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MBA in Operations at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Operations at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This Operations Management program at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy, Thanjavur, focuses on optimizing business processes, supply chains, and resource utilization. In the dynamic Indian industrial landscape, efficient operations are critical for competitiveness and growth across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce. This program aims to equip students with analytical tools and strategic perspectives essential for operational excellence and innovation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering or commerce graduates with an analytical mindset seeking entry into diverse operational roles. It also suits working professionals aiming to enhance their skills in supply chain, quality, or project management for career advancement. Individuals keen on driving efficiency and innovation within manufacturing, retail, or service industries, particularly in the Indian context, will find this specialization highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths such as Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Quality Assurance Specialist, Operations Consultant, or Production Manager in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA. The program prepares students for professional certifications like Lean Six Sigma and PMP, aligning with growth trajectories in Indian and multinational companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Analytical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core subjects like Business Statistics, Managerial Economics, and Operations Management fundamentals. Utilize online platforms like Khan Academy for statistics refreshers and solve case studies to understand real-world business problems. Join study groups to discuss concepts and improve problem-solving speed.
Tools & Resources
Khan Academy, Coursera (for Business Statistics courses), Excel for data analysis, Case Study Competitions
Career Connection
A solid analytical base is crucial for data-driven decision-making in operations roles, enhancing your suitability for entry-level analyst positions and future strategic roles.
Develop Presentation and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in group presentations and public speaking opportunities during classes. Seek feedback on your communication style and clarity. Engage in debates or Toastmasters-like college clubs to refine articulation, which is vital for communicating operational insights to cross-functional teams.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (chapters), TED Talks (for inspiration), Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Effective communication helps articulate process improvements and project statuses, a key skill for any manager interacting with diverse stakeholders in Indian workplaces.
Gain Exposure to IT Tools for Business- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond theoretical understanding, become proficient in business software applications covered in ''''IT Tools for Business'''' and ''''Business Analytics''''. Practice extensively with Excel for data manipulation, visualization, and basic statistical analysis. Explore introductory modules of ERP systems like SAP or Oracle online.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, Tableau Public (free version), SAP Learning Hub (trial), Oracle e-learning modules
Career Connection
Technological proficiency in enterprise systems and analytics tools makes you highly valuable in today''''s data-intensive operations environment, improving your employability in companies automating their processes.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Operations-Focused Internships- (Semester 3 (during breaks or dedicated periods))
Actively seek internships in manufacturing, logistics, or service industries that offer exposure to real operational challenges. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge from Supply Chain, Quality, or Inventory Management to practical scenarios. Document your learning and network with industry professionals.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for job search, College placement cell, Internshala
Career Connection
Practical experience significantly boosts your resume for operations roles, providing tangible examples of problem-solving skills and direct industry exposure relevant to the Indian market.
Specialize and Certify in Key Operations Areas- (Semester 3-4)
As you delve into specialization electives, identify areas like Supply Chain, Quality (Lean Six Sigma), or Project Management that align with your career interests. Pursue relevant industry certifications to differentiate yourself. For example, a Green Belt in Six Sigma or a certificate in logistics.
Tools & Resources
ASQ (American Society for Quality), APICS (now ASCM) for Supply Chain certifications, PMI (for project management)
Career Connection
Certifications validate specialized skills, making you more attractive to Indian companies seeking experts in specific operational domains and potentially commanding higher salaries.
Engage in Business Simulation and Case Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Participate in operations-focused business simulations or case study competitions. These platforms mimic real-world business scenarios, requiring you to make strategic decisions related to production, inventory, and supply chain. This hones critical thinking and teamwork under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Online business simulators (e.g., from Harvard Business Publishing), IIM/XLRI case competitions, College internal case challenges
Career Connection
Demonstrating strategic decision-making and problem-solving through competitions enhances your profile, showcasing your ability to tackle complex operational issues faced by Indian businesses.
Advanced Stage
Execute a Comprehensive Operations Project- (Semester 3-4)
For your Capstone and Project Work, choose a topic directly relevant to a pressing operational challenge in an Indian industry. Conduct thorough research, collect primary data, apply analytical models, and propose viable solutions. Aim for a project that has practical implementation potential.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, EBSCO), Statistical software (R, Python, SPSS), Industry reports and publications
Career Connection
A strong final project showcases your ability to independently tackle and solve complex operational problems, a key skill recruiters look for in senior or specialist roles.
Network with Industry Leaders and Alumni- (Semester 3-4 (ongoing))
Actively attend industry conferences, workshops, and alumni meet-ups focused on operations and supply chain. Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target companies and roles. Informational interviews can provide invaluable insights and potential job leads in the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry associations (e.g., CII, FICCI), SASTRA alumni network portals
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for job searching and career progression in India, opening doors to opportunities that might not be publicly advertised and providing mentorship.
Master Interview and Negotiation Skills for Placements- (Semester 4)
Prepare thoroughly for operations-specific interview questions, including behavioral, technical (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, SCM concepts), and case-based questions. Practice mock interviews with faculty and peers. Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight operations achievements and quantify impacts. Work on salary negotiation skills.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA Placement Cell workshops, Mock interview platforms, Behavioral interview guides, Salary negotiation books/guides
Career Connection
Excellent interview and negotiation skills are crucial to convert placement opportunities into desirable job offers and secure competitive remuneration in the highly competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Pass in any Under Graduate Degree (10+2+3 or 4 years) from a recognized University with minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 88 (as per official document) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 232MB101 | Management Principles and Practices | Core | 3 | Functions of Management, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Staffing, Directing and Controlling, Managerial Roles |
| 232MB102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Theory, Market Structures and Pricing, Macroeconomic Indicators, Business Cycles and Policies |
| 232MB103 | Accounting for Managers | Core | 3 | Financial Statements, Cost Accounting Concepts, Budgetary Control, Fund Flow and Cash Flow Analysis, Ratio Analysis |
| 232MB104 | Business Statistics | Core | 3 | Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Decision Theory |
| 232MB105 | Business Communication | Core | 3 | Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Business Correspondence, Presentations and Public Speaking, Report Writing, Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| 232MB106 | Organizational Behaviour | Core | 3 | Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Organizational Culture and Change |
| 232MB107 | IT Tools for Business | Core | 2 | Spreadsheet Applications (Excel), Presentation Tools (PowerPoint), Database Fundamentals, Business Process Automation, Introduction to Cloud Tools |
| 232MB108 | Indian Business Environment | Core | 2 | Economic Reforms and Policies, Industrial Policies, Social and Cultural Impact on Business, Legal and Regulatory Framework, Globalization and India |
| 232MB109 | Managerial Ethics and Human Values | Core | 1 | Ethical Dilemmas in Business, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance, Moral Reasoning, Values-Based Leadership |
| 232MB110 | Internship I | Project | 1 | Industry Exposure, Basic Skill Application, Organizational Structure Understanding, Report Writing, Professional Etiquette |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 232MB201 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Mix (4Ps), Market Segmentation and Targeting, Consumer Behavior, Product and Brand Management, Promotional Strategies |
| 232MB202 | Financial Management | Core | 3 | Capital Budgeting, Working Capital Management, Cost of Capital, Capital Structure Theories, Dividend Policy |
| 232MB203 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Planning and Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Compensation and Benefits, Industrial Relations |
| 232MB204 | Operations Management | Core | 3 | Production Process Design, Capacity Planning, Inventory Control Models, Supply Chain Fundamentals, Total Quality Management (TQM) |
| 232MB205 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Design, Data Analysis Techniques, Report Writing and Presentation |
| 232MB206 | Business Analytics | Core | 3 | Data Visualization, Predictive Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, Big Data Concepts |
| 232MB207 | Management Information Systems | Core | 3 | Information Systems Strategy, Database Management Systems, ERP and CRM Systems, Decision Support Systems, IT Infrastructure Management |
| 232MB208 | Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 2 | Idea Generation and Feasibility, Business Plan Development, Startup Funding Sources, Legal and Regulatory Aspects, Marketing for New Ventures |
| 232MB209 | Internship II | Project | 1 | Project Implementation, Problem-Solving Skills, Stakeholder Management, Data Analysis in Industry, Comprehensive Report Preparation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 232MB301 | Business Law | Core | 2 | Indian Contract Act, Companies Act, Consumer Protection Act, Intellectual Property Rights, Cyber Laws |
| 232MB302 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic Analysis (SWOT, PESTEL), Strategy Formulation, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Control, Corporate Governance |
| 232MB303 | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) | Core | 3 | ERP Modules and Architecture, Implementation Challenges, Business Process Re-engineering, SAP/Oracle Overview, Supply Chain Integration with ERP |
| 232MB399 | Capstone Project I | Project | 1 | Project Definition, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection Strategy, Interim Report |
| 232MBO301 | Supply Chain Management | Elective (Operations Specialization) | 3 | SCM Strategy and Design, Logistics and Transportation, Sourcing and Procurement, Demand Planning and Forecasting, Inventory Management in SCM, Information Technology in SCM |
| 232MBO302 | Quality Management | Elective (Operations Specialization) | 3 | Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma Methodologies, Lean Manufacturing Principles, ISO Standards and Certification, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Quality Function Deployment (QFD) |
| 232MBO303 | Service Operations Management | Elective (Operations Specialization) | 3 | Service Design and Delivery, Customer Relationship Management, Service Capacity Planning, Queuing Theory, Service Quality Measurement, Technology in Service Operations |
| 232MBO304 | Logistics Management | Elective (Operations Specialization) | 3 | Transportation Modes and Planning, Warehousing and Distribution, Inventory Optimization in Logistics, Reverse Logistics, Global Logistics and Trade, Logistics Information Systems |
| 232MBO305 | Inventory Management | Elective (Operations Specialization) | 3 | Demand Forecasting Techniques, Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory, ABC Analysis and VED Analysis, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Safety Stock and Service Levels |
| 232MBO306 | Operations Research for Management | Elective (Operations Specialization) | 3 | Linear Programming, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Queuing Theory, Simulation Modeling, Network Models (PERT/CPM), Decision Theory |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 232MB401 | International Business | Core | 2 | Global Trade Environment, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Exchange Rate Mechanisms, International Marketing Strategies, Cross-Cultural Management, Trade Agreements and Organizations |
| 232MB499 | Project Work & Viva Voce | Project | 6 | Comprehensive Project Execution, Advanced Data Analysis, Solution Formulation and Validation, Thesis Writing, Oral Defense (Viva Voce) |
