Modern problems require modern solutions. The entire business world is constantly on the edge to find better solutions to their as well as their customer’s problems. You will be expected to devise several of these solutions from time to time. Having a strong foundation of business fundamentals coupled with knowledge of modern technological advances will certainly make you a better manager. Also, hindsight and mindset will also play a crucial role. Many of these vital skills can be learned by reading books. So, in the final part of this blog series, we present to you some of the best books for MBA students and aspirants regarding several contemporary management issues. Hope you like them.
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
A classroom cannot teach you entrepreneurship. It is simply mastered on the field. But, lessons from the life of other entrepreneurs can always prove beneficial for you. As a co-founder of Paypal, the author shares his experiences and learning for all the upcoming entrepreneurs. As per the author, every pioneer must ace the art of independent thinking. Thus, he guides using ideas as to how we might develop innovative methods for future technologies. So, if entrepreneurship is your calling, then it is a must-read for you.
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
Written by a Harvard professor, this book is a must-read for technology sector aspirants. Focussing on topics like innovations and disruptions, this book explains why companies always face a dilemma in innovating. The risk of profits & loss, margins, market shares, etc inhibits companies to think outside the box. Paradoxically, this inhibition is what dooms the company in the long run. So, if you are a budding entrepreneur or a consulting aspirant, this award-winning book can give you some clarity regarding innovations and disruptions.
The Lean Start-Up by Eric Ries
Considered a bible for every modern entrepreneur, this book is a must-read for every business student. Most start-ups/initiatives fail today. But they are preventable. In this book, the author has presented a tried and tested methodology. Through an efficient, creative, and iterative process, companies can prevent several initiatives from failing. Inspired by concepts of “Lean Manufacturing”, the “Lean Start-up” method also aims at reducing the product development cycle with a focus on minimum viable products. So, even if you are not venturing into entrepreneurship, this book is a must-read for you.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by Phil Knight
A memoir by the creator of Nike, this book is one of the most recommended business biographies. The author tells the story of how he built Nike, the most renowned and valuable sports brand in the world. Starting as a school project, the author emphasizes believing in an idea till it fails. People may not trust your idea, but you should always. Stay motivated by seeking a calling rather than pursuing a career. So, it is a must-read for all business students to learn about dedication and perseverance.
Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
This is one of the best-selling books by the Canadian author. People often ponder about why some are successful and some are not. Is it dedication, hard work, skill, or just dumb luck? By examining the lives of various not-so-known and known individuals, the author has presented a compelling case on the factors of success. Written in the form of narrative non-fiction, this book is extremely engaging. Therefore, as a business student, this book will provide you with a much-needed diversity of perspectives on conventional wisdom on success.
Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff
Is there any science to making a pitch or is it just art? This book aims to answer this question by coupling the art of selling with the science of neuropsychology. Throughout your professional life, you will be required to make pitches to clients, customers, colleagues, etc. This book is a primer on how to structure your pitch to make it enticing. Closing the deal requires making your client realize your offer as an opportunity. Understanding the basics of human psychology can make you a master of pitching. So, this book is a must-read for you if you are into marketing or sales, or consulting.
The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt
Unlike all other books on this list, this is a novel. But don’t confuse it with a plain simple story. This is a pioneering book in the field of operations management. This book depicts a story of a struggling plant manager of a factory and his quest for solving his problems. The concept of ‘Theory of Constraints’ is explained in a lucid and crisp manner in this book. Also, concepts like system thinking, root cause analysis, debottlenecking, etc are explained through day-to-day stories. A must-read for all supply chain and operations enthusiasts, this book is helpful for every manager trying to streamline his processes.
The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman
As more and more companies are shifting towards products and services, customer-centric solutions have become the norm. As business students, you should be able to understand the pain points of customers and address them effectively. Through this pioneering book, the author describes how knowledge of designing can actually enable you to solve the problems of customers. Through several examples, this book explains how people interact with products and services. So, as a business student, you should always have a broad idea about designing, and this book is a great place for starters.
With this, we end our blog series on the best books for MBA students and aspirants. Hope you will read some of these books and learn the invaluable lessons in them. Don’t forget to strive for excellence in your life. Always remember an investment in knowledge pays the best interest – Purvesh
Read the 1st blog on the series Best Books for MBA – Part 1 here:
Read the 2nd part of the blog series on Best Books for MBA – Part 2 here:
If you listen to podcasts, here are some recommendations of podcasts every MBA aspirants need to listen:
For CAT preparation, find a list of recommended books for VARC section preparation here :
Also, find a list of recommended blogs and websites for VARC preparation for your CAT examination here:
Purvesh is a bibliophile currently pursuing MBA at IIT Madras
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