The core of business school education encompasses a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to preparing individuals for success in the business world. It equip students with essential knowledge, skills, and perspectives that are fundamental to navigating the complexities of modern business environments.
Business education is continuously evolving to adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape, driven by technological advancements, globalization, shifting market dynamics, and societal expectations.
In these ever-changing times, the Faculty of Management and Commerce (FMC) of M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences is offering Management Program addresses the core functions of business, such as marketing, finance, strategy, and decision-making, with the latest additions in entrepreneurship development and business analytics skills. The MBA program highlights:
- Focus on managerial, team, and communication skills.
- Experiential learning through theoretical concepts and practical skills in the domain.
- Leverage digital transformation for a smooth transition to a real-life environment.
FMC’s teaching methods encompass more than just classroom learning. The B-School equip students for life beyond academia by enabling students to experience world-class internship opportunities, training sessions by Industry Experts, Leadership Development, Personality Development, and Skill Enhancement through experiential learning. Further, Students undertake Management Development Programmes, MOOCs/Online Courses, Field Visits, and International Immersion Programmes to obtain holistic exposure of experiential learnings.
Striving at the Startup Capital
Bangalore is deemed as a Startup Capital of India. The B-School has set up a ‘Center for Entrepreneurship’ to instil Entrepreneurial Intentions among the Student Community. To equip the students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the B-school has incorporated experiential learning through various means like: Internships to provide opportunities for students to participate in internships or co-op programs with industry partners to gain practical experience.
Emphasis is oriented towards case studies to simulate real-world business scenarios and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Finally, research-based real-time projects ensure a well-rounded education by addressing contemporary business problems or consulting projects with local companies.
FMC has an INNOVATION CENTRE to nurture innovation and entrepreneurial intentions among the students. Moreover, the Startup Society is initiated by the Center for Entrepreneurship, which is run by Students. Recently, a Business Mela was conducted by the B-School to instill Entrepreneurial Intentions among Student Community.
Ideas are assessed based on their relevance and impact on the society. These are consequently translated into working projects that are entered in national and international competitions and for registration as patents.
Pursuing Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Faculty Members of FMC are part of Center for Entrepreneurship which endeavour to develop frameworks for sustainable business ecosystems for the enrichment and nurturing of both innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
Students and Faculty Members of CFE pursue innovation and entrepreneurship for the utilization of strategic global/ national initiatives from conceptualization to the development of products/ services. This leads to formulating and recommending solutions through critical as well as design thinking to address the challenges of business start-ups in adopting the good practices of innovation and entrepreneurial development.
The business school create avenues for students to collaborate and network with industry professionals, investors and alumni through various means. In addition, the B-School frequently arranges networking events and conferences, providing students with opportunities to engage with guest speakers, industry experts, entrepreneurs and alumni.
By virtue of this ecosystem, it serve as a platform for students to acquire knowledge about current industry dynamics, share ideas, and cultivate important connections. Moreover, FMC has alumni associations that empower students to connect with peers who share similar interests and connect with individuals entrenched within their chosen field.
FMC conducts mentorship programs that match students with seasoned alumni, entrepreneurs or industry experts who can provide guidance, counsel, and career assistance.
Providing Focused Experiences
The students of the FMC gain rich multi-disciplinary knowledge by closely engaging in cross-functional projects and assignments by working with the students of other Faculties/Schools in the University: Social Sciences, Art and Design, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Life and Allied Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Hospitality Management, Pharmacy, Dental Sciences etc. Every Specialization has a Chair, which is headed by a senior Professor who connects with Industries and Startups to provide a focused experience to Students.
In terms of experience and exposure to humbleness as well as humility, Students undertake Group Projects addressing Societal Challenges to attain outreach and extension activities. Some activities include cleaning a pond, painting an under-privileged school etc. By virtue of this, an aspect of humanity is imbibed into Students along with a money-making mindset.
Curriculum with Global Outlook
FMC actively seeks out and recruits faculty members from diverse backgrounds to reflect a variety of perspectives and experiences. The B-School encourages faculty to engage in research and teaching that promotes diversity and inclusion in the Student Community.
The curriculum includes diverse perspectives, case studies, and examples that reflect a global and inclusive outlook.
Courses are integrated on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business curriculum to foster understanding and awareness among students. The University has established support services, such as counseling and mentorship programs, to assist students from diverse backgrounds in adjusting to the academic environment and aligning towards a cosmopolitan lifestyle in Bangalore.
In today’s scenario, Digital Transformation is a domain-agnostic trend for any Business and Corporate Houses. Students should be well-versed in adopting technologies pertaining to Digital Transformation.
To prepare students for adapting to emerging trends and technologies in various business sectors, the courses are integrated with emerging technologies and trends relevant to different business sectors. It include courses on artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, digital marketing, etc. Therefore, FMC provides access to state-of-the-art technologies, tools, and techniques where students can gain hands-on experience with emerging tools and platforms.
Shaping Better Careers
Mr. Abdul Muneer and Mr. Anoop were proud Alumni of FMC. Both Students completed Management education with the perception to sustain and scale up their Business. Today, Madox Technologies offers robotic and automation solutions to Companies. FMC is proud to have Mr. Abdul and Mr. Anoop as its proud Alma Matters.
The B-School has a dedicated Placement Team. FMC supports students in securing internships and job placements through the following initiatives:
- Career services office staffed with Professionals who specialize in helping students with job placement, resume building, interview preparation, and career strategy development.
- FMC conducts workshops and one-on-one sessions to assist students in crafting effective resumes tailored to their career goals and the specific positions they are targeting.
- Maintain strong relationships with a network of companies and organizations that offer internship opportunities and placements.
- Include Industry requirements in syllabi to match the job markets.
- Organize Industry Conclaves – Specialization-wise etc.
Emphasizing Experiential Learning
The faculty members of FMC conduct relevant research on various aspects of business and management, including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior. This research generates new knowledge and insights for the stakeholders in the business to make better decisions.
The business school offer consultancy and advisory services to businesses and organizations based on their research expertise. This can include helping companies optimize processes, implement strategic changes, and address specific challenges. As a complement, the success stories are included as case studies in the classroom discussions emphasizing experiential learning.
Showcasing Remarkable Initiatives
FMC has an integrated course on Ethics, Sustainability, and CSR into the curriculum to provide students with a strong foundation to promote humanity and imbibe humility. These courses explore real-world case studies and ethical dilemmas from a societal perspective and the entire globe at large. FMC encourages faculty and students to conduct research in these areas and share their findings with students for societal benefit.
In March 2023, FMC showcased remarkable initiatives that demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence and fostering entrepreneurial growth. At the forefront was the initiation of the MDP3.0 program, tailored exclusively for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners. The program bore the theme ‘Re-Vitalise, Muscle Up and Scale up’ their Businesses, aimed at empowering SMEs to thrive and expand their operations.
Collaboration was a key aspect of FMC’s efforts, as evidenced by their research on ‘ Entrepreneurship,’ conducted in partnership with esteemed institutions. This research aimed to delve into the experiences and contributions of entrepreneurs who returned to their home countries, enriching the entrepreneurial landscape.
Adding an international dimension to their endeavors, FMC undertook a consultancy project in collaboration with the prestigious EDHEC Business School in France. This exemplified their global engagement and commitment to providing valuable insights and expertise to a broader audience.
Imparting Invaluable Knowledge
The academic enrichment continued with a Leadership Development Program (LDP) curated for MBA students. Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, the Member of the Board of Governors, MSRUAS and Founder CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, spearheaded this program, imparting invaluable knowledge and mentorship to aspiring business leaders.
In the spirit of mentorship and support, FMC opened its doors for aspiring entrepreneurs through an ‘Open Mentoring’ program, facilitated by the Centre for Entrepreneurship. This initiative underscored their dedication to nurturing and guiding emerging entrepreneurs on their journey to success.
The international reach of FMC’s initiatives was further highlighted by their involvement as Steering Committee Members at the ASIP Conference held in Malaysia. This esteemed participation showcased their influence and recognition on an international platform, solidifying their position as leaders in academia.
Faculty members at FMC demonstrated their prowess by assuming roles in elite boards, acting as resource persons, and serving as reviewers for prestigious Scopus Journals. Their notable contributions were acknowledged through awards for Best Paper/Case, exemplifying the high standards of intellectual scholarship maintained within the institution.
Looking ahead, FMC continued to foster global connections, with plans for a visit by 20 international students from Germany to enrich the academic and cultural exchange.
Enhancing Student Engagement
FMC has set up various management clubs like the Marketing Club, HR Club, Finance Club etc. that conduct activities regularly to enhance student engagement every Friday post-lunch sessions. The B School also encourages students to take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to different interests, including professional development, cultural, sports, and social needs of students.
In parallel, the B School regularly conducts management fests to provide a dynamic platform to our students for learning, networking, and showcasing their talents. These Management fests allow students to develop and showcase their leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. In addition, the University has numerous Student Clubs to attract Students from various disciplines. This shall equip Management Students to inculcate Leadership Skills and Team Behavior among the Management Students.
Making the Curriculum More Relevant
FMC has swiftly transitioned to remote learning during COVID-19 by leveraging online platforms and technology to deliver lectures, seminars, etc. This allowed students to continue their education while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
The University has invested in a lecture capturing system with interactive displays to facilitate Student’s online learning. The Professor incorporated case studies and examples with simulations related to the pandemic’s impact on businesses, making the curriculum relevant and timelier.
The business world is progressing and is now experiencing the fourth industrial revolution, popularly termed Industry 4.0. In Industry 4.0, technology is the prime mover. A few technologies driving Industry 4.0 are Business Analytics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Simulation.
Delivering Outcome-Based Education
Like Corporations, leading business schools like FMC aspire to align technological shifts in Digital Transformaton by incorporating into the curricula. On the other hand, emphasis is provided on ‘Co-Creation’ for supplementing and complementing each other’s competencies to leverage synergies.
