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MBA in International Business at Cochin University of Science and Technology
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is International Business at Cochin University of Science and Technology Ernakulam?
This International Business program at Cochin University of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with essential skills to navigate the complexities of global trade and commerce. It provides a deep understanding of international markets, policies, and strategic management in a cross-cultural context, crucial for India''''s growing role in the global economy. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical applications relevant to multinational corporations and export-import businesses in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into global trade, export-import houses, or international divisions of Indian companies. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill in global business strategies or career changers transitioning to international markets. Individuals with an interest in geopolitics, cross-cultural communication, and economic affairs will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in international marketing, foreign trade, global supply chain management, and international finance within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for roles in EXIM departments, logistics firms, and international business development, aligning with certifications in areas like foreign trade.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Analytical and Communication Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core quantitative techniques, economic principles, and effective business communication skills. Actively participate in presentations, group discussions, and case studies to hone verbal and written communication.
Tools & Resources
Online platforms like Coursera/edX for business analytics, Toastmasters International for public speaking, CUSAT''''s language labs and communication workshops
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are critical for data-driven decision making and clear stakeholder communication, laying the groundwork for effective management roles.
Build a Foundational Understanding of Global Business News- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read reputable international business news sources to understand global economic trends, geopolitical events, and their impact on trade. Connect classroom concepts to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Subscriptions to The Economic Times, Business Standard, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Analyses from think tanks focusing on international relations
Career Connection
Develops a global mindset crucial for international business roles, enabling informed decision-making and strategic thinking in a dynamic global environment.
Initiate Networking and Professional Skill Development- (Semester 1-2)
Attend campus career fairs, industry talks, and workshops to start building a professional network. Work on soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, University career services workshops, Student clubs focused on business and management
Career Connection
Early networking can lead to internship opportunities and mentorship, while strong soft skills are universally valued in any managerial position.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Specialization-Specific Projects and Case Studies- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out projects and participate in case competitions related to International Business. Apply theoretical knowledge from international marketing, finance, and law to practical business scenarios.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Industry contacts, Global business case competitions, Company websites for project opportunities
Career Connection
Hands-on experience is vital for understanding the nuances of international business operations and building a strong portfolio for future placements.
Master Foreign Trade Policies and Procedures- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, thoroughly research India''''s EXIM policy, global trade agreements (WTO, RCEP), and specific regional economic blocs relevant to your interests. Focus on practical application of customs and export documentation.
Tools & Resources
Official government websites (DGFT, Ministry of Commerce), WTO website, Academic journals on international trade, Seminars by trade bodies like FIEO or CII
Career Connection
Develops expertise crucial for roles in foreign trade, customs, and international business advisory, enabling compliance and strategic advantage.
Enhance Cross-Cultural Competence and Global Awareness- (Semester 3)
Proactively engage in understanding cultural differences and their impact on business. Participate in cultural exchange programs or international student activities on campus.
Tools & Resources
Books on cross-cultural management, Online resources like Hofstede Insights, Cultural clubs, International student forums
Career Connection
Essential for effective international negotiations, team management, and overall success in global business environments.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Comprehensive Viva Voce- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your specialization-focused project, ensuring thorough research, robust methodology, and clear findings. Prepare extensively for the comprehensive viva, demonstrating a holistic understanding of the entire MBA curriculum and current affairs.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, academic databases, industry reports for project data, Regular mock viva sessions with peers and mentors
Career Connection
A well-executed project and strong viva performance are key differentiators during placement interviews, showcasing research capabilities and overall knowledge.
Strategic Internship and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Secure a relevant internship in the International Business domain to gain practical experience and network. Simultaneously, rigorously prepare for placement interviews, focusing on behavioral questions, case interviews, and domain-specific knowledge.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Online interview preparation platforms, Mock interviews with alumni and industry professionals, Company-specific research
Career Connection
Direct path to securing a desired job role in international business, leveraging practical experience and tailored interview skills.
Develop a Global Career Roadmap and Personal Brand- (Semester 4)
Define your specific career goals within International Business (e.g., export manager, international finance analyst). Build a strong online professional presence (LinkedIn) highlighting your skills, projects, and international experience.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, LinkedIn profile optimization guides, Personal branding workshops, Networking events specific to global careers
Career Connection
A clear career path and strong personal brand increase visibility and attractiveness to potential employers in the competitive international job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in any Bachelor''''s degree Examination of Cochin University of Science and Technology or any other University recognized by this University as equivalent thereto, with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. Admission is based on C-MAT (AICTE) / K-MAT (Kerala) / CAT (IIM) score, Group Discussion and Interview.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory subjects), 50% (for project/viva), External: 60% (for theory subjects), 50% (for project/viva)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 101 | Management Concepts & Organisational Behaviour | Core | 3 | Management functions and principles, Evolution of management thought, Organizational structure and design, Individual behavior and personality, Motivation and leadership theories, Group dynamics and organizational change |
| MBA 102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Nature of managerial economics, Demand analysis and forecasting, Production and cost analysis, Market structures and pricing strategies, Profit management and capital budgeting, Macroeconomic environment and business cycles |
| MBA 103 | Business Statistics | Core | 3 | Data collection and presentation, Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Probability and probability distributions, Sampling and estimation, Hypothesis testing, Correlation and regression analysis |
| MBA 104 | Accounting for Management | Core | 3 | Financial accounting concepts and conventions, Preparation of final accounts, Cost accounting and cost behavior, Marginal costing and CVP analysis, Budgetary control and variance analysis, Financial statement analysis |
| MBA 105 | Business Communication | Core | 3 | Process and types of business communication, Barriers to effective communication, Written communication skills (reports, letters), Oral communication and presentation skills, Interviews and group discussions, Cross-cultural communication |
| MBA 106 | Legal & Business Environment | Core | 3 | Indian Contract Act, 1872, Company Law essentials, Consumer Protection Act, Environmental Protection Act, Economic systems and industrial policy, Globalization and international trade |
| MBA 107 | Computer Applications in Business (Lab) | Lab | 6 | MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) applications, Data analysis with Excel, Database management concepts, Internet and e-business applications, Introduction to financial software, Business presentation tools |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 201 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing concepts and philosophies, Market segmentation, targeting, positioning, Product life cycle and new product development, Pricing strategies and decisions, Promotion mix (advertising, sales promotion), Distribution channels and logistics |
| MBA 202 | Financial Management | Core | 3 | Financial system and markets, Time value of money, Capital budgeting decisions, Cost of capital and capital structure, Dividend policy decisions, Working capital management |
| MBA 203 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HRM functions and strategic HRM, HR planning, recruitment, and selection, Training and development, Performance appraisal and management, Compensation and benefits, Industrial relations and labor welfare |
| MBA 204 | Production & Operations Management | Core | 3 | Operations strategy and productivity, Facility location and layout, Production planning and control, Inventory management techniques, Quality management (TQM, Six Sigma), Supply chain management |
| MBA 205 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research design and types, Data collection methods (primary, secondary), Sampling techniques and sample size, Scaling techniques and questionnaire design, Data analysis (univariate, bivariate), Report writing and ethics in research |
| MBA 206 | Quantitative Techniques for Management | Core | 3 | Linear programming (formulation, graphical), Transportation and assignment problems, Game theory and decision theory, Network analysis (PERT/CPM), Simulation techniques, Markov analysis |
| MBA 207 | Operations Research | Core | 3 | Queuing theory models, Inventory control models, Replacement models, Dynamic programming, Non-linear programming introduction, Integer programming |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 301 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic management process, Environmental scanning and analysis, Strategy formulation (corporate, business, functional), Strategy implementation and control, Corporate governance and ethics, Competitive advantage and core competencies |
| MBA 302 | Entrepreneurship Development & Small Business Management | Core | 3 | Concept of entrepreneurship and innovation, Entrepreneurial characteristics and motivation, Business plan preparation, Sources of finance for new ventures, Small business management challenges, Government policies for MSMEs in India |
| MBA IBE 5.1 | International Marketing | Elective | 3 | Global marketing environment analysis, International market entry strategies, Product and brand decisions in global markets, Pricing strategies for international markets, International promotion and communication, Global distribution and logistics |
| MBA IBE 5.2 | Foreign Trade Policy & Procedures | Elective | 3 | India''''s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), EXIM policy and regulations, Customs procedures and documentation, Export-import finance and payment terms, Trade agreements and regional blocs, Export promotion schemes and organizations |
| MBA IBE 5.3 | International Business Law | Elective | 3 | International trade law and WTO framework, International contracts and agreements, Intellectual property rights in global context, Foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations, Dispute resolution in international business, Competition law and anti-dumping measures |
| MBA IBE 5.4 | International Business Finance | Elective | 3 | International financial system and institutions, Foreign exchange markets and exchange rate theories, Currency risk management (hedging techniques), International capital budgeting, International working capital management, International taxation and transfer pricing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA 401 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Problem identification and literature review, Research design and methodology, Data collection and analysis, Findings, conclusions, and recommendations, Report writing and presentation, Ethics in research |
| MBA 402 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Viva | 6 | Overall understanding of MBA curriculum, Application of management theories, Current business and economic affairs, Communication and presentation skills, Critical thinking and problem-solving, Integration of core and specialization knowledge |
| MBA IBE 6.1 | International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Elective | 3 | Global supply chain design and strategy, International transportation modes and selection, Warehousing and inventory management in global context, International sourcing and procurement, Customs regulations and trade compliance, Supply chain risk management and sustainability |
| MBA IBE 6.2 | International Human Resource Management | Elective | 3 | Global HR strategies and challenges, Expatriate management (selection, training, repatriation), International recruitment and selection, Performance management in international firms, Compensation and benefits for global workforce, Global workforce diversity and inclusion |
| MBA IBE 6.3 | Cross Cultural Management | Elective | 3 | Cultural dimensions and models (Hofstede, Trompenaars), Impact of culture on business practices, Managing cultural diversity in organizations, Cross-cultural communication and negotiation, Global leadership and teamwork, Cultural intelligence and adaptation strategies |
