With its presence in Dubai, Singapore and Sydney, the SP Jain School of Global Management gives its BBA students an opportunity to study in all the three campuses while its Master’s programme helps build global leaders

Today, the SP Jain School of Global Management, with its campuses in Dubai, Singapore and Sydney, is best known as an international business school. But what many do not know is that it has roots in India as its history dates back to 1981, when its first campus was established in Mumbai. This was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher. While in India, SP Jain has consistently been ranked among the top 10 business schools for its MBA programmes, and now, more than 30 years later, it is equally, if not better, known for its international campuses.
Its first international campus came up in 2004, which was set up with the objective of focussing on global learning. Once this campus had made its mark – it was ranked No. 1 in the UAE in a brand perception audit conducted by Neilsen in 2008 – the focus shifted to Singapore. In 2005, SP Jain was invited by the Singapore government to establish a campus there, which came up in 2006.
The crowning glory came in 2012, when SP Jain launched its third international campus in Sydney, Australia, offering students a global education along with an opportunity to understand and soak in the culture of the city.
Setting international campuses is one thing, but to sustain its vision of being a business school recognised across the world for its innovative, influential and relevant education while putting emphasis on teaching-learning process is not an easy task. For this, SP Jain has appointed several distinguished captains from the industry to serve on its industry advisory board. The board meets regularly and makes suggestions for revamping the curriculum, sharing their knowledge and experience and geting their colleagues to conduct workshops for the students.
Another high point of SP Jain is that it has qualified academicians from top schools across the world as external examiners. These examiners take a fresh look at the curriculum and make suggestions for improving it. They also check the exam papers for the level of toughness, the weightage given to questions and also come up with model papers. The external examiners are from London School of Economics, Oklahoma State University, Kellogg School of Management, etc.
The school also has a multi-national faculty, which comes from a wide range of academic and corporate backgrounds. Rigorous coursework is followed for all the undergraduate and postgraduate courses with the result that the graduates are well prepared with the knowledge and skills that they need to excel as leaders. Among the various methods employed for the teaching process is the interactive style in classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology. The course material includes textbooks, videos, web resources, international case studies, as well as students’ independent research projects.

The Campuses

The campus is located in central Sydney at the historic Sydney Olympic Park that has exceptional facilities for sports and recreation besides being a newly developing business district. The campus itself is 75,000 sq ft with 12 auditorium style classrooms, breakout rooms, a café with its own kitchen, lounges and other facilities. Housing is available within a 35 minutes’ walk.

Dubai

The high point of this campus is the multinational student community at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a specially-built campus exclusively for colleges and universities. It provides a single location for post secondary education in the Emirate bringing together 30 institutions from 13 different countries, allowing students and faculty coming from different institutions to connect and learn from each other. SP Jain occupies an entire standalone building here covering approximately 60,000 sq ft, spread over three floors. The campus is built in a contemporary fashion with hi-tech learning centres, mock trading rooms, an up-to-date library, video conferencing facility and a Reuters terminal.

Singapore

The sprawling campus is set amidst lush greenery and has a number of renovated heritage buildings. The various buildings on the campus house classrooms, learning centres, library and several other facilities. Classrooms are equipped with state-of- the-art audio and video equipment. There are seven lecture halls and two seminar halls. Extra-curricular facilities include an in-house gym and basketball and table tennis.

Course Details

The four-year BBA programme for undergraduate students is conducted on a tri-city model. Students spend the first year in Singapore, the second year in Dubai and the last two years in Sydney. They choose specialisation in marketing or finance in the third year. The programme also includes several liberal arts. Another unique feature of the programme is the industry interface Action Learning Project. Groups of three to four students engage with local companies and submit consultant level reports and analysis to them. They also do internships in breaks between academic years. Students graduate with a BBA degree awarded by the SP Jain School of Global Management, Australia. As students study in Australia for two years, they are entitled to a two year right to work permit in Australia, which entitles them to take up jobs in Australia.
The Global Master of Business Administration (Global MBA or GMBA) is a year-long residential course, which builds business leaders with in-depth cross-functional knowledge and understanding of the theories and practices related to global business. The course also lays special emphasis on the development of global intelligence, cultural agility and important real world business skills, like effective communication, decision-making, leadership, networking and problem-solving skills.

Eyeing the vast market in India, tech firms are in a spree to launch innovative proudcts. Intel has now hit the market with a hybrid debut

Aimed at enahancing the education aspect for schools across the country, Intel India has unveiled its first ever 2-in-1 reference designed for students. With this move, Intel has joined the league with the likes of MBD, Pearson and others for delivering relevant education content for these devices.
The Intel Education 2-in-1 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom processor Z3740D, runs Windows 8.1, provides up to 7.8 hours of battery life as a tablet with an optional three additional hours of battery life when docked. Its rugged design can withstand drops from 70 cms and offers IP 51 water and dust resistance. A stylus with a realistic penlike grip is also provided to enhance the functionality.
The Intel Education 2-in-1 has front-facing and rear-facing cameras to promote content creation and scien- tific exploration. The dualdocking mode allows students the option of having the tablet screen face them when using the keyboard or having the tablet screen face their peers to facilitate collaboration.
Together with the Center for Assessment, Evaluation and Research (CAER), Intel India has also launched a white paper titled ‘Creating a trans- formed learning environment’ which highlights the need and importance for integrating technology in school-based assessments.
The chip-maker says that the Intel Education 2-in-1 has the flexibility and mobility of a tablet, along with the per- formance and productivity of a laptop. “As a result of our work with educators around the world, Intel understands the need for engaging, student-centered learning in order to drive student suc- cess in school and beyond,” said Rajiv Bhalla, Director Market Development, Intel South Asia. “With our new Intel Education 2-in-1, students have a tablet when they want it and a laptop when they need it. This gives educators the flexibility to create a more interactive, collaborative learning experience for their students,” he added.
While discussing Intel’s Education initiatives in India, Ashutosh Chadha, Director, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia and Rajiv Bhalla Director, Market Development, Intel South Asia, said, “In a global economy, creating 21st century success for individual students, communities and nations means giving every student the skills and opportunities to excel. With a vision to advance excellence in education around the world, Intel is directly involved in education programmes, policy advocacy and technology products that enable today’s youth to develop the skills they need to be the innovators of tomorrow.”
The education sector in India is poised for a big leap as several technology firms are eyeing the vast market. According to experts, the total business potential of digital classrooms is expected to cross Rs 4,000 crore in 2014. Currently, the country is looking for some innovation from within the industry and with the likes of Intel now switching their focus towards the future with hybrid personal computers, students can be the biggest beneficiaries. Priced Rs 24,000 onward depending upon the requirement, the Education 2-in-1 reference design tablet is available at select outlets in the country.

The responsibility of a boarding school goes way beyond normal school hours, believes Priya Peter, Principal, Mussoorie International School. In conversation with Elets News Network, she points out a boarding school has to ensure that students feel safe and confident and get a healthy and progressive environment

How does a boarding school enhance the performance of an average and below average student?

In a boarding school like MIS, personal attention is given to all the children and in addition to academics, emphasis is given on enhancing the basic life skills of students. A boarding school provides children with peer group interaction opportunities both during and after the school along with diverse leisure activities and vocational training opportunities. Since students are taught by highly qualified and exceptionally motivated teachers and are monitored 24 hours with a necessary push to ensure academic success, excellence comes naturally.

How far does psychological counselling play a role in integrating the children with boarding schools?

Residential boarding schools provide education, character-building, and therapy for teenagers with special concerns. Many of the students enrolled in these schools may have social, behavioural or emotional difficulties that require constant psychological assessment. At MIS, we heal them with the aid of medication, yoga and meditation. Psychological counseling also helps the child to adapt and adjust to their surroundings and fill them with positive energy.

Are learning methods different as compared to public schools?

The MIS has a learning environment that unfolds the true potential of every child. Education is not limited to curriculum but also lays equal emphasis on enhancing the overall personality of the children.

What are the challenges of administering a boarding school?

Boarding schools are not mere educational institutions but also home for the children who study and reside here. To that extent, the responsibility of a boarding school goes way beyond the normal school hours. As their teachers and also guardians, the administration of a boarding school has to ensure that students feel secure, safe, and confident in the premises and get a healthy and progressive environment. The children need to be comfortable; feel loved and should develop an attachment with their boarding school. Needless to say, these are the biggest challenges and schools must surmount them to ensure that children transform into fine men and women.

What are the demands placed by parents on the school?

As parents are concerned about their children, they always look out for good faculty, academic as well as all-round development of their child. They prefer a school which can prepare their child to be a responsible and successful individual.

On what parameters does one judge a residential school?

People generally judge a residential school on the basis of the merits and school rating. They also look for the proximity, quality of faculty, quality of education, broad and diverse offerings, extra curricular activities and counselling etc. in the school.

What is the unique about MIS?

An exciting and innovative curriculum, inspiring teachers along with an international mix of students makes MIS the school of choice for girls. The school stands out for not only giving wings but also keeping the children grounded by inculcating morals, ethics, values, and respect for our rich culture.

Does accreditation to the International Education Board matter?

An accreditation to international education board indicates that the school meets the standards of quality set by the accreditation organisation in terms of the faculty, curriculum, administration, financial well-being and student’s services. It symbolises that the school uses the latest pedagogical techniques and caters to children coming from the different parts of the world.

Parents expect their wards to step out with an all-round personality once they graduate from a boarding school, says Shanti Krishnamurthy, Principal, Chinmaya International Residential School, Coimbatore. In conversation with Elets News Network, she points out that parents also demand academic excellence and why boarding schools cannot ignore it

Could you explain to us who needs residential school the most?

There is no specific thing that can be mentioned as to who needs a boarding school. But yes, there is a mindset required for parents and children to study in a boarding school. Both parents and the child need to prepare themselves before they decide to come to a boarding school. Basically, when parents have studied in a boarding school, they do understand the advantages. Anxious parents will find it difficult to cope up. They need to trust the school and hand over the children.

How does a boarding school enhance the performance of average and below-average students?

There are specific study hours and most of the children who are not regular at studies, soon catch up because they see other children doing it. There is a lot of peer motivation available in a boarding school. Also, most of these underperformers are going through stress because parents focus only on academics and invariably, to improve performance, they go for tuitions etc. when they are in day schools. This is the primary reason for children hating studies. In contrast, even academics becomes fun in a boarding school because of the stress-free environment. Academics is just one aspect in a boarding school among so many other activities. Children participate with excitement in art, music, theatre etc during their free time. And of course, in CIRS, we do have a committed team of faculty members who work round the clock to motivate children. We do have structured remedial classes, language orientation classes for the ones who start new languages etc. Customised assessments are conducted to motivate children, especially in the languages.

Is academic excellence a matter of concern to the teachers and management?

Today, every parent wants their wards to achieve excellence in academics and there is no way boarding schools can ignore it. We do have academic concerns but we are particular in maintaining a small class size with a maximum of 25 students and an ideal teacher-student ratio of 1:9. Thus, we are able to cope up with these challenges. The system of mentoring works well in the school and not just academic performance but also behavioural issues are sorted out by the mentors.

Is a boarding school the right place for students who have broken homes due to fights between parents facing separation and divorce?

Single parenting is be- coming more and more common in the society these days. Whether it is boarding or day, all schools have a good number of children having single parents. That can in no way be a criteria for sending the child to a boarding school. In a boarding school, we do prefer to get a clarity on the status so that the security issues of the child can be handled by the school.

How crucial a role does psychological counselling play in integrating children with boarding schools?

Normally, we suggest parents to make a visit to the school prior to the registration time. The parents, along with the child, visit the campus. They meet few faculty members, go round the campus and if required, also meet a few children. This is done prior to the time of registration and helps a lot. Sometimes, we do provide reference of a few parents so that the parents can mail and interact to get to know about the systems in the school. Counselling plays a major role in integrating children to the school. Children are counselled to learn to live with other children in the dormitories. That is when children absorb a lot of social skills. Sharing, helping and following a routine help the child become independent and develop into an understanding individual. The personalities of children get shaped very beautifully. The dorm parents keep counselling children constantly. We do need a lot of support from the parents. If the parents are too anxious, children find it difficult to settle down. There is a lot of alignment required from parents to the system. We conduct orientation programmes for the parents before they drop the child in the school. The vision that we are happy that parents are partnering well with the school is communicated very clearly, which is the secret behind our success.

Do you have exclusive programmes which will help change the wards’ total attitude and make them successful, disciplined and more importantly, confident so as to excel in academic and extra-curricular activities?

The vision of the school is to help the child achieve an all-round personality. This means being physically fit, emotionally balanced, intellectually alert and spiritually evolved children. Yes, we do have exclusive curriculum to achieve this. We have our spiritual acharyas of the mission conducting 30 minutes of classes everyday in the morning and evening. Age-appropriate texts from our Hindu culture are taken up and discussions are conducted in the morning classes while evenings are a special time when children enjoy singing bhajans and chant few slokas together. Children do a lot of internalising during these classes and this brings about a complete change in their personality. The attitude towards discipline is one that will stay with the child all along in his/her life.

“Since children are available with us 24×7, learning is achieved in an informal environment“

Are the learning methods different as compared to public schools?

Since children are available with us 24×7, learning is achieved in an informal environment. Teachers do try a lot of innovative strategies. Hands-on experience is extended to all the subjects and across the classes. There is a big focus on life skills. All learning is connected to real life situations which is more concrete and enquiry-based. Teachers are technology-savvy and interactive boards are available in all classes.

What are the challenges of administering a boarding school?

Every school has its own texture and gets communicated to the society. Value-based education is the USP of our school. Since our school has established its vision in the past years, parents know what they are getting in the school. The only challenge is to have the vision in place and ensure that the changes andEvery school has its own texture and gets communicated to the society. Value-based education is the USP of our school. Since our school has established its vision in the past years, parents know what they are getting in the school. The only challenge is to have the vision in place and ensure that the changes and strategies are made keeping the vision intact. Of course parents expect the ward to come out with an all-round personality once they step out of the boarding school.

On what parameters does one judge a residential school? Please list them and elaborate for our understanding.

Performance in academics, sports, extra-curricular activities, the alumni placements in the society, parents satisfaction, infrastructural facilities, teacher competency, leadership styles, student teacher ratio, pastoral care in the dormitories etc. could be a few parameters for judging a residential school.

What is the teacher-student ratio in your school? Do you also hunt for global talent like recruiting teachers from other countries?

The teacher student ratio is 1:9 in CIRS. We do have some of our alumni/mission youngsters volunteering for a year or two in the school. Some of them are from other countries. Of late, we have been partnering with schools in other countries and children have been sharingdeas over Skype. We also had teachers visiting from other countries to exchange ideas. We have not attempted to recruit from other countries so far.

Does accreditation to the International Education Board ensure higher admission intakes to some residential schools?

To some extent, for the students who come from other countries and wish to continue their graduation back in their respective countries, it does become essential to offer international curriculum.

Do you have any policy to reach out to bright students from poor families?

The cost of maintaining a boarding school is high and hence the charges are generally managed by upper middle class/business class people. However, we do offer scholarships for deserving candidates.

Is rampant indiscipline, drugs, alcohol etc in boarding schools all a matter of one’s imagination? If not, how does the school address it?

The rules and regulations in a boarding school are indeed more rigorous than a day school. There are a good number of schools like ours where discipline is one of very high order. Discipline has never been an issue in our school. There is no question of drugs/alchohol in the cam- pus. Children and parents are educated on these areas clearly. Every minute of the child is planned and he is kept busy in a tight schedule. Through regular programmes and counselling, we give an understanding about the harmful effects of practices like these. We do have guest lectures organised for children regularly on various adolescence issues. Guidance is given to children to be responsible citizens – both in and out of the school.

Neeta Bali, Principal, G D Goenka World School, believes every student must get exposure in a boarding school as it stands them in good stead in the future. The independence it inculcates and the support the wards receive in terms of academic work is a big advantage with boarding schools, she tell Elets News Network

Who needs a residential school the most?

The students whose parents are in corporate or other transferable jobs. Alternatively, some parents make a conscious choice to send the children to boarding schools to inculcate a sense of independence in them.

How does the boarding school enhance students’ performance?

As a boarding school, it is our onus and responsibility to enhance the performance of our boarders, who are completely under our care. Special academic support is arranged with our own trained and qualified staff every day for two hours and intensive academic re-reinforcement happens under the supervision of the Principal, academic co-ordinater, boarding and pastoral staff.

On what parameters does one judge a residential school?

Quality of teaching, learning and support-academic, emotional and psychological-provided to boarders; the infrastructure of boarding and boarding facilities, nutritional care, quality of pastoral staff and boarding regimen; opportunities for growth in academic and co-scholastic areas and inculcation of values like independence and community living.

Does the accreditation to international education board ensure higher admission to some residential schools?

Yes, to some extent. Though people largely look at quality of hostels, infra- structure and pastoral care.

With your experience in managing operations in residential schools, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages for kids being sent to such schools?With your experience in managing operations in residential schools, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages for kids being sent to such schools?

A major advantage is that students have access to excellent facilities after school hours too – the independence it inculcates and the support they receive in terms of academic work, particularly if parents are not hands-on with their learning. I personally feel every student must get exposure in a boarding school it stands them in good stead in future.

How far does psychological counselling play a role in integrating the children with boarding schools?

It is imperative to have a counsellor for students who have problems of adjustment, home sickness, emotional hangovers from their homes and behavioural issues. It is the counsellor who provides support and sometimes becomes an interface between students and teachers. Constant talking and listening builds empathy and trust.

What is the teacher-student ratio in your school? Do you also hunt for global talent like recruiting teachers from other countries?

Our ratio is ideal – with 1:15/20 in primary, and 1:25 in other classes. Yes, we do recruit staff from outside and as and when possible, we exchange resources with schools in other countries. At the moment, I am in a school in Scot- land to look at some of their best prac tices and collaborate. Our Staff attends trainings by IBO and University of Cam- bridge regularly in addition to in-house trainings.