Importance of Group Discussions

Group Discussion

Group discussion (GD), by virtue of the term, means exchange of views by participants on a given subject. The whole idea is to bring together a set of people on a common platform to share their ideas, thereby giving an opportunity to exhibit not only their knowledge, but also to understand and enhance their learning by absorbing the thoughts of other people.

Advantages of Group Discussions

Better understanding of the subject : GD offers a great opportunity to the discussants to take a deep dive into the subject, and understand it profoundly. It expands the horizon of knowledge and learning. In addition, it extends a chance to the participants to improve their abilities to think critically and develop their analytical skills.

Solve problems : Since GD brings together a group of people holding diverse opinions, it also perceived as one of the sought after ways to arrive at solutions to problems. Because of the fact that people bring in a wide range of insights, GDs help in changing the thought process from a narrow to a wider view, thereby paving the way to solutions.

 Improve listening skills and confidence : Since GDs necessitate the contribution of ideas and thoughts, the participants are required to be listen keenly to others’ observations. In this sense, group discussions are a fantastic way to enhance listening skills, and also boost the confidence of speakers by engaging them and encouraging them to express their thoughts.

See A comprehensive Guide for GD Preparation:

Enhance communication and interpersonal skills : While one aspect of GDs is that it encourages people to share their knowledge, the other important aspect is that it gives an opportunity to people to build their communication skills. The participants, in the process, learn how to express their ideas while also respecting viewpoints of others. This in turn contributes to the development of interpersonal skills among the peer group.

Team building exercise : GDs help in developing teamwork and leadership attributed in people, which are extremely important in the current context. Working in a group helps them increase tolerance and respect towards others, and also how to unanimously arrive at conclusions.

After learning various benefits which people may derive from participation in group discussions, it is important to highlight that this activity holds a special importance in academic and professional set ups. On one hand, GDs reflect the values of coexistence, motivation, tolerance and acceptance for others, on the other hand, they are a key tool for recruiters. During the selection process, they help the hiring team to identify if the job applicants possess the values which mirror the principles and the vision of the organisations. The organisations today not only stress on the knowledge pool of the candidates, but also give lot of importance to enthusiasm and adaptability in the workforce. This helps us explain why academic institutions, and especially management schools emphasise GDs.

Why MBA at IILM University?

If you ask any aspirant why he or she wants to pursue MBA, the prompt response that comes is “package.” While it is fair to give the millennials credit for this response, they must stop for a moment and introspect as to what value they bring to the organization to aspire that “package”. As a faculty who sees the students sit for various processes year after year, I know for sure that MBA is not about package – it is not about a student’s ROI, it is more about their employability. While they aspire for the money from day 1 of their job, their returns to the organization begin only after a few months of training. And that too if they have the skill-sets required to do their jobs well. The responsibility of the MBA institution is to offer an exciting learning environment to the students, so that they become employable. The students in turn must make the most of the opportunities and exposure their institution offers them during their two-year tenure.

Flagship program
MBA is the flagship program of School of Management at IILM University Gurugram. Students have the options of both functional and sectoral specializations. Through internationally benchmarked curriculum with regular inputs from the industry experts, students at IILM study contemporary courses. These include Intentional Networking, Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking, Digital Innovation and Transformation. Online Certifications from institutions of repute are embedded in the curriculum. In each module, a guest expert is invited to share practical, organizational insights whereby beautifully adding to the concepts and theories done in class. We offer students international exposure through exchange programs and study tours abroad, thus giving them an edge over their counterparts.

Giving practical exposure
There is emphasis not only on academic and technical skills, but also the soft skills and life skills. Most of us faculty have PhD and a combination of academic plus corporate experience that contributes to a wonderful learning environment in the classroom. Our focus is on experiential learning with the help of latest tools and techniques using case studies, role plays, videos, field visits, projects, management games, classroom exercises etc. Using innovative pedagogy and emerging technologies, we strive towards a predominantly robust academic delivery to make the education process stimulative, interactive, reflective and creative. As a faculty, I have personally learnt a lot and progressed academically while delivering lectures to the post-graduate students.

Industry Connect
Strong industry linkages are a forte of IILM which facilitate excellent placement and internship opportunities. IILM boasts of highly successful alumni who are now working at very senior positions in multinational corporations. All students are given an opportunity to work on live projects that hone their reasoning and analytical skills.

Mentoring
Each student is assigned a faculty mentor who is involved in giving direction, guiding and ensuring personal and professional development. I am involved in mentoring the students and preparing them to take up meaningful roles in organizations. This increases my connect with them and helps establish a life-long relationship with my students. And that is why many of them start giving importance to their future “job role” over “package” at the time of campus placements.

Almost all events on campus are driven by the students, which enhances their organizing skills and improves their team skills. It gives them an opportunity to be independent in decision making and resource management. Campus life at IILM contributes to their holistic development and enables them to come out of their comfort zone, making them shed their inhibitions. I feel all these factors combine to increase the employability quotient of IILM students. They are groomed to be responsible professionals, ready to take on the challenges in organizations. MBA at IILM is a unique experience, and having seen it myself, I can surely vouch for the same.

MBA Admissions 2018-19: IILM B-School Begins Admission Process

Every year, up to 120 smart, dynamic and aspirational students get to enroll themselves at IILM, a PGDM college in Delhi NCR unlike any other. With the MBA admissions now open for the next batch which will last from 2018 to 2020, we take a look at the entire process in detail, and why IILM can be the perfect stepping stone to a successful entrepreneurial career.

Choosing IILM:

Before opting to participate in the admission process, one must decide the ideal college for MBA. In IILM, though, you will discover a college and an experiential PGDM programme that tailors itself to your strengths and interests. Backed by a globally benchmarked curriculum inspired by Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton Business School, and IIM-A, our PGDM involves business simulations and case studies at its core. This is testified by over 9000 well-placed alumni throughout our 25-year history.

The 4-week global study programme is also a key differentiator which enables students to get adequate and critical global exposure in business studies and environment across various countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.

The backbone of the entire course, though, is the mentoring programme which pairs individuals with a permanent mentor according to his or her interests. The full-time and visiting faculty with vast industrial and teaching experience also plays a huge role in churning out world-class entrepreneurs of tomorrow. A robust placement cell and the mandatory 3-month long internship develop critical skills in students and provide them with a fantastic platform to bag the job of their dreams.

Finally, the spacious and world-class campuses with all the best amenities located at Gurgaon and Greater Noida provide the perfect environment for learning and fun to one and all.

With so much on the plate, an MBA at IILM is one absolutely worth it.

Getting admission:

Eligibility criteria-

If you have completed graduation in any field with a minimum of 50% marks, or are appearing in the final year of your graduation from AICTE/UGC/AIU recognized universities, you are eligible to apply for our PGDM course.

Valid competitive scores:

Scores will only be counted from either of the following examinations for MBA: CAT/XAT/ATMA/MAT/CMAT/GMAT

Procedure:

The process is divided into three tasks- online application, interview, and selection.

First, you must fill and submit the online application form along with all the relevant documents. Normally, within 24 hours, a reply is issued to the applicant.

  • Thereafter, shortlisted candidates undergo interaction and interview with faculty members. In case you are unable to attend the interview due to location problems, a Skype interview can also be arranged.
  • Once selected, the candidate will have to deposit the required fees before the classes commence in July. Students can also avail the Merit-cum-Means scholarship which varied depending upon marks in graduation, CAT percentile, MAT score, and other socio-economic factors.

Once you clear it all, you can proudly proclaim to be a student of the best college in India for MBA that is more a course in business experience, driving innovation, real-world problem-solving and critical international exposure– IILM.

Are you ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey with us?

The Importance of GD & PI in MBA Admission

Your aspiration as a student to attend the most prestigious B-schools is shared by numerous pupils. These institutions promise a bright future and primarily a set of skills and values that establish a strong base for an entrepreneurial personality.

Rest assured that your ambition to get into the top 10 MBA colleges in India can only be realized through hard work. Apart from qualities like punctuality, etiquette and formal attire, here’s a set of things you need to tick off your list to clear the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds for B-schools:

Group Discussion

Organize your thoughts:  before you set out to the take the group discussion by storm, ensure that you are crystal clear about your own thoughts. Follow a structure and avoid rushing through the idea. Additionally, speak in a clear tone.

 

Take a holistic approach:  A group discussion session proceeds some time to process information regarding the topic. Pen down your thoughts and compare them with a range of conventional and unconventional ideas. Having ample ideas will help you to stretch the debate towards wider areas. Present reasonable points and you’ll have the group’s attention.

Courtesy is the key:  Take care while speaking and try not to come across as aggressive instead of being impressive while making a point. Don’t speak too loudly or too softly and don’t refute aggressively if your point is disagreed with.

Learn as you go: You need to be on your toes during the discussion and grow with the conversation. Listen to each point and moderate your point accordingly. Logically, this requires ample practice and mock GDs with your peers.

Avoid personal opinions and conflicts:  It is advisable to sideline your personal views and think like an academic. Additionally, avoid getting into verbal conflicts with certain members as opposed to respectfully disagreeing with them.

Personal Interview

Prepare the basics: It is a known fact that you will be asked questions like ‘why ’, ‘why this institute’ and ‘how is the course relevant to your experience and expertise’. Your MBA admission depends on how well you answer these questions in addition to questions pertaining to your personal interests.

Confidence is the answer: These interviews are structured to evaluate your confidence by cross-questioning even satisfactory answers. It is, however, only logical that confidence comes with the appropriate knowledge. Therefore, be prepared.

Be honest: The interviewers admire honesty in addition to the aforementioned. Make it a point to answer honestly even if you find yourself short of the correct answer. Think objectively and refrain from answering questions you don’t know about to avoid further cross-questioning.

Mind your P’s and Q’s:  That is to say always act politely to achieve a positive review. Listen to the interviewers in an event where they don’t fully agree with your views. Frame a better response after considering all of their points.

Prepare a good CV:  Apart from staying calm and having a positive body language, ensure that your CV reflects the best of your abilities in a presentable manner. The information on your CV should be precise as it will be assessed meticulously.