Creating Differentiation in PGDM/MBA Curriculum

Abstract

At most of the management institutes PGDM/MBA course content and its delivery have been reduced to a standard service. In terms of number of class contact hours, specializations offered, number of courses covered, topics covered in each course, recommended text and reference books, number of hours devoted to each course and process of evaluating performance, there is hardly any difference in PGDM/MBA programs offered by various institutes. In order to produce “employable MBAs” it is necessary to impart a minimum level of knowledge in students and help them in skill development process. However, in such a parity environment, only those institutes that can generate and deliver higher value to the customers (read ‘recruiters’) will prosper. Higher values can be generated by continuously improving operational excellence thereby impacting favourably cost, quality, speed and flexibility. Higher values can also be created by continuously improving the course content and aligning them with industry requirements. A private management institute has successfully implemented differentiation strategy by focusing on course content and delivery. Over past five years the institute has introduced many innovative changes like making Supply Chain Management as a core paper; introducing unique courses like Management Tools in Business, Business analysis, Simulation and Modeling; discussing research papers as part of the course; stressing use of Excel, SPSS and Solver as analysis tools; improving the rigour of the foundation course; comprehensive viva-voce; blind evaluation of papers; involving industry experts in selection of fresh batches, evaluation of students and course content alignment. These changes have influenced placement results and helped the institute to improve ranking among other business schools.