Chennai– The Department of Management Studies (DoMS) at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has unveiled an enriching ‘International Immersion Learning’ component as part of its Executive MBA Program. This initiative, set to shape the future of working professionals, is designed to provide an immersive and insightful experience in the realms of Global Leadership and Cultural Intelligence.
A select group of students from the ’23 and ’24 batches of the Executive MBA Program recently embarked on a transformative 9-day immersion journey across two countries and three locations, spanning Brussels and Paris in Belgium, as well as Lille in France. This intensive program encompassed a diverse range of experiences aimed at cultivating a profound understanding of global cultures and the intricate dynamics of doing business in Europe’s complex socio-cultural landscape.
Participants were afforded a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the innovation hub at Decathlon, gaining insights into one of Europe’s most renowned startup incubators. They explored the inner workings of Ports de Lille, France’s Largest Inland River Port, providing a comprehensive understanding of France’s Transportation Network. The program also delved into the complexities of European governance through interactions with European Parliament members and key representatives of the European Commission. To conclude, students enjoyed an authentic socio-cultural experience in a typical French household, rounding off their journey with a memorable soiree.
DoMS is now inviting applications for the upcoming batch, with the application deadline set for October 19, 2023. Interested candidates can apply online at DoMS IIT Madras.
Highlighting the distinctiveness of this program, Professor M. Thenmozhi, Head of the Department of Management Studies at IIT Madras, emphasized, “The cutting-edge curriculum, strategic digital focus, and strong peer group learning will develop executives into transformational leaders who drive change and enhance organizational growth.”
This two-year Executive MBA program features a rigorous, practice-oriented curriculum, including three projects that apply theoretical concepts to real-world business challenges. The program’s unique selling point (USP) lies in its provision of state-of-the-art knowledge aligned with industry demands in domains such as the digital economy, global strategy, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
The Executive MBA program encompasses a wide array of areas, covering core management concepts, their application to real-world challenges, integrated ideas across business domains, global perspectives, and analytical digital integration in decision-making processes.
Elaborating further on the program, Professor T.J. Kamalanabhan, the EMBA Program Coordinator in the Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, stated, “In addition to ‘classics,’ the program also offers exposure to topical courses such as Cyber Security and its Applications, Decision Making Under Uncertainty, Organizational Leadership and Change, Investment Management, which are vital to any contemporary business.”
Professor V. Vijayalakshmi, EMBA Program Coordinator at the Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras, added, “Students will also receive exposure to AI in Business, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability in Business, and Modern Manufacturing Processes, among others.”
The primary objectives of the course include equipping mid-career working professionals with deep functional and broad industrial domain knowledge, fostering an integrative perspective on boundary-spanning business decisions, and cultivating leadership traits to contribute effectively to global business setups.
In-person classes, held over alternate weekends, are set to commence in January 2024. Admission requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 60% or above in any discipline, a minimum of three years of work experience, and selection through an Entrance Examination and a Virtual Personal Interview conducted by DoMS.
The structure of the EMBA program is designed to offer a holistic learning experience:
- Functional Foundational: Providing theoretical, conceptual, and insightful understanding of major business functions and department roles.
- Integrated Perspective: Developing strategic perspectives on cross-functional challenges and inter-department synergies.
- Global Leadership: Exploring avenues for growth, profitability, and sustainability in both local and global business contexts.
- Three Capstone Projects: Offering deeper insights into the application of advanced management concepts.
- International Immersion Learning Program (optional): Providing exposure to global cultures and broadening knowledge and perspective spectra.
The launch of the International Immersion Learning component marks a significant step towards enriching the education landscape at IIT Madras, reinforcing its commitment to producing well-rounded and globally aware business leaders.
