The Management mantra
With CAT results out, candidates desirous of getting into B-schools in India or abroad are gearing up for the next stage of the admission process. Here is a look at the changes in the selection process and answers to queries that most MBA aspirants have
Sai Kumar

If we go through the admission criteria of various IIMs and pay attention to how they have changed over the past several years, we realise that some significant changes have been made by most of the IIMs both in terms of excluding the older/traditional parameters as well as introducing new parameters.

Overall, the changes seem to be in the right direction, in sync with what happens in most good B-schools abroad as well as what is actually required or expected from the 21st century managers in the Indian corporate sector.

Need for change

Firstly, for many years, group discussion (GD) existed as an important parameter for all IIMs. But then, beginning with IIM-A, gradually, almost all the IIMs stopped having GDs as a part of their selection process. For the coming 2014 session, only two of the 13 IIMs — Lucknow and Kozhikode — are going to have GDs. One reason why GDs are not in favour is that in a GD, quite often, the environment turns chaotic and thus, the panellists are unable to evaluate all the aspirants fairly.

A GD does not give a fair chance to people with different backgrounds to prove themselves if everyone tries to speak at the same time. Also, sometimes boys would dominate the girls, as was pointed out by the Director of IIM, Ranchi.

Secondly, most IIMs have introduced the Written Ability Test (WAT) to replace GD. This was also initiated by IIM-A. The WAT is essentially an essay round wherein the students are given a topic, on which they need to write a structured essay within the given word limit.

A written test gives everyone equal chance to perform and it is also the need of the hour. Good written/ formal communication plays an important role in any manager’s growth. The student can be tested on the parameters of effectiveness and efficiency i.e. the ability to convey their thoughts without being wordy. It also tests their ability to structure their thoughts through analytical reasoning.

And thirdly, a few IIMs have also introduced parameters to ensure a more diverse batch in terms of education as well as gender. A small weightage of 2-3 per cent has been introduced for academic diversity, in which points are given to non-engineers and similarly, female candodates get some points on gender diversity.

Moulding preparation strategy

In terms of preparation, the students obviously need to work hard to excel in written test and interviews in comparison the GDs. Personal interview continues to be the most important part of the selection process, if we see the high weightage it carries for all IIMs.

Broadly speaking, to do well in the essays (WAT) the candidates need to work on building their content — they must read on the various important/hot topics from multiple resources to get a comprehensive analysis on any topic. And in addition, they need to practise writing essays to develop the ability to think, analyse and put down their thoughts within the given time limit.

Though these may seem daunting, there is no need to be anxious about these changes because at a basic level, it is still about having good knowledge and then, the talent to convey your thoughts and opinions to others.

— The writer is Director, T. I. M. E, Delhi

Admission details for six new IIMs

IIM Trichy, will be conducting the Common Admission Process (CAP) for the six new IIMs — IIM Kashipur, IIM Raipur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Rohtak, IIM Trichy and IIM Udaipur this year. The institute issued shortlist percentile cut-offs for Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) for the process.

These new institutes are expected to call around 10,000 candidates for their combined strength of 800 seats.

The older IIMs — Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Kozhikode are likely to support the new entrants in the process by sharing the WAT-PI scores of the candidates who are present in their shortlist as well as the one declared by the new IIMs. Such candidates will not be required to participate in the WAT-PI process.

After normalising all the PI and WAT scores, a combined merit list will be prepared for the entire lot of students to be considered for admission to the six new IIMs. Each individual new IIM will take the normalized PI & WAT score of the candidates shortlisted by them and combine it with scores for other criteria-CAT score, Profile score and any other score to make their own individual merit list to make final offer to the candidates.

List of candidates for WAT & PI for the six IIMs will be declared on January 22, 2014.

FIRST PERSON
Getting a head start helps

Master of Business Administration (MBA) has evolved as one of the most coveted post-graduate qualifications across the world as it serves as a launching pad for a successful career. However, getting into an MBA programme in a good B-school is not a cakewalk.

Besides the highly competitive selection process, the aspirants have a lot of queries regarding the selection of the right institute and the right specialisation and whether it is better to go for an MBA degree abroad. MBA coach and author of Destination MBA: Coaching you to get there! Mansie Dewan replies to students’ queries in this regard in an interview. Excerpts:

There is an increasing trend of going for an MBA degree abroad. How should students make a choice in this regard?

Yes, this surely is a new trend as I have had students coming to me who already had an MBA from India but wanted to do a second international MBA because they want to learn from a diverse peer group in a multi-national setting. They now want to learn in a more interactive way after the theoretical knowledge they already have. So, brand value, practical exposure, networking and cross cultural experiences are some elements that students are looking at while pursuing an international MBA.

Many great business schools exist across the world. Of course, the Asian programmes are a hot favorite among students because of cost effectiveness but the most sought after programmes are the ones offered by IVY league and other top ranked business schools in the US.

Countries like Canada and Singapore offer post study work permits, making them very lucrative options. Europe also has some fantastic business schools like Oxford SAID, IMD, INSEAD, London Business School, Cambridge, HEC, IE etc. Choice of school really depends on a candidate’s post-MBA goals, financial budget and track record of target school in placing students in the chosen industry.

Some foreign universities are opening centres in India. Are such set-ups good for MBA aspirants?

Such a set-up works very well because quality education, curriculum, methodology and faculty are made available to students in their home countries without them having to be physically present at the main campus. This works well for students who cannot travel to the main campus (at least for the entire programme duration) for whatever personal reasons or financial constraints. For example two popular business schools, Schulich from Canada and SDA Bocconi from Italy have recently set up campuses at Hyderabad and Mumbai, respectively.

What are the selection criteria for foreign universities and how students can prepare to get selected?

The criteria vary from country to country. The top 50 MBA universities require mandatory work experience in addition to good extra curricular record, demonstrated leadership potential, achievements and preferably some community experience. If you are planning to go for an MBA degree from a prestigious university, then the preparation should start much in advance. Carry out a thorough research on the target college, talk to current students and alumni and get prepared for the experience. The mindset should be not only to cope but to excel during one’s academic tenure. There are a few differences like teaching methodology as the emphasis is on practical learning, social environment and geographical change. These changes are very welcome and Indian students are by nature adaptable and take no time in adjusting to their new environment.

What is the right time to start preparation for MBA?

The earlier the better. If a student aims to get into a top league B-school, then he should utilise his time most effectively and use it to his or her advantage. Life revolves around the goals one sets, and one can chalk out a systematic plan accordingly.

Here is an example of a student who came to me, he had set his goals right at school level and worked on building his profile in the years that followed:

Family background: His father owned a couple of shops and mother was a homemaker. He first showed his enterprising in Class IX. He had many comic books and instead of selling them to a kabaadi (the usual trend), he started a small library to rent out these books and make money to buy more. In a few years, this became a profitable business, which inspired him to start a small video game parlour at one of his father’s shops. Class X onwards, he prepared for the AIEEE and also made it to one of the top engineering colleges in India.

College life was full of participation in extracurricular activities. He also discovered his passion in photography which helped him to make extra money fby selling his breathtaking pictures to various publications.

Placed at one of the top IT companies, he excelled in his work, and was selected for multiple international projects. He also got involved in community activities through his workplace. After three years of work experience, he was ready for his MBA journey and was selected at Wharton.

Many students are generally confused about the specialisations that are now available. Which are the new specialisations that MBA aspirants should check out?

MBA has become very industry specific. Over a period of time universities have discovered different job opportunities in diverse industries and matched them with people who have the competencies and interest to excel in these areas. So not only sports management and healthcare, but real estate, IT, politics, corporate social responsibility, innovation and entrepreneurship among others are some of the specialisations that are being offered by the B-schools.

smart strategy: how to make a good performance management programme
A non-stop endeavour
Good performance management programmes should be inbuilt in the work culture. these should be planned throughout the year instead of just during the annual review cycle
Jappreet Sethi

Performance management positively impacts employees’ performance and productivity. Data from Development Dimensions International — an international major in the field of HR Consulting, shows that the percentage of goals achieved by employees increases substantially when a formal performance management system is put in place.

With a good performance management programme in place, managers indicated that employees hit 21.5 per cent more of their goal targets. Similarly, employees estimated that with an effective performance management system, they achieve 8.3 per cent more of their goals.

On another note in In 2010, Gallup conducted a research and found that Indian employees, especially those who have worked for three to 10 years for a company, strongly felt that most performance management systems are not enough to differentiate high performance. It will not be good to throw the baby with the bath water. So what are the basics of a good performance management system?

Setting clear targets

Senior leaders set goals that are meaningful for the organisation and for the team. The goals have to be SMART

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable/Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-Bound

Managers then cascade these goals to their direct reports and establish individual objectives that are linked to corporate goals.

Setting priorities and distributing work

Managers develop and implement project plans to get work done; they prioritise work and set realistic expectations with employees regarding project tasks.

Monitoring day-to-day performance

Managers track employee performance on a continuous basis and provide timely and accurate informal feedback and coaching. Feedback throughout the year helps employees develop and reinforces positive habits continuously. This way Managers as well as employees have no surprises at the end of the year.

Assessing performance and providing feedback

The formal performance management review process includes employees self-evaluation and subsequent review by direct managers. Formal feedback should be candid, but managers should help employee s to improve by concentrating on strengths rather than beating them on their weakness alone. Thereafter , employees use the performance feedback to create development plans (DPs) to improve specific areas.

Linking pay to performance

Employees receive merit-linked bonuses and pay increases based on the performance review conducted jointly by them.

Research has time and again indicated that managers are one of the key drivers of employee performance since they are directly in touch with employees and can thus support employees to achieve results. However, despite their significance in the process, managers have room to improve in performance management activities.

Organisational culture has a high impact on manager’s and leadership team’s effectiveness at and commitment towards performance management. As a result, it is important for an organisation to encourage a high performance culture by ensuring that managers and employees understand business strategy and goals. And they are focused on the right priorities with a clear focus on delivering better quality results.

— The writer is a Human Resources and business strategy professional

field in focus: paramedical services
The vital support
With the demand for paramedics likely to soar to 60 lakh by 2015, this field offers ample job opportunities.
Aruna Singh

A Paramedic is a professional who helps the doctors in specialised areas and facilitates better diagnosis, treatment and therapy. These allied health professionals make up for almost 60 per cent of the total health workforce. As per a survey India will require 60 lakh more paramedical professionals by 2015 and 90 lakh professionals by 2020.

According to a report by Planning Commission, India is facing a shortage of about 10 lakh nurses, and a large number of Paramedical staff. The ideal nurse-patient ratio is 1:6 but currently the ratio is 1:10 in the general ward and 1:60 for other patients. In this context the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has advised that a public private partnership (PPP) model will be able to bridge this gap. The severity of the issue can be taken as great opportunity for aspirants of paramedical courses.

CII suggested in a policy paper that "Government can encourage private sector interest through tax incentives and permit the corporate world to undertake healthcare for the optimal use of resources. For example, a medical college with a 500-bed capacity could produce 150 students annually, instead of the 100 as per the current MCI norms.”

The work

Almost all diagnostic procedures are carried out by the paramedical staff and they have emerged a vital cog in the wheel of the health care delivery system. The population explosion coupled with the mushrooming of private and corporate hospitals has provided numerous opportunities for skilled paramedics.

Paramedical services are not just restricted to nursing and hospital administration, the vast field covers dozens of courses in its domain, the prominent among these are Medical Lab Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Cardiac Perfusion Technology, Dialysis / Renal Dialysis Technology, Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology, Optometry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Radiography / Radiotherapy, Hospital Administration / Management, Medical Records Administration, Dental Hygiene & Dental Mechanic, Dental Ceramic Technology apart from Health / Sanitary Inspector and many more.

Skills required

The key skills required for this kind of job are the ability to work long hours on computers, good stamina, patience and ability to understand medical terms. The quality of being good with people and working as a team are essential in this field.

Getting in

Those wanting to get into this field should choose science stream with Biology in the Senior Secondary School Examination in order to meet the eligibility requirement for the abovementioned courses.

A serious candidate must be able asses his interest which will help him/her to choose the desired specialisation. Along with this one shouldn’t overlook the quality of the college or institute where one is going to enrol. The reputation of the institute will play an important role in shaping your future. Here are some of the key features which should be considered prior to take admission.

• Its recognition by the UGC/AICTE-to be verified from the UGC/AICTE website
• Position in ranking by well recognised ranking bodies.
• The quality of its faculty as also faculty to students’ ratio.
• The placement record, companies visiting and packages offered.
• Location and its easy accessibility from air and by road to see your convenience.
• The physical and academic infrastructure-make a visit.
• Accreditation.
• The quality of programmes and exposure to industry/student exchange programmes.
• Extracurricular, sports and leadership building activities.
• The fee and scholarships being offered.

In addition to the course specialisation and reputation of the college, Individual’s academic record, talent and passion contribute significantly in the professional success of a paramedic.

Where you can work

After pursuing a course in the field of paramedical science, one can explore various career options available in the medical industry. A paramedic can find job opportunities in government hospitals, private clinics, and trauma centers. Such medical professionals can work as medical lab technicians, radiography technicians, radiologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists and audiologists, dialysis therapists, emergency technicians, emergency care practitioners, perfusion technicians, cardiac technicians, and respiratory therapists. Besides, they can opt for high-end specialisation courses and discover umpteen opportunities in India and abroad. They can also find jobs with helicopter flight crews, wherein they’ll be required to transport the sick and the injured to the nearby trauma centers.

However, paramedics is a demanding job as emergency medical services and facilities operate 24x7; thus, professionals in this field should be willing to work for prolonged durations and on evening and weekends also.

Placements happen during the final year. The pay package for, an able paramedic is decent and subsequently increases with experience and competency.

The rapid advancements in technology and need for quality medical facilities has created an urgent need for paramedic professionals. Now Indian government is taking initiatives to reform the public health sector and making the universal health coverage an absolute reality. To fulfil this noble dream there is an urgent need to ensure the availability of the quality paramedical professionals at all levels in the health care sector.

Institute watch

• Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute,New Delhi.
• Doon (P.G.) Paramedical College & Hospital, Dehradun, Uttrakhand.
• Sadana Paramedical College, Rampur, Hydrabad, Andhra Pradesh.
• Paramedical College Durgapur, West Bengal
• Indian Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Alambagh, Lucknow.

cubicle trends
Productive approach
Lalit Jain

An employee functioning to his/her full potential is equivalent to two with below par productivity. Employee productivity is a crucial aspect of the success dynamics of a company and it takes more than the employee’s potential to increase productivity. Capability apart, a number of environmental factors play a role in determining whether a company’s employees are at their productive best or otherwise.

Increasing productivity not only helps companies deliver on projects it also helps to cut costs and improve the an organisation’s work culture. Increasing productivity has a lot to do with keep the employees happy and satisfied. A satisfied employee will certainly be more productive and easy to retain. Here are some productivity enhancing measures that are becoming an important constituent of R&R strategies of companies in India now:

Appreciation and giving due credit: Salary might be the most important determinant in incentivising performance but one cannot dismiss the importance of recognition and appreciation. Often, employees take a lot of flak for the tasks that go awry but fail to get apt recognition for the good job done. A regular word of public appreciation, a pat on the back and a few kind words can do wonders to increase productivity. The employee will return next day with a renewed vigour.

Hearing them out: More and more top executives are now groomed to listen to the problems of their subordinates. Professional differences with colleagues, petty office politics and unhealthy competition at workplace may sometimes be a drag on an employee’s performance. It is a huge help if a senior listens and does his bit to ease out the tensions. It helps take away the undesired stress on the employees and help them focus on their job.

Rewards & Recognition: It makes an employee happy if his/her loyalty and dedication is recognised. Today companies are moving beyond the age-old HR practices and entering into the new domain of organised Rewards & Recognition culture. The new age creative solutions have made R & R policies more organised and institutionalised. Moving awy from company calendar and diaries, creative, well planned sophisticated R & R programmes are now being adopted. These ensure that the employees are offered a choice from a menu of rewards to attract and sustain interest.

Upgrading skills: It also works well for the employees if they are offered skill enhancement training and programmes while on the job. Some companies are picking up a few employees every year and sending them to week-long training programmes that will help them upgrade their skills. This not only increases the skill level of the workforce, but also make the employees feel that the company wants them to grow.

Offering new challenges: An employee should never feel static in his or her job, there should always be scope for new challenges and excitement. On shore assignments where employees are sent to the headquarter offices of a company for a few months job or are sent abroad to handle a project or two are part of such challenges that keep the employees’ interest in work going.

— The writer is Director & Co-Founder of Annectos, an R&R solutions provider

How to make successful career in social media

The most important quality that one requires to make a successful career in the social media realm is enthusiasm for connecting with people and listening to what they say. Your primary goal is to engage with your target audience and to have an in-depth knowledge of the use of social media. It has even become essential for HR departments to scour social media sites to recruit new talent or vet potential employees applying to a company.

The right route

The only way to learn about social media is to jump into the deep end and start becoming active on it. Your first task is to create profiles on as many social media sites as possible and start building a list of fans and followers. Unless you know how to use these sites yourself and have a significant web presence on them, you cannot advise a person or company how to use them.

Create an experience of being engaging and interactive. Listen to the chatter on Facebook, Twitter and read the influencers on Linkedin. Join LinkedIn groups and ask intelligent questions. Answer other people's questions if you have something valuable to add to the conversation.

On Twitter and Facebook, use hashtags in moderation and follow other social media gurus and popular figures to learn how they engage their audience. Learn the popular lingo and context that is unique to each site and share content that is targeted to each site’s audience.

Keep testing and learning. See what kind of content gets the best response and post more of it. Visual content is big, so it might help to learn how to create graphics on the fly, so you can respond to popular memes quickly.

Get the right certifications

One of the best ways to get a quick education in social media and get a job as a social media professional is to opt for any one of the courses available through various recognised institutes such as Digital Vidya, WATConsult, Digital Marketing Institute, EduKart Online, etc.

Even with these certifications under your belt, you need to keep learning and continue to grow your own social media presence as it is part of your personal brand. Because social media is a very rapidly changing field, with new updates being made almost every day, it is essential to keep up with news in the industry and to share it with your fans and followers.

Many social media experts choose to specialise in one or more fields of knowledge, such as Lead generation on social media, Facebook advertising or LinkedIn networking. You can choose to do the same as you grow your own personal brand and become a well-known social media consultant to your clients.

— Inputs by Jappreet Sethi

Seven email sins

Scientists have identified seven deadly email sins that can lead to ‘negative repercussions’ in the workplace if not handled correctly. Workers obsessed with checking their emails could be damaging their own mental health and that of their colleagues, according to research at London’s Kingston University.

Occupational psychologist Dr Emma Russell set to find out which email practices stress employees out and identified seven ‘deadly email sins’.

These include:

• Ping pong — constant emails back and forth creating long chains,
• emailing out of hours,
• emailing while in company,
• ignoring emails completely,
• requesting read receipts,
• responding immediately to an email alert
• automated replies.

Happiness@work
Gems of ancient wisdom
Freedom: A joint effort

Just as a job well done requires all-round inputs and teamwork, our freedom movement, too, had contributions by persons from various fields.The Republic Day is a solemn reminder of that spirit of “oneness” that is a matter of pride for the world’s greatest democracy.

Sportsmen: On August 15, 1936 was the hockey final between India and Germany at the Berlin Olympics. To inspire captain Dhyan Chand and his team, Pankaj Gupta, honorary secretary of the IHF, had taken along the Indian Tricolour and not the official flag of British India. As the team was about to march out onto the field, Gupta unfurled the Tricolour and the boys saluted. No wonder, India won 8-1.

Scientists: As the British Governor of Bengal was scheduled to inspect schools, all students had to be present. But Meghnad Saha boycotted school to protest against the division of Bengal. The next day, Saha’s name was not only taken off the school rolls but he also lost his scholarship.

In 1876, a rich physician, Dr Mahendra Lal Sircar, set up the first scientific research institution at Calcutta — the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science.

In 1893, Prafulla Chandra Ray, the father of India’s chemical industry, started his company Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works to give jobs to Indian students who would “otherwise serve a European firm”.

Saint: When Gandhiji launched the Quit India movement in 1942, college-goer Balan wrote and distributed pamphlets and gave speeches. As the police was looking out for him, he stayed underground in Kashmir for a year. Then, he took up a job as a machine operator at the British Military Intelligence Communication Centre, Abbottabad. After eight months, he quit the job and rejoined the movement. He was recognised and put behind bars. There, he fell ill with typhus and was thrown on the streets by the jail staff. Luckily for him, a Christian woman, whose son was with the Indian troops in Europe, looked after him. Later, he became renowned as Swami Chimayananda.

Teachers: In 1930, schoolteacher Surjya Sen ‘Masterda’, his friends and his teenaged students planned an uprising in Chittagong. They collected money and underwent physical training to take on the British masters. Then on April 18, 1930, they split themselves into seven groups and launched a well-planned attack. That night, Chittagong was free from British rule and the Tricolour swayed at the armoury with pride.

Industrialists: Scared of competition from the Bengal Steam Navigation Company that Mohamed Kalamian started in 1905, European navigation companies drastically reduced the rate for passengers.

“As agriculture cannot provide enough employment”, Jamsetji Tata thought of setting up a steel industry. After searching for 17 years, he found good-quality coal in Jharia in 1899. Tata Steel was a purely ‘swadeshi’ venture — by an Indian, of the Indians, for the Indians. Together, they made Independence happen. Let’s at least nurture it.

— Sai R. Vaidyanathan

The writer can be contacted at svaidyanathan@tribunemail.com

scholarship roundup
Civil and Building Engineering courses

The School of Civil and Building Engineering at the UK-based Loughborough University is offering scholarships for its master’s and postgraduate programmes. The school is one of the largest multi-disciplinary Engineering Faculties in the UK.

Details: The Loughborough University Graduate School International Scholarship is worth 25 per cent of the total fee of £16,750. The scholarship is available for the full-time post graduate taught and degree programmes. In addition to this, there are also two bursaries offered by the School of Civil and Building Engineering for students pursuing specific post graduate degree programmes.

Eligibility: The students wishing to apply for the courses should have a score of minimum 60 per cent in engineering, science, mathematics or discipline related to building services engineering. Other qualifications supplemented with relevant industrial experience will also be considered.

How to apply: Online.

Check out:

www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/postgraduate/

Scholarships for distance learning programmes

Sikkim Manipal University’s Directorate of Distance Education announced the launch of its fifth “National Level Vidyadeep Scholarship” for students enrolling for any of its distance education programmes by January 31, 2014. The scholarship scheme aims to cater to the aspirations of lakhs of students, both working and self-employed, who wish to upgrade their educational qualifications.

The scholarships ranging from 15 to 100 per cent fee waiver will depend on the marks secured by the student at the qualifying examination or the SMAT (Sikkim Manipal University Aptitude Test).

MacArthur fellowships

MacArthur Foundation is offering fellowship for postgraduate applicants and their university tutors. Fellowship is provided in the field of design, engineering and business. Applicants should have confirmed and accepted place on a postgraduate course in design, engineering and business at one of the Fellowship Partner Universities, including proof of all necessary funding by February 16, 2014.

The fellowship programme will be developed and delivered by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation with expert input from Cranfield University, Imperial College London and London Business School.

Eligibility: Application for the 2014 Fellowship Programme is open to postgraduate students who meet the following requirements:

• Confirmed and accepted place on a postgraduate course in design, engineering and / or business at one of the Fellowship Partner Universities, including proof of all necessary funding.
• They should be able to attend an online interview on either February 24 and 25, 2014, if shortlisted
• attend a week-long summer school at Cranfield University, in the UK, June 23-27, 2014
• undertake a research project as part of your course, during the Fellowship year
• take part in the 2014 online knowledge-building and support programme
• Evidence of the support of an academic mentor within your home university and the availability of your mentor to attend the week-long summer school at Cranfield University, in the UK, 23 – 27 June 2014.

course chat
Free Online courses by Yale University

Yale University is launching its next generation of free online courses, with four new courses debuting in the next six weeks. Registration is open now for all courses at http://www.coursera.org/yale.

Four of Yale’s most distinguished scholars will be inaugurating the programme. The courses are:

• Roman Architecture,” with Diana E.E. Kleiner, the Dunham Professor of History of Art and Classics;
• Moralities of Everyday Life,” with Paul Bloom, the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science;
• Constitutional Law,” with Akhil Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science;
• Financial Markets,” with Robert Shiller, Sterling Professor of Economics.

course cruising
Petroleum and energy management

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Noida invites applications for admission to its MBA (Petroleum and Energy Management) course. The two-year MBA is designed as a career-oriented programme aimed at the petroleum and energy sector.

The programme is designed to facilitate students in understanding, developing, integrating and applying knowledge of both core and specialised areas of management and their concepts and practices in the domain of the petroleum and energy sector.

Eligibility: The candidate must have:

Minimum 60 per cent in aggregate (55 per cent for SC/ST) in Class X and Class XII. Bachelor’s degree in any branch of engineering / technology (four years duration course after Plus II), master’s degree in physics, chemistry, mathematics/geology/geoscience with 60 per cent marks or CPI of 6.0. Mathematics must be one of the subjects in Plus II.

Qualification either in CAT 2013/GMAT (After June 2013)/XAT-2014.

How to apply: Online

Deadline: February 21, 2014.

Check out: www.rgipt.ac.in

Graphic design

Wigan and Leigh College India (WLCI), New Delhi invites applications for admission to Graphic Design courses for undergraduate, post graduate students and for working professionals.

Eligibility: The eligibility for different courses an applicant should be Plus II for the UG programme, graduation or equivalent qualification for the PG course and a minimum 3 years of work experience for working professionals.

How to apply: Download application form from http://www.wlci.in/apply-now.aspx?id=4. Then the completed application form is to be deposited in person or sent by post/courier to your preferred campus.

Deadline: January 30, 2014

Check out: www.wlci.in

Best employer of the year

Ajuba Solutions India Pvt. Ltd has been recognised among the best employer brands in a recent study conducted by Aon Hewitt to honour the country’s best employer brands of 2013.

Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions business of Aon plc announced its 2013 Best Employers Study results at New Delhi recently. Ajuba is the only healthcare BPO to be recognised for organisational excellence.

The 2013 study was built on a clearly articulated framework of four key themes, identified as critical for today’s HR agenda such as high employee engagement, Effective leadership, A compelling employer brand and high performance culture.

Ajuba’s leadership and skill-based training programme that is designed and customised based on industry requirements is highly acclaimed in the healthcare outsourcing fraternity. The company believes in the strength of its employees. Ajuba is part of the Miramed Global Services group which is headquartered in Jackson Michigan, USA

Accepting the honour, Ms. Hema Parikh, Director HR, Ajuba Solutions India said “HR initiatives at Ajuba have been designed in such a way that our approach goes beyond traditional recruitment and people engagement practices. We believe in nurturing the leadership and growth potential of our employees through our leadership and skill-based training programmes.” — TNS

Delhi top job provider

Delhi-NCR region has emerged as the leader in creating the maximum number of jobs in 2013, even as overall generation of new employment avenues declined last year, says an Assocham study.

IT, IT-enabled services (ITeS) and IT hardware sector together accounted for a majority share of about 43 per cent in the total number of new jobs generated across sectors in 2013, the study found. “About 5.50 lakh new jobs were generated across India during January-December 2013 as compared to over 5.52 lakh new jobs a year ago thereby registering marginal decline of about 0.4 per cent,” it said.

According to the study, Delhi-NCR emerged on top with over 1.39 lakh new jobs created during 2013. — PTI

The study also found that new job generation plummeted in most sectors as about 20 out of the total 32 sectors tracked by the study registered a fall in new job generation.

Despite being the top employment generator, the IT/ITeS and IT hardware sector recorded a dip of one per cent in new job generations as it created over 2.36 lakh new jobs in 2012 as against 2.34 lakh new jobs in 2013, the study found.

However, academics, banking, construction, financial services, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), human resources (HR), advertising and event management, real estate, retail and telecom are the sectors that witnessed a surge in new job creation during 2013, according to the study.

Among the metros, Delhi-NCR (national capital region) and Bangalore clocked significant year-on-year growth of 12 per cent and four per cent, respectively, in new job generation while Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai registered a fall to the tune of over 21 per cent, two per cent and 22 per cent, respectively.

Among tier I cities, Hyderabad recorded marginal increase of about one per cent in new job generation whereas Ahmedabad saw a decline of about 6.5 per cent, it added.

In the tier II category, prominent cities that registered a surge in hiring activity during 2013 include Chandigarh (19 per cent), Kanpur (21 per cent), Ranchi (25 per cent), Raipur (25 per cent) and Vizag (1.5 per cent). — PTI

Cool Counsel
Devote time to your team
Rajnish Virmani

Q. I am a team leader in a reputed organisation and remain busy for 10-12 hours every day. However, I don’t get any time for coaching and developing my team members. Is this pattern OK if I continue? — Rajesh Mehra

A. The short answer to this question is “No”. We are all challenged in our calendars, trying to balance the “important” vs. “urgent” tasks. You seem to be tied down with the urgent work to such an extent that you are not being able to find time to do the stuff that is really important. In the long term, the difference between a good leader and an average leader is the focus on important things.

Coaching is indeed such a useful way of developing people’s skills and abilities, and of boosting performance. It can also help deal with issues and challenges before they become major problems. In the short term, it may not create an immediate substantial difference and so may not be considered impactful and urgent… Mistake!!! Things quickly go into a negative spiral if this facet of business is unattended and by then it may be too late to rectify the situation.

Find the time. Have that coaching session with your team members; focus on the individual team member to discover answers for themselves… after all, people are much more likely to engage with solutions that they have come up with themselves, rather than those that are forced upon them.

In some organisations, coaching is still seen as a corrective tool, used only when things have gone wrong. But in many companies in the West, and now in some progressive companies in India too, coaching is considered to be a positive and proven approach for helping others explore their goals and ambitions, and then achieve them.

You are not expected to be a counsellor or psychotherapist, just showing care for the employees and creating an environment where they develop themselves is good enough. This is a long-term tool. Build credibility with your team members first, take their permission to check if they want to be coached and then have these one-on-one sessions.

Job-qualification mismatch

Q. I am not happy with my job. I am being asked to do stuff that I was not hired to do and no one recognises the effort that I put in. It is creating a lot of frustration. How can I counter this? — Ruchi Goel

A. A job fit nowadays is not guaranteed just because there is a match of technical skills. For you to stay happy at your job, your personal values must match the values of the company and your interest in the work should be high as well. Just a technical skill match is not good enough.

I have always suggested that the recruitment process is not a one-way street. While the company evaluates your fitment, you should definitely evaluate the company as well… what is their purpose? What are the values and behaviour they propagate? What are their growth plans? How are they performing financially? What is the brand reputation? Join them if you are convinced there is a match. Likewise, even once you are employed, review the situation and move on if things are not matching your expectations.

The bottom line, if you feel the mismatch is small, then adjust to the situation but stay happy (don’t stay and keep cribbing). If the mismatch is big, then look for other options and move on when you find a better one.

— Rajnish Virmani is a management guru with 30 years of experience. He has also authored has also written a book on management You Can Lead. Readers can send their workplace-related queries at careers@tribunemail.com

CAREER HOTLINE
Pervin Malhotra

Jobs in offshore rigs

Q. I’m in Class XII (NIOS) and am struggling with my studies, particularly maths. I have heard that there are some good jobs in offshore rigs that don’t require higher studies. What kind of work do they offer and how do I get in? — Karan Jogi

A. The commonest entry-level option of the kind you mention is that of an Offshore Roustabout, who works as a member of the crew on an oil rig or ship that is involved in oil and gas exploration. This is an entry-level position that can act as a bridge to more senior positions in oil and gas exploration projects.

And luckily for you, there are no special education requirements beyond Class XII as you’ll receive your training on the job.

However, this work requires a high level of physical fitness as you may be exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, snow and heavy rain.

These oil and gas personnel act as general hands on offshore rigs. The work would involve cleaning up oil spills on deck, securing and check connections, assisting the crew and implementing safety procedures.

The work could also include securing the goods on deck, monitoring activities and facilitating communication between different crew members.

As a fresh roustabout, you will work under close supervision while developing your job skills.

Once you’ve gained the necessary offshore experience, you can work more independently and look at eventually applying for better positions on the crew.

Some safety training and certification is required to work as an offshore roustabout. After you’re sufficiently trained, you can apply for certification.

Experienced roustabouts might need to present evidence of successful completion of training before they can start work. An offshore roustabout who has additional certifications is obviously more employable on some rigs, especially abroad, because the certifications will vouchsafe your familiarity with the health and safety issues on board.

Oil companies post job listings from time to time, including offshore roustabout positions and the compensation and benefits. The ability to travel is generally necessary, because employment opportunities near your home may be limited.

Not everyone living in the proximity of offshore drilling, may necessarily end up working on those rigs. You need to follow employment opportunities, wherever they may arise.

Members of oil and gas crews receive varying wages and benefits, depending on the company they work for and the location. On Indian rigs it could range between Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 pm.

Some crews are very well compensated, including lower-ranking members. The company may also provide respite and vacation time for workers stationed at offshore locations, and provide transportation to shore to allow the crew to spend some time off the rig (including airfare).

Typically on Indian rigs, you’ll work 12-hour shifts for 28 days and get 28 days off. In some other countries like the middle-east, you may work for 56 days and get 20-28 days off.

The easiest way to get a job would be to go through someone you know who is working on such a rig.

Some Indian Cos: Great Eastern Shipping, Great Offshore (a subsidiary of the Great Eastern), Aban, Reliance, Jindal Shivani, Jackson. While the bigger companies may have 30-40 rigs, others may have 4-5. Some have only land rigs.

Is change of career a good option for me?

Q. I am working for a TV channel as a senior executive. Although I have four- and-a-half years of experience in sales and marketing, I am now getting bored and want to change my career. How can I use my core skills in another career? Will I get a salary that equals what I’m drawing presently? — Arpan Johri

A. It’s never too late to change careers. Often such a change gives you an all-round professional grooming. Professionals from sales and marketing can move either to customer service/relationship management or HR. In HR again there are many choices. For one, you could look at becoming a staffing specialist (in great demand today due to the acute talent crunch and the need for companies to build their brand for attracting talent). You could even opt for becoming a corporate trainer — specialising in building skills and capabilities of the staff. All these careers basically focus on utilising your core sales competency i.e. your ability to relate to different types of people, and your ability to influence and lead change. And, you needn’t take salary drop as you switch lanes either!

Route to becoming a flight despatcher

Q. I’m very keen on becoming a Flight Dispatcher at the Airport. What do I have to do for this? — Taufik Alam

A. A flight dispatcher has significant control over airline flights. S/he is responsible for all phases of a particular flight--from planning to landing. In fact, a plane can’t depart an airport without the approval of the flight dispatcher. Given the importance of this position, it takes a desire for challenges, concentration and determination to become one.

Every Flight Dispatcher must be fully trained and approved by DGCA.

The minimum eligibility is Class XII (PCM) and 21 years of age.

Following these 5 essential steps will get you there:

• Take a private pilot ground training course from an approved flying school.
• Locate a flight dispatcher school. Make sure it’s certified by the DGCA.
• Enrol in the training programme, which includes courses in flight operations, international flight planning, navigation, takeoff and landing.
• Practice for the Certification exams. Many programs provide practice testing as part of their curriculum.
• Clear the written, oral and practical exams.

http://dgca.nic.in/cars/d7m-m2.pdf

How can I become an assistant engine driver?

Q. I am a graduate. Can you please tell me how I can become an assistant engine driver in the railways? — Girish Saini

A. The Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) works alongside the Loco Pilot to ensure the safe and punctual running of trains in the Indian Railways.

Your duties as an ALP will range from assisting the Loco Pilot in driving the train, watching out for signals, carrying out minor repairs, and performing safety checks.

The job requires you to remain alert and focussed for long stretches of time.

The minimum educational qualification is matriculation (passed Class X) and a course completed under Apprentice Act or ITI Diploma (recognised by AICTE) in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Automobile Engineering.

The selection process involves a written exam followed by an interview, aptitude test and a medical test.

The 90-minute written exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions ranging in topics from General English/Hindi, Basic Arithmetic, and General Knowledge to subject-specific questions based on the minimum qualifications specified.

An Assistant Loco Pilot’s next promotion is to the level Sr Assistant Loco Pilot and Loco Pilot. A Loco Pilot can then go on to become Loco Foreman (Loco supervisor), Power Controller or Crew Controller.

Recruitment for this as well as several other posts in the Railways is done each year by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). These 21 RRBs spread all over the country have clearly defined Railway Zones, Divisions, Production Units, etc. for whom they select candidates.

Watch out for the recruitment notices issued in the leading newspapers of your area including the Employment News.

Email your queries to careers@tribunemail.com...