Special editorial feature 
 

Special Editorial
Feature

Business of Becoming: IBA’s Enduring Impact

With gratitude for what IBA gave me, I write as both an alumnus and an industry veteran with recommendations to help IBA continue leading in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

By Pervez Said | August 2025


As an alumnus of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi, Pakistan, class of 1979, I have always cherished a special place in my heart for this esteemed institution. IBA has been a beacon of excellence in business education, producing some of the most talented and accomplished individuals who have made a significant impact in various fields. From serving as President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to holding top positions in multinational corporations and local institutions, IBA alumni have left an indelible mark on the country’s business and political landscape.
Having spent 45 years in the industry, working for multinationals and local institutions in Pakistan and abroad, I have witnessed firsthand the value of an IBA education. My journey, which includes holding CEO positions in three companies and playing a pivotal role in launching Islamic banking in Pakistan, owes an outstanding debt to the foundation laid during my time at IBA. My experience as a visiting faculty member at IBA, teaching marketing of Islamic financial services, further deepened my connection with the institution and gave me valuable insights into the current student body.
This article aims to share my observations and suggestions for maintaining IBA’s excellence and relevance in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Based on my interactions with current students, I have noticed that while they share some similarities with my classmates from the 1980s, there are also some notable differences. Like their predecessors, today’s students are focused on achieving academic success, often measured by grade point averages. However, they differ in their exposure to the world, access to knowledge, and street smarts. These are positive attributes that can serve them well in their careers.
Nevertheless, I believe that there is room for improvement. Students could benefit from a better balance between teamwork and competitiveness and a deeper understanding of ethics and morals. In today’s business world, a strong sense of ethics and morals is essential for building trust and achieving long-term success. While IBA students are well-represented in academic achievements, I sense that they could benefit from developing a more nuanced understanding of the softer side of education, including sensitivity to the needs of others.


On the faculty side, I have been impressed by the instructors’ qualifications and commitment. However, I noticed the focus on discipline was not as pronounced as during my time at IBA. While this may reflect changing teaching methodologies, I believe organizational environments still reward disciplined executives. To bridge the gap between academia and industry, I suggest that faculty members could benefit from greater exposure to the practical business world, and this could be achieved through consultancy projects, research partnerships with industry professionals, and other collaborative initiatives.

In today’s digital age, students have unprecedented access to information through AI-driven apps and other resources. While this is undoubtedly beneficial, it also presents a challenge for educators. Teachers can no longer compete with the sheer volume of information available to students. Instead, they need to focus on helping students organize this information, think critically, and apply their knowledge in practical contexts.

Suggestions for Improvement
Based on my observations and experiences, I would like to offer the following suggestions for improving IBA’s programs and maintaining its excellence:

1. Focus on Knowledge Acquisition: Students should prioritize knowledge acquisition over mere grade achievement. By focusing on concepts and their practical applications, students can better understand the subject matter and prepare themselves for career success.
2. Emphasize Ethics and Morals: Business education should strongly emphasize ethics and morals. Students can build trust, achieve long-term success, and positively impact their organizations and communities by developing a nuanced understanding of these concepts.
3. Balance between Logic and Beliefs: Business studies are based on logic and reason, while religion is based on beliefs. Maintaining a healthy balance between the two is essential for making informed decisions and navigating complex situations. IBA students should be encouraged to develop and apply this balance in their personal and professional lives.
4. Faculty Development: Faculty members should have greater exposure to the practical business world. This can be achieved through consultancy projects, research partnerships with industry professionals, and other collaborative initiatives. Bridging the gap between academia and industry can help faculty members provide more relevant and effective instruction.

5. Involving Non-PhD Faculty: IBA could consider inducting non-PhD faculty from the business world who can bring valuable industry experience and practical knowledge to the classroom. This can help students better understand the business world and prepare them for career success.
6. Visiting Faculty: Visiting faculty members can play a significant role in teaching and research, especially if they are familiar with teaching skills and partnered with regular faculty members.

In conclusion, IBA has a rich legacy of excellence and a strong reputation for producing talented and accomplished individuals. By focusing on knowledge acquisition, emphasizing ethics and morals, and bridging the gap between academia and industry, IBA can continue to thrive and maintain its position as a leading institution for business education. I am confident that if these suggestions are considered seriously, IBA will continue to produce graduates equipped to succeed in their careers and positively impact their communities.

As an alumnus, I look forward to contributing to IBA’s ongoing success and excellence in every way possible.

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