Associate Professor Dr. Dayaraj Dhakal has been working at Pokhara University for the past two decades. Currently, he has been serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies for the past two years. Dr. Dhakal has also worked as a visiting professor in various European universities. He believes that the management programs offered by Pokhara University are exceptional, relevant to the industry, and in high demand. Here are some excerpts from his statement:

Can you give me some specific information about the features of management education offered by Pokhara University?

Management education plays a crucial role in various fields, encompassing the areas of managing and servicing. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that without effective management, organizations are likely to face problems. Management skills are essential in addressing issues related to human resources, facilities, technology, and other resources within organizations. Therefore, the absence of efficient management often leads to challenges faced by different organizations in today's world.

In Nepal, there is a notably high demand for management education. This is evident from the initiation of management courses by Pokhara University, which is a pioneering institution in this regard. Pokhara University has a total of 58 affiliated colleges, with an impressive 48 of them dedicated to management education. This data underscores the widespread need for management expertise in Nepal.

How many programs are currently being offered in management education, and what is the total student enrollment in these programs?

Pokhara University offers 14 management education programs in total, which include 7 bachelor's programs, 6 master's programs, and 1 PhD program. Presently, there are around 17,000 students enrolled in these programs. Annually, the university witnesses nearly 600 graduates from both bachelor's and master's programs combined.

The rising trend of students opting for overseas education after completing their secondary education has impacted higher education institutions, including Pokhara University. Is Pokhara University experiencing the same effect, and what solutions can be explored to address this challenge?

This situation is of utmost importance and demands urgent resolution. Its impact is widespread, affecting numerous colleges and draining significant financial resources from our nation. The root cause lies in societal attitudes and trends. Many families aspire for their children to study abroad, often prioritizing prestige over understanding the quality of education and potential challenges abroad.

Having personally observed academic activities in countries like Australia and other Asian nations, it became apparent that the educational focus here is comparatively low. For instance, in Australia, students are taught only a few days a week, with many primarily driven by the desire to earn rather than to learn. This stands in contrast to Nepal, where students invest substantial time in their studies. 

I firmly believe that Nepal offers excellent, high-quality education and a wide array of courses. One advantage foreign institutions have is the concept of earning while learning, which is currently lacking in our country due to limited job opportunities. It's this gap in employment prospects that fuels the growing trend of studying abroad. Our challenge is not the quality of education we provide but the lack of avenues for practical application, leading to this migration trend.

If the pattern of students opting to study abroad continues to rise, there could be a significant decline in the number of students attending our universities. It's been noted that universities aren't addressing this situation adequately. What is your perspective on this matter?

Earning is certainly a viable path, but the paramount focus should be on providing a curriculum, knowledge, and syllabus aligned with market demands. In my role as dean, I am actively working towards significant positive changes. Recently, we organized a conference with experts to adapt our curriculum to market needs, aiming to retain students in Nepal. Recognizing that expert ideas alone might not suffice, we are planning another conference involving industry, academia, experts, and bankers. The goal is to develop a syllabus that produces the workforce required for the industrial and business sectors. This conference will take place in Kathmandu.

Moreover, we've recently revised the programs for BHM and BSc CSIT based on student and market demand, receiving highly positive feedback. This serves as evidence that providing a relevant syllabus can indeed retain students within our educational system.

In your role as a dean, what transformations have you introduced at Pokhara University?
Several notable changes have taken place within our university. We have enhanced the exposure of our faculties by providing opportunities for international experiences. Pokhara University School of Business boasts the highest number of Ph.D. holders in the field of management among all universities in Nepal. Our focus is on building a robust human capital. Since I was appointed the dean, we have been actively working to strengthen the management faculty, making it one of the most prominent in Nepal.

To deter students from pursuing Ph.D. studies abroad due to financial constraints, we offer affordable Ph.D. programs right here at our university. This initiative allows students who cannot afford overseas fees to pursue their doctoral studies. Additionally, we've initiated a substantial change by revamping the curriculum after 12 years. Collaborating closely with experts, this overhaul aims to make Pokhara University more appealing and attract students.

Furthermore, in the 25-year history of our university, we have transitioned from relying on external entities like Tribhuvan University for academic activities. Our faculties have grown remarkably strong, capable of handling diverse tasks and responsibilities effectively.

What strategies do you intend to implement during your tenure to enhance the field of management education?
When I was initially appointed as dean, a national television interview posed the same question. My response then, and my ongoing mission, has been to propel the management faculty forward, aiming to make it the premier department at Pokhara University within my four-year tenure. With two years remaining, I'm steadfast in my commitment and believe I can achieve the goal of positioning the management faculty at the pinnacle.

Given that the importance and demand for management education have been overshadowed by the IT sector, what are your expectations for future perspectives in this field?
While sectors like IT and other modern industries are advancing, the need for effective management remains crucial. This requirement applies not only to IT professionals and doctors but also to individuals in various fields. Despite the growing trend of people seeking opportunities abroad, management education in Nepal continues to excel, according to available data.
What steps can be taken to motivate students to pursue management education at Pokhara University and its affiliated colleges?

The colleges within the Faculty of Management and Studies at Pokhara University are exceptionally well-endowed with resources, including abundant human capital, state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and robust infrastructures. Unlike situations where good infrastructure might be present but human resources are lacking, our colleges excel in both aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and high-quality educational experience.
Finally, what advice would you like to offer to students?

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that Pokhara University is in the process of revising its curriculum to align with the nation's needs, market demands, and students' expectations, bringing it on par with international standards. I encourage all students to consider enrolling at Pokhara University, ensuring a secure and promising future for their careers.