Mohanraj T S is a graduate of Business Administration and his core passion has always been education, and he has garnered more than two decades of experience in this field. He has been exposed to various responsibilities throughout his line of work; from executive strategy, talent management, sales, and marketing, to operations planning and execution. That has allowed him to generate cross-disciplinary insights, and enhance cross-departmental performance. He has many years of advanced team-building skills behind him and has successfully inspired sales and corporate relations teams to meet targets and achieve high-performance objectives.

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GIBS B School

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept, which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

GIBS is at the forefront of advanced education in India, offering an AICTE-approved PGDM program. This program is unique in its integration of the Post Graduate Program in Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship (PGPIRE) with traditional management education, providing a dual specialization. Our PGDM program is not just a course; it's a transformative experience where students are encouraged to think innovatively and act entrepreneurially. This approach ensures that GIBS graduates stand apart in a competitive global market. The curriculum's balance between theory and practical application, combined with our Finishing School's CPMP Program, provides students with the skills and mindset needed to excel in diverse business environments. The program's success is further evidenced by our recognition as one of the top business schools in India, known for our refined quality of learning and intellectual support.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

The GIBS PGDM program is distinguished by its blend of academic rigor and practical relevance. Our program is driven by a philosophy of ‘Learning by Doing,’ ensuring 50% practical exposure and 20% fieldwork. This approach is enhanced by our unique Corporate is a Customer (CIC) Model, which aligns our curriculum with the evolving needs of the corporate world. The involvement of over 25 esteemed faculty, 30+ visiting faculty experts, and interactions with 50+ CEOs & and CXOs enrich the learning experience. Our dual degree and specialization options, coupled with the innovative IRE School, provide a comprehensive and versatile education. This holistic approach, combined with state-of-the-art infrastructure and vibrant student-driven societies, makes our program a standout choice for students seeking a top-tier business education.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering? 

At GIBS, our best practices in the PGDM program revolve around a student-centric learning approach. We emphasize collaborative peer learning, which is complemented by our industry-aligned Finishing School's CPMP Program. The program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to engage actively in their learning process. Our faculty, averaging over 15 years of professional experience, use innovative teaching methodologies, including value-added programs (VAPs) and subject matter expert (SME) sessions. These practices are bolstered by regular industrial visits and a global immersion program, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the business world. This multifaceted approach ensures that our students are not only well-equipped with theoretical knowledge but are also adept in practical applications, making them ready to excel in the competitive business environment.

What are some valuable insights into the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

One of the most valuable insights of the GIBS PGDM program is its focus on equipping students with a practical understanding of business operations. This is achieved through our unique Learning-doing model, which emphasizes hands-on experiences. Our curriculum is designed to make theoretical knowledge more concrete and relevant, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios. Another insight is the integration of the PGP-IRE certificate program, which focuses on developing tangible product prototypes, thereby enhancing students' entrepreneurial and innovation skills. Additionally, the program emphasizes academic research, allowing students to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field of innovation, research, or entrepreneurship. This multifaceted approach ensures that our students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop the skills necessary to innovate and lead in their professional careers.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our PGDM program at GIBS is designed to prepare students for the future by integrating innovative teaching methodologies and a forward-thinking curriculum. We emphasize global exposure and a deep understanding of international business practices, ensuring our students are ready to operate in a global business environment. The program's focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, backed by the IRE School, equips students with the skills to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. Our approach to education is grounded in real-world applicability, with 50% practical exposure and 20% fieldwork, preparing students to tackle future challenges. The inclusion of the Finishing School's CPMP Program further ensures that our students are not just academically proficient but also possess the soft skills and professional acumen required in the modern corporate world.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

To effectively deliver our innovative PGDM program, we at GIBS have invested significantly in the training and development of our faculty. Our educators, many of whom are IIM alumni with over 15 years of professional experience, are continuously exposed to the latest trends and practices in management education. This is achieved through workshops, seminars, and engagement with industry experts. Additionally, our faculty members actively contribute to over 100 GIBS publications, ensuring they stay at the forefront of academic research. This continuous professional development helps our faculty integrate contemporary business scenarios into their teaching, making the learning process more relevant and impactful for students. The diversity of our faculty, including full-time members, visiting experts, and international trainers, brings a rich variety of perspectives to the classroom, enhancing the educational experience for our students.

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program? 

At GIBS, we build strong industry connections through our innovative CIC model, where corporations are seen as primary customers. This approach ensures that our curriculum and training programs are aligned with industry expectations, making our graduates highly valued in the job market. We facilitate this connection by engaging with over 50 CEOs, CXOs, and founders, providing students with networking opportunities and real-world insights. Our students also benefit from regular interactions with over 200 guest speakers and 25+ practitioners, which keeps them abreast of the latest industry trends. This strong industry linkage is further strengthened by our 100% placement record with over 160 renowned recruiters, showcasing our commitment to producing industry-ready graduates. The integration of practical exposure, fieldwork, and industry visits into our curriculum ensures that our students receive an education that is both relevant and practical, preparing them for successful careers in various sectors.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

Incorporating the PGDM program at GIBS involved addressing several challenges. A key challenge was balancing academic rigor with the practical demands of the business world. To tackle this, we developed a curriculum that provides an equal focus on theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Another challenge was staying abreast of the rapidly evolving business landscape. We responded by continuously updating our curriculum and engaging with industry leaders to keep our program relevant and forward-thinking. Additionally, integrating the innovative aspects of our program, such as the IRE School and the CPMP Program, required a revaluation of our teaching methodologies to ensure they aligned with our goals of fostering innovation and entrepreneurial mindsets. Overcoming these challenges has been a testament to our commitment to providing a top-tier business education, preparing our students not just for their careers but to be leaders in their respective fields.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this Program?

In the GIBS PGDM program, students engage in a variety of projects that are designed to mirror the complexities of the real business world. These include case studies, business simulations, market research, and consulting projects. An important aspect of these projects is their focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, as part of the IRE School initiative. Students work on developing ideas into viable business plans and prototypes, culminating in the submission of a research paper and presentation at the IRE Conference. This hands-on approach not only enhances their learning but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills. Additionally, the inclusion of practical projects and industrial visits as part of our ‘Learning by Doing’ model allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, further enriching their educational experience. These diverse project types ensure that our students are well-prepared to tackle various roles and challenges in their future careers, equipped with a robust set of skills and a deep understanding of business operations.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Graduates of the GIBS PGDM program benefit from a comprehensive education that opens doors to a multitude of career opportunities. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, coupled with our strong industry connections, ensures our students are highly sought after by top recruiters. Our 100% placement record with over 160 MNCs speaks to the quality and industry readiness of our graduates. Career options post-course are diverse, ranging from roles in finance, marketing, human resources, and operations to positions in information technology and business analytics. Additionally, the entrepreneurial skills honed through the IRE School and CPMP Program prepare students to launch their ventures or take up leadership positions in start-ups. The global exposure provided by the program, along with the strong alumni network, further enhances the career prospects of our graduates, preparing them for successful careers in both national and international arenas.