Global Institute of Business Studies has achieved a distinctive status among business schools in Karnataka and across the country. GIBS reminds us that age is no factor for successful institutions. The new world of the 21st century has witnessed many successful startups and several in Bangalore with extraordinary new ideas and vibrant approaches. Yet, can the long, drawn-out education process be compared to fast food or transport, where some of the internet app-based businesses are doing so well?
Besides the MBA, which has become the hallmark for business education worldwide and is considered a certain passport for professional success, other courses are available too. PGDM, BBA, and BCom would launch business careers with the right internships and placements.
The changing face of education is clear at all levels, starting from the early stages of school right up to professional tertiary education. Though literacy is a much-desired commodity worldwide, education without a significant source of job income becomes irrelevant for the masses, especially now that populations are burgeoning and the planet is suffering. One wonders what the 1.2 billion Indian population was like in 1950. Consider the subjects taught in higher education and the many new areas of study like media and information technology indicate how the world is changing. Business too was introduced rather recently during the last few decades, and nowadays, too many institutes teach business management.
How has education changed?
The traditional approach to study that has endured for hundreds, thousands of years based on the scholarly contemplative study is now changing and becoming more activity-based and dynamic. Research proves that images and videos, group action, participation, and interactivity in the teaching-learning process are far more effective in promoting authentic learning. A very important cause of change is the digital media that provides ample opportunity for involvement, and it is never a dull moment, whether in study or job.
Classrooms with their smartboards and audio-visual experiences with the whole world accessible through the internet have become the new focus of study. Students actively participate in the educational processes rather than being mute spectators like in the past. Roleplay, games, peer cooperation, field visits, and internships are some experiences that are constantly ongoing and provide a brand new focus where intellectual, physical and spiritual development happens simultaneously.
Yet, the common idea of study and knowledge originating in books still holds. Despite the vast spread of the electronic media, book publishing and research journals are only increasing in numbers, though we still talk of the reading culture at an ebb. While it is possible to communicate lessons in pen drives and videos, the hard copy seems more convincing than the airy, dreamy software-based media that is now everywhere.
The corporate ambiance at GIBS Business School
A visit to the green 4.5-acre campus replete with the best educational infrastructure at Bannerghatta on the outskirts of Bangalore is thoroughly convincing. One would expect a business school to be very well-organized in all its dealings. And so it is out there on a campus that has already built hundreds of careers. It is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and far removed from the home's ambiance. A hostel environment is particularly suited for an intensive study where the mind can concentrate fully on the subjects and activities. Each day, the rising sun is a signal for new learning and activities, field visits perhaps or committee activities, functions, guest speakers, and the usual give and take in classrooms.
Affiliated with Bangalore University and managed by Goyal Educational Trust, the business-like approach to education is visible in all aspects. Whether you consider brand management, advertising, marketing, media, raw materials, products and services, finance and management, publicity, and international relations, they would all apply in some form or the other to GIBS that goes from one success to the other.
Market research, public relations, and brand management
GIBS provides capable business managers to many big businesses, many of whom have set up branches, research centers, and outlets in Bangalore. In terms of business efficiency in market research, public relations, and brand management, among many others, GIBS practices the same skills that they teach the students for future applications. Routine operations as an academic unit closely focused on actual industry needs provide the right approach for the students who can hope for the best job opportunities at the end of the course and success as they pursue their careers.
In a materialistic world that worships monetary values above everything else, the business lesson needs to be applied to all endeavors for efficiency and reliability. Whether it is a wayside shop or a showroom in the mall, the similar requirements of finance, materials, and workers apply, whether dealing in products or services. A house is somewhat similar from several points of view. Experience and expertise, management of money, workers, and materials would apply to most entities across the world.