announce scores of measures to deal with fake colleges and tighten the rules, including restrictions on those wanting to study at below degree level, The Telegraph reports.

The government would also reportedly cut down on a controversial scheme in half, which allows thousands of foreign graduates to stay on after completing their degree to look for work there.

The British government has reportedly planned to take such actions after it was revealed that one in seven foreign students in the country are studying in fake private colleges.

Whitehall sources are of the opinion that the move, along with other measures like a tighter English language requirement, will cut the number of students arriving in the UK each year by 80,000.

The paper quoted a Home Office spokeswoman as saying that the students’ immigration has doubled in the last ten years, adding that most of them use the facility to work and not study in that country.

“This Government recognises the important contribution that international students make to the UK’s economy, and to making our education system one of the best in the world. But it has become very apparent that the old student visa regime failed to control immigration and failed to protect legitimate students from poor quality colleges,” she said.

“Too much trust has been placed on largely unregulated colleges and too many people used to come as students but were primarily working, not studying. We want to refocus the system as a temporary route, available to only the brightest and best,” the spokeswoman added.

satges of phd

By iisc

After the meeting with advisor:
Debugging your own code:
Attending a lecture:
Attending a talk suggested by your advisor:
Experiment succeeds:
Advisor on leave:
Semester ends:
Paper accepted:
Experiment fails:
Why did I choose this advisor?:
Before exam:
Failure in comprehensive exam:
Paper rejected:
Advisor praises:
Everyone else goes for a trek and you have to stay back:
7th year of PhD:
Review comments on the final report asking you to rewrite 3 chapters and add 2 new:

Top 12 MBA entrance tests!

Gone are the days, when aspiring management professionals merely wrote CAT.

AIMA-MAT (MANAGEMENT APTITUDE TEST)

ManagCar (in February, May, September & December) by the Centre for Management Services (CMS) division of All India Management Association (AIMA). It is as a credible, comprehensive and single window test for admissions to different postgraduate management programmes. The application form for MAT is available for Rs. 1050.

Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university. Final year degree course students can also apply.

Test Pattern & Selection: MAT has two formats: Offline test or Computer based test both of 2 ½ hours. Candidates can opt for either one of these based on their convenience. There are five papers in MAT: Paper 1: Language Comprehension, Paper 2: Mathematical Skills, Paper 3: Data Analysis, Paper 4: Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, Paper 5: Indian & Global Environment Section, each comprising of 40 questions for a total of 200 Questions.

The MAT score tells you the relative position of the candidate with respect to the other candidates (percentile), there is no final percentile in MAT, instead a final composite score is given. Candidates can use this score to apply to various management institutes which accept MAT scores.

 

Website:

www.aima-ind.org

 

ATMA – AIMS TEST FOR MANAGEMENT ADMISSIONS

ATMA has been approved by the Ministry of HRD of the Government of India for admission on All India basis to the MBA/PGDM and other postgraduate programmes like MCA. Around 140 MBA institutes accept ATMA scores for admission to various management programs. The application form for ATMA is available for Rs. 950

Eligibility: Candidate must have completed their graduation from a recognized and authorized university.

Test Pattern & Selection: ATMA 2011 test contains 170 Questions spread over six sections comprising Analytical, Verbal and Logical Reasoning. Each section is timed separately. Total time of the test is 3 hours. A candidate has to undergo the selection process of the institute to qualify for the admission to the PG programmes of the institute after declaration of the result of ATMA.

Website: www.atma-aims.org

 

CAT (COMMON ADMISSION TEST)

Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most popular MBA entrance test and is held annually for admission to postgraduate management courses in all the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and various other management institutes. IIMs offer around 2700 seats in various management programmes & other than the IIMs, 165-odd institutes admit students based on CAT scores. Every year more than two lakh students appear for CAT. The application form and information bulletin is available for Rs. 1400.

Eligibility: A candidate should have atleast 50% or equivalent CGPA in Graduation.

Test Pattern & Selection: Since 2009 CAT is a computer based test of 2 ½ hours. CAT has multiple choice questions from the following sections: Data Interpretation and logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Comprehension. Candidates are expected to perform well in all the three sections as there are separate cut-offs for individual sections as well. Each correct answer will be awarded 1 or 2 marks & for each wrong answer, 1/3rd mark will be deducted.

CAT website will list the names of the candidates shortlisted for interviews by IIMs for PGP. Each IIM will send interview letters to the candidates it has shortlisted. The criteria for shortlisting vary from IIM to IIM. Other management colleges have different cutoffs for various courses. Candidates can apply to the colleges individually with the CAT score and then convert the call by going through a rigorous round of group discussion and personal interview.

Website: www.catiim.in

IBSAT (IBS APTITUDE TEST) IBSAT is an aptitude test conducted by the Federation of Universities (FedUni), for students seeking admission into the management programmes. The application form is available for Rs. 1200 and the test is held all across India in about 100 centres in various cities.

Eligibility: Graduates (any discipline) in English medium with 50% and above aggregate marks.

Test Pattern & Selection: IBSAT is for 2 hours duration and is aimed to test the applicants’ ability in quantitative techniques, data interpretation, data adequacy, vocabulary, analytical reasoning and reading comprehension. The results of the IBSAT are hosted online on www.ibsat.org. The details of the score (in terms of percentiles) obtained in the test is intimated to all applicants.

Website: www.ibsat.org

ICET (INTEGRATED COMMON ENTRANCE TEST)

The Integrated Common Entrance Test (ICET) is the common entrance examination for admissions to Master of Computer Application (MCA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) by Universities in Andhra Pradesh. ICET is conducted by any one University in Andhra Pradesh. ICET 2010 was conducted by Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. The application form is available for Rs. 250.

 

Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree Examination of not less than 3 years duration in any discipline with Mathematics at 10+2 level.

Test Pattern & Selection: The test is of 2 ½ hours duration and consists of 200 questions of 1 mark each in the following topics: Analytical, Mathematical & Communication Ability. The qualifying percentage of marks in the Entrance Test is 25% (i.e. 50 marks out of total 200 marks)

Website: www.icet2010.net

 

FMS (FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES)

FMS is one of the premier management institutions in India which conducts its own Entrance Test. The application form is available for Rs. 750.

Eligibility: 3-year Bachelor’s programme with an aggregate of minimum 50%.

Test Pattern & Selection: There is no prescribed syllabus or format for this multiple-choice test which has 200 questions to be attempted in 120 minutes. So the most important factor in FMS entrance is speed & accuracy. The tests usually comprise the ollowing basic areas: Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical & Logical Reasoning. Students will receive both total percentile rank and sectional percentile rank scores in FMS. To be shortlisted students should have atleast 50th percentile rank score in each section of the test in FMS results.

Website: www.fms.edu

 

IIFT (INDIAN INSTITUTE OF FOREIGN TRADE)

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was set up in 1963 by the Government of India as an autonomous organisation to help professionalize the country’s foreign trade management. Today it is one of India’s most prestigious business schools. Last year approximately 63,000 candidates applied for just 180 seats. The cost of the application form is Rs. 1500.

Eligibility: Recognized Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration in any discipline.

Test Pattern & Selection: The entrance examination is of 2 hours having objective questions from the following sections: 1. English Comprehension, 2. Logical Reasoning, 3. Quantitative Analysis, 4. General Knowledge & Awareness. The candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of their scores in the entrance examination. The shortlisted candidates will be called for Group Discussion, Interview and Essay Writing for final selection.

Website: www.iift.edu

 

JOINT MANAGEMENT ENTRANCE TEST [JMET]

Joint Management Entrance Test (JMET) is the first step in the process of admission to the 2 year full-time PG degree programmes in Management offered by the IITs. Currently IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee offer programmes in Management. The application form is available for Rs. 750.

Eligibility: Candidates with Bachelor’s degree in any discipline of Engineering/Technology or a Master’s degree with first class or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized Institute/University with at least 60% marks

Test Pattern & Selection: The test is of 3 hours duration and consists of 120 questions (objective/multiple choice type) in the following sections: Verbal Communication, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation. The results of JMET provide a basis to each participating institute to shortlist potential candidates for conducting its own selection processes like, Group Discussion/Interview etc for the final admission.

Website: www.web.iitd.ac.in/~gate/jmet

MAH – MBA/MMS CET (MAHARASHTRA MBA COMMON ENTRANCE TEST) Maharashtra – MBA/ MMS – Common Entrance Test (MAH MBA/MMS CET) is conducted by DTE, Maharashtra for admission to postgraduation management degree MBA/MMS and PGDBM/PGDM courses in Government, University Managed and Unaided institutes of Maharashtra. The application form is available for Rs. 1150.

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration with minimum of 50% marks.

Test Pattern & Selection: The Entrance exam will be of 150 minutes duration consisting of 200 objective type questions. Questions will be from the following topics: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical/Abstract Reasoning. There is no negative marking in the examination. The cut-off mark in MAH-MBA/MMS-CET 2011 is 30 marks out of 200. In case of All India CET the cut-off in the percentile in these CET is equivalent to percentile corresponding to 30 marks in MAH-MBA/MMS-CET 2011. Successful candidates are shortlisted for group discussion and personal interview.

Website: www.dte.org.in/mba

NMAT (NARSEE MONJEE MAT)

NMIMS was established in 1981 by Narsee Monjee Educational Trust. It was awarded ‘deemed to be university’ status by the UGC in 2003. NMAT is conducted by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai for admission to various specialised courses in MBA. The application form is available for Rs. 1650.

Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree (10+2+3) in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum 50% marks.

Test Pattern & Selection: The NMAT is a computer based test of 2 hours duration consisting of multiple-choice questions where the candidate needs to select one of the correct answers. The sections in the NMAT-2011 are Language Skills; Quantitative Skills, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency; and Logical Reasoning. The final merit list will be prepared on the basis of the NMAT Score, Written Test marks (as applicable), Group Discussion, Personal Interview, Presentation (as applicable) and work experience. The selection will be based on merit.

Website: www.nmims.edu

SNAP (SYMBIOSIS NATIONAL APTITUDE TEST)

Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Test is a common written test for the admission to all the Post-Graduate Institutes of Symbiosis International University. Written test is mandatory for admission into any Postgraduate programme offered by the constituent institute of Symbiosis International University. The application form is available for Rs. 1550. Candidates will need to apply to the individual one or more Symbiosis colleges separately.

Eligibility: To apply for SNAP a candidate should be a gradudate with atleast 50% marks in graduation.

Test Pattern & Selection: SNAP Test is of 2 hours duration and is an objective test with each question having 4 responses. Candidate should choose an appropriate response. Each wrong answer attracts 25% negative marks. The four sections are: General English, Quantative Aptitude, General Awareness, Logical & Analytical Reasoning. Candidates from the first stage will be shortlisted on the basis of SNAP score for Group Discussions and thereafter they will appear if shortlisted for Personal Interviews.

Website: www.snaptest.org

 

XAT (XLRI)

For more than 60 years XLRI has been conducting admission test on all India level to select the most appropriate students for management education. There are more than 70 plus Management Institutes which use XAT scores for selecting students. There are 33 cities in which XAT exam is conducted. The information bulletion and application form is available for Rs. 900. Other prominent institutes which accept XAT are : S P Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai, Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar and Loyola Institute of Business Administration, Chennai

Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree (10+2+3)in any discipline from a recognized University

Test Pattern & Selection: XAT has three sections – ‘Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VA)’, ‘Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation (QA)’ and ‘Analytical Reasoning and Decision Making Ability (AR)’. The time given to attempt these three sections is 120 minutes. In addition, one is evaluated on an essay which one is supposed to write in the next 20 minutes after finishing these three sections. A common merit list is declared and a candidate may apply for a maximum of three programmes. Those who apply for multiple programmes may be called for multiple interviews and/or group discussions. And selection criterion and cut offs vary across different programmes.

Website: www.xlri.net.in

3 levels of B-Schools

THE essence of my critique of current MBA programmes in general is captured by this couplet by Akbar Allahabadi.

 

Taleem jo di jaati hai humein uff kya hai faqt bazaari hai Jo aqal sikhaai jaati hai who kya hai faqt sarkari hai

In the context of management education in India, the IIMs need to take a bulk of the blame for the current state of unimaginative curricula that trails the needs of society by a generation! Before sharing a few examples about the good work done by a few private institutions in this space, I would like to categorise the present curricula and its delivery by diverse colleges as per a schema of my own, I would put them under three levels.

Level 1: Inertia-driven

These are the courses that are victims of ‘inertia’. They are offered and taken because they have been offered and taken for decades. No one complains. The professor knows it by heart. It can easily be couched as ‘a must’ and the ‘tamasha’ continues. My own reading is that over 70 per cent of the courses and teachers fall in this category. Chances are that these teachers at the IIMs are drawing more from the IIM brand than the IIMs drawing from them.

Level 2: Market-driven

These are usually courses that are market-linked. Typically, this is an outcome of the professors’ or the institute’s competence and working linkages with the industry outside. These constitute about 15-20 percent of the courses offered. The professors who run these would command respect from the industry or companies. They would be happy to partner for curriculum development, research and case writing collaboration and so on. MBA, being a real world education, has to be at least at this level. While this category would come close to being cutting edge for management, it still falls short of being inspiring and transformational.

Level 3: Thought leadership-driven

This is the category of original research where the world is waiting to eat out of the hands of the researcher, professor or/ and institution. This category looks at management and leadership education that is needed for tomorrow. ‘Core competence’, a renowned concept by the late C.K. Prahalad falls under this category and Fortune 500 companies will spend the next decade to learn and follow this “mantra”.

Imagine him teaching a 25-year-old face-to-face. Mind-blowing, isn’t it? Isn’t that the benchmark that the self-proclaimed top guys should aim to better? Professors or teachers such as the late Sumantra Ghoshal, Ramnath Narayanswamy (Indian Institute of Management Bombay ), J Ramachandran (IIMB), Anil Gupta (IIMA) and Indira Parikh (Flames) fall under this category.

What is special about the level-three programme?

The core attribute of a level-three programme is the deep and original insight that it carries from the understanding of the human psyche or the society, at large. The emphasis is to understand it ab-initio in the current context and covert these insights into a body of knowledge that can be structured, fleshed out and taught to a learner. “Thought leadership driven programmes look at management and leadership education needed for tomorrow”

Applying this model in India

In the context of India, we transformed from being an administered society to a managerial society about two decades ago. However, India is fast emerging as a society of entrepreneurs in diverse ways. The ethos of democracy coupled with the economic well-being is throwing up opportunities like never before in the history of mankind. In this context, entrepreneurship and personal leadership-linked programmes and offerings rank very high in my ratings. Shining examples from private B-Schools

The family business programmes by S.P. Jain almost a decade ago is a shining example of an institute demonstrating this thought-leadership which continues to be of greater relevance even today. At least 90 percent of the economy is driven by the unorganized enterprise run by an individual or a family! Makes sense?

The work done by ISB to go after the aspect of management education for the working professional and even senior management is another role model example of what was done successfully with deep insight. Continuing education or back-to-education was the mantra for ISB. Works wonders and IIMs followed suit. I would think the work done by Wellingkars over the past decade too is praiseworthy here.

The wholesome development at Flames (Under Prof Indira Parikh) and Symbiosis (under Prof Pillai) are two shining examples and the students’ gratitude to them is the best testimony of these level-3 courses and programmes. The focus on personal growth is worth emulating for any other institute worth its salt.

Similarly, the focus on entrepreneurship at IWSB (Greater Noida) has begun to find mention and I believe this to be a level–three programme.

The work being explored by SOIL (Anil Sachdev) and Great Lakes (Under Prof Bala) are other examples of new-era and original think outcome, in my view.

IIMs – Bring the inspiring guys back into the class room

It would be unfair to categorise IIMs as non-innovative. However, that these marquee institutions need to move from the current 10% of the courses being in level three to about at least 50% of them to be in that area. The market-savvy courses could be left to the lesser mortals in the management education space by the IIMs and they would do well to bring back the top-notch professors who do exist on the campus but do not find it motivating to offer any courses for the PGP programmes. For instance, if Ramnath (Ramnath Narayanswamy), Sundi (S Sundarajan), IR (Indira Rajaraman), RamC (J Ramachandran) teach the PGP batches in my own alma mater (IIM Bangalore), there is no way anything is going to be anything less than level three.

Conclusion

Aaj mujhse hazrat e naaseh yeh jalkar keh gaye Aasman se ab farishtay aayenge taalim ko – Daag

Entrepreneurs are optimists and incorrigibly so! I am no exception and would like to end on a note of hope. The above couplet by ‘Daag’ shares his optimism about a near future when our education would be so inspiring that the ‘farishtay’ would want to come down from the skies to be learners in our world. Insha Allah (by God’s grace), we will get there!

IIM Lucknow

Scope and specialisations in MBA

Niche MBAs

JAYANTI GHOSE LISTS ALL THE MBA SPECIALISATIONS AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU CHOOSE WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU

Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees provide students with the knowledge of how people and processes operate within organisations and the wider environment affecting those organisations. The MBA programme includes subjects as human resource management, project management, leadership, change management, legal studies, information technology, accounting, international business, e-commerce, marketing, communication management, and many more.
MBA provides access to management cadre jobs in a variety of industries and organisations. The interdisciplinary nature of an MBA is considered to be its strength for those wanting to manage organisations in a holistic manner. Students have the opportunity to pursue either a general management program with different specializations as part of the MBA programme or they can take up a specialised MBA programme.
MBA SPECIALISATIONS
Agribusiness Management would lead to jobs in micro finance, agricultural input companies, food processing industries, rural marketing, international agricultural trade, commodity exchanges, rural financial institutions, market research in agribusiness and NGOs engaged in rural development.
Aviation Management is designed to equip the aspiring manager with specialized domain specific skills like ground handling, cargo, aviation safety and fleet management, regulatory management, fuelling management and allied issues relevant to the aviation industry.
MBA Banking grooms the student both in the theoretical and practical aspects of domestic and international banking.
MBA Biotechnology leads to placement in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, agricultural, food and dairy, bioinformatics and bioservices companies and industries.
Communications/ Media management
offers concentrations in Brand Management, Account Planning and Management, Marketing Research, Media Management and the emerging disciplines of Public Relations, and Broadcasting, Design and Retail Communications.
Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management helps to develop skills in successfully initiating, expanding and diversifying a business enterprise; develop family business successors as enterprising and knowledgeable owners of the business of their forefathers.
Finance Management provides highly specialized knowledge in the areas of financial planning and analyses, foreign exchange risk management, fund positioning and budgeting, covering topics like international financial management, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, options and futures and corporate governance. It positions students not just for popular careers such as investment banking and hedge fund portfolio management, but also for all businesses and industries.
Insurance Management
programmes focus on developing competence in management of risk through fundamentals of Insurance with specialization in management of insurance company, underwriting and risk management.
MBA Healthcare
programmes provides students up-to-date knowledge of the dynamic healthcare sector and relevant management skills to face new healthcare challenges, such as increasing organisational effectiveness, improving cost control and maximising resources utilisation.
Human Resources Management focuses attention on human resource planning, human resource information systems, selection, performance management, training and development, compensation administration and fostering harmonious employer-employee relationships in the framework of state regulations
MBA Infrastructure programmes provide specialized training in the concepts and skills involved in the infrastructure service delivery, regulatory process, and competition policy, as well as helping the managers understand regulation from technical, economic, social, legal and political perspectives.
Information Systems Management
provides information support to managerial decision-making. It is crucial for effective implementation of the planning and control functions in an organization. Systems Management specialisation allows students to develop precisely these capabilities by offering a balanced mix of courses in planning and managing of IS and fundamental understanding of ICT.
MBA IT provides knowledge on all the disciplines of management with focus on Information Technology and may offer students the option of electives in functional areas of Finance, IT or Marketing.
International Business Management programme aims at providing a comprehensive coverage incorporating all the important areas and disciplines relevant to international business activities.
Marketing Management focuses on understanding the market, the consumers, the marketing models and approaching different situations with winning marketing strategies for the organisations. It prepares students for a career in strategic marketing, brand consultancy, product management, international marketing, advertising, direct marketing, consumer relations and sales, among others.
Oil & Gas Management programme develops human resources for the petroleum and energy sectors, improving the knowledge base of policy makers and technologists enabling them to compete in the global arena.
Operations managers get placed in service organizations involved in banking, transportation, insurance, and the government, as well as in manufacturing firms involved in producing industrial and consumer products.
Retail Management is aimed at turning out professionals well-trained to handle Retail Store Operations, Retail Selling Skills, Consumer Buying Behavior, Franchising, Retail Law, Buying & Merchandising, Category Management, Visual Merchandising, International Retail and Retail Strategy.
Pharmaceutical Management provides inputs on pharmaceutics, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product management, brand building, new project launch and sales force management, IPR, drug regulation, international marketing, thus creating a pool of skilled competent industry professionals.
Port & Shipping Management leads to employment opportunities in the field of logistics and shipping, packers, movers and transporters, international shipping majors, and heavy industries dealing with high volume of inflow and outflow of goods and commodities.
Power Management is aimed meet the huge requirement of Power Managers in the Ministry of Power in its massive efforts of attaining self-sufficiency in the power sector and to run the Indian power sector companies, energy, green technology, infrastructure and allied companies on commercial lines.
MBA/ equivalent in Tourism & Travel provides insights about tourism and allied industries to equip students for managing tourism at different levels, and to harness its varied benefits. Placement would be in airlines, tour and travel companies, transport services, travel agencies, travel portals, and semi-governmental tourism organisations/ agencies.
EMPLOYABILITY
A general MBA with a functional specialisation such as marketing, finance, human resources, etc provides access to jobs across all industries and organisations. Graduates of all backgrounds can use this type of full time MBA for broader employment opportunities.
MBA with a sectoral/ industry specialisation such as banking, biotech, pharmaceutical, aviation, etc usually leads to jobs in specific fields only. For someone with an industry/ sector specific background of education and/ or experience, and interest in capitalising on that in the future, MBA with sectoral/ industry specialisation works best.