B-school trends come and go, but one that seems to have legs is the creation of specialized MBA programs, particularly by second-tier schools. The schools find them useful for attracting students and cementing their brand identities at a time when competition among schools for the best students is intense. In recent years, they’ve becoming increasingly common (BusinessWeek.com, 7/19/07) even at high-profile schools. Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management, and the Wharton School now offer specialized MBAs, majors, or dual degree programs in areas like real estate, sports management, biosciences, electronic commerce, and health care.

But is a specialized program always a good choice for an MBA student?

Not necessarily. While established programs have placement records on par with those of their general MBAs, many newer programs have not yet established the kind of recruiting relationships that guarantee students high-paying jobs at graduation. And graduates always run the risk of getting hamstrung by their specialties later in their careers, when an industry downturn forces them to look outside their specialties for opportunities.
Chart Your Own Path

Some who have gone through the specialized programs say they are best for those with a firm idea of their future goals, and who are keen to chart their own path. “I knew what I wanted to do,” said Carrie Stern Rathod, who received her MBA from Wisconsin’s Brand ‐ Product Management Center in 2005 and now works for Procter & Gamble (PG), which recruits regularly from the program. “There’s a range of people for whom this program is ideal. If you have an entrepreneurial bent but are not sure you’re ready to take the leap yet, the program might be right.” But, she added, “I think it would be tough if you wanted to go into consulting or something like that.”

For students who aren’t comfortable breaking away from the pack or seeking out professional contacts in unconventional ways, a specialized MBA might not be the best choice. This is especially true at less well-known schools, where big companies often don’t recruit. Students in these programs agree that making industry connections can require a lot of initiative from the student. “If you have a very specific company in mind, you might need to be a trailblazer in making relationships with those companies,” says Rathod.

More : businessweek.com

Five post-graduate programme (PGP) students of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) have set up a Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) club to help students get hands-on experience by involving PE/VC players from India and abroad. Unlike finance clubs run by most B-schools in the country, this club exclusively focuses on PE and VC funding.

The lack of opportunities and experience in the PE and VC space led five students to set up the club called ‘Leverage’. With around 50 students interested in being members, the club will be a forum for students interested in all aspects of private equity and venture capital.

“We came up with an initial skeletal structure of the PE club by looking at institutes like Harvard and others from the Ivy League. But the end product has been entirely our idea of how a PE club should be. Although we prefer to call it an interest group for the time being, we plan to run a full-fledged club with more activities soon,” says Anirudh Singh, a member of the club.

“PE as an industry has boomed in India and we plan to invite speakers to the campus, hold conclaves, workshops and other events to provide a platform for the students and corporates to interact. Also, we are looking forward to hold intra-institute events, where the students can write an investment proposal and a panel of faculty members can judge them.

We have no restrictions when it comes to corporates as we would be involving both top- and middle-level players to encourage more and more activities in the field of PE and VC,” says Gagandeep Singh, another member of the club.

As part of formalising the club, the students are holding the first intra-institute event called the ‘Zen of Investing’, where the club plans to invite alumni working in the area of private equity, besides involving the faculty and students for the activity.

The club also has plans to tie-up with Post-Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPX) students to getter a better perspective of private equity. “The PGPX students would be able to share their experiences about private equity and with their support, we plan to involve ourselves with the corporates in a deeper way through various activities, including projects and case workshops,” adds Anirudh Singh.

The club is in talks with a few corporates, who have shown interest in sponsoring the club.

“We are considering more options for funding besides the institute and the corporates we are in talks with. Currently, we are in the stage of gauging the responses from the people about the club,” says Anirudh Singh, before adding, “Although we have started out PE and VC, we may consider branching out to other areas like micro finance later.”

More : business-standard.com

The relative efficacy of a global marketing strategy vis-à-vis a tailored marketing strategy remains one of the hotly debated issues of international marketing. As is the case in any debate, polarizing arguments for (or against) each abound. Proponents of a global strategy point to the increasing homogenization of customer tastes and preferences and suggest that significant economies of scale can be attained by standardized products marketing world wide (Levitt 1983). Critics, on the other hand, dismiss the potential of a global strategy and underscore economic, environmental and other cultural differences among nations as impediments to its implementation. They argue that reflect adaptation strategy to market-country differences will generate improved response (Kotler 1986).

Often overlooked in this fierce debate is a middle ground approach that takes into account not only differences or similarities among both markets but. As Quelch and Hoff (1986) point out, the real issue is not whether to standardize but rather how to tailor the global marketing strategy. Indeed, reliance on a global strategy can result in missing out on important target markets and positioning inappropriate. Likewise customizing marketing strategy to individual countries implies loss of potential economies of scale as well as exploitation opportunities for product ideas on a scale against (White Lock and Chung 1989).

The writings of recent genre suggest that comprehensive and tailored strategies are not necessarily mutually exclusive and that they can be used in tandem to reap the maximum benefits. In this vein, Jain (1989) and Kale and Sudharshan (1987) offers interactivity Market segmentation approach to world markets and point to the feasibility of identifying homogeneous segments which transcend national boundaries. Once identified these so-called strategic segments equivalent (Kale and Sudharshan 1987) can be reached via global marketing strategies aimed at different cross-national segments (Verhagen, Dahringer and Cundiff 1989). The idea of reconciling the different viewpoints of global marketing strategies and tailored intuitively appealing and is certainly represents a significant forward link in the design of multinational marketing strategies. However, the empirical support to middle ground viability of this approach is evidence to scanty and its Effect comes mainly in the form of anecdotes (Ohmae 1985, White Lock, 1987).

The study reported here is intended to partially fill in this void. Specifically, consumers in six countries including the United States, Mexico, The Netherlands, Turkey, Thai and Saudi Arabia were studied for InterBase Market segmentation on the basis of two criteria, perceived risk and brand loyalty (Kreutzer 1988). Consumers were questioned about their degree of perceived risk and loyalty for two brand products, bath soap and toothpaste. These products were chosen since they are widely available in different brands and are purchased on a frequent basis by the consumers in these countries. It was maintained that the consumers in these countries are not sufficiently similar regarding the effects of risk perception on brand loyalty, the underlying rationale for a single global marketing strategy at least within the context of products here would disappear under consideration. On the contrary, such a circumstance would render the middle ground approach feasible.

The analogy may not be far, some observers of the book industry used to say. Editors, publishers of educational books, in particular, have long used, book sales of reprints churning out every two years. But the Internet, particularly sites like Amazon and eBay, millions of consumers an easy way to find cheap books - often for less than $ 1 - without license fees to pay publishers or authors.

Mass-Market publishers are not safe, used books interesting phenomenon is a problem of addressing, but also others in the industry have their heads.

“We believe it is not good for the industry, and it has an effect, but we can not measure,” said Paul Aiken, executive director of the Authors Guild, a trade group . “It has always been used book sales, but it is always background noise something. Now it is on the right side of the light of a new book on Amazon.

Lorraine Shanley, a senior partner at Market International, a consultant on publication, said the industry was just starting, for the dimensions of the problem.

“Good business for consumer policy are books such as Napster, it was the music industry,” she said. “The question is” How does the book industry address its used book problem? “There is no simple answer, especially since nobody is breaking any laws here.

Shanley, whose company reported on used books this month in their newsletters, publishing trends, said that publishers were beginning the consequences. “We asked publishers, like many a topic, and the answers are” I also many other problems to deal “or” Yes, this is a problem, but it is not easy solves I can ‘t really concentrate, “she said.

Greg Greeley, Amazon Vice President or media products for North America and Japan, strenuously disagreed with the idea that online sales of used books for the publication of the branch. And some publishers are not really for this e-Business used as a problem.

“It is often argued that there are two types of buyers,” said Chad Haight, publisher of Seattle-based Sasquatch Books. These are the bargain hunters, go to bookstores used by the search for a Deal, then he said, are those who, “Go into bookstores often looking for new books. It is d ‘ another category of customers. ” The discount to buyers, Haight said, it is expected by the end of shopping on Amazon.

“I think that they (in the case of Amazon), welcomed the availability of the publication industry,” said Haight.

Furthermore, he added that, unlike the music industry, publishing world has never planned books to a single user of the product. In fact, sharing a good book, that most, it seems almost like a moral obligation.

“We have always believed that if you sell someone a book, they are likely to redistribute it to someone,” said Haight, and added that this may help, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on an author, editor for an end higher turnover across the line.

Pat Soden, editor of the University of Washington Press, he said more concerned about critics see copies of books, which are not available for retail, are resold.

It will make wonders, but the fact is that tuition at the University of Delhi (DU) remained the same for over six decades.

“Each day, students pay R 30 for a cup of coffee and R 10 for cars, parking. But the monthly charges remained in the studies R 15 and R 18 for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, and since 1938,” said Vice-Chancellor Deepak Nayyar YOU.

“How long lunch is also available?” he asked. Nayyar standpoint, it is a necessity for the university, their fee structure.

Several students have said they are not just the idea of a tax hike. Given the general increase in income and standard of living, English (Honours), the first year student at St. Stephen’s, Sushmit Sarkar, that higher education was made “at affordable prices” today.

“The university lean costs appear in the report on the” obscenely high fees, some private schools and institutions of the loading operation. Those who can not afford more money for higher education, “he said.

Bemerkte Anjalli Ravi Kumar, a second-year MBA student at the Faculty of Economics of the company: “There is no doubt that we pay much less than what we are able, are willing to pay” . To say that the tuition increases is a step in the right direction, but she stressed that the University must be sensitive to students from lower layers during economic structure of the new taxes.

With the consistent view, Tripti Parule a final-year student in journalism at Kalindi College, said: “We should not lose sight of the fundamental principle of education for all”. “She suggested that the new fee structure is divided into categories based on different income groups.” The section should be financially weak surrender of fees monitoring of subsidies on other weaknesses in the economic hierarchy, “said Parule.

While supporting the idea of a concession for the most weak, the dean of students’ welfare, YOU, Hema Raghavan warned that “things on a silver platter should not lead to assess” . She explains: “In addition to subsidies, we are introducing innovations” Earn while-you-learning “for the disadvantaged section, they can target employees within the university or institution for the plaintiffs’ employment, as a reserve audit in libraries,… In this way, they are aware of the value of grants them. ”

However, there is a section of the community of students - and an influential political in one - to resist any form of movements in the direction of increased fees. The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) would protest against such an approach, “said DUSU President Nakul Bhardwaj. “Almost 70% of students come from lower-middle class families and even a minimum increase of costs, they can have effects,” he said.

Recognizing that the tax revision “can not be dictated by ‘, but by reflection, consultation and consensus,” Nayyar said: “We must ensure that those who can not afford, not only do not pay, but receive full fees - Liberation. ”

He added: “Universities are now functioning serious resource crunch.Higher education should be financed by the government. Universities should be completed by this attempt at mobilization of resources. “

The Department of Visual Communication, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukottai, organised a `film appreciation session’ at the viewing hall of the college recently.

R. Seshadri Rajan, Educational Multimedia Research Centre, Madurai Kamaraj University, was the chief guest and he exquisitely navigated the session. Two great pieces namely `Bicycle Thieves’ directed by Vittoria De Sica and `Pather Panchali’ directed by Satyajit Ray, were screened on the occasion.

Mr. Rajan explained how to read, conceive and review a film. He also dilated on the idea of categorising the genres of films.

For a question raised by a student into what genre the films Pather Panchali and Bicycle Thieves, he delineated the difference realistic film and neo realistic films. He also added that both were the best examples for neo-realistic films. The Head of the Department of Visual Communication of the College, S. Parthasarathy also spoke.

On behalf of the Department of Biotechnology, the BIBS Association of the Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College of Arts and Science (women), Perambalur, conducted a State-level seminar on `Biotechnology: prospects and retrospect’. The Reader, Department of Microbiology, National Facility for Marine-Cyanobacteria, Bharathidasan University, N. Thajuddin, in his inaugural address spoke about the importance of micro algal Biotechnology referring the uses of algae, need for SCP and the efficiency of Spirullina’. The department magazine `Acmetech 05′ was released by the Director, The Rapinat Herbarium and Centre for Molecular Systematics, St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchi and Dr. Thajuddin received the first copy.

In the sessions that followed, Dr. John Britto, spoke on `Ethical issues in biotechnology’ when he referred to the probable effect of Biotechnology, the ethical and social impact of Biotechnology and the human therapeutic cloning. Scientist from the Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Yercaud, S. Kaliamoorthy, spoke on the `recent trends in plant tissue culture’ and the Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology, Mahendra College of Arts and Science, Namakkal, spoke on `Opportunities in Biotechnology.

The Dean, Faculty of Life Science of the college, S. Sankaran delivered the valedictory address and the Principal, R. M. Meenakshi presided.

The Department of Management Studies of the Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur, organised the second activity week 2005 recently, when experts from different fields gave guest lectures. Rajendran, lecturer, Department of Social Work, delivered a lecture `Mental health and management’.

The senior manager, Madras Cements Limited, S. N. M. Suri spoke on the `Need for human resources: accounting and auditing’ in the present day scenario and elaborated the potential of HRs in running a successful show.

Mr. Senthilnathan, an advocate, delivered an awareness lecture on legal aspects concerning consumerism and management, Senior Manager, accounts, Madras Cements Limited, Sridhar emphasised the existing accounting practices being followed in leading industries during his special lecture and R. Victor Lazarus of Southern Railway spoke on `essentials of communication and personality development.

More than 130 research papers were presented and 250 participants deliberated in the four technical sessions at the three-day 12th annual session of the Tamil Nadu History Congress held at A.V.C. College at Mayiladuturai in Nagapattinam district organised by the Department of History of the college recently.

Chennai: “Rethinking approaches to the provision of public services” has been the centre of a recent workshop held in Chennai, a thorough examination of the Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

The demonstration by more than 60 delegates from non-governmental organizations, governments and the private sector, was organized by the Round Table on public expenditure, in collaboration with the Institute of Management Consultants (India) and the Department of Management Studies University of Madras. With the emphasis on good governance and fiscal responsibility, the organization has produced a number of suggestions and ideas.

The event included a technical meeting dedicated to the idea of certification as a prerequisite for some public projects more effective. The workshop also agreed on improving the Rural Employment Guarantee Act. For example, a panel discussion with Venkat Chary, former Additional Chief Secretary Government of Maharashtra, has suggested that “all administrative apparatus must be ready before the law is applied.” This would facilitate the integration of action with other development programmes and ensure, staff and officials of panchayats have been well trained.

Equally important was to ensure that beneficiaries of the law are well informed and encouraged to claims officials at all levels of communication, such as awareness campaigns and the media.

In addition, discussion is recommended strong links and consultation with governments.

Perhaps Mumbai Happening to the hip and global financial and maybe some competition, Singapore and Dubai? Given the City of bröckelt infrastructure, you are forgiven for thinking this is another future of music.

But Top-20 forces of USA and India believe that it is in the realm of possibility. And on March 2 William Harrison, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Sons, a report on exactly as India and the USA should consider improving the “enabling environment” for operations India, which is on strengthening capacity of financial sector in Mumbai.

That was part of the work, the Presidents of 20, Manmohan Singh and Bush met at the White House. And while the top-Presidents of India accompanies hour, Washington, a selection of the best Presidents and the USA are of the opinion that a trip to India by Mr. Bush at the beginning of March 1.

For the moment, it consists of five Top 10 Presidents, and it is anticipated that over time we stop the train. On March 2, Bush and Manmohan are scheduled for the Presidents of their delegation-level discussions and a one-to-house in Hyderabad.

The idea of the President “to circumvent the forum has been steady and commissions from government, you learn the heart of the problem - like India, more friendly investor, which ideas directly to the heart of the USA and Indian entrepreneurs .

Manmohan’s court was easy for them - and I think Think big, out of the box. The Presidents report thereon, such as India, for a hot destination for USA business will focus on six areas - physical infrastructure, energy, security, human resource development, technology, Trade and investment and intellectual property.

After his meeting with donors of order, the President is expected that intensive meetings with leaders of India and the USA economic dialogue, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Al Hubbard.

While Bush hobnobs with India, the CEO are geschlitzt long for the same calendar, with Montek Singh, Kamal Nath et al eat and drink the leading U.S. business. There are good reasons.

The U.S. exports to India rose by 30% during the last year, compared to an increase of 20% of exports from India to the USA - all trade is still a miserable 40 billion dollars (including goods and services), a fraction of the US-China-commerce.

Indeed, it is because the home can not place Hyderabad 70 people, that the PM’s lunch for George Bush Taj Palace for a flexible assessment of the list of 150

And when it does not attempt to solve nuclear issues with Singh, M. Bush is also in Hyderabad, for part of the March 3, an initiative of knowledge in agricultural production university.

Then, on the Indian School of Business, where apart from a High-Tech event, Bush takes a selection of 20 of the best young Indian entrepreneurs. And then to Pakistan at the 4th March.

The Institute of Tourism of Kerala and study tours (Christophe) will soon be a part-time position-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration travel and tourism.

Intended to people in tourism and the tourism sector, classes for the program year will be held in the evening, Mr G. Chandramohan, Director, Christophe, told Business Line.

During KITTS would be responsible for the implementation of the programme, based on the Gwalior Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), the award diploma. The whole development plan and learning course, is also the IITTM, he said.

KIITS is the southern part of the regional chapter IITTM, but the responsibility for internal evaluation “an integral part of the course. Furthermore, on the anvil is one of the six-month course in air ticketing.

According to Mr. Chandramohan two-year post-graduate management KITTS was strongly requested. The current full-time, which is structured on regular an MBA, focusing on compliance with the requirements of tourism and travel industry.

The students were able to get an idea in the modus operandi of the industry, because most people resources for trainees came from tourism and travel industry.

Besides the students were also expected that the development of products for the tourism industry of Kerala and practical experience.

Almost all students, this course has been able to find good jobs in the travel industry, he said.

Another popular program KITTS was proposed by the certificate, of course, for masseurs. The six-month course in particular, in great demand, students professional masseurs. But those who do, of course, a right to work as masseurs and were not allowed to practice ayurvedic treatment, “says Chandramohan.

In addition to these programmes, the Institute - founded in 1988 by Kerala’s Department of Tourism - even in the short-term training programs for workers in the tourism and travel sector. Furthermore, it is also regular training programmes for the coordinators of tourism associations in schools and universities across the state.