Why postgraduate management programs must avoid pen-paper based final exams

Dr. Kanish Debnath

Head of Research,

MYRA School of Business, India

Postgraduate management programs (PGP) are crafted to provide students with an extensive skill set that goes well beyond mere theoretical understanding. Unlike postgraduate programs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), management courses must prioritize the cultivation of practical skills, the development of strategic thinking, and the refinement of leadership qualities, all of which are vital for thriving in the fast-paced business landscape of today. Conventional pen-and-paper final examinations frequently fall short in effectively gauging these essential capabilities. Nevertheless, the majority of business schools adhering to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) academic framework still incorporate written final exams as a significant component of their curriculum. Even though the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlighted the importance of ongoing and routine assessments for courses, the distribution of course marks among various assessments remained flexible, permitting faculty at business schools to assign an unreasonably large weight to final exams that are predominantly pen-and-paper based.

An exceptional Master of Business Administration (MBA) or postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) should emphasize practical applications, case analyses, and experiential learning in classrooms. The two-year PGDM program at the MYRA School of Business (MSB) adheres to a similar educational philosophy. MSB’s strong focus on advanced thinking skills equips graduates to confront intricate business issues, make sound decisions, and lead teams efficiently in diverse organizational environments. There are numerous other convincing arguments for why such programs ought to shift away from traditional examinations. Firstly, pen-and-paper assessments often lead students to engage in short-term memorization tactics, rather than fostering long-term understanding. Secondly, high-pressure written exams can create considerable anxiety, which may not accurately represent a student’s true grasp or capabilities. Thirdly, essential PGP skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and negotiation are most effectively showcased through interactive participation and practical implementation instead of through written answers. Finally, in our current digital era, professionals extensively utilize technology for analysis, presentations, and strategic decision-making, rendering pen-and-paper examinations outdated and out of touch with these modern realities.

Below are some alternative assessment methods to traditional pen-and-paper tests. I believe many of these can be implemented even outside the realm of management education. While these forms of assessment are neither groundbreaking nor revolutionary, they promote a well-rounded understanding and application of instructional content. A carefully curated blend of various assessment techniques is typically the optimal strategy to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of learners.

1. Case Study Investigation: In this method, learners dissect actual business situations to uncover challenges, assess solutions, and propose tactics through written documents, presentations, or live dialogues. Cases are frequently tailored to meet various educational requirements and can vary from straightforward to exceedingly intricate. Lately, cases may occasionally come with videos of the key player articulating the predicament.

2. Real-World Business Simulations and Role-Playing: These replicate genuine business situations, like market crises or management negotiations. Role-playing is beneficial for subjects such as human resources and sales. These undertakings provide a crucial hands-on experience in a safe environment, promoting experiential learning. Business simulations are advantageous for courses in finance, operations, and analytics.

3. Presentations and Public Speaking Activities: These forms of evaluations can be utilized to assess students’ grasp of the topic, their concepts and originality, and their capacity to confidently advocate for their work. Such activities not only enhance communication, persuasion, and executive presence qualities among students but also instill in them the habit of backing their work with facts and evidence.

4. Research Assignments and Industry Analyses: These tasks are typically afforded more significance and can be assigned to either an individual student or a collective group. These projects necessitate students to perform extensive research on a particular business dilemma, industry trend, or organizational challenge. Recently, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) for summarizing extensive texts, producing new content such as written material, images, and videos, analyzing business data, and creating data insights can assist in these projects as well as in evaluating the completed work.

5. Capstone Initiative: This is generally a thorough assessment conducted at the program's conclusion, integrating insights from various fields. Students may engage in individual or collaborative projects on an industry research challenge or a dilemma posed by an organization. Often, the capstone initiative extends or continues the work conducted by students during their internships with the same organizations. Capstone Projects instill the importance of timely project deliverables, supervisor feedback, professional demeanor, and client management abilities.

In summary, a varied array of evaluations in PGP/PGDM/MBA programs guarantees that students are appraised for practical application, interpersonal skills, leadership, and analytical capabilities. Engaging case studies, simulations, presentations, research, and experiential learning provide a comprehensive, real-world appraisal that aligns with the necessities of contemporary businesses. Moving past traditional assessments, these strategies not only evaluate knowledge but also equip students to excel in intricate, fast-paced corporate settings.