PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

High IQ; analytical brain; imagination; creativity; ability to quickly grasp changing information; ability to sift relevant facts from a mass of irrelevant data; foresight regarding implications and consequences of considered action; technical competence; numeracy; business acumen; entrepreneurial flair; capacity for risk taking; decisiveness; high achievement orientation; ambition; enjoyment of power and authority; physical and mental agility; personal mobility; self confidence; leadership qualities; willingness to accept responsibility for subordinates' mistakes; interpersonal skills; insight into human behavior; ability to articulate ideas; communication skills; team spirit; sociability; ability to get on with all sorts of people; tact; patience; flexibility; courage; moral integrity; resilience; a fairly thick skin; emotional stability.

TRAINING

The best and surest way to gain entry into this career is by obtaining the right training and qualifications. Companies prefer to recruit business graduates, as they tend to learn jobs faster and are more capable of handling responsibility than others. 

Management training sharpens business skills and provides an overview of the corporate milieu. It teaches the application of logic and analytical methods to problem solving, and grooms future managers to effectively discharge their roles in a changing environment. It must, however be remembered that an MBA degree does not transform an inexperienced and immature undergraduate into a licensed manager. 

Students must be motivated to learn business skills on their own. Still, in an increasingly competitive job market where every small advantage counts, the MBA degree holder will fare better than those without. 

Institutions

The great demand for MBA degrees has spawned a mushrooming of business schools around the country. While an MBA degree is now a virtual pre-requisite for entry and advancement in most companies, study programmes are not standardized. It is advisable to find out all one can about an institution and the courses it conducts, before enrolling. 

In prestigious institutions that are well organized and maintain contact with the business world, the MBA broadens skills and almost guarantees a well paying job. Various types of institutions offer courses in management:

SPECIALISED NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: 

Like the Indian Institutes of Management, are autonomous institutions set up by the government. They are rated as the premier business schools within the country and are reputed abroad for the
caliber of their alumni.

DEPARTMENTS IN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES:

Offer undergraduate, post-graduate and doctorate level studies on campus and through affiliated institutions.

PRIVATE ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS: 

Some of who, through the attainment of high teaching standards and excellent results have earned recognition as prestigious institutions.

INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS: 

Conduct one-year diploma courses that train individuals for junior managerial posts. For the benefit of those to whom full-time study, or even commitment to a part time schedule is not practical, correspondence courses as well as distance and open learning programmes are available at a number of institutions.

Qualifications

Studies in business management can be at all levels. The weightage of a degree and diploma is equal. The title of a qualification depends on whether or not it is awarded by an institution that is affiliated to a university. However, the institution from which the qualification is obtained does count for a great deal in the job market. A PhD or doctorate in a subject of specialization is also offered by some institutions.

Eligibility for Entrance

Undergraduate studies require a good undergraduate degree (BA; B.Sc.; B.Tech.) in any discipline and clearance of entrance selection processes. The lower cut-off mark might differ slightly among institutions, but the minimum aggregate considered for admission is usually not less than 50 per cent. Some correspondence and part-time courses also ask for at least two years' work experience. Candidates in their final year of graduation may also apply for admission. They must, however, pass the exam with the stipulated percentage, before admission is granted.

Selection Process

Most business schools follow a standard selection pattern:

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION: 

A written examination called the Common Admission Test or CAT is held in December each year by the IIMs; other institutions hold separate entrance exams. Major newspapers carry an advertisement stating the method of application and the place, date and time of the test which gauges verbal and problem solving abilities, comprehension and data interpretation. This is essentially an elimination procedure that analyses personality and intelligence. There is no fixed structure to the papers, which are set in an objective type format. 

To help candidates prepare for the CAT examination, a book called CAT is published every year. Local coaching schools also prepare students for these tests held by the management institutions.

GROUP DISCUSSION: 

After clearing the written exam, candidates may apply on prescribed forms to one or more institutions of their choice. They are now asked to participate in a group discussion. During this session, lasting approximately forty minutes, 8-10 students are observed in discussion on any current event related topic that is chosen by the examiners. The Xavier's Labour Relations Institute does not hold group discussion and candidates who clear the exam are directly called for the personal interview.

PERSONAL INTERVIEW: 

In the final stage of selection, the candidate is interviewed by a panel of faculty members. The interview is structured to assess personality and ability. Only those who do well at the interview are selected for admission. Past academic records, extra curricular activities and other factors are also considered during the selection.

Duration of Training

· UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES: 3 years.
· POSTGRADUATE COURSE: 2 years.
· PART-TIME: Regular or correspondence courses can be completed within a year provided the candidate has previous work experience. Open courses are more flexible, allowing completion at the candidate's own pace. Generally, the minimum period taken is two years, and the maximum is three years.