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As the world is now governed by algorithms and automation, the question arises: are B-schools teaching future leaders to think like humans or to merely compute like machines?
At Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, Dr. Suresh Ramanathan, Dean and Principal, believes the answer lies in a fine balance.
During an engaging conversation, Dr. Ramanathan shared insights into how Great Lakes is redefining management education for the AI-driven future. Excerpts:
Could you share the unique aspects of your curriculum, especially with the growing relevance of AI and analytics?
Our approach to the curriculum goes beyond focusing on specific tools like AI or ML. We aim to equip students with critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. This year, we undertook a massive restructuring of our one-year program to align with industry demands. We analyzed what companies truly need—skills like critical thinking, data handling, and storytelling.
Our revamped curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, enabling students to learn by doing. For example, the Data Science specialization offers in-depth courses, including six focused on AI and ML, ensuring students are prepared for modern, tech-driven roles.
On faculty training, we are organizing a comprehensive AI workshop within the next 20 days. This will help integrate AI into pedagogy across disciplines. Students are encouraged to use generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, to research, construct arguments, and explore diverse perspectives, fostering deeper reasoning skills rather than mere information retrieval.
How do you ensure students are industry-ready, especially given the fast-paced changes in the corporate world?
Industry readiness is central to our curriculum design. We regularly consult industry leaders, recruiters, and alumni to identify gaps and incorporate their feedback.
To bridge the gap between theory and practice, we’ve introduced labs in every term, akin to engineering programs. These labs provide hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools and scenarios. For example, in our Product Management lab, PayPal has been instrumental in both design and delivery. Similarly, our labs in Data Science and Consulting are aligned with industry needs. This experiential approach ensures our students gain practical insights and are job-ready from day one.
Are there any noteworthy collaborations or partnerships with industry that you’d like to highlight?
PayPal is a key partner in our Product Management lab. We also collaborate with McKinsey and Accenture for courses on structured problem-solving, as well as a digital marketing company for a dedicated lab. These partnerships reflect our focus on co-creating content with industry stakeholders to ensure relevance and impact. We are constantly exploring new collaborations to further enrich our offerings.
What is your vision for Great Lakes over the next five years?
My vision is for Great Lakes to become an agile and innovative institution. We’ve embraced the philosophy of agility, experimenting with new initiatives, testing assumptions, and recalibrating as needed. This iterative approach allows us to remain at the forefront of innovation. Over the next five years, I see Great Lakes strengthening its position as a leader in management education, known for its adaptability and forward-thinking practices.
What role does research play in Great Lakes' academic framework?
Research is fundamental to our institution. Industry demands cutting-edge knowledge, and our students need to be equipped with the latest insights. Research helps us bridge this gap by fostering knowledge creation.
We focus on various forms of research, including white papers, case studies, and academic journal articles. This commitment to research ensures our faculty and students remain ahead of the curve, contributing to the institution's intellectual foundation and industry relevance.
How do you ensure holistic development for students beyond academics? How does it differ from traditional management programs?
One of our primary goals is to instill a sense of social impact in our students. This goes beyond simply preparing them for corporate careers.
A significant part of our curriculum is focused on social impact through the Karma Yoga program. We've partnered with 27 villages near our campus to work on initiatives like:
· Financial literacy
· Healthcare guidance
· Educational support, including English-speaking skills
· Entrepreneurship facilitation, especially for marginalized women
For instance, we actively help women from these villages develop entrepreneurial skills, brainstorm business ideas, and provide support to establish small businesses.
Beyond this, the campus itself offers a vibrant environment with numerous activities such as competitions and events. These opportunities allow students to grow in a 360-degree manner, ensuring they develop skills and experiences beyond the classroom.
You have students from different parts of India and international students as well. What kind of support do you offer them?
Our student body includes individuals from over 25 states, as well as international students. To ensure they feel at home, we celebrate cultural diversity on campus:
· Hosting cultural events and religious festivals
· Serving special meals on specific days, such as Bengali cuisine or other regional dishes, to cater to diverse tastes
We also offer financial support through merit-based scholarships, which are awarded regardless of the student’s background or location.