Everything You Wanted to Know About GDs - But Were Afraid to Ask
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GROUP DISCUSSIONS
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What exactly is a Group Discussion?
A Group Discussion (GD) is a forum wherepeople sit together, discuss a topic with the
common objective of finding a solution for a
problem or discussing an issue given to them.
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A GD is normally used:
(a) To select candidates who have applied for
admission to a B-School.
(b) To recruit young µmanagers-to-be¶, for
companies summer training programmes.
(c) By companies to recruit management
graduates af ter the successful completion of a
rigorous B-School management programme -as part of the selection process ± mostly at
the entry level.
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Why a Group Discussion is required in the
µselection¶ process
(a) To assess a candidates communication skills,
knowledge levels etc.
(b) To measure certain attributes of a candidate, which
are otherwise difficult to identif y and timeconsuming to assess.
(c) A number of people who can communicate their
ideas well and discuss effectively with others in a
one-to-one situation, become tongue-tied in a GD.
(d) It helps identif y people who have such skills and
people who do not.
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(e) There are people who are good µlisteners¶ in a
one-to-one situation ± but whose µlistening
skills¶ just vanish when it comes to being
members of a group and all that they seem to
be interested in is their voice being heard by
the rest of the group.
(f) GDs are therefore used effectively by selectors
to assess whether a proper µfit¶ exists betweenthe skills the candidate possesses and what the
institute/organization requires.
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What a GD is and what it is not
A completely mistaken notion ± which is
f arthest from truth ± is one which says that it
is only µgift of the gab¶ that is the deciding
f actor.
Another opinion is that only the convent educated students who can speak polished
English, can do well in GDs.
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A GD is NOT just about µtalking¶. It is alsomuch more than µtalking sense¶.
It involves exercising your mental f aculties tothink through the topic, listening to the viewsof the other group members, integrating theirviews with your views and helping the group
arrive at a logically coherent solution to theproblem that is being discussed.
Prior public speaking experience ± while it can
be a µplus¶ ± is not mandatory for success inGDs.
Debating/Public Speaking and GroupDiscussions are NOT the one and same thing.
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Debating & Public Speaking are one-to-many
communication situations, whereas a Group
Discussion is a many-to-many situation.
A debate, elocution or public speaking contest
is a solo performance, whereas a Group
Discussion is not.
In a debate it is your individual views that
matter, whereas in a Group Discussion it is
NOT your individual views alone. Unlike in a debate or Public Speaking; in a
GD, it is the views of the entire group that
matter.
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Types of Group Discussions
1. Topic ± based.
2. Case ± based.
(also called Case Studies)
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Topic Based GDs
The group members are given a topic todiscuss.
The topic is typically in the form of a
statement (sometimes, the topic may not be a complete statement. E.g. ³T he biggest
problem faced by our country is . . . .´ couldbe a GD topic. By the end of thediscussion, the group should strive toarrive at a consensus on the issue that iscovered by the topic.
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Case ± based GDs (Case Studies)
Here, a short description of a situation
(called a µcase¶) is given to all the
participants. The case will typically be a
problem situation that requires a
solution. The participants are required to
study the case, analyze the problem and
then discuss their views about the
possible solution to the problem with the
other members of the group.
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Typical Topic ± based GDs
These are of two types, viz:
1. Knowledge-based ± µIndia should withdraw
from W TO¶ . Here, unless you have some
knowledge about WTO, you will not be ableto speak effectively on the topic.
Knowledge ± based GDs f all into different
categories like: ± Economic topics; Social topics; Political topics;
Sports/Films related topics; IT based.
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2.Non ± knowledge based ± These are topics that
do not require a knowledge base in any specific
area for you to be able to talk about them.Common, day-to-day knowledge is sufficient to
do a good job of talking about such topics.
Your worldly knowledge and common sensewill help you in speaking on the topic.
Non-knowledge based topics themselves can be
subdivided into two categories:
± C oncrete topics. Clear cut views.
± Abstract topics. Where interpretation varies from
person to person.
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Other modalities
1. Group Size ± Can vary from eight per group to
fif teen candidates per group.2. Seating Arrangement ± Could be either
circular/semi-circular of U-shape or a rectangular³boardroom´ seating arrangement.
3. Time allotted ± Normally, each group is given 15 ± 20minutes for discussing a topic. At times discussionscould be terminated much earlier and at times may even exceed 30 minutes. You need to remember that
the time required for the discussion, DOES N OT depend on the group size.
4. You MUST make your µcontribution¶ within the first 2 to 3 minutes, else there is a danger of your not
having made sufficient contribution.
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5. The moderator may terminate the GD ahead of the
time he had earlier announced. This usually happens
when the moderator feels that the GD is not makingµheadway¶.
6. The exact wording of the topic is very important for
proper discussion. You must carry your pen and
paper with you for the GD. The moderator will not
write the topic on the board.
7. Listen very carefully to every statement that the
moderator makes.
8. In some cases the moderator will give a few minutes
(2-3 minutes) to the group members to think about
the topic and then ask them to start the discussion.
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Addressing Group members
You are N OT expected to address the othermembers of your group by names. You are
N OT expected to know the names of all the
group members in such a short period of time.
You can just point your hand at that individual
and say, ³ As he/she said, . . .´.
In case you are asked to introduce yourself,
you should be prepared to tell the group yourname, where you are from, the name of your
institution & your graduation stream. Keep
your introduction brief.
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Performance parameters in a GD
1. Content ± The single most important f actor in a GD. It is your knowledge bank.
2. Communication ± (a) Correctly conveying what you
say (b) Listening (c) Language.
3. Group Behaviour ± Actions such as shouting,
making snide remarks etc. will do you no good.
4. Leadership Skills ± It does not mean speaking the
loudest or most in the group. A leader is not the
person who speaks the most in a group ± but one
who is µspoken to¶ the most.
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Improving your performance in GDs
Three different aspects that can help improve your
performance are :
1. Building your knowledge base
Through good magazines (both business and general).
You should be comfortable with topics dealt within 8 ±
10 months before the GDs/Interviews. Surf the internet.
2. Generating ideas about the topic
Three approaches:(a) Key Word Approach (K WA)
(b) Viewpoint of Affected Parties (VAP)
(c) Socio-cultural, Political, Economic, Legal and
Technological angles to the given topic (SPELT)
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3. Improving your participation in GDs
Taking a position vis-à-vis the topic.
If you have a sof t voice.
If you are interrupted when you are discussing.
How to get into the discussion.
If you are not noticed when you are speaking.
If you do not know much/nothing about the topic.
Supporting somebody else whose ideas are similar to yours.
What if you know a lot about a topic and the others are
relatively ignorant.
The first to start a discussion.
Language to be used in a GD.
Using statistics in your discussion.
Questioning other members on points made by them.
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ARE YOU GOOD AT
GROUP DISCUSSIONS?
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Have you ever seen a football game? Or been a part of a football team? These questions might
seem awkward and absurd when talking about µHow to crack a Group Discussion¶ to get into a good company. But they are relevant
to understand the nuances of a GroupDiscussion. Just reiterating the cliché that a Group discussion, or GD, as it is commonly called, is a group process or a team building
exercise does not help students. As in a football game, where you play like a team, passing the
ball to each team member and aim for a common goal, GD is also based on teamwork,
incorporating views of different team membersto reach a common goal.
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A Group Discussion at the B- S chool/ C ompanylevel can be defined as a
µformal discussion¶involving ten to 12
participants in a group.
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Students are given a topic. Af tersome time, during which they collect
their thoughts, the group is asked to
discuss the topic for 20 to 25 minutes.
Companies/B-Schools use the GDprocess to assess a candidate's
personality traits.
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Here are some of the most
important personality traitsthat a candidate should possess
to do well at a GD:
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1. Team Player
Companies/B-Schools lay great emphasison this parameter because it is essential for managers to be team players.
The Reason: Managers always work inteams. At the beginning of his/her career,a manager works as a µteam member¶.
And, later, as a µteam leader¶.
Management aspirants who lack team
skills cannot be good managers.
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2. Reasoning Ability
Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressingyour opinions or ideas at a GD. For example, an opinion like'Reduction in II M s' fees will affect quality' can be better statedby demonstrating your reasoning ability and completing themissing links between fees and quality as:
'Reduction in IIMs' fees will result in less funds being investedon study material, student exchange programmes, research,student development activities, etc.
'Moreover, it costs money to attract good f aculty, create goodinfrastructure and upgrade technology.
'With reduction in fees, less money will be available toperform these, activities which will lead to deterioration in thequality of IIMs.'
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3. LeadershipThere are three types of situations that can arise in a GD:
1. A GD where participants are unable to establish a proper rapport and donot speak much.
2. A GD where participants get emotionally charged and the GD gets
chaotic.3. A GD where participants discuss the topic assertively by touching on all
its nuances and try to reach the objective.
Here, a leader would be someone who f acilitates the third situation at a GD.
A leader in a case like this would be that person who would have the following
qualities:
1. Shows direction to the group whenever group moves away from the topic.
2. Coordinates the effort of the different team members in the GD.3. Contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights.4. Inspires and motivates team members to express their views.
Caution: Being a mere coordinator in a GD does not help, because it is a
secondary role. Contribute to the GD with your ideas and opinions, but also try
and steer the conversation towards a goal.
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4. Flexibility You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of
your ideas: That is what f lexibility is all about. But first,remember: Never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion.
Say the topic of a GD is, ' S hould India go to war with Pakistan?' Some participants tend to get emotionally attached to the topic
and take a stand either in f avour or against the topic, i.e. 'Y es, India should ' , or, ' No, India should not ' . By taking a stand, youhave already given your decision without discussing the topic at hand or listening to the views of your team members. Also, if you encounter an opposition with a very strong point at the11th hour, you end up in a typical catch-22 situation:
If you change your stand, you are seen as a fick le-minded or a whimsical person.
If you do not change your stand, you are seen as an inf lexible,
stubborn and obstinate person.
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5. Assertiveness
You must put forth your point to the group ina very emphatic, positive and confident manner.
Participants of ten confuse µAssertiveness¶ with
µAggressiveness¶. Aggressiveness is all about forcing your point
on the other person, and can be a threat to thegroup.
An aggressive person can also demonstratenegative body language, whereas an assertiveperson displays positive body language.
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6. Initiative A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the
initial kitty of points earmarked for the initiator. But that is a high risk-high return strategy.
Initiate a GD only if you are well versed with the topic.
If you start and f ail to contribute at regular intervals, it givesthe impression that you started the GD just for the sake of theinitial points.
Also, if you fumble, stammer or misquote f acts, it may
work against you.
Remember: You never ever get a second chance to create a first
impression.
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7. Creativity/ Out of the box
thinking
An idea or a perspective, which opens new horizons for discussion on
the GD topic, is always highly appreciated. When you put across a new idea convincingly, such that the
group discusses it at length, it canonly be positive. You will find
yourself in the good books of theexaminer.
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8. Inspiring ability
A good group discussion should incorporate
views of all the team members. If some team
members want to express their ideas but are
not getting the opportunity to do so, giving
them an opportunity to express their ideas oropinions will be seen as a positive trait.
Caution: If a participant is not willing to speak,
you need not necessarily go out of the way toask him to express his views. This may insult
him and hamper the f low of the GD.
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9. Listening
Always try and strike a
proper balancebetween expressing your
ideas andimbibing ideas.
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10. Awareness
You must be well versed with both the
micro and macro environment. Your
awareness about your environment helps a
lot in your GD content, which carries
maximum weightage.
Caution: The content or awareness
generally constitutes 40% to 50 % marks
of your GD. Apart from these qualities,
communication skills, confidence and the ability
to think on one's feet are also very important.
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FAQs on Group Discussions
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Are GDs conducted by companies and
management institutes similar, or doesone need to look at them separately and
prepare differently for each of them?
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Will there be cases where the moderator
is not present with the group?
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Can I select my seat in the GD? Is
there any advantage based on myseat in the GD?
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What should I do if my neighbours
are sitting in such a position that
they block my view to prevent me
from getting noticed by the group?
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If the group members are asked to
select their own topic for discussion,
is there any restriction on the type of topic that they can select? Can one
prepare with a few topics and
propose one from this list to the
group?
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Will one be allowed to write down
the topic given for the discussion?
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Will one be given paper and pen/paper
to note down the topic?
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When the moderator gives the topic, will
he give the participants some time tothink about the topic before the group
commences the discussion?
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Does one have to write a summary of
the discussion at the end of the GD?
Will one be told about the same at
the start of the discussion?
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If one is asked to write a summary,
what should the summary consist of?
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Do the participants have to write asummary in a case-based GD also?
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Can the participants in a GD take
turns and speak one af ter the otherwithout other group members
interrupting?
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If a member of a group is making a
nuisance of himself and is obstructing thediscussion, can I ask the moderator to
intervene?
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If one is not allowed to speak (by the
other members of the group), what
should one do?
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If a group member makes a point
which I do not agree with, can I
prove to him that he is wrong?
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How should one deal with subjects
about which one has very strong
views or issues to which one is
emotionally attached?
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How orderly or chaotic are GDs?
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What should one do if more than one
person is talking at the same time?
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What is µcartelization¶ in GDs?
What should one do if it happens in
one?
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When one starts speaking by
interrupting some other member of
the group, should one continue withthe point being made by the last
speaker, or can one start with the
same point?
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GROUP DISCUSSIONS:
Don't get emotionally involved
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Shobha is on top of the world these days.
She received calls from all six IIMs and
her percentile is in the top 0.1 percentile
category of candidates who appeared for
the test. She is now preparing rigorously
for her second phase of B-school
admissions, i.e. Personality Assessment
(Group Discussions and Interviews). She
has great communication skills, but her
performance in the GDs is not consistent.
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Which is more important. GD or PI?
As a B-school aspirant, she needs to understanddifferent types of GDs and personality traits that are
given weightage.
A GD, as discussed before, is defined as a formal
discussion involving 10-12 participants in a group. Atopic is given to them, with some time to collect their
thoughts, and the group is then asked to discuss the
topic for 20-25 minutes.
The sole objective of a group discussion is to analyze
the personality traits of a candidate. We explore the
different types of GDs.
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MBA/Engg: How to talk during a GD.
1. Case Study A type of GD where a situation is given to
candidates, with some time to analyze it, followed
by a discussion of around 15 - 20 minutes. You are
expected to analyze the situation and reach a solution.
A common blunder made by many while discussing
a case study is to announce your solution to the
group at the beginning of the case study. Basically,
you have declared your solution without generating
and discussing different possible solutions or
alternatives for the problem mentioned.
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In a case study, you are expected to reach a solution,but even if you are not able to, the panel gives a lot of weightage to the process followed by candidates to
analyze the case study. In short, the panel asksthemselves, ' Is the approach taken by the candidatetowards the case correct?¶
Any case study can be approached and analyzedthrough the following five-step proven methodology:
1. S ituation analysis.
2. Problem recognition.
3. Generating alternatives.
4. Analyzing alternatives generated in previous step.
5. Best alternative as the solution.
This step-by-step process highlights the problem-solving and logical approach of a candidate.
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2. Role Play
Similar to case studies, here too, a situation or
case is given to the group, but a candidate is
NOT expected to find a solution.
Instead, he is expected to play the role of a
particular character in the case. Role plays
primarily check the ability of a person to
empathize with the character in a given case.
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3. Normal Group Discussion
This can be divided into threebroad categories based on the topic:
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Argumentative
As the title suggests, this type of GD generatesa lot of argument. Topics given areargumentative or controversial in nature, andof ten, tempers run high. Candidates get emotionally attached to the topic and forget the basic tenets of the GD. A few examples of such topics are ' S hould India attack Pakistan' ,' How real are reality shows?', ' S hould actionchannels be banned ' etc. These topics test how
assertively (not aggressively) a person can put his or her content across to the team and leavea winning impression on them.
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Factual
Most f actual topics deal with day-to-day happenings in our environment. A f actual
GD is highly content-intensive and gives
the candidate a chance to prove his or herknowledge about micro and macro issues.
Some f actual topics include ' India' s
foreign policy' , ' Impact of Indo-US relations on Indian economy' , ' Is Indian
economy better than that of C hina?' etc.
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VARIED TOPICS FOR
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
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FAMILIARITY
BREEDSCONTEMPT.
FAMILIARITY
BREEDS CONTENT.DISCUSS.
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HOW WILL YOU
MOTIVATE
TERRORISTS TOSPARE THE
INNOCENT?
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FAMILY OWNED
COMPANIESVERSUS
PROFESSIONALLYRUN COMPANIES.
DISCUSS.
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CORRUPTION IS
NOT NECESSARILY
AGREED.IT COULD BE A
NECESSITY.
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IN ORGANIZATIONS,
SMALL ISBEAUTIFUL.
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GLOBALIZATIONWILL WIDEN THE
GAP BETWEEN THEHAVES AND THE
HAVE - NOTS.
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IS DIVORCE A
NECESSARY EVIL?
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MONEY IS SWEETER
THAN HONEY
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INDIA HAS LOST
OUT ON THE RACEOF ECONOMIC
SUPREMACY TOCHINA AND SOUTH
EAST ASIANCOUNTRIES.
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CAN ONE BE ASUCCESSFUL
MANAGER BYCOMPROMISING ON
MORALITY?
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SCIENCE FICTION IS
NOTHING BUT ANUNCANNY ABILITY
TO UNDERSTANDHOW TECHNOLOGY
IS LIKELY TOPROGRESS
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GOVERNMENTSHOULD SUBSIDISE
PRIMARYEDUCATION AND NOT
POST GRADUATE
EDUCATION
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DO BEAUTIFUL
PEOPLE LEADBETTER LIVES?
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IN BUSINESS,µWH AT Y OU KN OW¶
IS NOT AS
IMPORTANT AS
µWH O Y OU KN OW¶
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THE SUN ALWAYS
RISES IN THE EAST
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AN MBA ISESSENTIAL FOR
SUCCESS INCORPORATE LIFE
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EXPLOITATION
OF THE FEMALE
BODY INADVERTISING
SHOULD BEBANNED
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BLACK ISBLACK
AND
WHITE ISWHITE
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HE WHO MAKESMOST
MISTAKES,
WINS
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THE WAY TOHEAVEN
IS
THROUGH HELL
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MANAGERS AREPAID MUCH
MORE THAN
THEY DESERVE
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BUSINESS ANDETHICS
CANNOT
CO-EXIST
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INDIA NEEDS
HONEST
BUREAUCRATS ± NOT EFFECTIVE
MANAGERS.
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INDIA MUSTHAVE
DICTATORIALRULE IF IT IS TO
PROGRESSRAPIDLY
IF WE DON¶T ALLOW
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IF WE DON¶T ALLOW
FOREIGN INVESTMENT,THE ECONOMY DIES ±
IF WE ALLOW FOREIGNINVESTMENT,
DOMESTIC INDUSTRYDIES
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THE CRAZE FOR
MANAGEMENTEDUCATION IN INDIACAN BE ATTRIBUTED
ALMOST ENTIRELY TOTHE FACT THAT IT
PROVIDES HIGHLYPAID JOBS
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SHOULD THE
MEDICAL
PROFESSION BE
BROUGHT UNDER
THE CONSUMER
PROTECTION ACT?
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INDIANS AREEXCELLENT
INDIVIDUALWORKERS BUT POOR
TEAM MEMBERS.
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THE FURTHER
BACK WARD YOU
LOOK, THE FARTHER
FOR WARD YOU CAN
SEE.