Why India, Why Now?
While globalisation is an overriding imperative in today’s increasingly borderless international marketplace, analysts are predicting that we’re heading into an Indian Century. What does this mean for enterprising business students? That there’s no better place to take in the view — and to become part of the action — than at MISB Bocconi. India’s Education Ascent Not only is India an emerging economic superpower, but it’s also home to the world’s third largest higher education system, behind only the U.S. and China. Thanks in great part to the government’s commitment towards supporting the country’s position on the global stage, its programmes are quickly growing in international repute. While India’s higher-ed institutions offer a breadth and depth in fields of studies, aspiring business students may have the most to gain in this dynamic setting. Why? Because with the country at crossroads, it will need exceptional leaders not only to embrace the challenges ahead, but also to leverage them into opportunities. The PGPB at MISB Bocconi gives students the requisite business foundation along with the tools to apply this knowledge to real-world problems. Additionally, multinational companies all over the world will be looking for managers with an understanding not only of the global business climate, but of Indian culture, in particular. An Indian MBA at this particularly relevant time in history also means sought-after standing with today’s international employers. Why MISB Bocconi? MISB Bocconi’s central location in the Indian metropolis of Mumbai; affiliation with prominent Italian school of management SDA Bocconi as well as with other global institutions from all over the world; eminent faculty and staff; and carefully cultivated curriculum make it a standout among India’s top MBA programmes. But while insight into the Indian viewpoint is critical, so is exposure to other landscapes and cultures. MISB Bocconi offers students a unique best of both worlds experience in the form of exchange programmes — both at SDA Bocconi as well as other key business markets. Globally, India’s perception as the first country to come to mind when considering a quality b-school education is swiftly changing for the better. Want to jumpstart your career prospects? MISB Bocconi offers an incomparable inside edge for today’s outward-facing business students.
Small Batches at MISB Bocconi: Four Benefits
Some business schools turn out grads like factories turn out packages — more focused on sheer numbers than on the quality of the product. At MISB Bocconi, we are proud to go about things in a different way. Each class, or batch, is limited to just 75 students or less. What makes these small batches so successful — both for our school and our students? Let’s take a closer look at four benefits of MISB Bocconi’s small batch approach. High-Quality Classmates In combination with our profile-based application process, small batches ensure that each class comprises students with equal — yet diverse — offerings. Not to mention that by keeping our numbers low, we eliminate the risk of diluting our pool and are able to guarantee a high-quality academic environment. More Faculty Interactions Our premier international faculty members don’t sit in an ivory tower. Rather, they continually seek out chances to engage with students — both in and out of the classroom. In this dynamic setting, small batches directly translate to more opportunities for meaningful connections between students and faculty — connections built to last a lifetime. More Peer Interactions In larger business school programs, students are often divided into sections. The result? They never have the chance to achieve a synergistic whole. Small batches at MISB Bocconi not only mean that students have the opportunity to really get to know each other while working together, but also that small groups can be easily shuffled to maximise student exchange. Targeted Career Development Services Small batches also mean that our Career Development Services team isn’t just going through the motions. With such small classes, they have the time to develop and nurture personal relationships with each student over the two-year PGP in order to better understand their goals and guide them toward their attainment. One last thing to keep in mind? At MISB Bocconi, small in no way corresponds with limited. In addition to abundant chances to interact with faculty members and each other on our Mumbai campus, our commitment to international exchange means that students also benefit from unparalleled opportunities to leverage these experiences into larger personal and professional networks as well as invaluable global insights.
MISB Bocconi: Why Mumbai?
One oft-quoted real estate saying goes that there are three primary factors in determining a property’s desirability: location, location, location. Here at MISB Bocconi, we know that the power of proximity applies to a lot more than the housing market. Like when it comes to getting a premier international business education, for example. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Mumbai such a standout location for today’s b-school students and tomorrow’s business leaders. A Global City With Indian Flavour The capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai boasts a population of more than 18 million people, making it not only India’s most populous city but also the world’s ninth most populous urban agglomeration. In other words, Mumbai is bustling with people and activity — particularly when you factor in its vibrant mix of residents from diverse cultures and communities throughout India and around the globe. A Front Row Seat to International Finance An epicenter of finance and commerce which generates 6.16 percent of India’s GDP, India is home to everything from important financial institutions like the National Stock Exchange of India to corporate headquarters of multinational corporations to leading scientific and nuclear institutes, It’s no surprise that so many of India’s rich and powerful also call Mumbai home: at last count, 30 of India’s 68 billionaires lived in this cosmopolitan city. Mumbai also plays host to many of India’s future billionaires going by the thriving startup scene here in Powai Valley AKA the next Silicon Valley. Our very own neighbour? Housing.com. Beyond the Business World Speaking of front row seats, Mumbai is also celebrated as the entertainment capital of India thanks to the Bollywood scene, museums, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife. In other words, in choosing MISB Bocconi, students don’t just gain access to a world-class education, but also to a world-class city and all of its intellectual and cultural offerings. Because, after all, there is life outside the classroom. With all it has going for it, it’s no surprise that Mumbai — also nicknamed the “Gateway of India” and the “City of Dreams” — has earned alpha city status. Aspiring business leaders will find no better setting for learning, networking and innovating than at MISB Bocconi, in the heart of this truly remarkable global city. Write to us at info@sdabocconiasiacenter.com to know more.
Your Profile: Three Reasons Why It Matters To Us
We’re about much more than high test scores here at MISB Bocconi. Our holistic admissions process has a greater aim: Achieving synergy by filling each class with the right combination of students. Enter the student profile. Read on to learn why they matter so much to us, along with what you can do to make yours shine. Consistency Is Key Anyone can have a good or bad day, but success in today’s competitive business world demands much more than that. A steady academic record not only speaks to a strong academic foundation, but also the persistence needed to persevere even under the most challenging circumstances. Certainly, high test scores impress us, but so do profiles which demonstrate a history of consistency & diversity. We’ve also found that classes which comprise the most consistent students also lead to an optimally competitive environment in which all class members hold themselves to the highest possible standard. Extracurricular Enhancement In a climate which necessitates flexibility, well-balanced students are best positioned for successful careers. Innovation is not facilitated in a culture of sameness; rather, it is through embracing our differences that we learn and grow. Looking at each candidate’s complete profile lets us take extracurricular activities and achievements into account — not just in terms of how they’ll impact a candidate’s academic performance, but how these unique skills, talents, and experiences will add to the class’s overall potential. Answering the Call for Gender Equity A growing body of evidence supports the position that equal female representation is an imperative in the contemporary business landscape. At MISB Bocconi, we know it begins in business school. Looking at each student’s profile allows us to factor in the many contributions women stand to make as we maneuver to strategically meet the challenges ahead. While many b-schools are angling to close the gender gap, doing so is an imperative part of the MISB Bocconi admissions process. Ultimately, your test scores tell us only one thing about you, but we’re looking for the big picture. Our profile-based admissions process lets us get a better understanding of who you are as a candidate — not just in terms of your ability to succeed in business school, but also in terms of how your unique offerings will enhance the dynamic of your class and add to its legacy. The takeaway for applicants? Use your profile to put your best application forward. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got for us.
Broaden Your World with MISB Bocconi’s International Faculty
What happens when you spend 22 months learning from faculty members from eight different nationalities? In two words: A lot. In fact, the opportunities afforded by MISB’s international teaching environment have a profound impact on benefits that stay with students throughout their lives. Let’s count down three ways interacting with MISB Bocconi’s remarkably international faculty can change your career and your life. You’ll Learn More. Much More. With physical borders breaking down by the day, knowledge is no longer limited by geography. It makes good sense that the more exposure students have to diversity, the more they stand to gain. Learning from a professor with a different background than yourself opens doors to new theories, concepts and ideas which might otherwise remain unacknowledged. Learning from professors from eight different nationalities, meanwhile, amplifies this access. You’ll Gain An International Perspective We’re constantly talking about the importance of an international perspective, but what does that mean in the real world? It simply means the cultivation of an outward-facing mindset. MISB Bocconi’s global faculty help students question their assumptions while learning to think beyond their own personal experiences, background, and cultures. Applied to real-world business challenges, this broader viewpoint supports more creative and collaborative problem solving, as well as reinforcing the importance of respecting different viewpoints than your own. According to one expert, Professors with strong global awareness are better equipped to help students apply lessons with an international context and to develop international content and perspective within their courses. Your Network Will Expand Exponentially During your time in b-school, you’ll make connections that will last a lifetime. You might know this already. However, this network is far from limited to your fellow classmates. In a small batch setting like MISB, professors don’t sit in ivory towers. Rather, there are frequent opportunities for interaction — and network-building. Consider evidence from Harvard indicating that the most accurate predictor of future success among undergraduate women is the percentage of women faculty members at their colleges. At MISB Bocconi, we believe that these principles not only carry over to the b-school setting, but actually take on even greater relevance — and not just as applied to gender, but to diversity in general. Ultimately, the more diverse the faculty, the more it reflects the current state of the world and your ability to thrive within it. At MISB Bocconi, we’re proud of our diversity and of the well-rounded, global mindset that is alive and well within the members of our community.
MISB Bocconi: An International Imperative
As economic boundaries continue to dissipate, tomorrow’s business leaders will require a unique global outlook. While many business schools make claims about cultivating an international viewpoint, MISB Bocconi takes it a step further thanks to an active network of exchanges, collaborations, and interactions all over the world. Let’s take a closer look at what makes us a truly international business school. An International Heritage As the world’s only offshore presence of University Bocconi, MISB Bocconi is, by its very nature, international. In fact, our MBA School in Milan, SDA Bocconi, numbers among an elite group of MBA programs to lay claim to all three of the leading international accreditations, including the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business); EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) and AMBA (Association of MBAs). This pedigree alone earns our graduates sought-after status among today’s top global companies, but it’s just part of the bigger picture. Exchange Abounds International exposure is plentiful at MISB Bocconi thanks to plentiful opportunities for exchange, including the requisite Exchange Semester at Bocconi, Milan and an optional Campus Abroad summer program offered at destinations on three continents. Both programs offer intensive insights into new countries and cultures through the study of conceptual theories, country-specific seminars, dynamic classroom exchange, and real-world case studies and visits to local companies, institutions and organizations. The result? A stimulating academic experience, as well as a closer look at international issues within the framework of a specific geographic area. Students walk away with unparalleled understanding of both the critical Indian context; thanks to our bustling campus in the heart of Mumbai, as well as a distinctive worldview fostered by studies abroad. Promoting International Understanding More than 1,200 international students from 80-plus countries convene at SDA Bocconi every year. Helmed by esteemed international faculty, our diverse classrooms — both in Mumbai and Milan — not only foster enriched perspectives, but also lifelong friendships. These connections stay with students long after they’ve graduated and secured placements at some of the world’s most prestigious companies. If you’re considering business school, you’ve likely come across the phrase international perspective during your research. But how many of these schools have a plethora of opportunities for international exchange built into their curricula? At MISB Bocconi, it’s far more than just a buzzy catchphrase; it’s an institutional ethos interwoven throughout the entire b-school experience.
The ROI of an MISB Education
Rarely does a discussion on business schools arise today without three words also coming up: return on investment. And with good reason, too. With expensive tuition fees and an increasingly competitive job market, how do you know if your decision to attend a b-school will pay off in the long run? At MISB Bocconi, we understand these concerns and actively strive to keep value as a hallmark of everything we do. Our grads head out into the world prepared not only to innovate and lead, but also to immediately begin reaping the rewards of a premier international b-school education. The Esteemed Bocconi Name The prestigious Bocconi name has long been synonymous with exceptional quality. In fact, SDA Bocconi’s full-time MBA program was included on The Economist’s global line-up of good-value MBAs, claiming the fourth place spot in terms of ROI, with tuition and forgone salary factored in. As the only offshore campus of Bocconi, MISB offers all of the benefits of a Bocconi education in the heart of Mumbai. In other words, our students walk away with the knowledge, skills, and international outlook needed not only to succeed in today’s dynamic marketplace, but to take on intense leadership roles. Numbers That Speak for Themselves One look at our 2015 placement report delivers an eye-opening picture of what MISB students stand to gain when entering the workforce following completion of the PGPB. Some of our success stats include: a 100 percent employment rate among placement-seeking grads a 175 percent average salary increase from pre- to post-PGPB an average compensation of INR 10.23 Lakhs 3.5 job openings per student In short, when we say our alumni are positioned to succeed in the workplace, we’re not just pulling random numbers out of the air to make a compelling sales pitch. Our placement records speak for themselves. From Our Alumni And then, there’s what alumni like Smiti Mohan and Manish Pathak have to say. From improved conflict management skills to lifelong professional and personal networks, an MISB Bocconi degree continues to give back as our alumni progress through in their careers. While these experiences might not be quantifiable in dollars, they’re undeniable and tangible in their own right. At MISB Bocconi, we like nothing more than the chance to address the pertinent issue of ROI with prospective MBA students. Why? Because we know that we deliver — and then some — ensuring that our students get the biggest bang for their buck with the PGPB.
MISB Bocconi: Empowering NextGen Leaders Today
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, but how do they get from here to there? MISB Bocconi is committed to bridging the gap and creating future leaders by providing access to knowledge that matters — not just inside the classroom, but also through real-world, collaborative learning opportunities designed to transform young professionals into playmakers. Nurturing Corporate Connections Collaborations with the corporate world’s best and biggest have helped us gain sought-after status in the b-school community and industry at large, but how do we hold onto our top-notch reputation and premier positioning? By constantly striving to get even stronger. This means getting our name — and of course, our students! — up close and personal with today’s innovators and game-changers. Events like our recent Sundowner with Startups give students unparalleled access to today’s brightest minds — not only to learn from them but to interact with them in ways that might otherwise be unattainable. And with so many of India’s startups located right here in Powai (Mumbai), it makes sense that we would leverage our location to its fullest potential. Last month, we also co-organised a dinner and cocktail event with TEDxGateway, giving us a front row seat to the action, as well as gaining premier visibility in the process. Events like these don’t just offer students knowledge, but also the spark of inspiration to pursue their goals and aspirations. Staying Ahead of the Trends Staying ahead of the next big thing is critical in the fast-moving business world, but at MISB, it’s about so much more than simply spotting what’s on the horizon and reacting to it. Rather, we’re committed to proactively fostering dialogue, driving momentum, and making tangible change. Take our recent Retail Forum event in collaboration with ETRetail. Given the enormous ongoing flux within India’s retail landscape, we seized the chance to gather business heads, strategists, marketers, and other key stakeholders together, creating a setting in which they could exchange ideas about how to stay relevant in the rapidly changing retail world. Ultimately, the future of the business community rests in the hands of the b-school students of today and tomorrow. At MISB, we’re fully invested in giving them the information and opportunities they need to navigate the challenging territory ahead to emerge as capable, driven and visionary contributors on the global stage.
Alumni Spotlight: Meet Manish Pathak, Class of 2014
Tomorrow’s business leaders looking to further enrich their knowledge and career prospects have many options when it comes to choosing between academic programs. So how do they make this very important decision — one with the power and potential to shape the rest of their professional lives? We’re delighted to have PGPB Class of 2014 alumnus, Manish Pathak, share his story with us, including what first drew him to MISB, as well as how the programme continues to help him strive toward his investment banking goals. The Path to MISB A passion for finance led Manish to consider business school, but MISB Bocconi’s eminent faculty, research-based ethos, and innovative curriculum drew him to the PGPB. And while he fondly recalls his time in Mumbai, his most memorable MISB experience actually took place thousands of miles away. As Manish’s first international experience, the four-month semester at Milan’s prestigious University Bocconi enriched both his personal and professional growth and development. With 35 electives in Manish’s Finance major alone (and more than 200 overall), the Milan semester offered him the unprecedented opportunity to study real-world, multi-billion dollar business deals under the guidance of faculty members who had been directly involved with the transactions. Factor in the dynamic dialogue happening among the programme’s diverse student body, and it’s no surprise that Manish speaks so highly of his time in the programme. From MISB to the Workforce Currently working in Hong Kong at Generali Investments, Asia as part of a portfolio management team looking after an investment of US $ 800 million, Manish is responsible for investments in both government bonds and corporate credits across Asia. He credits the balanced PGPB programme with helping him learn the art of management, including for business, money and time — fundamental skills which transferred to the workplace. Manish also speaks of the healthy team spirit and work/life balance at Generali Investments, Asia. These are things that we take very seriously at MISB as well. Looking Back, Looking Ahead Manish keeps up with his PGPB classmates via phone and Facebook, and also looks forward to catching up with them at alumni mixers across the country. In fact, in addition to understanding the industry and its expectations, Manish cites maintaining these connections — as well as embracing new networking opportunities within the industry — as a critical part of creating new business opportunities.
Everything you wanted to know about XAT Decision Making
History of Decision Making in XAT Note: MISB Bocconi does not accept XAT Scores for PGPB applications 2016-17 Questions on Decision Making have been asked in XAT for quite a few years. However, their importance has gone up drastically since 2012. Before that, you could expect 8 to 10 questions on Decision Making in the Analytical Reasoning section. In 2012, Decision Making became a section of its own and if you were to look at it purely from a scoring perspective it make the most important topic for a student who is planning to write the XAT. It so happened because Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability none of them had a full section on their own. They had to share the limelight, so to say, with some other related topic. In 2012, there were 25 questions in the Decision Making section. It even had some questions that were of 1.5 marks instead of the standard 1. The XAT paper in 2013 also had 25 questions, although all questions were of 1 mark each. The XAT paper in 2014 had 21 questions, and XAT 2015 exam had 24 questions in the Decision Making section. Â Given below is a detail break up of Decision Making questions over the years. Predictions for Decision Making in XAT 2016 There is no doubt that in 2016 also a similar trend would continue this year as well. It would be fair to say that the number of questions on Decision Making would most probably outnumber questions on Quant, DI, LR or VA individually. I expect the number of questions to be anywhere from 21-25 this year considering the fact that the total number of questions in XAT 2016 is 78. It would be a good idea to spend a good hour on Decision Making in the exam. An important point to note is that traditionally Decision Making is the most scoring section in the XAT exam. It is not because Decision Making is easy, but it is because the other sections tend to be quite hard. How to prepare for Decision Making While we have established the importance of Decision Making from the perspective of XAT, a lot of aspirants are not even aware of what exactly Decision Making questions are based on. In Decision Making, a situation (like a case study) is presented to a student, and broadly two types of questions are asked on it: a) What would be the ideal course of action to take in such a situation? b) What lead to such a situation? These kinds of questions require a logical approach and a clear understanding of the situation. It often requires going through large amounts of text and then logically interpreting the information presented. To put it in conventional terms, it is a combination of Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning and traditionally students who are good in these two areas tend to do well in the Decision Making section as well. Previous Year XAT Decision Making Questions / Answers Free Download A good way to prepare for Decision Making would be to look at previous year papers. You can have a look at questions from XAT 2008 to XAT 2015 which would give you approximately 150 questions to practice. These 150 questions will not only tell you your current level of understanding of the topic but if you analyze them properly, it can make a difference to you final score. I have compiled a PDF of previous year XAT Decision Making questions along with their answers. It is available for free download on the link http://handakafunda.com/previous-year-questions-xat-decision-making-free-pdf-download/ Type of Questions in XAT Decision Making The classification of XAT Decision Making questions can be done in a variety of ways. One way to classify this would be on the basis of the length of the passage associated with it. These questions can be broadly classified in two ways: Single Questions Passage Multiple Questions Passage While it might be difficult to go through all the questions in Decision Making section XAT, I would strongly recommend that you should go through all individual / single questions. These questions are often quite straightforward and offer a good return on time invested. Yes it is quite possible that the question is slightly tough and / or has two options that are quite similar to each other, but it would still be a good idea to at least take a shot at it. It will not take too long when compared with other decision-making questions and the chances of making an error are also slightly lesser as you need to retain less information in your head while solving these. Another way of classifying the questions in XAT Decision Making would be on the basis of content. That way, XAT Decision Making questions can be broadly classified in 4 ways: Pure Logic Financial Issues Managerial Issues Ethical Dilemmas Among these type, pure logic and financial issues questions are the ones that should be attempted first. It is not necessary that you will be able to solve them, but the chances of making a mistake are quite low in these types of questions. Either you will be able to solve it and get the answer, or you will not be able to get to the answer. You will not be left confused and stranded between two options. On the other hand, the questions that are based on Managerial Issues and Ethical Dilemmas tend to appear easy but the options are often very confusing. The majority of questions in XAT Decision Making would be based on Managerial Issues, so it is recommended that you practice a whole bunch of them and also understand the logic behind the answers. I guess the chart given below would be able to give you some more pointers about the same. A very common mistake that a lot of students make is that they neglect this section. They believe, which is often not supported by data, that