Preparing the Future Leaders for the Digital Age through innovative pedagogy

Recruitment and interview processes are evolving with technological advancements. Companies are actively embedding e-resources and audio-video tools in their operations. Stakeholders functioning from different parts of the world and technology making inroads into the regular operations of businesses, it was natural for virtual meetings, both synchronous and asynchronous, to take center stage, and it was just a matter of time before it caught up with the Human Resource professionals in adopting this method with the prospective hires. Organisations prefer to hire employees by screening them through the Asynchronous Video Interview (AVI). This technique allows both the interviewer and the interviewee an opportunity to participate in the interview at their own pace. A set of pre-determined questions is shared with the interviewee, who can then answer them at his/ her convenience, reducing the cost of hiring and bringing efficiency and transparency to the selection process.

Research shows that aspirants in the age group below 31 years showed more inclination to this interviewing technique; the possibility of re-recording and flexible preparation time for the interview was appreciated by the aspirants Otillie (2023). It was noticed that the interviewers were also influenced by the aesthetics at the AVI in their decision-making Torres (2018). Studies also show that companies prefer this hiring method over the traditional synchronous methods. Many online platforms are available to prepare for AV interviews.

This development has not gone unnoticed by the faculty members at Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies Hyderabad. The proposal to introduce asynchronous video assignments came up in the discussion with the faculty members in the Quality Improvement Cell last year. It aligned with preparing the BBA students to be digitally savvy and assisting them in confidently heading to the corporate world. The video-based assignment was introduced to make the students adept with technology and its applications, helping them with 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

After thorough research and referring to a few use cases, the faculty members decided to introduce a video-based assignment for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and BBA Honours students in their continuous Internal assessments in the Academic Year 2023-24. Group assignments were designed and given to the students to submit asynchronous video assignments, which they did at their own pace. Ample time to plan, prepare and execute the assignment was given. It was found that the average class scores were significantly higher in this component than in traditional evaluation techniques. The feedback from the students was also encouraging.  Feedback consisted of ten questions, the overall scores ranging from the ease of attempting the assignment to the challenges they faced garnered a positive response, with many of them preferring to have this evaluation technique as part of the internal evaluations in the future as well. The challenges that were reported were the controlled environment in which they worked and the time that went into uploading the video.

The QIC met this month and took note of the feedback. The comprehensive feedback from the students, which sounded positive, was considered, and it was decided that Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Hyderabad, will continue this assessment technique for many courses in the Bachelor of Administration (BBA) from this Academic Year onwards. Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS) Hyderabad, we remain committed to fostering an environment of continuous innovation in management education. Integrating cutting-edge technology like asynchronous video assignments into our curriculum, ensures that our students are not only equipped with essential academic knowledge but also with the digital fluency and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the evolving corporate landscape. As we move forward, we are eager to explore more innovative teaching methods that enhance the learning experience and prepare our students for global careers. We invite you to share your insights, collaborate with us, and be part of this transformative journey as we continue to shape the future of management education.

References: Tilston, O., Krings, F., Roulin, N., Bourdage, J. S., & Fetzer, M. (2024). Reactions to asynchronous video interviews: The role of design decisions and applicant age and gender. Human Resource Management, 63(2), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22202

Torres, E. N., & Gregory, A. (2018). Hiring manager’s evaluations of asynchronous video interviews: The role of candidate competencies, aesthetics, and resume placement. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 75, 86–93