Recently I went to attend a seminar on the Future of Higher Education In Light of its Pedagogies & Experiential Learning Approach I found a very interesting topic, so couldn’t waste this opportunity to attend the event and get to know more about the topic. This seminar was due to be held at the Karachi School of Business and Leadership. The faculty members of the institute holding pristine academic experience shared their contributions in shaping teaching methodology of the institute, in the view of latest simulations and case studies.
The session started off with Dr. Zeeshan Ahmed (Dean, KSBL) sharing about KSBL’s vision of being the centre of dissemination of knowledge. While shedding light on the cutting-edge curriculum, he shared that KSBL focuses on improving business acumen and analytical thinking of students. Moreover, he shared about the institute’s strong emphasis on experiential learning with initiatives like the CEO Mentorship Program, Assessment Centres and Developing Executive Capabilities (DEC) Sessions. Highlighting the achievements of KSBL’s students he shared that KSBL has recently won the prestigious CFA Research Challenge Pakistan Award for the fourth time this year, with consecutively winning thrice previously. In addition to that KSBL has also participated and won other top business competitions like the LUMS Synergies, All Pakistan Business Plan Competition, IMC Battle of Brains and Aman Clinics Accelerator Competition, to name a few.
Dr. Jawaid Ghani (Professor of Strategy and Marketing Research, KSBL)talked about the importance of Data and Data Analytical tools in today’s era of Digital Economy. He shared that these days data is creating vast avenues and challenges for enterprises, due to which organizations are relying on Business Analytics, to rapidly solve their major business-related problems. To equip students with pertinent analytical tools, he further elaborated about Business Analytics course taught at KSBL, in which students are acquainted with the discovery and communications patterns of data generated in the business context. He explained that the course comprises of multiple techniques and applications of business analytics that can be incorporated into any business model. Furthermore, he explained that students are also acquainted with hands-on practice on programs like Python and Excel to make them technologically sound with the latest algorithms.
Dr. Shoaib-Ul-Haq (Assistant Professor of Digital Economy, KSBL) talked about the Digital Entrepreneurship course launched to help students acquire a better understanding of the entrepreneurial process. He further shared that the courses on the digital economy at KSBL focus on the cultivation of multiple skills for Data Visualization that are taught through software like Tableau. He also added that students not only approach KSBL for instilment of latest technical skills but also to get in-depth insights from the experts who hold strong command in their area of expertise and dynamic local as well as the international market exposure.
Highlighting the significant contribution of the Executive Education Services at KSBL, Dr. Nadeem Javaid (Ex-Chief Economist of Pakistan & Professor of Practice, KSBL) shared that innovative teaching and learning practices are at the core of KSBL’s philosophy. KSBL has strong corporate linkage and has so far organized plenty of workshops for skills development of employees within organizations. In addition to that, he also shared that the institute has also offered customized MBA programs to different organizations including K-Electric, Agha Khan, and has also designed an intervention for Fatima Fertilizers.
While commenting on the character-building and enhancement of strategic acumen of students, Dr. Muhammad Athar Siddiqui (Associate Dean, KSBL)said that at KSBL their main focus is to create leaders showcasing exemplary character. Apart from academics here, students are also made to participate in classroom discussions, decision-making sessions and exercises. He also added that through simulation activities students are also taught how through teamwork organizations are propelled towards their vision.
Later Ms. Shona Iram (Sr. Manager Admissions & Alumni Relations, KSBL) discussed about the association of institute with prominent business leaders of the country like Mr. Hussain Dawood, Mr. Muneer Kamal and many others. Moreover, she gave a brief overview of KSBL’s MBA programs and also shared success stories of alumni and their placements in various esteemed organizations of the country.
Ms. Aisha Aijaz (Manager Human Resources & Careers) concluded the session by discussing the DEC Module (Developing Executive Capabilities) with participants.
By the end of the event, the participants actively took part in an interactive QnA session.
I was really impressed with the institutions’ faculty and facilities they are offering, now I am also thinking about opting my Executive MBA from the same institute. I also recommend this institute to my friends, you should offer a visit and then decide about your future degrees.
