Despite good record, SRCC's PGDM faces degree hurdle

Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce started its postgraduate diploma in Global Business Operations (GBO) 25 years ago. Principal Simrit Kaur spoke to Shradha Chettri on their effort to convert the diploma into a degree programme, changes required in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and more. Edited excerpts

- Shradha Chettri

Q. SRCC has been running the PGDM in Global Business Operations for 25 years. Why has it not become an MBA degree?

A. Twenty-five years back, when SRCC commenced the GBO programme, the vision was to have post graduate programmes in tune with changing contours of the economy. This was a time where the complexion of the Indian economy was undergoing rapid changes at the turn of the millennium. In the ensuing two and a half decades, the GBO programme has been received highly enthusiastically by the applicants and industry. It is a highly sought after programme with each seat receiving over 100 applications.

Earlier, there was a general notion that the colleges teaching UG programmes should specialise in the same. When SRCC commenced with the PG diploma programme, the approach was evolutionary. Today, we have gained considerable experience in managing a PG programme. Despite the GBO programme doing very well and providing competitive outcomes of internship and placements, its scope becomes limited because of its status as a diploma. Understandably, there is a threshold that needs to be crossed to elevate the GBO programme. Though we have proactively taken forward this matter with regulatory authorities, a favourable outcome is yet to be received.

Q. What are the reasons cited for not converting the diploma into a degree?

A. We don't know exactly because our letters are categorically showing the strength of the programme. We don't renew the curriculum very often but we included value-added courses such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Also, we have strong alumni.

It is presumed that there is a regulatory constraint that UG colleges will not be granted a degree programme. The course is self-financing - that could be the reason. But this is only hearsay. We are still very hopeful and have met the regulatory authorities in this regard.