GMAT test structure

Questions are chosen from a very large pool of test questions categorized by content and difficulty. Only one question at a time is presented to you on the screen. The first question is always of middle difficulty. The selection of each question thereafter is determined by your responses to all previous questions. In other words, the adaptive test adjusts to your ability level-you will get few questions that are too easy or too difficult for you.

You must answer each question and may not return to or change your answer to any previous question. If you answer a question incorrectly by mistake-or correctly by lucky guess-you answer to subsequent questions will lead you back to questions that are at the appropriate level of difficulty for you.

Analytical Writing Assessment
The GMAT with the Analytical Writing Assessment, consists of two essays topics selected by the computer.30 min are allowed to respond to each topic. One task is to analyze an issue; the other is to analyze an argument.

Quantative
This section tests elementary mathematical skills. This section contains 37 multiple-choice questions of either two question types, Data Sufficiency or Problem Solving. You are allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the section.

Verbal
This section contains 41 multiple-choice questions on Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. The duration is 75 min.

Analytical Writing Assessment
Analysis of an Issue 1 topic 30 minutes 0 to 6
Analysis of an Argument 1 topic 30 minutes

Optional Rest Break 5 minutes

GMAT Quantitative
Problem Solving(*24 Questions)
Data Sufficiency(*13 Questions) 37 questions 75 minutes 0 to 60

Optional Rest Break 5 minutes

GMAT Verbal

Reading Comprehension(*13 Questions)
Critical Reasoning(*14 Questions)
Sentence Correction(*15 Questions) 41 questions 75 minutes 0 to 60


GMAT Total
200 to 800

MBA in disaster management

There is lot of scope for persons who have a certificate in disaster management besides a professional degree. An IT professional can apply his knowledge in various software designed for disaster management, an engineer can work on building designs by providing for various disasters. For such people there are also opportunities in international organizations such as World Bank and ADB, Government organizations such as the NIDM and the State Disaster Management Centers, teaching in various institutions, NGOs and in the private sector too. Now with every State setting up a disaster management authority, opportunities abound there as well. Job prospects are expected to increase with the Government paying more attention to calamities.

There are some basic similarities between planning and management for any other complex job. For easy conceptualization, the entire work for which an action plan needs to be prepared may be called a Job. This job consists of individual tasks and each task requires the performance of certain functional roles. Management of a disaster can be divided into the following jobs:

* Mitigation of the negative impact of disaster.
* Immediate rescue and relief.
* Rehabilitation.
* Documentation and learning for the future.

Working with the organizations dealing with disaster management, one has to develop disaster management plans, build response mechanism etc.

MBA in New Zealand

Most New Zealand universities accept the three-year graduation system for entry into the MBA programme. So, if you have a three-year bachelor degree like Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), this is acceptable as it is considered equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree.

However, some universities may require an Honors degree. This is usually equivalent to B.Com. (H), B.Sc. (H) or a four year degree course like B.E.

For most good Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.

Work Experience:

Most New Zealand business schools require a minimum of three to four years of work experience for admission to the MBA program. This is essential.

There are almost no good options for students, looking for an MBA program in New Zealand that does not require work experience.MBA degrees are normally from 14 to 16 months full-time. They are very intensive and highly focussed programmes with differing entry dates between the four Universities who offer these programmes.
The Universities look at a range of criteria when assessing MBA applicants including academic qualifications, work history, personal interests and English levels. MBA applicants normally must have an english level of IELTS (Academic) 6.5.

MBA in marketing

The objective of the MBA-Marketing degree program are to increase the knowledge and enhance the skills of those working in the field of marketing, advertising, public relations etc. The goal is to develop increased sophistication relative to marketing decisions, and prepare students to study at advanced levels.
Marketing in the past focused mainly on basic concepts like the 4 Ps, and primarily on the psychological and sociological aspects of marketing. Competitive advantage was created by directly appealing to the needs, wants and behaviors of customers, better than the competition. Successful marketing was based on who could create the better brand or the lowest price or the most hype. Marketing in the future will be based on a more strategic approach to competitive marketing success.[2] Marketers will consciously build and allocate resources, relationships, offerings and business models that other companies find hard to match. This does not mean the four P approach is dead, simply that it has been expanded upon.
MBA Marketing program is designed for students who have career goals in product management, marketing research, relationship management, and value chain management. Career opportunities exist in a variety of industries especially service-oriented marketing, high technology, consumer durables, and business-to-business industries.Typical positions available to graduates are: service representative, account manager, brand manager, channel manager, marketing manager, product manager, and sales manager.

CUTOFFS TO GET A CALL FROM IIMS

The IIMs have a minimum cut-off in each section for selection and the cut-off could be different for each IIM. This has never been confirmed by the IIMs except through general statements like, "You are expected to show your competence in all the sections."
These are some cutoffs estimated by various training institutes for CAT 2006.This year also the trend is going to be same with some minor variations

T.I.M.E.

Data Interpretation/Reasoning: 26-28

English Usage: 22-24

Quantitative Analysis: 28-30

Overall cutoff for one IIM call: 92-96

IMS Learning Resources

Data Interpretation/Reasoning: 32-36

English Usage: 28-32

Quantitative Analysis: 36-40

Overall cutoff for one IIM call: 104+

Career Launcher

Data Interpretation/Reasoning: 28-33

English Usage: 26-30

Quantitative Analysis: 35-40

Overall cutoff for one IIM call: 105

MBA AT ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

The Asian Institute of Management, or simply AIM, is a graduate school of business and a center of business and management research. It is one of only two schools in Asia to be internationally accredited with both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. It is sometimes referred to as the Harvard of the East because it was established in partnership with Harvard Business School and because it uses Harvard teaching methodologies.

It was described by Asiaweek magazine (a TIME publication) as the best in the Asia-Pacific region, and other magazines as one of the top three in Asia in the field of business education
The Asian Institute of Management, Manila offers two full-time degree programs under its Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business:

1. Masters in Business AdministrationThe two-year program offers majors in Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. It also enables the students to undergo an exchange program with top schools in the US, Europe and Asia.

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with at least two years' full-time work experience (by June 2004). Candidates must be at least 22 years of age on June 2004.

Course fees: US$12,000 per annum. This includes tuition and miscellaneous fees.
2. Masters in Management

The Masters in Management is an 11-month graduate management program on Business Leadership and Strategic Management.

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with at least 6 years' full-time work experience, three years of which should be at a supervisory or managerial level. Candidates must be at least 28 years of age on May 2004.

Course fees: US$14,000. This includes tuition and miscellaneous fees.

MBAs in demand in Germany

Despite a downturn in recruitment over the past few years, MBAs are now coming back into demand with major corporations, banks and management consultancies. But, while there seems little doubt that an MBA is a worthwhile investment for Germans looking to work on the global stage, how is it regarded in Germany itself? Huber, who is also studying for his MBA in the UK, comments: “It’s true that the qualification doesn’t yet have the profile and respect in Germany that it has in many other countries. However it’s certainly gaining ground, with more and more people aware of it. And, while smaller companies still seem more interested in domestic qualifications, the bigger, international, organisations based in Germany are now beginning to insist on the qualification for some of their more high profile roles.”

One of the international organisations, which has shown a real commitment to the value of an MBA is the global healthcare company Bayer, headquartered in Leverkusen. Bayer recruits potential future managers into a professional apprenticeship scheme, which encompasses sponsorship of an MBA at a school in the USA, UK, Spain or Singapore. Susann Blankenhagel from Dresden joined the scheme straight from university and has now been sent by the company to study for an MBA at the Spanish business school, IE-Instituto de Empresa, which is based in Madrid. “One of the main reasons for joining Bayer was because it offered the chance to work overseas,” says Susann, “so it was a real bonus to be able to study for what is now recognised as the top international business qualification.”

The increasing interest in the MBA for young professionals seems to be stemming from a distinct trend amongst Germany’s leading companies to focus outside the country rather than within it. Deutsche Post World Net, for example, has undergone a transformation since the reunification of Germany, changing from a domestic postal service into a key player in the global logistics market. Now they are seeking to develop the management team that will keep them in that role in years to come. “In our current phase of development the international experience and outlook of MBAs is extremely attractive,” says Joerg Staff, who heads up the company’s Human Resources Development function, “as is their experience of working in multi-national, multi-cultural teams and their capacity for lateral thinking. In the longer term I envisage them forming a significant proportion of our management team in all areas of our operations.” Staff goes on to admit, “Like a lot of international companies with their roots in Germany, we came relatively late to the systematic recruitment of MBAs, but we are keen to make up for lost time. We’re currently working with careers departments of a group of major schools in the USA and Europe as well as a number of the newer players in developing economies such as India and China.”

Another German company that has developed a global business is Allianz, which now owns businesses in some 70 countries around the globe. According to Michael Diekmann, Chairman of the Board of Management, Allianz sees MBAs as an important source of international management talent in the same way as Deutsche Post World Net. “In Germany, for example, top MBA graduates with prior work experience may enter the ‘Fast-Track’ Management Development program in insurance, finance or IT”, says Diekmann. “This consists of assignments over three to four years building towards a significant strategic management role. The employee is mentored and supported in their professional development by a member of the Board of Management.”

DISTANCE MBA

It is always good to know a little bit about everything. However, it can be much more advantageous to know a great deal about one thing – your discipline. A distance learning MBA helps you to become an expert in your line of work. It makes you more valuable to businesses.

You can stay ahead in the corporate world by earning a distance learning MBA through learning new business procedures and methods.


The knowledge you acquire through an online master’s program can be applied to decisions that need to be made on your job and in everyday life. You will become equipped with tools that lead to better corporate strategies, decision-making, and policies. When you use these tools on the job, you will impact your entire work environment with your knowledge.

The advancement opportunities are tremendous for those with advanced degrees like a distance learning MBA. Investing in your career could lead to raises and promotions. With your expertise, you will be eligible to climb higher up the corporate ladder. Most managers, top executives, and CEO’s have reached those positions because they have attained sophisticated degrees in their line of work. They steadily rose from an entry-level employee. Each subsequent step led to higher and higher ranks within the company until they finally reached the height of their careers.

Yet, moving up the corporate ladder is not your only option when moving ahead in the workforce. Many people become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. The knowledge that you gain from pursuing a master’s degree is focused and in-depth. Many people take this knowledge and start their own careers from the ground up. This gives them the freedom to do something they love and work for themselves at their own pace.

An enormous benefit of earning a distance learning MBA is that you can tailor the curriculum to fit your specific needs. You can choose which courses you want to take so that you can enhance your educational experience. You select courses that apply specifically to your current occupation or a profession that you would like in the future. The program allows you a flexibility that you otherwise might not obtain from a traditional college curriculum.

CAT PREPARATION -LAST 3 MONTHS

With this year's CAT just 3 months away a few tips for those who have started the preparations well in advance and for those who are yet to start

*Start now!
*It is never too early when it comes to preparing for CAT. The earlier, the better! Starting early would give you that much more time to learn, understand, apply and remember.
*There are several institutions like TIME, IMS, Career Forum etc that have a complete module for CAT. Taking up coaching classes in one of these centres will help you systematise the process.
*Apart from regular classes, these centres give model question papers and also conduct several mock CAT examinations to help identify your strengths, weaknesses and thereby enable focused learning.
It is vital to brush up your basic Math and Language skills.

*Part of your daily routine:
Make preparation for CAT a part of your daily schedule. Continuous practice is vital. Practice makes perfect. So perfect the art of practice.

*Focus:
Set yourself deadlines in simple things like completion of a section. This will not only help you judge your speed, but also help you improve it.
Remember that it's you who wants to see yourself sitting in one of the IIMS this time next year. So give your best. Don't ever let over confidence or laziness ruin your chances.

*Read up:
Your regular course material aside, you also need to update yourself with what's happening in the world. Read newspapers, magazines, editorials, simply anything you can lay your hands on.
Apart from equipping yourself with general knowledge, you are also improving your reading speed, which is very important in the entrance examination.
Also, you could get a passage on anything from 'Possibility of life on Mars' to 'Water scarcity in Chennai'. So reading a wide-range of articles would help you be prepared for any topic.

*Believe in yourself:
Have the right amount of confidence in yourself. In times of fear or doubt, tell yourself "Of course I can, I should , I will!" After all, hard work will never let you down.
Treat this as a genuine learning process that's going to help you crack several tests, interviews in future with great ease.

All the best!

Various MBA programmes at harvard business School

MBA PROGRAMMESHarvard Business School offers a two-year full time MBA program, which consists of one year of mandatory courses (Required Curriculum) and one year of unrestricted course selection (Elective Curriculum). Admission to the MBA program is one of the most selective graduate programs in the world [citation needed], with an admission rate of 15% for the class of 2008. [citation needed] The student body is highly international and diverse, coming from a variety of different backgrounds. [citation needed] Women comprise 35% of the class of 2008. [citation needed]

The Required Curriculum consists of two semesters. The first semester focuses primarily on the internal aspects of the company and includes the courses Technology and Operations Management, Marketing, Financial Reporting and Control, Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, and Finance I. The second semester focuses on the external aspects and includes the courses Business, Government, and the International Economy, Strategy, The Entrepreneurial Manager, Negotiations, Finance II, and Leadership and Corporate Accountability. [citation needed]

The Elective Curriculum can be chosen from more than 50 courses. The students assign each course a priority and the courses are filled through a lottery system based on student priority and class availability. Elective curriculum students can also complete a field study in lieu of a class.

DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES

The mission of Harvard Business School's Doctoral Programs is to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading business schools and universities.

Flexibility in learning, independence in study, research with deep impact, notable faculty who are leaders in their fields, and the finest resources in academia—these qualities enable Harvard Business School to offer highly regarded doctoral programs.

To ensure a solid foundation in management, all students (without an MBA degree) are required to take at least five courses in the MBA curriculum. A deep knowledge of management practice—not only in general, but also specific to a student's area of specialization—is a critical component of business doctoral education. These courses provide a valuable source of research topics and institutional knowledge that will be important for future research and teaching success in business schools. At the same time, a broad knowledge of business ensures that students fully appreciate the interdependencies and complexity of management problems and may introduce them to the possibility of interdisciplinary research.

All students are admitted for full-time degree programs, beginning in September. Students, however, may begin the program in July, conducting research with an HBS faculty member. A minimum of two years in residence is required, and it is expected that students will complete their program in four to five years. Students typically spend two to two-and-a-half years on course work, and another two years on their dissertation.

GMAT TEST STRUCTURE

Here is what you can expect to see when you take the test.

The Introductory Computer Tutorial (untimed – you go through it at your own pace)
Analytical Writing Assessment (60 minutes)
Analysis of an Argument (30 minutes)
Analysis of an Issue (30 minutes)
Optional 5 Minute Break
Quantitative Section (75 minutes)
Problem Solving (23 to 24 questions)
Data Sufficiency (13 to 14 questions)
Optional 5 Minute Break
Verbal Section (75 minutes)
Critical Reasoning (14 to 15 questions)
Reading Comprehension (4 passages with 12 to 14 questions)
Sentence Correction (14 to 15 questions)
The total maximum testing time allowed for the GMAT is 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The two Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) analyses are presented to test takers in random order. You might see either the analysis of an argument or the analysis of an issue question first.

As we mentioned above, you can also expect the types of questions asked in the quantitative and verbal sections of the GMAT test to show up in a random order. That said, these questions do tend to appear on the exams in short bunches – you are not likely to find yourself bounced back and forth between them. Reading comprehension questions in particular will be grouped together, in bunches immediately following the relevant passages.

SPECIALISED MBA PROGRAMMES

XLRI - In addition to a well-run MBA course, XLRI offers a specialisation course in Industrial Relations. This is highly rated among the courses in Personnel Management in India. The name XLRI - Xavier's Labour Relations Institute misleads people into thinking that the institute trains only in labour relations. Please realise that they also conduct a well-recognised general MBA program.

TISS - The Tata Institute of Social Sciences conducts an MA in Personnel Management, which is rated highly in the industry as a world-class qualification in that area.

IRMA - Focuses solely on Rural Development using the co-operative model. It restricts placement to voluntary agencies and co-operatives. Besides IRMA, the other colleges that offer a program on rural management and marketing is IIM-Ahmedabad.

IIFT - Focuses solely on foreign trade. Placement is thus largely in export departments/houses. It is widely rated as the best in India. The other colleges popular for International business are IMI, Delhi and SIFT in Pune.

NIFT - Focuses solely on the garment industry. Placement is restricted to this area.

IIFM - Focuses on the management of forest resources. Set up with help from IIM-A, it is getting good placement offers.

NITIE - The Mumbai based institute focuses on Industrial Management and is well recognized in its field. The other colleges in this offering a similar program are the IITs, the best of which are the programs of IIT Bombay, Delhi and Kharagpur

MBA IN BIO TECHNOLOGY

MBA Biotechnology gives broad introduction to biotechnology and focuses on management skills. M.Sc Biotechnology on the other hand is a specialisation that imparts technical aspects of biotechnology.

MBA Biotechnology graduates would deal with managerial and entrepreneurial aspects in the biotechnology, chemical, pharmaceutical or allied industries. M.Sc Biotechnology graduates would be concentrating on technical aspects or research.

Both are two-year courses. The prospects for both of them are equally bright.

MBA Biotechnology Management is offered at Amity Institute of Biotechnology, New Delhi. The eligibility criterion is graduation in biological sciences/ computer sciences or equivalent qualification with minimum 55 per cent marks. The admission is based on entrance test (Amity Common Admission Test or CAT or MAT or GMAT) followed by group discussion and personal interview.

Amity Institute of Biotechnology also offers M.Sc biotechnology.

The eligibility criterion is graduation in life sciences. The admission is based on marks obtained in qualifying exam and interview. For further details, visit www.amity.edu
courtesy hindu JULY 23