Prof. A M Sherry Director, IMT Center for Learning

Q. Is the distance learning mode effective when pursuing an MBA?
A. The distance learning programme is for working professionals, and the general feeling of the working professional is that my first priority is my job. So learning has to be woven around that.  For example at IMT, interaction with faculty is possible at approximately 75 study centres across the country where we conduct classes on weekends.  For those not in a position to attend the class in person, the study centre or the institute enables you to attend this lecture through videoconferencing. 

We researched a lot on videoconferencing. If you take other institutes, they have tied up with Hughes Network, Reliance Webworld or NIIT Imperia, but if you see their model, you have to go to their centres to attend these lectures, which are in virtual mode. So we couldn’t see any logic in going to a centre to attend a lecture in the virtual mode. Also, courses offered through the VSAT mode are very expensive; they charge around Rs. 2 lakhs for a certificate.

We use Webex, which is based on a very advanced technology, and create a group of 60 students. We have a studio here. Earlier while the attendance percentage was around 50%, it has now shot up to roughly 95%. 

We have also now provided an online library facility which no one else is doing in India. This includes books and journals. The interesting thing is that though we started it for distance learning, even our full-time students are interested in this facility because it is very convenient. 

Q. There seem to be many adverse comments about the quality of material and faculty a student gets through DL mode. Your views.
A. It depends on how the material is developed and how frequently it is reviewed. At IMT, we the material every six months. There’s a proper review committee to review the material. First the material is written by a subject expert, then there is a reviewer. Suppose the reviewer has not given favourable comments, then there’s another reviewer, and then a board.

After implementation, there is a feedback from the student and from the faculty teaching that course. We have created an exclusive faculty base of 25 members for our distance learning programme. Apart from them there is a separate faculty base at our 75 study centres across the country.

Q. There is lot of confusion regarding the duration of DL MBA. Some offer two years, some in one year. What is the norm?
A. The full-time MBA programme is two years from every good institute and the part-time MBA is of three years.  Many institutes and universities are openly flouting the guidelines of Government of India and offering the course in merely two years.