IIM Bangalore Launches Undergraduate Program in Digital Business

Introduction to the New Program

IIM Bangalore has ventured into undergraduate education by introducing an online program titled “Digital Business and Entrepreneurship.” This course will be offered through IIM Bangalore’s digital learning initiative, IIMBx, with applications opening on June 15, 2024. For more details, please visit dbe.iimb.ac.in

A Landmark Initiative

IIM Bangalore is set to become the first Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to offer a UG course. Classes for this pioneering program will commence in September 2024. Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, a senior faculty member in the Entrepreneurship area at IIM Bangalore, will serve as the Course Director for the three-year undergraduate program, which will include internship opportunities and practical projects.

Program Highlights

Renowned for its educational excellence, IIM Bangalore has introduced this BBA program, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The program is strategically designed to blend digital technology, business management principles, and an entrepreneurial mindset. It aims to lay a robust foundation for students aspiring to succeed in the evolving and competitive business landscape. The innovative curriculum will equip students with the necessary skills for the digital future.

Vision and Goals

Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, shared that the program aims to produce graduates who can become entrepreneurs, join digital enterprises or start-ups, and drive their growth, or work in traditional businesses and assist in their digital transformation. “The program is structured in alignment with the education policy and includes a flexible exit policy. Courses will be online and asynchronous, featuring recorded content to accommodate students from various streams. Admission will involve a test, and we will ensure the program is as engaging and interactive as possible,” he explained.

Addressing Educational Challenges and Empowering Students

Aligned with India’s vision for the future, this program addresses the need for young, innovative graduates who can drive progress across corporate enterprises, family businesses, and start-up ecosystems undergoing digital transformation. It aims to tackle educational challenges by offering accessible, industry-oriented, contemporary, and quality educational programs that will help boost India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, democratizing and making education more inclusive.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

This course merges digital and management fundamentals with an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing graduates to take on challenging roles in industries undergoing digitization. The curriculum is designed to produce self-motivated, self-learning graduates capable of thriving in a digitally savvy workforce. Through interactive sessions, internship opportunities, and practical projects, students will engage in a dynamic learning environment that simulates real-world challenges and hones vital skills for their future careers.

Empowering Future Entrepreneurs

The BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship aims to empower students to become not just job seekers but also innovative entrepreneurs. By fostering creativity, risk-taking, and business acumen, the program will nurture a new generation of leaders equipped to drive change and make a tangible impact in the business world.

Networking and Collaboration

A cornerstone of the program involves facilitating student networking opportunities through collaborative projects, local engagements, and institutional events. These activities will help students build essential relationships within the digital, business, and entrepreneurial spheres, opening pathways to diverse career opportunities.

Why Choose IIM Bangalore?

According to the NIRF ranking, IIM Bangalore is one of the top-ranked management institutes in India. It has been a pioneer in online education and is a significant contributor to the global MOOC platform edX, offering over 75 courses with millions of participants. Additionally, its entrepreneurship training programs, such as the Management Programme for Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, are among the top programs in the country. IIMB is also the coordinating institute for management education for SWAYAM, the Government of India’s online education platform.

Program Structure

Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, Chairperson of Digital Learning and faculty in the Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management area of IIMB, explained the program structure. “In terms of the asynchronous element, we are looking at four components: faculty videos, assigned readings, ungraded assignments as assessments, and depending on the course, a project or the opportunity to watch interviews and gain various perspectives, or work through simulations,” she said.

“In each course, there are variations in terms of innovative pedagogy, focusing on how to apply learned concepts. Assessments will consider the time and effort students invest. We are investing significantly in the social learning process, hand-in-hand with academic learning, to ensure learner satisfaction,” Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan added.