XIBA Director: Rev Fr Micheal John SJ Interview

Rev. Dr A. Michael John SJ is the Director of Xavier Institute of Business Administration (XIBA), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu. He has completed his MBA and MA (HRM). As a development and management consultant, he has offered his services in areas such as leadership, capacity building, community building, strategic planning, etc. He has steered many seminars and workshops for various sections of people and has presented papers in National and International Conferences and Seminars. He teaches Human Resource Management and Talent Management.

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Along with my students, I look for new knowledge and developments in the field of management education”

Having been the Director of the Hostel for quite a several years, I get in touch with my students both academically and professionally daily. It is steering me to keep myself connected to the student community. 

Being the director and a responsible leader in XIBA, I peddle the institution with good administration. The XIBA centre for Research headed by me is gearing up to research activities with 18 Research scholars. I think these are the key factors that keep me connected to Education sector. 

What is your philosophy of leadership?

“I commit myself to follow Servant leadership in my activities and administration”

I always believe in Servant Leadership style. Unlike the traditional leadership style, I feel that empathizing is pre-eminent in administration and management. A servant leader encourages people to use time management, accelerate development, and contribute for thriving of the organisation. 

How does the curriculum of XIBA ensure the best practice of industry?

“By facilitating skills in the field of marketing, human resource management, information systems, etc”

The core curriculum of MBA focuses on developing essential skills and knowledge in the areas of economics, organization and behaviour, finance and accounting. After completing the first-year requirements, the students undertake summer training of up to eight weeks at the operational level. Students analyse and offer solutions to specific managerial problems under the guidance of a faculty member. The experience they gain in SIP helps them to choose their specialisation in MBA.

What has been your vision for the Institute? 

“To form competent, committed, and compassionate leaders for the future”

Even before I became the Director of XIBA, I was focusing on forming competent leaders. True to the Vision of XIBA, I continue to strategically plan and implement various programmes that help in the formation of committed leaders. 

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What would you like people to know about your Institute they may not know?

“We focus on quality business education along with strong social values”

XIBA teaches Jesuit values and managerial skills along with academics. The three main elements are experience, reflection, and action. Added to this, we make the students of XIBA strive for perfection in anything. Constant and consistent training is provided to the students through Learning Academy which is in-housed in XIBA 

What do you see as XIBA’s greatest strengths?

“A unique pedagogy with strong moral values and efficient system”

• Effective learning management system 
• State-of-the-art infrastructure
• Learning academy that gives continuous training
• Excellent placement record
• Competent faculty members
• Inculcation of values

What are some of the biggest challenges for higher education currently?

“Shift to the digital platform for academic purposes is a challenging aspect of current education scenario”

• Educational institutions are forced to transition from on-campus classes to a virtual setting. They are also faced with concerns around enrolment, finances, and student support. 
• Skills Gap: 64% of surveyed employers say that their organization has a skills gap. The institutions need to work with businesses to develop programs that prepare workers with suitable skillsets for highly valued roles.
• Artificial Intelligence: AI seems to personalize the student journey. Higher education professionals fear that AI could weaken the personal connection the students will have with the Institutions.
• In the process of training ‘Communicative Competence’ for our students, many students originating from rural and semi-urban areas face issues with pronunciation, grammar and other common problems.

How do you tend to establish a healthy environment in your institute?

“A strong mentoring system coupled with counselling and constant motivation”

In XIBA, the faculty mentors play a crucial role in mentoring graduates. They are allocated with a set of students where they provide both professional and personal advice to their mentees. They serve to help students balance professional goals with their personal lives and give emotional encouragement. The students are assisted to identify their strengths and weakness and take necessary remedial action. The Mentor and Mentee Hour relationship establish a conducive atmosphere in the Institution.

What are some plans that you’re currently designing for XIBA’s international affairs?

“Student exchange programs and global exposure for our students”

XIBA always welcomes students from other elite partner schools across the globe. Every semester, we are open to receive students from around the world, who add diversity to the classroom experience. We also send letters of invitation to come to our institution for a semester or so. XIBA’s MBA Programme meets out the international standards in Business Education.

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Have a definite Goal and constantly chase your dreams constantly”

I would say that the students and the current youth need to keep themselves updated so that they go into the world with confidence. Also, they must work hard, be humble and be guided by values.