IIM Lucknow: An interview with Dr. S Venkat (Professor of Operational Management)

Indian Institute of Management Lucknow is a government institution which was established in 1984. IIM Lucknow offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes in management and business administration stream. IIM Lucknow courses include the International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX), Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPWE), Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), and Post Graduate Programme in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM).

In an exclusive webinar with Careers360, Dr. S. Venkat, Professor of Operations Management at IIM Lucknow discussed various aspects of the International Programme in Management for Executives (IPMX), including programme eligibility criteria, admission process and other details. To learn more about the IPMX course, students can read the full interview with Dr. S. Venkat on Careers360.

Careers360: What is the IPMX programme? How did this programme come about?

Dr. S Venkat: IIM Lucknow is one of the premier institutions in India, established in 1984. Over time, the leadership of the institute recognised the need for executive education, which led to the creation of the IPMX programme.

IIM Lucknow is the first IIM to have a full fledged campus at Noida in Delhi NCR region, catering specifically to working executives and mid-career professionals with five or more years of experience.

The programme is called the "International Programme" because it not only emphasises learning from within the country but also includes global exposure. IIM Lucknow provides international immersion modules that are integral to the programme, allowing students to gain insights from leading global institutions. This feature has been well received by the students and the entire community.

Careers360: It is for mid and senior level executives, so is there some basic criteria in terms of work experience?

Dr. S Venkat: Yes, there is. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of work experience, specifically in managerial roles. Over the course of these five years, candidates should have progressed beyond entry level positions and taken on leadership or managerial responsibilities.

The panel evaluates candidates based on their current managerial roles, their career evolution in handling management positions, and their overall aptitude for management. It is not merely the number of years of experience that counts; rather, the depth of that experience and the lessons learned throughout their careers are crucial. The panel will carefully assess each candidate’s roles and responsibilities, as well as how this programme will benefit their professional development to consider candidates for IIM Lucknow admission

Careers360: What kind of work experiences would be considered? Are there any specifics to this?

Dr. S Venkat: Yes, from the student’s viewpoint, the work experience taken into account is specifically in managerial positions. For example, we look for individuals who oversee teams of 10-15 people or those working in smaller settings, such as an R&D department with two to three staff members. We prioritise candidates who have demonstrated their ability to effectively manage deliverables, workforce, and responsibilities.

Careers360: From a student perspective, what is the outcome of the IPMX programme?

Dr. S Venkat: IIM Lucknow IPMX programme is primarily a career development programme, designed to bridge the gap that students feel in leading an organisation or advancing in their careers. The programme content is structured to match industry requirements, and students develop capabilities that will prepare them for mid and senior-level positions.

The curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with the competencies necessary for mid- and senior-level positions, preparing them to re-enter the job market with confidence. IIM Lucknow has mastered the art of preparing students for the industry
By providing them with essential skills, perspectives, knowledge, and overall personality development that meet industry expectations for leadership roles.

Moreover, Some students use this programme to grow within their existing vertical or functional area, while others aim to switch to a different domain. For instance, someone from the energy sector with public sector experience wishes to transition to the private sector in consulting or related roles. This programme is beneficial for students looking to advance within their current domain or transition to a different field. Likewise, individuals with a background from the BFSI sector can select relevant electives to enhance their expertise and develop their capabilities in alignment with industry demands.

Careers360: What would be the programme USPs? Please discuss each in detail.

Dr. S Venkat: The key unique features of the IPMX programme at IIM Lucknow include the institute's strong reputation, the industry's recognition of the training provided, and industry-relevant curriculum. IIM Lucknow also offers an international immersion module as part of the programme.

Furthermore, participants have the flexibility to explore topics of personal interest through a course of Independent Study. For example, students interested in areas such as climate change or sustainability can engage in specialised topics, even if specific electives are not offered in those fields. This flexibility, combined with the rigorous structure of the programme, is one of the USPs of the IPMX course.

Careers360: This is a fully residential 1-year programme. At mid-level or senior levels, wouldn’t this be a challenge because most executive courses are designed accommodating the candidate’s availability?

Dr. S Venkat: Yes, the IPMX programme is a fully residential course. However, for professionals who cannot take a year off from their jobs, IIM Lucknow offers an alternative course that is a two year Executive MBA programme tailored for working executives. This programme spans 21 months and is designed to enable students to continue their employment while studying. While both courses lead to an MBA degree, the IPMX programme is strictly residential and requires all students to live on campus for the duration of the course.

Careers360: Eligibility includes selection on the basis of valid GMAT/GMAT Focus Edition/ GRE scores followed by a written test and interview? Why the entrance test considering that the candidates come with a minimum of 5 years of work experience?

Dr. S Venkat: I’d like to share some insights about the Written Ability Test (WAT), which we’ve integrated into our interview process. Previously, IIM Lucknow relied on Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI), but in 2010, the institute introduced the WAT to enhance fairness in assessments.

This test allows candidates to express their views in writing for 10 to 15 minutes, creating an equal opportunity for all participants. It helps level the playing field, particularly for quieter individuals who might be overshadowed in traditional GD settings. The WAT aligns with school-level assessments where candidates summarise or write essays based on prompts.

During personal interactions, we also evaluate candidates’ communication skills. This method not only reduces biases but also allows for a more accurate assessment of candidates' abilities.

Careers360: A written test has also been specified as part of the selection process. What can students expect in this test? What are they tested on? Also, what does IIM Lucknow look for in the candidates?

Dr. S Venkat: The topics are chosen very carefully and kept confidential until the test begins. For example, a topic could be about climate change and its impact on business. The candidates don’t have any prior knowledge of the topics, and no coaching centre can prepare them for it. The spontaneity of the test ensures we assess originality, written communication, and the candidates' ability to organise thoughts quickly.

Careers360: What qualities and experiences does IIM Lucknow seek in candidates during the selection process?

Dr. S Venkat: IIM Lucknow looks for candidates who are skilled in both their subject and management. It’s important to have a strong academic background, as good coordination alone isn’t enough for effective management. IIM Lucknow seeks candidates with strong subject knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively to achieve results.

The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to manage teams. Those moving from government to private sectors often question how they will fit in, but recruiters appreciate their experience because government work can be complex. IIM Lucknow encourages candidates to seek opportunities within their current organisations if they feel fulfilled and aligned with their goals.

Careers360: What electives can candidates opt for in this programme?

Dr. S Venkat: IIM Lucknow has about 100 faculty members, offering a wide range of electives. In supply chain management, for example, students can choose from topics like supply chain analytics, project management, and climate-resilient supply chains. Within operations and supply chain, students can select from electives such as operating strategy, supply chain analytics.

In finance, the institute offers electives like corporate finance and investment banking. If needed, we invite industry experts and alumni to teach specialised electives. This allows students to customise their learning experience based on their interests and requirements.

Careers360: How is the programme structure designed? Please describe.

Dr. S Venkat: The programme is designed as a fast-track option, compressing a two year curriculum into one year. Students can complete the required credits in about 10 to 11 months. Most candidates have significant experience, averaging 5 to 8 years, unlike the regular programme, which typically has students with less than 2 years of experience.

There are no internships, but IIM Lucknow provides industry exposure through international immersion and visits. The programme consists of four terms: the first two terms focus on the basic courses, while the last two terms focus on the electives courses including the courses of independent study, and international immersion. The programme is designed in a way that there is a one week break between two terms. Every term is equally distributed in terms of the credit load.

Careers360: What is the overseas module? Also, are fees for this included in the programme fees or to be paid separately?

Dr. S Venkat: Initially, all travel costs were included in the course fee, but based on student feedback, we've now separated international travel expenses. This change accounts for fluctuating airfares, especially after COVID. For example, if we set a travel fee of two lakhs, it might be insufficient or excessive.

Visa fees are more stable, so we kept those in the overall cost. Starting this year, international air travel will be charged based on actual costs.

The international immersion module allows students to experience top global business schools and industry practices. Renowned faculty will teach full courses over two weeks, and students will visit local companies and engage with industry managers, which enhances their understanding of global business dynamics and cultural issues.

Overall, this international experience is a key feature of our programme, fostering both learning and personal growth, and occasionally includes online sessions with internal faculty.

Careers360: The programme is accredited by AACSB and Association of MBAs (AMBA). How is this beneficial for executives?

Dr. S Venkat: Brand recognition is crucial, and accreditations like AACSB and AMBA enhance our value. Students often consider an institution's accreditation when making their choices, which directly benefits them. A strong brand value is essential for both students and faculty, and it fosters pride in our institution.

Accreditation involves significant effort and ongoing work, not just a one-time certification. After receiving accreditation, we must maintain and improve our standards, as it typically lasts four to five years before requiring review.

Careers360: What about hands-on experience like internships or projects? Please give details.

Dr. S Venkat: The course delivery and design are significantly different from our two year programme because students in this course typically have over five years of professional experience. They come in with substantial work experience, and every course includes class assignments, group work, individual projects, and presentations, all of which have a more rigorous evaluation process compared to other courses.

Students often engage in live and predefined projects. While there isn’t a traditional one- or two-month internship, students typically engage in various projects that allow them to work closely with industry experts.

Many courses are collaboratively designed by academicians and industry experts, providing students with exposure to real world scenarios. They usually undertake multiple projects, and in addition to mandatory assignments as a part of the course, students have the option to pursue voluntary projects as well. This approach greatly benefits their learning experience.

Careers360: Kindly give us some insights on the past placement statistics?

Dr. S Venkat: Over 90% to 95% of our students secure placements before graduation. IIM Lucknow placement deadline is set around the time of convocation. While there have been instances of 100% placement, including two consecutive years post-COVID. Some candidates attended numerous interviews, sometimes as many as ten.

The key reasons for not achieving 100% placement lie in students' preferences regarding location, salary, and job role. Many students specifically seek placements in cities like Bangalore or Hyderabad, often due to family or personal preferences.

Careers360: Any advice or message to prospective students?

Dr. S Venkat: I encourage you not to view an MBA merely as a qualification; it's a transformation programme. This programme facilitates personal and professional growth, impacting not just the individual but their entire family. Within the first month, students notice a significant shift in their perspectives, and towards the end of the programme, parents often express gratitude, remarking on the positive changes in their children.

The deadline is October 25, 2024 at IIM Lucknow IPMX course. The institution also values gender diversity, as we strive to have around 25% to 30% female candidates.

About the interviewee: Dr. S. Venkat Ramanaya is a professor of Operations Management at IIM Lucknow, with over 32 years of experience in teaching and research. He earned his PhD in Operations Management from the College of Engineering, Guindy Anna University. Dr. Venkat has also been a postdoctoral research fellow at the Singapore MIT Alliance course and was a Fulbright Scholar at WP Carey Business School, Arizona State University. He has written more than 130 research papers and authored two books. In addition, he has received awards like the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for his important work in healthcare management. Dr. Venkat has trained over 700 MBA students in healthcare management.