Many leading Indian MBA programs now include courses on topics such as data analytics, digital marketing, digital transformation, business ethics and sustainability, which reflect the changing needs of businesses.
In addition, many programs offer experiential learning opportunities, such as consulting projects or internships, which provide students with hands-on experience and real-world exposure.
Is there scope for improvement? Absolutely!
Like many global business schools, Indian institutes should start integrating technology-related courses such as cybersecurity, digital transformation, Web3, and even artificial intelligence.
What contemporary courses do India’s top b-schools offer?
Modern MBA curricula must empower students to endure the volatility of the ephemeral corporate world, while also shaping well-rounded managers ready to drive impact. This can only happen when b-schools offer contemporary courses that keep up with changing business. Thankfully, leading Indian b-schools have this covered.
For instance, with the rise of artificial intelligence in many spheres of business, IIM Ahmedabad introduced an elective course called the ‘Privacy Paradox: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Platforms.’ This course provides a holistic understanding of the very real issue of privacy issues emerging due to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, misinformation and platform design.
Many leading Indian b-schools also offer courses on management learnings from the Bhagavad Gita, drawing on lessons from the holy book like process and outcome using both routes, process of defining purpose, norms of ethics and assessment of the self. These lessons actively promote ethics in decision making.
IIM Calcutta has an interesting ‘Management Through Films’ course, which has received full enrolment every year since its recent introduction to the curriculum. This course draws lessons from the craft of filmmaking and moves beyond the quantitative aspects of management, shifting focus to the intuitive and emotional aspect and bringing fresher perspectives.
Mahindra University, the newest off the block, has a very interesting specialization in ‘digital business.’ This is just not about digital transformation but about managing businesses that have a digital backbone – well, that pretty much covers all businesses as most modern businesses have a heavy reliance on digital technologies for competitive advantage. However, traditional specializations do not provide the right inputs that make the students ready to hit the road running in such organizations. Mahindra University offers courses on managing e-commerce firms as a part of this specialization.
What digital tools do students at top b-schools learn?
The modern management professional isn’t just used to digital tools to get the job done—they’re heavily dependent on it.
For instance, most marketing managers invariably lean on modern analytics, customer relationship management, automation, and other tools to remain productive and improve the outcome of their work. Project managers rely on organisation and management software to organise tasks, track progress, and communicate with team members.
Therefore, it becomes very important for business schools to help students become familiar with such tools so they can start delivering impact as soon as they join their employer. And many leading Indian b-schools understand this.
Based on our research, most of India’s leading business schools help students upskill in digital tools for business.
Students enrolled in Finance courses typically develop advanced skills in MS Office, those enrolled in Quantitative Analytics and Decision Science courses are taught programming languages like Python and R, while Marketing students are often taught important tools like Tableau and Google Ads.
The modern business world is constantly evolving, and MBA programs have adapted to keep pace with these changes. However, there is always room for improvement, and it is important for MBA programs to continue to evolve and innovate to ensure that they are providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in today's business environment.
This study has been sponsored by the School of Management, Mahindra University.
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