The M'Power approach takes into consideration the time constraints of working executives and entrepreneurs, besides making the learning process convenient, enjoyable and enduring. The programme claims to provide a comprehensive management education that is designed to transform the dormant potential of executives into top performance at the workplace.

Designed, authored and presented by some of the best brains drawn from the IIMs and other reputed institutes, and industry, the course is divided into 100 lessons, administered over a 25-month period. The 100 lessons cover the core concepts ofmanagement, besides marketing, finance, operations/manufacturing and human resources. Says D Bandopadhyay, business consultant, B.School, ``Each of the hundred lessons is presented in the VAT format to bring about a paradigm shift in the delivery and conduct of management education.'' According to him, though the course emulates the time-tested learning process, it goes far beyond it. The multimedia forms of presentation in the VAT methodology complement and supplement one another, dramatically improving the effectiveness of the learning process, says he.According to him, each lesson transports the executive-student into the real world of business. In the video lesson, renowned professors delve into the theoretical aspects of the subject, while practicing experts and industry professionals lend insights into the practice of management. Guided by the professors and experts, students learn and understand through familiar sights and sounds, in their own frames of reference. Learning is further reinforced throughaudio lessons presented in a conversational style. It is then anchored through text-based learning, authored by acclaimed academicians.

The VAT methodology is supported by six contact programmes and a `doubt letter' scheme. The students are also evaluated on the basis of 12 assignments and a final examination for the award of the M'Power Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Says Bandopadhyay, ``Packed into the course is the equivalent of 600 hours of conventional classroom time.''

The lessons are sent by courier to the students in 25 monthly kits. Each kit comprises four lessons, and each lesson is rendered in video, audio and text media forms. The 12 assignments are also sent by courier every alternate month. ``M'Power is a truly integrated management course in which the lessons are integrated across functional areas,'' claims Bandopadhyay.Admission to the programme is restricted to working executives with a graduate degree. Non-graduate executives are also taken in but are not awarded the postgraduatediploma. The diploma is co-signed by the University of Indianapolis, USA.

The cost of the 25-month programme is Rs 30,000. There is an instalment plan which allows the executive to pay Rs 10,000 as registration fees and submit 15 post-dated cheques of Rs 1,500 each, which works out to be Rs 32,500. In addition, there is a fee of Rs 2,500 payable before the final examination. Candidates can be sponsored by their employers. Corporates who have sponsored their candidates include Berger Paints, Castrol India, Infosys Technologies and RPG Cellular.

Admissions are taken thrice a year. The next course begins in September, 1999. The last date for application is August 20, 1999. For prospectus, application form and sample lessons in VAT, write to the Deputy Registrar, B.School, Chennai, enclosing a demand draft for Rs 400 favouring `B.School', payable at Chennai. Says Bandopadhyay, ``Ours is the only programme that allows the aspirant to pre-audit the course through sample lessons that are sent along with theprospectus.''