MM Sessions 19 and 20 - Presentations, Reports, and Closing Remarks
Hi Everyone,
Congrats on completing the first end term examinations!!
I’m sure this must have been a first of its kind experience for many of you. The idea behind ‘testing’ is no longer retention of facts and ability to recall, but application and the creation of knowledge. Let me assure you that as time progresses, you will begin to understand the futility of last minute preparation and the merits of staying attentive in class, group discussions and peer learning. Having said that, let me apologise for not having been able to write to you immediately after your presentations. I have been somewhat busy with wrapping my the consumer behaviour course for the senior batch and, more importantly, setting up question papers for both courses. This has kept be pretty busy so far. Having said that, here are my comments and feedback from your presentations. Let me succinctly wrap this up in three sections - spirit, clarity, and aesthetics.
First, Spirit. I thought it was very admirable that all of you had put your best foot forward and geared up for the presentations. It was nice to see you all suited up to present the fruits of your research and analysis over a PowerPoint presentation. You had possibly for one of the first instances started reading up about companies in their autumnal reports and industry reports. I’m sure over time you will start following a few industries closely and stay up to date with the latest occurrences in the industry. One of the easiest ways to actually do that is to buy shares in some of these companies. You will be surprised to notice how much of high quality information is constantly provided to shareholders via emails.
Second, Concept clarity. I personally felt that the clarity of thought you had in your minds did not show up on the presentation. Let me quickly add that I think I know why (this is based on my own enquiries into the matter). I think many of you have been trying to search online for ‘readymade’ solutions to your projects. I’m also positive that given that you were all working on Nifty Fifty firms, there was plenty available. However, let me assure you that readily available presentations that one may find in places like slideshare.com and on LinkedIn are ridden with errors. For instance, a few of you had used what is called the BCG Growth Share matrix in your analysis incorrectly (you had forgotten about the ‘relative growth rats’ and the ‘relative market share’). Given that the concept was not covered in your subject matter, it was not really expected that you make use of it. Some of you had also made use of the Porter’s Five Forces analysis. Let me assure you that the MBA programme is a time tested one that has a method to its madness. In time, you will be introduced to all key concepts and frameworks. In the second year you would have plenty of opportunity to use them. In case you are interested in using these concepts, go to the first principles. Read the papers and documents that introduce the concept and understand how to use them effectively. Remember, half knowledge can be dangerous. Apply your mind and create your own documents. This, more than anything else, will give you the confidence to present your ideas in front of an audience.
Another key issue that I felt was cropping up constantly pertains to your recommendations. Many of you feel that ‘more is better’ and recommend that firms do ‘more diversification’. I found it interesting that one team was arguing for more diversification to counter the dependence on one country while another was arguing for quite the opposite. Let me assure you, it is ok not to recommend when you are unsure. As faculty we also understand that you are presenting with limitations such as other courses’ loads and submissions. We expect constrained optimisation, not perfection.
Third, Aesthetics. If the end term exam was something to go by, I’m positive you had recognised your presentations and reports are not exercises in filling up pages. You are also welcome to be brief and to the point. Here are just some notes that I jotted down that I think may hold some value.
1. Logo in the background is not required- we all know you study here
2. Justify (alignment) in the text when required. It makes you documents look crisper.
3. Use page numbers. Ideally, center them and make them black.
4. In your presentation, I noticed that many of you had actually had slides titled ‘How does x add value to its customers’. I think that showed a lack of creativity on your part. Titles are wonderful opportunities for your to get the attention of the reader/audience. Use it.
5. There were many grammar and spelling errors. This could have been easily avoided. When I was in B School, my teammates and I often completed the presentations a few days before the deadline and put it on cold storage. When we revisited the slides before the submission deadline, we would magically find many errors and quickly fix them before submitting. When you work last moment, it may actually lead to errors.
6. Please use very little text in the slides. Remember the slides are an aid in your presentation.
7. Try voice modulation (some of you did this really well). I was also impressed that many teams were able to hold on and continue even when there was a power cut while your presentations were underway.
8. Learn to use the APA citations. There are many resources that teach you how to do it on the internet.
Given that the examination is now complete, I think it’s a good idea for you to get some well earned rest. But then, once you rest for a few days, please revisit your question papers and identify the lacunae in your own understandings. Use the time constructively to brush up the basics and gear up for the next term. Let me assure you, this will help.
In the meantime, enjoy your holidays!
Have fun,
Karthikeyan
