

MBA in Foreign Trade at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management


Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Foreign Trade at GITAM, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management Visakhapatnam?
This MBA in International Business program at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM), Visakhapatnam, focuses on equipping students with expertise in global trade, foreign policies, and cross-cultural management. With India''''s growing integration into the global economy, this specialization is crucial for understanding international markets, export-import dynamics, and global supply chain intricacies. The program distinguishes itself by combining core business principles with specialized knowledge vital for navigating complex international trade environments, reflecting the increasing demand for global business leaders in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious fresh graduates seeking entry into the dynamic field of international trade and global business, as well as working professionals looking to upskill and expand their careers internationally. It also caters to career changers transitioning into import/export, international marketing, or global finance roles. Candidates typically possess a bachelor''''s degree in any discipline and a keen interest in international affairs, global economics, and cross-cultural communication, along with a desire to contribute to India''''s global trade ambitions.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in Indian multinational corporations, export houses, logistics firms, and international banks. Roles may include International Marketing Manager, Export-Import Executive, Global Supply Chain Analyst, or Trade Finance Specialist. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program also aligns with opportunities for professional certifications in trade finance or international logistics, enhancing growth trajectories in a globally connected India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Business Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on understanding foundational subjects like Managerial Economics, Financial Management, and Marketing Management. Create study groups to discuss complex topics and solve case studies, laying a strong base for advanced specialization.
Tools & Resources
Harvard Business Review case studies, NPTEL courses on core management, LinkedIn Learning for conceptual clarity
Career Connection
A robust understanding of core business principles is essential for all management roles and crucial for effective decision-making in international business.
Develop Analytical and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in Business Analytics and Financial Modeling Labs to gain proficiency in data interpretation and spreadsheet applications. Simultaneously, hone business communication skills through presentations, group discussions, and report writing, preparing for corporate interactions.
Tools & Resources
MS Excel, R/Python basics (online tutorials), Toastmasters clubs for public speaking, Grammarly for written communication
Career Connection
Strong analytical abilities coupled with persuasive communication are highly valued in international business for market analysis, reporting, and client engagement.
Network and Explore Global Business Trends- (Semester 1-2)
Attend webinars, industry talks, and student conferences related to international trade and global affairs. Engage with faculty and alumni to understand career paths and gain insights into emerging trends in India''''s foreign trade landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, industry-specific forums (e.g., FIEO), business newspapers (The Economic Times, Business Standard), NITI Aayog reports
Career Connection
Early networking helps in discovering internship opportunities and building a professional circle, while staying updated on trends positions you as a knowledgeable candidate.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Specialization Knowledge and Application- (Semester 3)
Select International Business electives strategically and actively apply theoretical knowledge through case studies and research papers focusing on India''''s trade relations and policies. Engage in practical exercises related to export-import procedures.
Tools & Resources
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) website, EXIM Bank publications, Trade India portal, international business journals
Career Connection
Demonstrating in-depth knowledge in Foreign Trade/International Business through applied projects is critical for securing relevant internships and job roles.
Undertake a High-Impact Summer Internship- (Semester 3)
Seek and secure a summer internship in an export-import firm, logistics company, or international division of an MNC. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in areas like market entry, trade documentation, or supply chain optimization, and prepare a comprehensive report.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn Jobs, Internshala, company career pages, mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry exposure, build practical skills, and often serve as a direct pathway to pre-placement offers in India.
Engage in Cross-Cultural Competence Building- (Semester 3)
Participate in cultural exchange programs, language learning modules, or international student club activities. Understand different cultural nuances in business communication and negotiation, which is vital for global roles.
Tools & Resources
Duolingo, cultural intelligence workshops, online courses on cross-cultural management, TED Talks on global leadership
Career Connection
Cross-cultural adaptability is a key soft skill highly sought after by Indian and international companies operating in a diverse global environment.
Advanced Stage
Master Strategic Management and Policy Analysis- (Semester 4)
Focus on integrating various business functions within the framework of strategic management, paying close attention to India''''s foreign trade policy and global economic policies. Analyze strategic challenges faced by Indian businesses expanding globally.
Tools & Resources
Government policy documents, World Trade Organization (WTO) reports, geopolitical analysis journals, business news specializing in global economy
Career Connection
A strong grasp of strategy and policy enables graduates to take on leadership roles in international business development and trade policy advocacy.
Execute a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 4)
Undertake a rigorous project work focused on a specific challenge or opportunity in foreign trade or international business, applying advanced research methods. Ensure the project is industry-relevant and demonstrates analytical and problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, EBSCO), statistical software (SPSS, R), faculty mentorship, industry experts
Career Connection
A well-executed project acts as a powerful portfolio piece, showcasing your expertise and research capabilities to potential employers in India and abroad.
Excel in Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Engage in intensive interview preparation, mock group discussions, and resume building workshops, tailoring applications to international business roles. Focus on articulating specialization-specific knowledge and practical internship experiences.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, career counselors, online aptitude test platforms, company-specific interview guides
Career Connection
Thorough preparation significantly increases chances of securing desirable placements in leading Indian and global firms seeking international business talent.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in any discipline from a recognized university with not less than 50% aggregate marks. Score in tests like CAT/XAT/MAT/GMAT/CMAT/NMAT/GAT (GITAM Admission Test) is required.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 108 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22MBA701 | Management Process and Organisational Behaviour | Core | 4 | Management Functions, Organisational Behavior, Personality and Attitudes, Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Group Dynamics and Teamwork |
| 22MBA702 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Theory, Market Structures, Pricing Strategies, Business Cycles, National Income |
| 22MBA703 | Accounting for Managers | Core | 4 | Financial Accounting Principles, Cost Accounting Concepts, Management Accounting Tools, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgetary Control, Ratio Analysis |
| 22MBA704 | Business Statistics and Analytics | Core | 4 | Data Collection and Presentation, Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Time Series Forecasting, Data Visualization |
| 22MBA705 | Business Ethics and Corporate Governance | Core | 4 | Ethical Frameworks, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance Models, Stakeholder Management, Ethical Decision Making, Sustainability Practices |
| 22MBA706 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing Mix, Consumer Behavior, Market Segmentation, Product Life Cycle, Branding and Packaging, Promotional Strategies |
| 22MBA707 | Business Communication | Core | 4 | Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Written Communication Skills, Presentation Techniques, Intercultural Communication, Report Writing, Digital Communication Tools |
| 22MBAL701 | Business Analytics Lab | Lab | 2 | Data Handling in Excel, Statistical Software Basics (R/Python), Data Cleaning and Transformation, Descriptive Statistics, Data Visualization Tools, Basic Predictive Modeling |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22MBA708 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Time Value of Money, Capital Budgeting, Cost of Capital, Working Capital Management, Dividend Policy, Capital Structure |
| 22MBA709 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | HR Planning and Staffing, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation and Benefits, Industrial Relations |
| 22MBA710 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Production Planning and Control, Quality Management, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Capacity Planning |
| 22MBA711 | Research Methods for Business | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis Techniques, Hypothesis Formulation, Report Writing and Ethics |
| 22MBA712 | Digital Business Management | Core | 4 | Digital Transformation, E-commerce Models, Digital Marketing Strategies, Social Media Management, Cyber Security in Business, Big Data Analytics in Business |
| 22MBA713 | Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation | Core | 4 | Entrepreneurial Process, Business Plan Development, Start-up Ecosystem in India, Innovation Management, Venture Capital and Funding, Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship |
| 22MBA714 | Business Law and Policy | Core | 4 | Indian Contract Act, Company Law, Consumer Protection Act, Intellectual Property Rights, Cyber Law and E-Contracts, Competition Law |
| 22MBAL702 | Financial Modeling Lab | Lab | 2 | Spreadsheet Functions for Finance, Financial Forecasting, Valuation Models (DCF, Relative), Scenario and Sensitivity Analysis, Capital Budgeting Simulations, Risk Analysis with Monte Carlo |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22MBAI703 | Export-Import Management | Elective (International Business) | 6 | Export-Import Documentation, Incoterms and Trade Logistics, Customs Procedures, Payment Methods in International Trade, Export Finance and Credit, Risk Management in Exim |
| 22MBAI704 | International Human Resource Management | Elective (International Business) | 6 | Global HR Strategy, Expatriate Management, Cross-Cultural Training, International Compensation, Global Performance Management, International Labor Relations |
| 22MBAI705 | International Financial Management | Elective (International Business) | 6 | Foreign Exchange Markets, Exchange Rate Risk Management, International Capital Budgeting, Foreign Direct Investment Financing, International Working Capital Management, Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions |
| 22MBAI706 | Cross-Cultural Management | Elective (International Business) | 6 | Dimensions of Culture, Cross-Cultural Communication, Global Leadership Styles, International Negotiations, Managing Cultural Diversity, Expatriate Adjustment |
| 22MBAI707 | Foreign Trade Policy and Procedures | Elective (International Business) | 6 | India''''s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), World Trade Organization (WTO) Framework, Trade Agreements and Blocs, Export Promotion Schemes, Customs Law and Tariffs, Non-Tariff Barriers |
| 22MBAI708 | International Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Elective (International Business) | 6 | Global Supply Chain Design, International Transportation Modes, Warehouse and Inventory Management, Customs Clearance and Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain Risk Management, Green Logistics |
| 22MBAI799 | Project Work | Project | 8 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Viva-voce |




