» How does Management Education help carve a niche in the age of cut throat competition?

The Business Environment is changing rapidly and becoming Global with increased competition.  Good Management education provides adequate knowledge and skills to deal with various situations in Business/ Enterprise effectively.

How does IIFT act as a catalyst for new ideas, concept and skills for internationalization of the Indian economy?

Our MBA (International Business) Degree Programme has created a niche.  With the economic liberalization, Indian economy is becoming global and the MBA (IB) Programme at IIFT has become quite relevant to Indian Business environment with focus on subjects related to International Business in the course content IIFT also gives special attention to the overall development of the students.  The Social Awareness Programme at IIFT, which is a new initiative and compulsory for two year full time MBA (IB) students help them to become a good citizen and a socially responsible Manager/ Leader.

» Recession and unemployment have become as familiar as the house we live in. What is IIFT doing to let it not affect its students?

Despite economic slow down, IIFT has achieved 100% Placement of its students of two year full time MBA (IB) Programme of both Delhi and Kolkata centers in 2009.

2008-09 was a tough year globally. Meltdown of the markets led to layoffs across sectors all over the world and most organizations seemed to be putting their growth plans on hold. The signs looked ominous for the recruitment season across B-schools, but IIFT rose to the challenge, achieving 100% placements for its students. This year IIFT added 20% more recruiters to its previous year’s numbers. In times like these, when very few companies were recruiting in large numbers, IIFT stood out for its diversity of recruiters across various sectors, and the variety of profiles being offered. The placement process witnessed participation from the top companies across diverse sectors. A total of 62 companies made final offers to the students including industry leaders like ITC,
Colgate Palmolive, Nomura Holdings, Coca Cola, M&M, Bharti Airtel, Titan, Bajaj Auto, Cargill, Tata Motors, Axis Bank, ICRA, Eli Lilly and Vodafone; who recruited students for various roles like marketing, sales, corporate finance, treasury, operations, logistics and international business. Over 38 companies, who had not visited campus previously, participated in the recruitment process this year.

» What do you feel of the ever-growing population of Management schools across the country? Will this have a negative impact on the quality of education being imparted to the masses?

At present, Management education provides good employment opportunity to the students.  Hence, one sees emergence of number of Management Schools in the country.  However, these schools should posses required infrastructure, meaningful course content and good faculty support so that they can offer students with desired knowledge and soft skills to Trade/Industry.  The Management Schools should be required to obtain approvals from the Government recognized Agency so that the minimum uniform quality standard is maintained. 

» In today’s scenario, students generally judge B-Schools on the basis of its past placements records. Your views on this?

Good placements are an important parameter for the students to decide for a B- School.  Generally, the good management education is expensive considering the tuition fee and other related expenses which the students have to incur. Many students take study loan which they have to repay after their graduation.  As such, placement in a good company with good salary is important criteria from student's perspective.  The companies giving high salary will obviously select students from such Institutes which provides good education & skills.  Hence, good placements definitely have a very high weightage in student’s perspective.

» Tell us about the courses being offered by IIFT. Which is the most sought after by students?

The flag ship Programme at IIFT is Two year full time MBA (IB) Programme for which over 40,000 students had applied this year to seek admission for in 155 seats in Delhi and 60 in Kolkata centre.  The other programmes at IIFT are:-

• Three year MBA (International Business), (Part-time), New Delhi, Kolkata and Dar-es-Salaam.
• PhD Programme
• Executive Post Graduate Diploma in International Business, New Delhi.
• Executive Post Graduate Diploma in International Business (through VSAT), in 91 cities across India.
• Certificate Programme in Export Management (Evening), New Delhi.
• Certificate Programme in Trade Promotion Management (Evening), New Delhi.
• Certificate Course in International Business Language (Spanish, French, German and Chinese)

In Addition, the institute also organizes customized training programmes for different Corporates.  At present, the institute is running executive programmes for Larsen & Turbo Limited and International Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO).

» What is your vision for success and prosperity?

In my opinion "Happiness is the key to success and prosperity and only success can not bring Happiness".  Unless, one enjoys and is passionate about the work undertaken by him/ her, it is difficult to achieve success.  It requires commitment and hard work.