Decoding the PGPB: Module 1
The PGPB delivers a world-class business and entrepreneurial education in just 22 months of full-time study. How do we pull this off? Through a carefully designed, cutting-edge curriculum split into two modules which add up to an optimized fusion of theory and practice aimed at building effective and responsible innovators. When we say the PGPB is fast-paced, we mean it’s fairly fast-paced. But it’s also full of opportunities — not only to acquire new knowledge and skills but to apply these takeaways in a real-world setting. So where does it all begin? With Module 1. Let’s take a closer look. The Pillars of Knowledge Divided into four terms, the PGPB’s Module 1 provides the essential foundation upon which successful business careers are built. Term 1 of Module 1 — which runs from July through September — begins with an overview of business management fundamentals, including four pre-courses: Accounting, Quantitative Methods, Innovation Management, and Case Study Methods. Additionally, Term 1 comprises eight core courses in Organization Design & Organization Behavior, Marketing, Management Information Systems, Quantitative Methods, Macroeconomics, Accounting & Control, and Written Analysis & Communication. Up next is Term 2, which begins in October and concludes in December. Seven core courses are covered during this period of study, including Human Resources Management, Project Management, Microeconomics, Retail & Channel Management, Financial Reporting & Analysis, Entrepreneurship & Business Planning, and Financial Markets & Institutions. PGPB’s Module Term 3 spans from January to March and also includes seven core courses, including Competitive Analysis, Corporate Finance & Business Valuation, Corporate Governance, Business & Government Relations, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, and Leadership & Change Management. A Different Kind of Summer School But students aren’t done for the year yet. Module 1’s concluding Summer Term — held during April and May — is dedicated to student projects, including everything from individual internships and group projects to entrepreneurial and research projects. In addition to gaining on-the-job learning opportunities, students also walk away with new connections which will further fuel their careers and shape their futures as the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Wondering what happens next? Stay tuned for the continuation of this post when we detail what you can expect from PGPB’s Module 2.
Sundowner With Startups: MISB Bocconi and Entrepreneurship in Powai
Is MISB Bocconi to Powai what Stanford GSB is to Silicon Valley? Perhaps not yet, but we’re well on our way. With the VC-dubbed Powai Valley quickly emerging as an epicenter of startup action in India, and with IIT Bombay as our illustrious neighbour, MISB Bocconi is positioning itself to help lead the way for the startups of today and tomorrow. Just one example of our commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial mindset on our campus and in the community at large? Our recent event: Sundowner with Startups in Powai Valley. Aggregating Innovation While all startups face many of the same opportunities and challenges, they’re not created equal. Sundowner with Startups in Powai Valley gathered together founders and key members of half a dozen startups from different industries and varied models, including Fynd co-founder Harsh Shah, DoorMint co-founder Naman Lahoty, BOHECO co-founder Jahan Peston Jamas, Bizongo co-founder Ankit Tomar, and serial entrepreneur Sumit Chazed. The goal of gathering all of these innovators in one place? To foster a forum through which these innovators could connect with MISB Bocconi students and share their experiences across the many aspects of planning, growth, scale and culture of their startups. In particular, each startup elaborated on one of six critical topics: Fundraising, Team Building, B2B sales, B2C Marketing, Growth Hacking, Pivots, and Exit strategies. Letting the Minds Talk When you bring together so much entrepreneurial initiative, who knows where it will lead? Moderated by MISB Bocconi Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business Planning Mikkel Draebye, Sundowner with Startups in Powai Valley’s Let the Minds Talk Q&A panel opened a rich dialogue between participating companies and MISB Bocconi students about The Ecosystem for Startups and Acquisition of Resources in India, and covered everything from the logistics involved with getting a startup up and running and successful exit strategies to life saving tips for startup and the dark side of being an entrepreneur. One invaluable takeaway upon which all panelists agreed? For a startup to survive in India’s competitive environment, its products and services must not only be disruptive but also backed by a viable and visionary business model. The evening concluded with students getting a chance to engage with the entrepreneurs during an informal, interactive session. With Mumbai already well-known as a hub of business and finance in India, Powai Valley is uniquely positioned to play a critical role in India’s startup culture. MISB Bocconi, our renowned faculty, and premier students look forward to being an essential part of it all. If your business goals are of the entrepreneurial ilk, there’s no better place in India to be right now than Mumbai and MISB.
Women at MISB Bocconi: An Organizational Imperative
A growing body of evidence continues to point to the value of women in business. And yet a recent report by the Harvard Business Review points to an incongruent lack of representation by women — both students and faculty — at many international business schools. We believe strongly in the case for gender diversity at MISB Bocconi, and have established bridging this gap as an organizational imperative. Let’s take a closer look at the current state of women in business in India, at MISB Bocconi, and what we’re doing to make equality a reality. The Case for Women A recent report from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company reveals that gender equality is more than a social concern, but also a critical factor in global growth. How much so? McKinsey research suggests that achieving parity has the potential to add a whopping $12 trillion to the global economy. With the fastest projected incremental GDP growth in the world, India is uniquely positioned to lead the pack when it comes to fueling the economy by adding more women to the workforce. However, India also faces unique challenges when it comes to promoting gender equality. In fact, a recent study from Catalyst, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to creating more inclusive workplaces, reveals that while top-level women in India’s high-powered technology sector may actually begin their careers at levels equivalent to men, they advance less quickly and earn less over time. Shachi Irde, Catalyst India WRC’s Executive Director asserts, In India’s growing economy, with high job mobility and the corresponding high demand for talent, organizations must do everything they can to attract and retain women who, the study shows, are amongst their most committed employees. Ensuring pay equity, equal access to developmental opportunities, and flexible and inclusive environments for women is critical for retaining talent in India’s technology sector.” Aiming for Diversity at MISB Bocconi If you’ve read any of our application materials or blogs, you’re likely already aware that diversity is critical at MISB Bocconi. In our quest to foster a class with a global frame of reference and accordingly rich perspective, we strive to welcome students from many different backgrounds. We believe that women are a very important part of reaching that goal. Currently, women make up approximately 30 percent of each PGPB class, and are also well-represented on our faculty. However, we know we can do better, and we are constantly striving to add more women to our community of thought leaders. In doing so, we believe we can position India for even greater success on the global stage.
MISB’s “Secret” Weapon: The SDA Bocconi Advantage
Well, it’s not so much a secret. In fact, we’re delighted to shout it from the rooftops. Why? Because our partnership with Milan’s prestigious SDA Bocconi differentiates us from our competition in several key ways. Wondering what we mean when we talk about the Bocconi Advantage? Let’s take a closer look. Introducing SDA Bocconi If you’re familiar with the international higher education and global b-school scenes, then you’re likely already well aware of University Bocconi and SDA Bocconi. The management school of University Bocconi, SDA Bocconi is Italy’s leading School of Management and claims top rankings among Europe’s academic institutions in both business and economics. Just how prestigious is SDA Bocconi? Its MBA program was ranked 26th in the world by the Financial Times in 2015. SDA Bocconi is also one of only three business schools across the globe to have received all three sought-after international b-school accreditations: AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), and AMBA (Association of MBAs). Why It Matters to PGPB Students at MISB Bocconi As the world’s only offshore presence of University Bocconi, MISB Bocconi offers its students access to all of the benefits and prestige of an SDA Bocconi education, but in the heart of India’s financial epicenter, Mumbai. What do you get from the Bocconi name when you enroll in the PGPB? The answer is manifold: a 110-year legacy of excellence across teaching, research and education; stellar international faculty; an exchange program with over 150 plus electives; and a diverse and welcoming alumni network of more than 90,000 graduates across the globe. International exposure is also at a premium; thanks to dual campus student exchange between Milan and Mumbai, as well as immersion across not one, not two, but three continents. For students looking towards an unparalleled business education merging academic and practical curriculum, SDA Bocconi has long served as a training ground and launching point for future business leaders. As a newer and yet increasingly vital entrant, MISB offers an equal yet different opportunity for students to benefit from the same extraordinary b-school education and global perspectives, but against the distinctive backdrop of India’s vibrant and significant cultural ethos.
Student Diaries: The verdict is out. Entrepreneurship CAN be taught
With his long hair flapping on the side of his face, he strides across the class full of energy and claps his hands – and the adventure has begun. He is the Willy Wonka of the start-up world. In fact, he is so much like him! He is quirky, on his feet, witty and well insanely smart. No one can fool him; I think no one has dared to. Professor Mikkel Draebye, my professor of Entrepreneurship, is THE THING at MISB Bocconi at the moment.Head of the Incubator at SDA Bocconi Milan, he is go-to for every budding entrepreneur in not only in Milano but throughout the world. He has mentored and advised up to 200 start-ups till date. He is a visiting faculty at universities around the world and actively blogs and comments on almost all topics under the umbrella of entrepreneurship and more. I always thought entrepreneurship cannot be taught, and you need to be born with a business sense you know? No one can teach you how to take risks or make you a risk lover. Much of the success of entrepreneurs could be attributed to innate personality traits that they possess which cannot be taught. Yes, I was right. But I was wrong. I think before jumping into an entirely new career, everyone is ought to know the dos and don’ts, especially when you are risking your financial resources (along with mental resources if I may add). Professor Draebye’s class is all about busting myths and validating all your doubts about being an entrepreneur. From motivation to courage, resources to returns, conceptualization to execution, and family to investors, he gives insights on everything. His teaching style is far from any text-book style teaching format. He has divided all his sessions as steps to start a business. Where the first session just deals with owning up to becoming an entrepreneur, the next about idea generation followed by testing your idea and so on. Further, he teaches by drawing examples from the hundred of start-ups he has advised, start-up stories that he builds at his incubator and sometimes from his own ventures. Have you ever been thrown into the pool just to learn how to swim on your own? Know the feeling? Oh PGPB-4 sure does. It was his second session and we all thought it would be another fun filled day with another movie showcase (yes, he showed us a film in the first session! Don’t envy us, YET). However it turned out to be that we all had to think of a business idea of our own that can be executed in real life, and not some dummy fictional one. We had to carry this business idea throughout his course and implement all concepts taught subsequently to it in order to make it optimal. At the end of the course we would be evaluated on the same. Now you know what I mean? The class came up with some crazy ideas and some sane ones and he appreciated both. I wish I could tell you what the ideas were, but every classmate of mine thinks they are sitting on a gold mine so sorry buddies. So the following classes were about teaching all the aspects of establishing or running the business as per our suggested activities. The class was encouraged to share their opinions about the business models and exchange suggestions. It was incredible to see how you can benefit from opening up your business idea to a diverse group of people. His dynamism was such, that people like me who claim to be built of the 9-5 fiber were motivated to work on their idea and test its viability. Anyhow, Let me leave you guys with some of his quotes, all those who want to become entrepreneurs can treat it as soul-curry . Not sharing your idea with others out of the fear of it getting stolen, is the first step to you failing your idea. 4 out of 5 random people would say your idea is good because no one has the time to tell you where you are going wrong. Do not borrow money from your family and friends to start your business. If a day comes when you have to lose money, its better, you start with losing your own money first. Always tell me what problem your business is solving. While explaining your idea to the investors, do not make their perception of your idea, your perception. Don’t be afraid of correcting your investors. They may even like it. Once you get used to fixed income, it is difficult to be an entrepreneur. In India you need to choose between being ethical or being an entrepreneur. This post is written by PGPB4 student – Vibhuti Varma
Preparing for Your PGPB Interview
Believe it or not, we were once students ourselves. In other words, we are very aware of how demanding the application and admissions process can be. This is one of the reasons we aim to make applying to the PGPB as simple and user-friendly as possible. We also know that the interview can be an especially intimidating part of the process. But — with the right preparation — it doesn’t have to be. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect during your interview at MISB. About the PGPB Interview Congratulations! If you’re reading this because you’ve been given an interview, you’ve made it past the first cut: Based on the strength of your application, you’ve made the shortlist for acceptance into the PGPB. The interview gives us the chance to get to know you a bit better while extending the same opportunity to you. Depending on where you are located, we offer interviews on our Mumbai campus as well as in different cities throughout India. We also conduct interviews via phone/Skype for candidates who are unable to attend an in-person interview. All interviews are conducted one-on-one by an MISB faculty member or member of the MISB management team. If you haven’t already provided a CV, original transcripts, essay questions, and proof of ID with your application, please bring these materials to the interview. What to Expect During the PGPB Interview Interviews help us identify candidates with the potential to succeed in our rigourous program while also making a unique contribution to the PGPB community. These are four primary areas of consideration, which include the following: Academic Background Your academic background offers us valuable insight into how likely you are to succeed in our program and as a future business leader. Please note that there are no minimum score requirements for admission to the PGPB. Instead, we holistically consider your educational foundation, grades, and test scores for a big picture snapshot. For example, if you have excellent grades and a strong transcript but less-than-ideal standardized test scores, you are still a strong candidate. Candidate Personality While glimmers of personality may show through on your application, the interview gives us the opportunity to get an authentic sense of who you are as a person. Why does your personality matter? Because it not only impacts your fit within the PGPB, but also your career potential. We encourage you to be yourself! Relational Abilities Soft skills are increasingly vital in today’s collaborative world. Your relationship skills indicate how you’ll interact with others — both during your time in the PGPB and the contemporary workplace. We’re looking for the next generation of business leaders, and effective relational abilities are an important component. Verbal and Communication Skills Success in the business world is much more than a numbers game. The ability to express yourself in words plays a significant role in shaping your business and personal interactions. Strong verbal skills also demonstrate other key characteristics, such as confidence and critical thinking. In closing, we’re delighted to offer these final words of advice: Rather than thinking of the interview as a chore or obligation, think of it as an opportunity to show us what you’ve got. And remember — we’re rooting for you!
Bocconian trio severing the Gordian Knot
3 Bocconians – 3 days – 8 teams – 7 grueling and mind-boggling rounds at IIM Indore’s Flagship Sales & Marketing event – Gordian Knot The entry process to become a finalist for the event at IIM Indore was a humongous task. The UNGOOGLEABLE marketing quiz was the first round, the second round was a simulation where 16 teams were given virtual cash and had to setup up restaurants, hotels, entertainment centers in a fictional city and promote it on Facebook using a mix of posters, news articles, posts, videos, etc. We sailed through this task with the optimum mix of promotions and wise spending, thereby sealing our spot in the final. The campus finals were set in the beautiful and sprawling campus of IIM Indore. The first round was all about strategy where we had to bid for items to relaunch an obosolete product – the walkman. The intense bidding was followed by a 4P – analysis – Product, Place, Promotion, Price and the final bit consisted of a series of breaking news articles which would affect our relaunch and we had to decide with either to stick or switch our strategy of relaunching the product. The second round was a negotiation round with the teams split into retailers and suppliers where the retailers were supposed to negotiate the price and quantity to be supplied for 4 quarters based on sales trends. Both the retailers and suppliers played hardball to ensure each of them got the best prices and supply and finally judged based on their ROA (Return on Assets). We used a clever ploy of negotiating with the supplier whom we shared a good chemistry and doing last minute negotiations to get the best deal and pulling out deals at the last minute to prevent the supplier from negotiating with other teams and also dent their chances to win. The third round was related to “Growth Hacking†a term synonymous with the startup ecosystem prevalent today where startups resort to frugal online marketing techniques. A case based round where he had to choose the most appropriate hacking techniques. Over the night we were given our fourth round to create an e-commerce site on paper using colored sheets, crayons, glue, pencils etc. The site had to be designed in a way that we maximize engagement clicks and minimize execution clicks. A panel of 10 students evaluated us on the ease of use, features and customer engagement of the site. The fifth and marquee round was the City round where we were provided with Rs.1000/- and let loose at Sarafa Bazaar a crowded city market. Our task was to maximize the Rs.1000/- in 2 hours. We sold everything from handbags, wallets to tea. The winning team managed to persuade a shopkeeper to give them Rs.1000/- with the promise that they will increase footfalls in the store. It was an arduous task and made us realize the effort that is required to sell to people and the amount of craft and persuasion skills to become a successful sales man. The next round had the best setting – midnight at the football ground where teams had to nominate one person to participate – the person had to work through a maze in the field by answering questions related to brands, marketing theories. The final round set for Day 3 was about Surrogate marketing – the technique used by alcohol, tobacco companies which are prohibhited from advertising take an indirect route of marketing through music cds, clothing line etc. The scenario was if a shampoo was banned how would you still advertise to reach the market. Overall the experience was mind blowing and kudos to the organizing team for putting together a fantastic series of rounds. The participation will go a long way in improving our learning as B-School students and hone our skills to be better managers. This article is written by Yeshwant Bengaru who participated in the Gordian Knot 2015 at IIM indore, with nagendra Rawat and Tanay Sachdeva ( PGPB4 students)
Things to Keep In Mind Before Submitting Your PGPB Application.
We’ve all been there: hand hovering over the mouse, pointer finger at the ready, Submit button within reach. Whether you’re at this pivotal point or just starting to think about applying to MISB Bocconi, we encourage you to keep a few things in mind before clicking that fateful button to send your PGPB application spiraling through the internet to us here at MISB. Give It Your All The quality of your application can make or break your candidacy for admission to the PGPB. After all, you can be the most promising candidate in the world, but if your application fails to convey that promise, we have no way of knowing. While filling out a yet another school application may not be your idea of a good time, putting in the effort is a critical part of the process. Take a minute to consider whether your application is accurate, thorough, and says everything you want it to say in the way you want to say it. Did you proofread? Have you checked and double-checked all dates and deadlines? All of these pieces add up to a complete and compelling application. You should strive for nothing less. Know Your Options By now we hope you’re aware that we don’t view you as a set of test scores but as a holistic candidate. This means that we use all of the components of your application to derive a profile-based, big picture view of you as a candidate. Because of our commitment to diversity, we have built flexibility about tests and test scores into the decision process. In addition to accepting CAT, GMAT, GRE scores, we also offer our internal Bocconi Entrance Test (BET). While the latter is not a requirement, we strongly urge applicants to consider taking it. Why? Because our admissions process factors in your best test scores. In other words, whether you take the BET prior to or following another test, doing so increases your chances of getting into the PGPB because it gives you another chance to rack up an admissions-worthy result. In either case, you can submit your application first, then follow up later by reporting your test scores. However, your application will not be evaluated until we receive them. Be Early, Stay Organized We encourage you to apply early to the PGPB, as doing so can help you better position yourself for admissions success. But did you know that you can submit your application even if you don’t yet have all of your documentation? While some materials are required at the time of submission, others can be added at a later date and/or brought along to your personal interview. Please note that your essay responses, which you will receive after submitting your application, must be compiled prior to the interview. Congratulations on getting this far on your journey toward joining the PGPB at MISB Bocconi. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about your potential to make a contribution within our extraordinary community.
7 Days to CAT – Schedule For Aspirants
If you are a serious CAT aspirant, my best wishes are with you. I would have said that I empathize with you, but that would be a lie. Working with CAT aspirants, I have somehow become a little detached with my students, and I am not proud of it. But I guess, it helps me remain objective about the goal of helping them do better in CAT, and that is what I am trying to achieve via this post. The mantra, which is true for most serious endeavours in life, is Keep Calm and Carry On! I know that it is easier said than done. Here is a plan for the exam week. Also, in the last week you should never pressurize yourself to study for more than 5 hours. Monday – Take a hard look at all the data that you have and by data I mean your performance and results in mocks. After looking at the data, you should be able to answer the following questions: a) What should be the time split in Reading Comprehension and the other Verbal portion? b) On an average, am I stronger in Logical Reasoning or Data Interpretation or at a similar level in both? These two questions should shape the way you attempt these two sections in CAT. Obviously, you need to remain flexible in the CAT 2015 exam but having a clear idea will help. This entire exercise should not take more than 3 to 5 hours. Tuesday – Take a full length mock test. You should take the test in the same time slot that you have the exam scheduled in. It will condition your body and your brain to function at a full 100% during the exam. You should then relax for the rest of the day Wednesday – Solve all 100 questions of the mock test that you had taken yesterday without any pressure of time. It is perfectly fine if you are not able to solve all 100 questions or even 75 questions. The idea is that after looking at the solutions of those questions, you should be comfortable with solving all of them. Thursday – If the mock test that you had taken on Tuesday were lesser than your average mock score, you should take another mock. It will help you face the CAT 2015 exam with confidence. If you did well in the Tuesday mock, then probably you should pick up one particular topic that has bugged you throughout your preparation it could be para jumbles, it could be set theory, it could be Geometry and just solve questions on that particular topic from previous mocks. Probably, you will not be able to solve too many of them but after looking at the solutions you will gain the confidence to solve easy questions on that particular topic. It is a psychological battle that you should try to win before the exam. Friday – Revise all Quantitative Aptitude formulas. While there isn’t much to revise in sections like Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability, QA has a large number of formulas/tricks that you should revise. I have compiled a PDF of important quantitative aptitude formulas that you can download. It will be a quick revision of all the important stuff. You might have forgotten some of it. It will all come rushing back to you once you see it. Saturday – Probably the best way to spend the last day before the exam is to hang out with friends and go to bed early. Have a healthy diet at home and probably you should stay away from beer as well. It will be a good idea to check out the exact location of the examination center. Figure out how much time it takes actually to travel from your home location to the venue. You might be unlucky if it is in a different city (it has happened to quite a few of my students located in the NCR) then you should try and reach the city of the venue on Saturday itself. The most important thing for you to understand is that you cannot do much to boost your score significantly in the last week. You have been preparing for CAT for a long time now, and hard work rarely goes to waste. Although, trying flashy stuff in the last week might not be a good idea. So, as I said at the beginning of the post Keep Calm and Carry On! Ravi Handa, an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, has been teaching for CAT and various other competitive exams for around a decade. He started online courses on his website Handa Ka Funda in 2013 and 10000+ students have subscribed for them since then.
Six Reasons to Apply Early to MISB
While you may think you’ve got plenty of time to spare when it comes to applying to MISB Bocconi, the truth is that there are many advantages to getting a jump start on the process. Read on for six reasons to aim for the Round 1 deadline of January 31. Secure Your Spot The PGPB at MISB has a firm, predetermined class size, and we do not accept any future applications once we reach this limit. Applying during Round 1 ensures that you won’t be rejected simply because of a numbers game. Get Your Finances In Order Exploring your financial aid options can take time. When you apply to MISB, you can expect to receive your offer letter within a week of applying, meaning that Round 1 applicants have significantly more time to put the finance pieces into place. Not to mention — you may have less to piece together. (See #3.) An Inside Edge on Tuition Waivers At MISB, we offer both full and partial merit-based tuition waivers to candidates with outstanding profiles. However, only candidates who have completed their applications and been admitted to the PGPB are eligible for funding. The majority of support is awarded during the first round, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances. Boost Your Scores Not everyone gets their best score right out of the gate. Because you can still report test scores — either for the Bocconi Entrance Test (BET) or an alternate entrance test, such as the CAT, GMAT, GRE or NMAT — after submitting your application, you’ll have less energy tied up in paperwork and more time to focus on acing your entrance test. Plan Ahead If you’re returning to b-school from the workplace, gaining early acceptance to MISB can give you enough time to plan your exit. Additionally, many students choose to use this cushion to spend extra time with family and friends before the rigours of b-school begin. Peace of Mind Peace of mind can’t be quantified, but that’s because it’s invaluable — particularly during the potentially stressful b-school application process. By applying early to MISB, you can minimize stress while taking one step closer to your bright future as a member of the MISB community. One caveat: While applying early has definite incentives, the benefits of submitting a thorough and comprehensive application trump all else. Whether you make it into Round 1 or shoot for a later deadline, make sure your application is its most compelling and complete before you click “Submit.” We’re looking forward to your application!