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B-COM-HONS in Entrepreneurship at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Entrepreneurship at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Visakhapatnam?
This B.Com (Hons.) Entrepreneurship program at GITAM University focuses on equipping students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to navigate the dynamic world of startups and new venture creation. It delves into the entire entrepreneurial journey, from ideation and business plan development to securing finance and managing growth, with a strong emphasis on the Indian context. The program is designed to foster an innovative mindset, enabling graduates to either launch their own successful ventures or contribute significantly to entrepreneurial ecosystems within established organizations, catering to the burgeoning startup landscape in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who harbor innovative business ideas and seek a structured approach to transform them into reality. It also caters to fresh graduates keen on entering the startup ecosystem in roles like business development, operations, or finance in new ventures. Young professionals from commerce or management backgrounds looking to upskill in areas of venture creation, financial planning for startups, or family business management will find it beneficial. Additionally, individuals from family business backgrounds aiming to modernize or expand their ventures will gain valuable insights.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths within India''''s vibrant startup sector, including roles as startup founders, venture capitalists, business consultants for SMEs, or managers in innovation departments of large corporations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for successful entrepreneurs or those advancing in corporate roles. The program empowers students to conceptualize, launch, and scale sustainable businesses, contributing to job creation and economic growth in India. It also aligns with skills required for various entrepreneurial certifications and incubators.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Foundational Business Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on mastering core commerce subjects like Financial Accounting, Business Economics, and Business Law. Participate actively in classroom discussions and seek out supplementary online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL) to build a strong theoretical base. Form study groups to reinforce understanding of complex concepts.
Tools & Resources
Official textbooks, NPTEL lectures, Coursera ''''Introduction to Business'''' courses, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong understanding of business fundamentals is critical for any entrepreneur to make informed decisions and build a robust business model, laying the groundwork for financial literacy and legal compliance.
Develop Effective Communication and Digital Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively work on improving English Language Skills and Business Communication, focusing on both written and oral presentation. Simultaneously, embrace Digital Fluency by exploring basic digital tools, productivity software, and understanding online security. Practice presenting ideas in college clubs or minor events.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Toastmasters International (if available), Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, LinkedIn Learning for digital skills
Career Connection
Clear communication is vital for pitching ideas, securing funding, and team collaboration, while digital literacy is non-negotiable for operating in today''''s tech-driven business environment.
Explore Business Ideas & Social Impact- (Semester 1-2)
Begin observing everyday problems and thinking about potential business solutions. Read success stories of Indian startups and social enterprises. Engage in college innovation challenges or entrepreneurship clubs to brainstorm ideas and understand the local market needs. Focus on linking Environmental Science concepts with sustainable business models.
Tools & Resources
Startup India website, Inc42, YourStory, College entrepreneurship cells, Local newspapers for identifying community needs
Career Connection
Early exposure to idea generation and problem-solving helps in identifying viable business opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset from the outset, crucial for future venture creation.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Learning through Mini-Projects & Case Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to apply Cost Accounting, Income Tax, and Financial Management principles to real-world scenarios. Participate in case study competitions, develop financial models for hypothetical businesses, or undertake small research projects based on Indian companies. Leverage Computer Applications in Business for practical data handling.
Tools & Resources
Excel for financial modeling, Tally ERP (basic), Case study competition platforms, Official company annual reports
Career Connection
Practical application of financial and analytical skills is highly valued by investors and employers, demonstrating an ability to translate theory into actionable business insights.
Network with Local Entrepreneurs & Mentors- (Semester 4-5)
Attend local startup events, industry webinars, and entrepreneurship summits in Visakhapatnam or online. Connect with faculty members who have industry experience. Actively seek out informal mentorship opportunities with local entrepreneurs or startup founders to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of venture creation in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Local chamber of commerce events, College alumni network, Startup ecosystem events organized by incubators
Career Connection
Building a robust professional network is indispensable for future co-founders, investors, and advisors, significantly enhancing one''''s entrepreneurial journey and job prospects.
Develop a Prototype Business Idea & Plan- (Semester 4-5)
Using insights from Business Research Methods and E-Commerce, start formalizing a business idea. Work individually or in a team to create a lean business model canvas or a preliminary business plan. Identify potential target markets and competitive advantages. Consider participating in a university-level hackathon or startup challenge.
Tools & Resources
Business Model Canvas, Lean Canvas templates, Online market research tools, Prototyping tools (e.g., Figma for UI/UX), Competitive analysis frameworks
Career Connection
This hands-on experience in business planning is a direct precursor to launching a venture or securing a role in startup strategy, demonstrating initiative and practical capability.
Advanced Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization Electives & Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Maximize learning from Entrepreneurial Finance, New Venture Creation, and Social Entrepreneurship. Actively engage in the Summer Internship by seeking a role in a startup or an incubator. Focus your Business Project on a well-researched entrepreneurial concept, ideally developing a viable business model and detailed financial projections.
Tools & Resources
Financial modeling software, Business plan generators, Market research databases, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
The specialization courses provide critical knowledge for launching and funding ventures. The internship and project offer direct industry experience, making graduates highly desirable for startup roles or venture capital firms.
Refine Pitching Skills & Seek Seed Funding Opportunities- (Semester 6)
Practice delivering concise and compelling business pitches regularly. Participate in university pitch competitions or local startup pitching events. Research government schemes like Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, SIDBI Startup Mitra, or state-specific grants for potential funding. Network with angel investors and venture capitalists.
Tools & Resources
Pitch deck templates, Presentation software, Mentorship from industry experts, Startup India portal, Investor networking platforms
Career Connection
Strong pitching skills are paramount for attracting investors, co-founders, and early customers. Exposure to funding mechanisms prepares students to seek capital for their ventures post-graduation.
Build an Entrepreneurial Portfolio & Personal Brand- (Semester 5-6)
Document all projects, internships, and entrepreneurial efforts in a professional portfolio (online or physical). Actively build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn, showcasing skills, achievements, and thought leadership related to entrepreneurship. Seek out opportunities to publish articles or speak at college events on entrepreneurial topics.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Personal website/blog, GitHub (for tech-oriented projects), Behance (for design-oriented projects)
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio and strong personal brand differentiate candidates in the competitive job market and help attract potential co-founders or investors, setting the stage for long-term entrepreneurial success.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks or equivalent in 10+2 examination from a recognized central/state board or its equivalent examination.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC101 | Financial Accounting | Core | 4 | Introduction to Accounting, Journal, Ledger & Trial Balance, Final Accounts, Accounting for Non-Profit Organizations, Depreciation Accounting, Inventory Valuation |
| GBC103 | Business Organisation & Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Business, Forms of Business Organization, Introduction to Management, Planning & Decision Making, Organizing, Staffing & Directing, Controlling |
| GBC105 | Business Economics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Business Economics, Demand Analysis, Supply Analysis, Production Analysis, Cost Analysis, Market Structures |
| GBC107 | Business Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics, Data Collection & Presentation, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis |
| GEL101 | English Language Skills | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Building, Grammar & Usage, Writing Skills (Paragraphs, Essays), Spoken English, Presentation Skills |
| GSS101 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC102 | Corporate Accounting | Core | 4 | Company Accounts, Issue & Forfeiture of Shares, Debentures, Redemption of Debentures, Amalgamation, Consolidation of Accounts |
| GBC104 | Business Law | Core | 4 | Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, Negotiable Instruments Act, Consumer Protection Act, Partnership Act, Companies Act (Basic Concepts) |
| GBC106 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Marketing, Marketing Environment, Consumer Behavior, Market Segmentation & Targeting, Product Decisions, Pricing, Promotion, & Place Decisions |
| GBC108 | Business Communication | Core | 4 | Principles of Communication, Types of Communication, Oral Communication, Written Communication, Non-Verbal Communication, Business Correspondence |
| GSS102 | Indian Constitution | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 2 | Preamble, Fundamental Rights & Duties, Directive Principles, Union & State Governments, Judiciary, Electoral System |
| GCS102 | Digital Fluency | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Basics of Computers, Internet & Web, Digital Security, Social Media & Ethics, Digital Tools for Productivity, E-governance |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC201 | Cost Accounting | Core | 4 | Introduction to Cost Accounting, Cost Concepts & Classifications, Material Costing, Labour Costing, Overhead Costing, Activity Based Costing |
| GBC203 | Income Tax Law and Practice | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Income Tax, Residential Status, Heads of Income (Salary, House Property, PGBP, Capital Gains, Other Sources), Deductions, Computation of Tax |
| GBC205 | Computer Applications in Business | Core | 4 | MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Database Management Systems (Basics), Tally ERP (Introduction), E-commerce Applications, Data Security |
| GBC207 | Principles of Financial Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Financial Management, Time Value of Money, Capital Budgeting, Cost of Capital, Working Capital Management, Dividend Policy |
| GMS201 | Data Analytics for Business | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Introduction to Data Analytics, Data Collection & Preprocessing, Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics (Basic), Data Visualization, Tools (Excel, Python Basics) |
| GST201 | Yoga & Meditation | Value Added Course (VAC) | 2 | Introduction to Yoga, Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation Techniques, Benefits of Yoga, Stress Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC202 | Auditing and Corporate Governance | Core | 4 | Introduction to Auditing, Audit Planning, Internal Control, Vouching & Verification, Audit Report, Corporate Governance Principles |
| GBC204 | Goods & Services Tax (GST) | Core | 4 | Introduction to GST, Levy & Collection of GST, Time & Value of Supply, Input Tax Credit, Registration & Returns, GST Procedures |
| GBC206 | Business Research Methods | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling, Data Analysis, Report Writing |
| GBC208 | E-Commerce | Core | 4 | Introduction to E-Commerce, E-Commerce Models, E-Payment Systems, E-Security, Digital Marketing, E-Business Strategies |
| GCS202 | Critical Thinking | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Elements of Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, Argument Analysis, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Fallacies |
| GES201 | Value & Ethics | Value Added Course (VAC) | 2 | Concepts of Value & Ethics, Ethical Dilemmas, Personal & Professional Ethics, Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Gandhian Values |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC301 | Financial Markets & Institutions | Core | 4 | Indian Financial System, Money Market, Capital Market (Primary & Secondary), Stock Exchanges, SEBI, Financial Institutions |
| GBCE31 | Entrepreneurial Finance | Specialization Elective (Entrepreneurship) | 4 | Sources of Startup Funding, Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Bootstrapping, Financial Planning for Startups, Valuation for Entrepreneurs |
| GBCE32 | New Venture Creation | Specialization Elective (Entrepreneurship) | 4 | Idea Generation, Business Plan Development, Legal Aspects of Startups, Marketing for Startups, Lean Startup Methodology, Scaling a Business |
| GBCE33 | Family Business Management | Specialization Elective (Entrepreneurship) | 4 | Dynamics of Family Business, Governance in Family Business, Succession Planning, Conflict Resolution, Professionalization, Culture of Family Business |
| OE | Open Elective 1 | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a basket of interdisciplinary electives based on their interest. |
| GBC391 | Summer Internship | Project | 2 | Practical Industry Exposure, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Application of Concepts |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBC302 | International Business | Core | 4 | Introduction to International Business, Theories of International Trade, Foreign Exchange Market, International Financial Management, Global Marketing Strategies, International Economic Institutions |
| GBCE34 | Social Entrepreneurship | Specialization Elective (Entrepreneurship) | 4 | Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship, Social Problem Identification, Social Business Models, Impact Measurement, Funding for Social Ventures, Ecosystem for Social Startups |
| GBCE35 | Entrepreneurship Development and Project Management | Specialization Elective (Entrepreneurship) | 4 | Role of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Process, Project Identification, Project Formulation, Project Appraisal, Project Implementation & Control |
| GBCE36 | Technology and Innovation Management | Specialization Elective (Entrepreneurship) | 4 | Role of Technology & Innovation, Innovation Process, Intellectual Property Rights, Technology Commercialization, Open Innovation, Managing R&D |
| OE | Open Elective 2 | Open Elective | 3 | Students choose from a basket of interdisciplinary electives based on their interest. |
| GBC392 | Business Project | Major Project | 6 | In-depth Research, Problem Identification, Data Analysis, Solution Development, Project Report, Viva Voce |
