AMBA & BGA EXCELLENCE AWARDS
How did it feel to win the prize for Best Innovation Strategy at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2023? Soumyadeb (Soum) Chowdhury “It’s hard to encapsulate the myriad of emotions our team felt – from sheer joy and elation to deep gratitude and humility. “This recognition a rms TBS Education’s commitment to, and belief in, the power of innovation. It’s testament to the dedication, creativity and relentless e ort everyone poured into pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This award not only recognises our achievements but also motivates us to continue innovating and striving for excellence. We are thankful to AMBA & BGA and all the sponsors for giving educators across the globe a platform to showcase initiatives that seek to drive positive pedagogical changes in business school education.” Cameron Guthrie “It was not only an honour, but also a reminder that the student experience is paramount in educational innovation.” TBS Education won the award for The Blind Search, an innovative approach to the thesis supervisor selection process. Could you describe briefly how it works? Soum Chowdhury “The Blind Search concept intertwines education with entertainment, drawing inspiration from reality TV singing competition, The Voice . The twist is in having students pitch their research proposals to potential thesis supervisors without any visual interaction – the pitcher can’t see the judges and the judges can’t see the pitcher. “This format not only adds an element of surprise and entertainment but is also a celebration of the students’ e orts. Students have two minutes to make their pitch, with the support of a single slide. Separating the tutors and the students is a curtain which, after the pitch, is drawn back. Tutors who are interested in supervising the project then swivel their chairs towards the student. If multiple tutors show interest, the power shifts to the student and they can choose their preferred supervisor. In such
cases, this role reversal extends further because students can then interview potential tutors and put the judges in a position where they must persuade students of their capabilities.”
What problem, or issue, is The Blind Search seeking to solve?
Soum Chowdhury “In an era dominated by digitalisation and automation, there is a significant, yet underexplored, need for non-digital innovation strategies that enhance the student experience and foster higher-order thinking skills. “The primary goal was to transform the tutor- tutee selection process by making it both e cient and entertaining. We wanted to reduce the amount of time students spend searching for a tutor through the traditional process of drafting emails, setting up appointments and evaluating the compatibility of the tutor-tutee pairing. “Our solution departs from this common and autocratic method, while prioritising the needs of students and teachers. It minimises administrative burdens and shortens the selection process cycle, mitigating risks such as prolonged waiting periods or students not securing a supervisor.” Cameron Guthrie “The early stages of the master’s thesis are always di cult for students. It’s often hard for them to come to grips with the research process. The Blind Search encourages students to focus on the ‘why?’ and the ‘who cares?’ of their research and, in so doing, gain supervisors’ interest in their proposals. By giving students the final word in the choice of their supervisor, The Blind Search also puts them in charge of the process.” The initiative involves students presenting a pitch. Why is this such an important skill, regardless of an individual student’s career aims? Soum Chowdhury “Crafting a pitch sharpens one’s understanding and clarity about their subject matter. It also allows individuals to tailor their message to di erent audiences, while ensuring that the core idea
Ambition NOVEMBER 2023 | 23
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