\r\n
When quality of management education is deteriorating day-by-day, there needs to be a change in Management pedagogy. Er. Bankim Mohanty is a name to reckon with in the technical education arena. He is at present Secretary – Astha School of Management [ASM] located at the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. In a short free-wheeling chat with Sandeep Pattnaik and Brahmipriya Samantray, he shared his thoughts about the trends in Management education and how ASM is poised to face the challenges in this space. Excerpts.
\r\n
Q1. Industry experts believe that the way most management school groom students are not adequate to be industry fit. What is your view?
\r\n
ANS: I do agree to the comments made by industry experts. I as an individual take this as an opportunity as well as a challenge. We have to work hard and groom the students as per the requirement of industry and to make it possible, we have to bring innovation in teaching pedagogy.
\r\n
Q2. How ASM has taken stride to offer quality management education in the state?\r\n
\r\n
ANS: When we speak of Quality Management Education, then it’s a question of million dollars. We at Astha School of Management strongly believe in Quality Education and that is the only mantra behind every renowned B-School. For enhancing the quality as well as requisite skill sets among the students we have seven fundamental competency building mechanism, i.e. Corporate mentoring, Proctorship, Managerial skill building, Attitude shaping and personal grooming, Outbound training, Edutainment and Social responsibility.
\r\n
Q3. With corporate-backed B-Schools opening up centers in Bhubaneswar, don’t you think the small and mid-tier B-schools are going to bite the dust in coming days?
\r\n
ANS: First of all let me convey my thanks to the corporate leaders for showing faith and believe in my state Odisha for opening corporate-backed B-school. I strongly believe that the best could come out through sheer competition. I take this as an opportunity as well as a challenge. We the member of Astha are pretty optimistic and making ourself ready for the up-coming challenges. I would love to quote one line being told by our Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, that do not compete with anybody but try to compete with yourself. Once we raise our standard then success will follow.
\r\n
Q4. What is your strategy to stay-put in the competition?
\r\n
ANS: Strategies cannot be shared. For that you have to wait and watch. But, one thing I can assure you that Astha School of Management will be one of the exciting competitor in the management education scenario.
\r\n
Q5. What is your vision for Astha School of Management in the long run?
\r\n
ANS: To create and promote dynamic institution that can produce globally competent management professionals who are committed to develop the state of Odisha and are ever-willing to contribute to the national growth in all possible ways.
