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PGPEX-VLM in Artificial Intelligence at Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Artificial Intelligence at Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Kolkata?
This PGPEX-VLM program at IIM Calcutta, delivered jointly with IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras, is designed to cultivate visionary leaders for the Indian manufacturing sector. While not a formal Artificial Intelligence specialization, the curriculum is meticulously structured to integrate advanced management principles with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, addressing the growing need for digitally fluent leaders capable of transforming Indian industries with smart, data-driven strategies.
Who Should Apply?
This executive program is specifically tailored for experienced engineering and technology graduates in India, typically with 4.5 to 10.5 years of industry experience, aiming for senior leadership roles in manufacturing, operations, and supply chain. It is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic management capabilities, delve into advanced manufacturing processes, and lead innovation, including the adoption of emerging technologies like AI, within India''''s dynamic industrial landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of the PGPEX-VLM program are well-prepared to assume pivotal leadership positions such as Chief Operating Officers, Plant Directors, or Heads of Manufacturing Excellence in leading Indian and multinational companies. The program equips them to drive operational efficiency, foster innovation, and implement digital transformation initiatives. Entry to mid-level leadership salaries in these roles in India typically range from INR 25-45 LPA, with significant career progression and salary growth for experienced professionals.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Management Fundamentals- (Trimester 1)
Dedicate intensive effort to grasp the foundational management and economic principles taught at IIM Calcutta. Actively engage in case study analysis, group discussions, and presentations to develop strong analytical and communication skills essential for business leadership.
Tools & Resources
Harvard Business Review case studies, Live business projects if available, Peer learning groups
Career Connection
A solid understanding of business fundamentals is indispensable for strategic decision-making and cross-functional leadership in any manufacturing organization across India.
Build a Diverse Professional Network- (Trimester 1-3)
Proactively connect with fellow participants, faculty members, and alumni from all three institutes. Attend networking events, industry seminars, and alumni gatherings to expand your professional circle and explore diverse perspectives within the manufacturing ecosystem.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, Official alumni portals, Industry association events (e.g., CII, FICCI)
Career Connection
Networking is a critical aspect of career advancement in India, opening doors to mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and future leadership roles within the manufacturing and technology sectors.
Develop Data-Driven Analytical Skills- (Trimester 1)
Focus on excelling in the Business Analytics module to build a strong foundation in data interpretation and quantitative analysis. Complement this with self-study or online certifications in statistical tools and basic data modeling to enhance problem-solving capabilities for modern manufacturing challenges.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX courses (e.g., ''''Data Science for Business''''), Advanced Excel techniques, Introduction to Python/R for data analysis
Career Connection
Proficiency in data analytics is highly valued in today''''s manufacturing industry, enabling leaders to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and drive efficiency in Indian companies.
Intermediate Stage
Integrate Advanced Manufacturing & Supply Chain Insights- (Trimester 2-3)
Synthesize knowledge from the IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur modules, understanding how advanced manufacturing technologies, industrial automation, and sophisticated supply chain strategies intertwine. Look for opportunities to identify and propose improvements in real-world manufacturing scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Technical journals on manufacturing and operations, Webinars on Industry 4.0 and Smart Factories, Factory visit reports
Career Connection
This integrated technical and operational understanding is key for visionary leaders to implement cutting-edge solutions and drive technological innovation in India''''s evolving manufacturing landscape.
Engage in Applied Industry Projects- (Trimester 2-3)
Actively seek and contribute to industry projects, especially those focused on process optimization, new product development, or digital transformation within manufacturing units. Apply theoretical knowledge to solve tangible business problems and demonstrate leadership in project execution.
Tools & Resources
Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Lean), Collaboration tools (e.g., MS Teams, Jira), Company-specific data for analysis
Career Connection
Practical project experience showcases problem-solving abilities and leadership skills, making graduates highly attractive for senior operational and strategic roles in Indian manufacturing firms.
Cultivate a Global and Sustainable Perspective- (Trimester 2-3)
Deepen your understanding of global supply chain complexities, ethical manufacturing practices, and sustainable business models. Research how Indian manufacturing companies are adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and smart resource management.
Tools & Resources
UN Sustainable Development Goals reports, Sustainability-focused industry conferences, Case studies on circular economy in manufacturing
Career Connection
Leaders with a global and sustainable outlook are increasingly in demand to navigate international markets and address environmental and social responsibilities, critical for long-term business success in India and worldwide.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Strategic Leadership & Transformation- (Throughout the program, intensifying in Trimester 3)
Focus on developing a holistic strategic vision for manufacturing operations. Participate in leadership workshops, executive coaching sessions, and refine soft skills such such as negotiation, stakeholder management, and change leadership, essential for C-suite and directorial roles.
Tools & Resources
Leadership development seminars, Mentorship from senior industry leaders, Books on strategic foresight
Career Connection
This comprehensive preparation is vital for transitioning into impactful strategic leadership positions, guiding large-scale transformation and driving growth in India''''s competitive industrial sector.
Explore AI/ML Applications in Manufacturing (Self-Directed)- (Trimester 2-3 (as electives or dedicated self-study))
While not a formal specialization, if you have a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, pursue self-directed learning or elective opportunities (if available) focusing on AI/ML applications in areas like predictive maintenance, quality inspection, or supply chain optimization within manufacturing contexts.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (e.g., ''''Machine Learning for Engineers''''), Kaggle datasets on industrial processes, TensorFlow/PyTorch tutorials
Career Connection
Acquiring domain-specific AI/ML application knowledge can differentiate graduates, enabling them to lead digital initiatives and leverage intelligent systems for operational excellence and competitive advantage in Indian manufacturing.
Formulate a Targeted Career Advancement Strategy- (Trimester 3 onwards)
Collaborate closely with the career services team and faculty mentors to define clear post-program career objectives. Develop a highly targeted job search strategy, focusing on specific leadership roles and companies within the Indian manufacturing sector that align with your refined expertise and aspirations.
Tools & Resources
Professional resume and LinkedIn profile optimization, Mock interview sessions, Industry-specific headhunters and recruiters
Career Connection
A well-defined and executed career strategy ensures a successful transition into desired leadership roles, maximizing the significant investment in the PGPEX-VLM program and accelerating long-term professional growth in India.
