A Classroom That's Class A Part

Learning experience is a lot about being around different people than just being with yourself.

Understanding The Need For Diversity Of Faculty In Business Schools

The need for diversity has become increasingly important in every aspect of human life, especially in the education sector. It is perhaps the awareness of this fact that is motivating leading business schools to ensure greater diversity among their faculty members. A diverse faculty ensures that the business schools are able to ensure a more diverse population of students opting to enroll for PG diploma courses. This, in turn, proves beneficial for their future careers as being taught by teachers from diverse backgrounds helps them to develop a truly global outlook. Some key benefits that business schools can provide to their students with diverse faculty members are discussed as follows.

It Helps In Increasing The Diversity Of Aspiring Students

Business schools having a diverse set of faculty have better chances of inviting applications from an equally diverse range of students. This is essential for creating a great learning environment, where the students learn not only form their teachers but also from their peers. In addition, it also helps in enhancing the popularity and goodwill of the business schools amongst prospective employers and industry experts.

It Provides A True Reflection Of The Real World

A diverse faculty provides a true reflection of the real world for the students on the campus itself. This makes it easier for them to develop the habit of working with people from different backgrounds and having diverse perspectives, especially when they are placed in a position of authority. The students pursuing a PG Diploma in Business Management are thus better prepared to handle the challenge of diversity that is likely to be an integral part of their future workplace.

It Makes Easier For The Students To Develop A Diverse Outlook

One of the key benefits of being taught by a diverse faculty is that the management aspirants learn to consider a problem from different perspectives. The unique outlook of every faculty member influences their teaching methodology besides impacting the overall learning experience of the students. The students also gain a better perspective of issues such as bias, sensitivity, and tolerance in real-world situations besides making them aware of the pitfalls and benefits of working with people who differ from them in various ways.

It Helps The Students To Become Better Team Players

The primary objective of business schools is to train the students for managerial positions, making it essential for them to imbibe the qualities of a team player in the students. This objective can be achieved somewhat effortlessly with the help of a diverse faculty. This is because the students learn to work and interact with people from different backgrounds through the entire duration of their training. They are thus better equipped with the right skills to work with different teams in a highly efficient manner.

It Proves To Be Extremely Appealing For Recruiters

Recruiters are increasingly seeking professionals having the competence and capability to work in a diverse environment. In this context, business schools offering a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management rendered by a diverse faculty are extremely appealing for such recruiters. They believe that the graduates from such institutes possess the right knowledge and the skills desired for a job post.

Effective Tips For PGDM Students To Keep Their Studies On Track

There is no denying the fact that pursuing a PGDM program can help enhance the career opportunities of aspiring candidates in a significant manner. However, in order to ensure this, the PGDM students need to stay focused and keep their studies on track for the entire duration of the course. This can be somewhat challenging as many students find the prospect of directing their own learning quite daunting. The fact that a majority of PG courses in India do not follow the structured learning approach of undergraduate studies prominent within the country tend to complicate things even further. Discussed below are some effective tips that can help students pursuing post graduate courses to stay on top of their studies.

Plan A Reasonable Study Schedule

It is important for the students to follow a proper study schedule from day one of their starting the course. However, many times the students become overzealous and create a study plan which might appear great on paper but is impractical and exhausting. This not only leads the students to suffer from study burnout quite early on in the course, but also causes them much stress. Hence it is important for the students to plan their study schedule in a realistic manner and after considering all the aspects that might impact the same in any manner.

Be Sure To Revise Topics Regularly

Continuous and regular revision of topics ensures that the students do not have to face too much stress and pressure at the time of exams. Regular revision of topics also helps the students gain a better understanding of concepts that they might not have been able to understand initially. Moreover, it provides them to clearly establish their strengths and weaknesses. This is extremely important as they can then focus on improving in areas that they might not be too confident about without leaving the task till the very end.

Start Working On Projects And Assignments At The Earliest

Leaving their projects and assignments for completion in the last couple of weeks is a common trend amongst students pursuing PG Diploma in Business Management or even other PG courses. This can cause them to lag behind in their studies due to the addition pressure they subject themselves to during the final weeks before exams. Hence, it is highly advisable for the students to start working on the projects and assignments as soon as these are assigned. This approach can actually prove beneficial as the research they need to do, can help clear their understanding of difficult concepts.

Take Time To Relax

Studying all the time can cause the students to become exhausted on physical, mental as well as emotional levels. This can affect their overall wellbeing and concentration as well as academic performance. That is why it is important for the students to take frequent breaks to feel relaxed and re-energized.

Understanding Need For Management Institutes To Foster Skills Of Leadership And Innovation

Amongst the various reasons that have made management education so popular is the fact that it ensures the development of an individual. This is because these courses do not just impart the necessary technical and conceptual skills that can help the trainees become successful managers. Rather the programs are designed to enhance the various life-skills that can take the students on a path of exceptional personal and professional growth. However, there are two key skills that the even the best PG Diploma courses need to imbibe in an extremely deep manner. These two skills are innovation and leadership, which can play a critical role in helping the management professionals to reach the heights of success.

Innovation And Leadership – What Business Organizations Expect

Business models today are undergoing a constant change and most organizations expect the management professionals to have an innovative approach towards problem solving. The companies expect these professionals to possess a flair for coming up with new ideas and executing them in the most efficient manner for assured business growth. At the same time the business organizations expect the management professionals to have developed an attitude of efficient leadership suited for mod-management roles, during the pursuance of the management program itself. Thus, the inability of the management graduates to fulfil these key expectations puts the very goodwill and competence of their certifying institutions under a dark cloud.

What Management Institutions Need To Do

The above facts make it quite clear that fostering innovative and leadership skills is no longer a choice but has become a necessity for management institutions today. However, the big question is how the institutes can go about ensuring the same. The best way to resolve this problem is for the institutes offering PG courses in India to first start assessing the challenges they face in fostering these skills. Only after gaining a proper understanding of these challenges, can the institutes work towards developing the most effective strategies to overcome them.

The other major task that the institutes need to work towards fulfilling is that of increasing their focus on integrating other related skills into the management course curriculum. This can be ensured in the following ways.

Teaching Using Real Life Scenarios

The faculty at these institutes should adapt a teaching methodology that helps in improving the skills necessary for promoting innovation and leadership amongst the students. They should also provide multiple real life scenarios, where the students can use their leadership and innovative skills for problem solving.  These sessions should be challenging enough to force the students to think out of the box and give them an opportunity to explore their leadership capabilities.

Seeking Guidance From Known Business Leaders

Another way of effectively imbibing the skills of leadership and innovation amongst students is by seeking the guidance of popular business leaders. Most students are naturally inspired by the management leaders in their respective fields. As such they are more likely to develop the habit of innovative thinking and leadership skills, if they learn about its significance from the favourite business leaders. The more interactive these sessions with business leaders are, the better benefits they can offer to the students.

Uncovering The Truth About The Most Common Myths About GATE Exams

Having a higher education certification in management can go a long way in advancing the career prospects of aspiring candidates in the modern times. One of the key requirements of enrolling for an MBA or even PG diploma courses is to pass one of the several qualifying examinations. The most common and perhaps even the most misunderstood of these exams is GATE. In fact, most students intending to appear for the GATE exam are known to face serious mental and even psychological issues in the months preceding the exam itself. This is mainly due to the various myths that come to be associated with this qualifying examination over the years. The most common of these myths and the truth behind them are discussed below.

GATE Is An Extremely Tough National Level Exam

Most candidates preparing for GATE exams are made to believe that it is extremely difficult to succeed in the same. However, the perpetuators of such ideas fail to understand that the exam is highly conceptual. This means that the exam aims to test the thoroughness of understanding of the various concepts within each subject. This makes the exam quite similar to any other qualifying exams that the candidates might have appeared for in the course of their academic career. Hence, if the candidates have gained a proper understanding of the concepts, they will not face any difficulty in passing the exam.

Solving All The Papers Of Previous Years Is Necessary For Assured Success

Most aspiring candidates tend to spend a considerable amount of time trying to solve as many previous years’ papers as they can. While solving previous papers can prove helpful, focusing solely on this method is highly unadvisable. Rather the candidates should divide their time equally for memorizing formulas, basic concepts and theories as well as practising with previous years’ papers. The candidates should especially pay attention towards learning concepts that might not have been covered in the exams for past many years.

 

It Requires Constant And Break Free Study For Months

It is not uncommon for the students preparing for their GATE examination to spend endless hours in studying and stop taking part in any other social and fun activities. However, this approach can prove detrimental in the long run as it can cause the brain of the candidates to become overloaded and also make them feel exhausted and stressed. In fact, most professional coaches for GATE advice their students to take regular breaks from study and spend some tome enjoying with family and friends. This helps in refreshing their brain and re-energizing them to resume their studying with full vigour and motivation.

 

Attempting Maximum Questions Is The Best Way To Gain Good Score

This myth is generated by the fact that having a good GATE score is necessary for gaining admission in the best institutions offering Post Graduate Diploma in Management. However, most students fail to consider the fact that GATE score is only one of the various criteria considered by the institutes for offering admission to the aspiring management candidates. Moreover, the candidates also need to pay attention to answering maximum questions, they should focus on getting maximum questions right. This will minimize diminish the impact of negative marking followed in the exam.

 

It Is Important To Thoroughly Study All The UG Subjects

The candidates registering for the GATE exam are provided with a detailed syllabus covering the various topics and concepts that the students will be tested on. This renders the aforementioned myth completely baseless as the candidates need to focus only on a couple of subjects from their UG courses. At the same time the students might need to work towards strengthening their analytical and reasoning skills as they form an integral part of GATE examination.

Behaviour Tips For New Management Students To Make Their Life Easier At College

Starting management education often proves to be an overwhelming experience for some students. Despite their prior exposure to campus life, they may find it difficult to adjust to the rigorous schedule of the higher education programs. This is more frequent in the students, who are resuming their studies after a gap. Discussed below are some key behaviour tips that can help the management aspirants make their PG Diploma courses easier and memorable.

 

·         Do Notpretend To Be Someone Else

The most important behavioural tip for new management aspirants is to be themselves. They should not try to adapt a pseudo personality simply to impress their peer and seniors. Adapting such an approach will lead to great mental and emotional stress besides making them less trustworthy. The fresher’s need to remember that they can win good friends with an honest and right approach rather than being desperate to become the hottest new student of the institute.

 

·         Volunteer In Various College Activities

Taking part in activities at campus is the easiest ways to socialize and make new friends. Showing an interest in such activities makes it easier for the fresher’s to meet new people and learn new skills as well. It also reflects the willingness of the students to contribute positively towards to the institute. New students can seek information about the different student bodies operational at the institute to learn more about voluntary participation in activities of their interest.

 

·         Attend Classes Regularly

In order to successfully complete the Post Graduate Diploma in Management certification, the students need to be extremely serious about their studies from day one. That is why they should make it a point to attend classes regularly. Every lecture and lesson is important and skipping even one lecture can make it difficult for the management aspirants to catch up with the concept being taught in the next class. Choosing to bunk classes can prove detrimental to the overall learning process of the students and can result in a significant downfall in their grades in the first semester itself.

 

·         Keep An Eye On The Budget

Most new management students dream of partying and shopping with fellow students. However, it is important for every student to keep an eye on their budget so that they do not end up losing all their money long before the month is over. Since management courses are quite expensive in terms of fees and accommodation, which leaves most students with limited funds for personal expenses. Even students belonging to affluent families should exercise caution before spending the money without proper planning.

 

·         Seek Help And Guidance From Teachers When In Need

It is common for students to come across challenges and issues on both personal and academic fronts during their orientation at college. In such cases, it is advisable to seek the help and guidance of teachers. This can help the students from making grave errors that can would complicate their situation. Teachers are well aware of the pressures faced by the new management aspirants and are eager to offer whatever help and support they can provide.

Analytical And Reasoning Skills For Candidates Aspiring For Post Graduate Courses

Analytical and reasoning skills form an important part of the competitive examinations for various post graduate courses in India. However, most candidates intending to appear for such exams are generally unaware about the best ways to prepare for these aspects of the competitive exams. Although there are several books available in the market that enable the aspiring candidates to practice their analytical and reasoning skills. However, in most cases such books might not take into consideration the changing trends in types of questions that are likely to come up in the competitive exams.  This challenge can be overcome by following the below given tips to succeed in these two areas and gain admission in their preferred post graduate course.

·         The first thing that aspiring candidates need to understand is that possessing good analytical skills in English and General Knowledge is extremely essential. This is because their level of competence in these skills often decides the ease with which they can crack the reasoning section and ensure their success in the exam. As such they should devote enough time towards honing their skills in these two specific subjects, especially when it comes to analytical and reasoning practice.

·         The candidates should also make themselves aware of the different types of analytical questions that might come up in their exam. In most cases the candidates are provided the basic information about the type of question they would be expected to answer as a part of the exam syllabus itself. However, it is still advisable for the candidates to practice other more common types of analytical and reasoning questions, even if these are not mentioned in their exam syllabus. Given the constantly changing nature of these questions, such practice might prove extremely beneficial in solving questions that are somewhat different than the routine.

·         The candidates should also make sure that they opt for the subscription of books, magazines and journals that provide enough practice material. In addition to helping in enhancing the essential skills of the candidates, these books, magazines and journals offer enough variation of question to prevent them from becoming bored and losing their interest. This type of study material can prove extremely beneficial during the initial phases of preparation for the competitive exams as during this time the risk of distraction amongst the candidates is quite high.

·         Another advisable option for candidates seeking admission in PG Diploma in Business Management or any other post graduate program is to enrol for special classes offering training in analytical and reasoning skills. These classes are designed to help the candidates in developing an aptitude for thinking with proper reasoning and analytics. These classes are generally of a short duration and hence can be easily adjusted in the study schedule of the candidates, while also helping them to strengthen their reasoning and analytical skills.

Essential For Candidates To Consider Before Opting For A PG Diploma Course

Pursuing a post graduate course can prove beneficial for the aspiring candidates in more than one ways. However, many times the candidates are not actually sure about why they want to pursue the course. Such candidates are either pressurized by their parents and acquaintances to undertake such courses or want to follow their friends into a common study program. Unfortunately, enrolling for PG Diploma courses due to any of the aforementioned reasons is definitely not a good decision. Rather the candidates should seriously consider the following important things before enrolling for such courses to gain the maximum benefit after completing the same.

Their Seriousness About Pursuing The Course

Even before considering the idea of enrolling for a PG course, the aspiring candidates should assess their own willingness and seriousness about pursuing the course. They should seek detailed information about what it involves and what to expect upon its successful completion. If the candidates find the course too difficult with respect to their competence and capabilities, it is better to look for an alternate option.

 

The Course They Intend To Take

Having established their intention of pursuing a PG Diploma course, it is essential for the candidates to reflect upon the exact program they would like to enrol for. With the various universities and institutes offering several different diploma programs at post graduate level in equally diverse fields, making the right choice might be somewhat overwhelming. The best way to overcome this challenge is by gaining in-depth information about what each different course has to offer and how pursuing it can help the candidates to further their career.

 

The Financial Aspects Of Completing The Course

Completing a post graduate program can put the aspiring candidates under great financial stress. As such it is advisable for them to consider the financial aspects of completing the course successfully. Most institutes offering the courses offer detailed information about the course fee and other expenses in their prospects. The students can also seek this information online from the institute websites. Most importantly, in case the aspiring candidates find themselves incapable of arranging the necessary funds, they can always opt to avail education loans for the same.

 

Eligibility Of The Candidates For The PG Course Of Their Choice  

This is perhaps the most important thing for candidates to consider before opting for a Post Graduate Diploma in Management course. Most institutes set stringent criteria about granting admission to prospective candidates. These generally include a good score in the competitive examination, an above average score in secondary and high school exams, and successful completion of a graduate level program. In addition, some institutions also require their prospective students to have a minimal work experience. However, this last rule might not be applicable for all post graduate programs offered by an institution, which can prove lifesaving for many candidates.

Effective Ways To Manage Stress While Pursuing A Post Graduate Program

Most people believe that pursuing a post graduate program is all about enjoying a great campus life and attending various college fests and events. However, even though all these things form an integral part of life for students pursuing a post graduate course, these are only a small part of the education process. In fact the biggest challenge that faced by PG students is that of managing stress, which forms an even greater part of their life. In fact all the aforementioned activities are designed to provide the candidates with some much needed relief from the excessive stress of their campus life. Discussed below are some ways which can help the students to manage the stress in an effective manner.

Master Time Management Skills

One of greatest causes of stress in candidates pursuing PG Diploma courses is their inability to keep up with the excessive coursework. The candidates often find themselves struggling to complete the different tasks assigned to them within the set deadline. However, the reason for this has more to do with the poor time management skills of the candidates rather than the allotment of excessive work. The candidates therefore need to work on their time management skills to ensure that they are able to keep up with the fast pace of learning. It also enables them to enjoy their campus life in a better manner.

Set Realistic Learning Objectives

The candidates pursing a PG course should set realistic learning objectives to help minimize their stress levels. For this they need to create and follow a proper study schedule which helps them stay regular while also leaving them with ample time to take part in other activities of their interest. The candidates need to be sure that they do not burden themselves with too much studying at a time as it will not only reduce their understanding and retention but also lead them to lose interest in their studies within a short time.

Take Time Out To Relax And Enjoy

The candidates pursuing a post graduate course should make it a point t take regular break from their study schedule. They can do so by either allotting themselves some free time each day or having a study free day at least once every fortnight. These breaks help in making the students feel relaxed and refreshed and take up their next study schedule with greater enthusiasm.

Be Focused And Attentive

One of the best ways devised by students studying in top PGDM colleges in Hyderabad to reduce their stress levels is to maintain their focus and attention. These students have found that being attentive during their lectures helps makes the entire learning process easier for them. In addition, being attentive also helps the students to stay focused, which proves beneficial to the students in the long run and helps them attain a better career perspective.

How to Drive Employee Motivation by Encouraging Ownership

One of the most important lesson you will learn in your PG Diploma in Business Management is how motivation can help you achieve the desired level of efficiency and performance in your employees. As a business leader, you are already responsible for a lot of things. You have to perform certain tasks as an important asset of the company at the same time keep your talented team motivated and upbeat on a daily basis.

You will come across a lot of management theories while pursuing your diploma from one of the Top PGDM Colleges in Hyderabad that will teach you how to keep your employees motivated at the same time urging them to work up to their maximum potential. While there are a lot of techniques of instilling motivation in your employees, one of the most effective technique is  encouraging ownership. Studies have shown that when employees have more autonomy at work, they are more satisfied with what they are doing and therefore they put in their 100% effort in the work resulting into increased productivity and a better performance.

So What Exactly Is Autonomy?

Joan F. Cheverie, manager of professional development programs at the higher education and IT nonprofit EDUCAUSE, writes “Autonomy is people’s need to perceive that they have choices, that what they are doing is of their own volition, and that they are the source of their own actions.”

In simpler words, it is a basic human nature not to obey orders. Every human has a tendency to rebel and thereby prefer to work in their own sweet way. Therefore a good manager is the one who allows his team to work whatever way they like as long as the work is getting done up to the mark and on time. This means letting go of  the control and make your team in charge of certain things. “Autonomy, in other words, is the antithesis of micromanagement.”

Cheverie says “Instead of focusing on the minute details, you now need to direct your focus to the goals and strategic objectives for each staff member. Let them take care of the minor details of meeting those expectations. If you are able to create autonomy while holding people accountable for stated goals and objectives, you’ll find that the details get done without your having to worry about them.”

You can encourage autonomy by doing the following.

1. Start With The Why - Why the work your doing is crucial for the company? The answer to this instills the employee with a sense of responsibility that if the work is not done due to any reason, the company is going to suffer and so will their future in it.

2. Allow Them To Speak Up - A good manager is the one who encourages a two way communication. Only then would you be able to achieve the sense of ownership in the employees as they would feel that they have been part of the work since the very beginning and that the work is not being imposed on them.

3. Leave The How To The Employee - Let them decide how will they achieve the task with an assurance in the background that you are there to assist them or support them if anything at all goes wrong. This sense of assurance creates a level of confidence that encourages the employees to take risk and work without fear.

4 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable To Your Organisation

The real competitive advantage in any business is one word only, which is “people”. — KamilToume, Writer & Thought Leader

Freshly out of your PGDM college, it is time for you to enter into the organisation world and make your mark. Where hard work and knowledge gained from PG Diploma courses are crucial, one thing that will help you and your company succeed is working towards constant self-growth and making yourself an important asset of your company. Here is a list of 4 ways to make yourself indispensable to your organisation:

1. The Power Of Relationships

Man is a social animal and life is all about making meaningful relationships. People make or break companies. People hire and fire people. Companies don’t perform these actions. It is important to work hard and be a competent and irreplaceable employee but you also need to be constantly likeable and try to fit in with the corporate culture. Maintaining a good relationship with the people who you work with, will increase your chances to get chosen for leadership roles or be part of groups within the workplace.

 

2. Over Deliver

In an organization, doing a tiny bit more than what is expected out of you will help you go a LONG way in the overall perception of your performance and would further increase your value. Even if he is not your direct manager, being proactive can help you make your way back to your superiors and create an impression that will last for a long time. Over-delivering or going that extra mile would help you establish yourself a thought leader and a responsible person that other people could look up to.

3. Expand Your Responsibilities

Expanding the second point further, it’s important to gradually expand your responsibilities as soon as the opportunity presents itself. There could be a new project coming up in the organisation or someone might be leaving the organisation and their role needs to be split up for the time being. Such opportunities are a great way to demonstrate your potential and establish yourself as a great leader. Volunteering to take on some of the additional work will position you as a team player, and will also make you a valuable and indispensable asset of the company.

4. Establish Your Expertise

This is an extremely important point that will not only make you an irreplaceable asset of the company but will also help you build your brand across the company. Becoming an expert at something would help you become an important part of the organization and will further make you an invaluable resource. In order to establish your expertise, participate in industry events, write articles for third-party publications, volunteer to carry out training programs and extend help to anyone who asks for it. A selfless help never goes unrewarded, especially in the workplace. It will help you become an expert leader and would create your brand in the company.

What Is Stepladder Technique And How It Can Affect The Group Decision Making In The Company?

Decision making is a difficult process and is even more challenging when made in a group. The probability of conflict in a group decision making is very high as the everyone’s approach to a problem can be different. Some people may fight for recognition thereby overshadowing others in the process whereas a few might become over-critical or disruptive. Yet another category could be the ones who go into complete silence thereby leading to a loss in terms of idea generation.

You will find yourself in similar situations many a times once you have completed a degree from one of the top PGDM Colleges in Hyderabad. Dealing with such a situation can be a good learning experience. In your PG Diploma in Business Management, there would be a lot of projects that you would be doing in a group and hence you might come face to face with such a situation. Dealing with it in the right way can actually work wonders for you.  The Stepladder Technique is a useful method for ensuring a seamless group decision making.

What Is The Stepladder Technique?

It is a simple tool that was Developed by Steven Rogelberg, Janet Barnes-Farrell and Charles Lowe in 1992. It manages how various members enter the decision-making group and encourages all members to contribute to the decision making process on an individual level before they get influenced by anyone else. This technique helps in creating a wider variety of ideas and prevents people from "hiding" within the group. It also protects people from being "stepped on" by other louder members of the group.

The Stepladder Technique has five basic steps.

Step 1 : Before starting the group decision making activity, present the problem to each member individually. Give them sufficient amount of time to think of the possible solutions to the problem in hand.

Step 2 : Form a small or core group of two or three members and have them discuss the problem.

Step 3 : Add an additional group member to this core group and let him present the ideas to the former group. Let them discuss all the options before coming to a common solution.

Step 4 : Add on another member and let them come to a common solution. Repeat this process till the time you have covered all the members in the group.

Step 5 : Come to a final decision only when all the members have gotten a chance to present  their ideas.

The Stepladder Technique is a step-by-step approach that ensures equal participation where even the most shy and quiet members of the group also get a chance to present their ideas. It helps you ensure that all the members of a group are heard and no potential idea got left out. In this approach all the possible solution are put on the table and discussed and weighed without any bias.