Paucity of good MBAs

What's the definition of a manager? A person who is able to manage? If yes, then manage what? Resources? Time? People? (the last two are ultimately part of the first, innit?)

Anyway, a degree in management (from reputed institutes, that is) is supposed to equip you to do more than what a non-MBA could or would. These institutes are supposed to teach the young graduate skills that go beyond SWOT Analysis and Number crunching. A computer can crunch numbers, it takes a human to interpret them. Qualities such as Time Management, Innovative thinking, Stress Management etc. are part and parcel of a 'Manager's' life. A B-School is supposed to equip young professionals to handle them as well.

Long hours of assignments, projects, group work and other activities are designed to inculcate such qualities in the b-schooler.

But are B-Schools truly training students to imbibe these qualities?

Top B-Schools (IIMs, XLRI, IITs...) definitely do. The worth of the student who has passed out from their hallowed portals is unquestionable.

However, there are numerous run-of-the-mill institutes churning out 'Managers' by the dozen. With absolutely no regards as to quality control at the point of intake, they are victim to the basic principle of 'Garbage In Garbage Out'. MBAs from such institutions leave much to be desired. At times, one wonders, what did they learn during their time in the MBA programme. Was it just about clearing exams and getting grades? Have they even understood what a manager is expected to be like?

No wonder, companies are loathe to visit such campuses to get new recruits.

When will things take a turn for the better?