AIMA New Delhi

Ms Rekha Sethi is the Director General of the All India Management Association (AIMA), the apex body for management in India. In her interview she expresses her bond with the Management Education and the leadership approach she has towards nourishing the talent of the students. She explains why It is necessary to validate one’s learning by interacting with teachers and peers online. She goes on to explain that the institute continuously upgrades courses and adds new learning programmes to bring latest business practices. She emphasises on the fact that Education, whether virtual or in face to face mode, cannot be imparted in compartments. On a concluding note, she gives her valuable advice to the students that they should stay true to their aspirations and give all to get what they want

My connection with the Management Education has continuously grown over time

My connection with Management Education started with AIMA 12 years ago and has grown since then. I have been privileged to build AIMA’s brand at home and overseas and to create thought leadership platforms for business and government leaders. I have been involved with AIMA’s growth from a largely management education and testing body, to a multifaceted organization that conducts management research and trains the workforce in management and entrepreneurship skills.

Leadership is about assembling the best people you can get and applying their talents to achieve your objectives

Leadership is about assembling the best people you can get and applying their talents to achieve your objectives. It is about integrating individual goals with the collective purpose. It is about empowering people and letting them take responsibility. I would describe my leadership style as democratic yet pragmatic - taking people along with me in achieving the organization objectives. Let your work speak for yourself, and be transparent in your dealings. If you genuinely care about the people, they give back a lot. Encourage, motivate and trust them. Your colleagues give best results when you empathise with them. Most importantly, you have to constantly reinvent yourself.

AIMA provides continuous management education to executives through workshops, simulations and other various means

AIMA is the pioneer of management education in the distance segment in India. Each year the institute produces more than a thousand qualified managers. AIMA provides continuous management education to executives through workshops, simulations, conferences, visits to global innovation centres and management retreats. During the lockdown, AIMA has shifted teaching and testing online and created digital programmes for executive learning.

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It is necessary to validate one’s learning by interacting with teachers and peers online

Reading and viewing education content on the web are essential. Still, it is necessary to validate one’s learning by interacting with teachers and peers online. Student assessment is simpler and faster online, as tests can be proctored remotely and the scoring can be done in real time.

AIMA has an extensive global footprint and it has tie-ups with many international organizations and iconic universities

AIMA has an extensive global footprint and it has tie-ups with many international organizations and iconic universities. For example, AIMA is a member of the Association of Asian Management Organizations (AAMO), which is a forum for exchange of management know-how between national management bodies of Asian countries. AIMA organizes the Global Advanced Management Programmes for Indian Executives in Silicon Valley, Israel and earlier in China to expose Indian Industry to the strides made by these countries in innovation and high technology. AIMA is also looking to partner with UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz to bring the best of innovative programmes to India through blended learning. AIMA also has linkages with Imperial College, London and St Gallen University, Geneva.

We continuously upgrade our courses and add new learning programmes to bring latest business practices

AIMA has the advantage of not only having Institutions as members but also many leading Indian corporates – hence placing it in a unique position to get feedback from the employers on what they would like to see in a curriculum. Hence the AIMA curriculum is designed based on the contemporary needs of the economy. AIMA continuously upgrades its courses and adds new learning programmes so that its graduates bring the latest business practices to their organizations.

Education, whether virtual or in face to face mode, cannot be imparted in compartments

Education, whether virtual or in face to face mode, cannot be imparted in compartments. There needs to be complete integration from delivery of content to interaction with students to Assessment and evaluation to know the outcomes of education

The biggest challenge at the moment is the economic situation

The biggest challenge at the moment is the economic situation. With corporate finances under stress, equipping their people for higher education may not be an immediate goal for many companies. Also – the overseas programmes are now at a complete stand still as travel – even if open – may not be an attractive proposition just now.

However, this is also a time for people to get back to studies in case job prospects are low and upgrade their education and skills for when things get better.

Fresh graduates waiting to get hired, or not wanting to join at low pay, would prefer to acquire more professional and specialist education.

Our courses are curated keeping in mind the current industry standards

Most of the online Courses are designed keeping in mind the needs of industry, and these needs of industry are reflected in the aspirations of students for their career goals.AIMA makes a salutary contribution to management learning and practice in the country by offering various services in the areas of testing, distance education, skill development & training, events & conferences, research, publications, executive education and management development programmes.

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Students should stay true to their aspirations and give all to get what they want

Stay true to your aspirations, and give all you have to get what you want. Take Action, the world is full of ideas, but success only comes through action. No one succeeds immediately, and everyone was once a beginner.