A MBA has for decades been one of the most coveted qualifications for young men and women all across the world. Accordingly, B-schools and universities have been undertaking to prepare students with the expectations that these graduates shall fulfill the ever changing needs and aspirations of the industry and society. However, the increasingly fast pace of change renders this education and training susceptible to becoming quickly outdated, if not downright obsolete.
The educators have realised this aspect of change and accordingly introduced modifications and innovations in the curriculums of the programmes leading to MBA degrees. Most institutions are now focused on leveraging their education to make their students effective instruments of societal change rather than simply solvers of business problems.
Since business is inextricably linked with all other aspects of human life, exposure to real and practical complexities, be it in society or business, is the most formidable way to prepare students for the unexpected disruptions in their business, social and occupational life. Contemporary case studies are therefore a very potent and effective way of preparing pupils to handle disruptions with a reasonable sense of anticipation, probability and prediction.
In addition, an effective MBA programme does demand an array of socio-cultural skills including, amongst others, exposure to IT skills, and preferably knowledge of a few foreign languages.
Liberal education anchored MBA programmes like the one at FLAME University go a long way in preparing students for the disruptions of an uncertain and fluid world order complicated by stark economic disparities, complex global ties, cross-cultural values and divergent goals.
Liberal education makes students understand that the tools and techniques of a single discipline cannot do justice to the understanding of a complex world. Essentially therefore, an MBA anchored in liberal education helps students understand the interconnections and linkages between various streams and solve problems as a whole instead of in pieces.
One of the most important aspects of today’s business education is the project-cum-case study method. Multiple projects including case studies across areas of specialisation not only result in more practical and efficient methods of research but also grant students valuable insights that help in improving their understanding of various concepts, issues and problems.
Finally, instruction through interdisciplinary courses across diverse disciplines teaches students how to balance theory with practice, knowledge with skills, assumptions with precepts and research with innovation. Emphasis in the areas of negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution with a sound grounding in quantitative skills equips students better to deal with the disruption of business, life and society.
The liberal education ethos of FLAME University and its avowed mission of societal upgradation requires students to constantly adhere to the recurring but unwavering theme of giving back to the society. Therein lies the promise of their human abilities and professional capabilities to positively influence the world that we inhabit.
Guest Author
The author is vice chancellor, FLAME University
