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M-B-A in Operations Management at Columbia College
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Operations Management at Columbia College Bengaluru?
This Operations Management specialization program at Columbia College, affiliated with Bangalore University, focuses on equipping students with the skills to design, operate, and manage efficient production and service systems. In the context of India''''s rapidly growing manufacturing sector, burgeoning e-commerce, and complex supply chains, this program addresses the critical demand for professionals who can optimize processes, manage logistics, and ensure quality. It aims to develop strategic thinkers capable of enhancing productivity and delivering customer value.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from engineering or commerce backgrounds seeking entry into core operational roles. It also suits working professionals currently in logistics, production, or service industries looking to upskill and take on managerial responsibilities. Additionally, career changers with a strong analytical aptitude and an interest in process optimization will find this specialization valuable, preparing them for the dynamic challenges of modern supply chains and operations.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in areas such as Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Production Planning, Quality Assurance, and Project Management within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-8 LPA, growing to INR 8-15 LPA or more for experienced professionals in roles like Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, or Logistics Coordinator. The program aligns with professional certifications like Six Sigma and Project Management Professional (PMP) foundations, enhancing career growth trajectories in Indian and multinational companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Business Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core management, economics, accounting, and quantitative techniques. These foundational subjects are crucial for advanced specialization in Operations Management. Actively participate in case studies and group discussions to apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Online courses (Coursera, edX for management fundamentals), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals enhances analytical thinking, which is vital for problem-solving in operations, and builds a credible base for interviews.
Develop Quantitative and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus heavily on quantitative techniques, operations research, and business analytics courses. Practice problem-solving regularly, utilize software tools for statistical analysis, and participate in data-driven projects. Strong analytical skills are non-negotiable for an Operations Manager.
Tools & Resources
Excel, R/Python (for basic data analysis), Statistical software tutorials, Online problem sets
Career Connection
Proficiency in analytics directly supports roles requiring data interpretation, forecasting, and process optimization, making candidates highly employable.
Engage with Early Industry Insights- (Semester 1-2)
Attend guest lectures, industry workshops, and seminars organized by the college or industry associations. Seek opportunities to visit manufacturing plants or logistics hubs. This early exposure helps contextualize theoretical knowledge and sparks interest in specific operational areas.
Tools & Resources
College career services, Industry associations (e.g., CII, FICCI events), LinkedIn for industry speakers
Career Connection
Early industry engagement helps in understanding career paths, identifying areas of interest, and networking with potential mentors or employers.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Operations Specialization- (Semester 3)
Actively engage with specialization electives like Production Planning, Supply Chain Management, and Services Operations. Go beyond classroom learning by researching current industry trends, reading academic journals, and understanding real-world operational challenges in Indian companies.
Tools & Resources
Harvard Business Review (Operations articles), Supply Chain Management Review, SCM/Operations specific online forums
Career Connection
Developing specialized knowledge makes you a subject matter expert, qualifying you for specific roles in manufacturing, logistics, or service operations.
Pursue Internships and Live Projects- (Semester 3 (Summer internship preferred))
Actively seek out internships or live projects with companies in manufacturing, logistics, or e-commerce. Focus on roles that allow practical application of OM principles, such as process improvement, inventory optimization, or supply chain analysis. Document learnings meticulously.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Industry contacts
Career Connection
Practical experience is highly valued by employers in India. Internships provide hands-on skills, industry network, and a strong resume differentiator for placements.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3 onwards)
Utilize networking events, alumni meets, and professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with operations and supply chain leaders. Learn from their experiences, seek mentorship, and understand industry expectations. Building a strong network is crucial for career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Industry conferences/webinars
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, valuable career advice, and potential referrals in the highly competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Research- (Semester 4)
Undertake a comprehensive project in a specific area of Operations Management during your final semester. Focus on identifying a real-world problem, conducting thorough research, proposing actionable solutions, and rigorously defending your findings. This showcases problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Statistical software (SPSS, SAS), Company data for analysis
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates independent thinking, analytical rigor, and initiative, often leading to publication or direct application in industry, greatly boosting placement prospects.
Focus on Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to refining your resume, practicing aptitude tests, and undergoing multiple mock interviews specifically tailored for Operations Management roles. Prepare answers for common OM case studies and behavioral questions. Seek feedback and iteratively improve.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online aptitude platforms, Mock interview services, Company-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Thorough preparation for placements significantly increases the chances of securing desirable job offers from top companies, ensuring a smooth transition from academics to a professional career.
Pursue Professional Certifications- (Semester 4 (post-graduation or concurrently))
Consider pursuing industry-recognized certifications relevant to Operations Management, such as Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or Project Management Professional (PMP) foundations. These add specialized credentials to your profile.
Tools & Resources
ASQ (for Six Sigma), APICS (for CSCP), PMI (for PMP), Certification preparation courses
Career Connection
These certifications are highly valued in the Indian job market, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence and providing a competitive edge in specialized OM roles, potentially leading to higher starting salaries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates) from any recognized University, and a valid score in PGCET/CMAT/XAT/MAT/KMAT or equivalent entrance examination.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Management & Organizational Behavior | Core | 4 | Management principles and theories, Foundations of organizational behavior, Motivation and leadership, Group dynamics and team building, Organizational structure and culture, Change management |
| 1.2 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Introduction to managerial economics, Demand and supply analysis, Production and cost analysis, Market structures and competition, Pricing strategies and practices, Macroeconomic environment |
| 1.3 | Accounting for Management | Core | 4 | Financial accounting concepts and principles, Preparation of financial statements, Financial statement analysis and interpretation, Cost accounting and cost behavior, Budgetary control and variance analysis, Management decision making |
| 1.4 | Quantitative Techniques & Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Operations research techniques, Probability and probability distributions, Decision theory and statistical inference, Correlation and regression analysis, Research design and data collection methods, Sampling and hypothesis testing |
| 1.5 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing concepts and philosophies, Consumer behavior and market segmentation, Product strategies and branding, Pricing strategies and methods, Promotion and advertising management, Marketing channels and logistics |
| 1.6 | Human Resources Management | Core | 4 | HRM functions and responsibilities, HR planning and job analysis, Recruitment and selection processes, Training and development programs, Performance appraisal and compensation management, Industrial relations and employee welfare |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Business Environment & Law | Core | 4 | Economic environment and policy, Political and legal environment, Social and cultural environment, Technological environment and ethics, Indian Contract Act 1872, Consumer Protection Act |
| 2.2 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to financial management, Capital budgeting decisions, Working capital management, Capital structure theories, Dividend policy decisions, Risk and return analysis |
| 2.3 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Operations strategy and productivity, Facility location and layout, Aggregate planning and master scheduling, Inventory management techniques, Quality management and control, Project scheduling and management |
| 2.4 | Business Analytics | Core | 4 | Introduction to business analytics, Data warehousing and data mining, Descriptive and predictive analytics, Data visualization and reporting, Business intelligence applications, Big data concepts |
| 2.5 | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Core | 4 | Entrepreneurial process and mindset, Business plan development, Startup ecosystem and funding, Sources of innovation, Intellectual property rights (IPR), Family business management |
| 2.6 | Management Information Systems | Core | 4 | Role of information systems in business, Database management systems, Decision support systems, E-commerce and mobile commerce, Cloud computing and cybersecurity, IT strategy and organizational impact |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Strategic management process, Environmental analysis and industry analysis, Strategy formulation and choice, Strategy implementation and control, Corporate governance and ethics, Mergers and acquisitions |
| 3.2 | International Business | Core | 4 | Globalization and international trade theories, International financial system, Foreign exchange markets and management, Global marketing strategies, Cross-cultural management, International human resource management |
| 3.3 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics | Core | 4 | CSR concepts and models, Ethical theories and decision making, Corporate governance principles, Environmental sustainability, Stakeholder management, Ethical leadership and corporate citizenship |
| 3.4.O.1 | Production Planning and Control | Specialization Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Types of production systems, Forecasting techniques, Aggregate planning and disaggregation, Master production scheduling (MPS), Material requirements planning (MRP), Capacity planning and JIT |
| 3.4.O.2 | Supply Chain Management | Specialization Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Introduction to supply chain management, Logistics management and transportation, Inventory management in SCM, Sourcing and procurement strategies, Supply chain networks and design, Supply chain performance measurement |
| 3.4.O.3 | Services Operations Management | Specialization Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Nature of service operations, Service strategy and design, Capacity management in services, Managing demand and supply in services, Quality in services and service recovery, Waiting line models and process analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Operations Research for Management | Core | 4 | Linear programming and graphical method, Simplex method and duality, Transportation and assignment problems, Network models: PERT and CPM, Queuing theory and simulation, Decision analysis under uncertainty |
| 4.2.O.1 | Total Quality Management | Specialization Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Quality concepts and dimensions, TQM principles and philosophies, Quality costs and continuous improvement, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing, ISO standards and quality certifications |
| 4.2.O.2 | Logistics and Distribution Management | Specialization Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Role of logistics in supply chain, Transportation modes and network design, Warehousing and material handling, Inventory management in logistics, Distribution channels and strategies, Reverse logistics and green logistics |
| 4.2.O.3 | Project Management | Specialization Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Project life cycle and initiation, Project planning and scheduling, Resource allocation and budgeting, Project risk management, Project monitoring and control, Project closing and evaluation |
| 4.3 | Project Report | Project | 6 | Identification of research problem, Literature review and conceptual framework, Research methodology and data collection, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and presentation, Formulation of conclusions and recommendations |
| 4.4 | Viva-Voce | Viva-Voce | 2 | Comprehensive knowledge assessment, Presentation skills evaluation, Clarity of thought and communication, Defense of project work, Understanding of core and specialization concepts, Problem-solving aptitude |
