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MBA-AGRICULTURE-BUSINESS-SIIB in General at Symbiosis International University (SIU)
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is General at Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune?
This MBA (Agriculture Business) program at Symbiosis International University focuses on developing skilled managers for the rapidly evolving Indian agriculture and food sectors. It integrates modern business management principles with the unique dynamics of agri-value chains, addressing the demand for professionals adept at navigating agribusiness complexities and driving sustainable growth in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from agriculture or allied sciences backgrounds, as well as working professionals in the agri-food sector seeking to enhance their management capabilities. It also attracts career changers passionate about contributing to India''''s agricultural transformation, providing them with essential business acumen and industry-specific knowledge.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in agri-input companies, food processing, rural finance, commodity trading, and agri-retail in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 5-8 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. Graduates can advance to managerial, consulting, or entrepreneurial roles, aligning with growth trajectories in Indian agri-companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Business Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational subjects like Economics, Statistics, Financial Accounting, and Marketing Management. Utilize case studies, group discussions, and online resources like Coursera or NPTEL to deepen comprehension and build a strong analytical base crucial for subsequent specialization.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Harvard Business Review Cases, NPTEL, Coursera
Career Connection
A strong grasp of these fundamentals forms the backbone for effective managerial decision-making across all agribusiness functions, making you a well-rounded candidate for entry-level management roles.
Engage Actively in Rural & Agri-specific Courses- (Semester 1-2)
Given the specialization, pay extra attention to Rural Marketing, Agri-Input Marketing, and Food & Agribusiness Sector Overview. Participate in field visits, interact with guest speakers from the agri-sector, and analyze current trends in Indian agriculture to gain practical context.
Tools & Resources
Industry reports, Agri-news portals, Field visits, Guest lectures
Career Connection
This deep dive into core agri-business aspects helps in developing a specialized understanding, making you highly relevant for roles in agri-input, rural development, and food sector companies.
Develop Strong Communication & Soft Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in communication and soft skill development modules. Practice presentation skills, group discussions, and business writing. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine interpersonal and professional communication, which is vital for corporate interactions.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters, Communication workshops, Mock interviews
Career Connection
Effective communication is a universal managerial skill. Strong soft skills enhance your employability and facilitate smoother team collaboration and client engagement in agribusiness roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Industry Internships & Live Projects- (Semester 2 (Summer Internship) & Semester 3)
Seek internships or live projects in diverse agribusiness sectors such as food processing, agri-finance, supply chain, or rural marketing during breaks. This provides invaluable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply classroom learning to real-world Indian business challenges.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Industry contacts, Agribusiness expos
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical exposure, building a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting your chances for a successful career start.
Specialize through Electives and Certifications- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives in Semester 3 based on your career interests (e.g., Digital Marketing in Agri-Business, Agri-Food Processing Management). Consider pursuing relevant online certifications in areas like Supply Chain Analytics, Food Safety, or Data Science for Agriculture to enhance your resume.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NASSCOM certifications, specific industry body certifications
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a strong candidate for specific roles. Certifications demonstrate initiative and a commitment to continuous learning, making you more marketable.
Participate in Competitions & Case Studies- (Semester 2-3)
Actively engage in inter-college business competitions, case study challenges, and agri-business specific hackathons. These platforms allow you to apply theoretical knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to industry-relevant scenarios, often with mentorship from industry leaders.
Tools & Resources
Inter-college fests, Corporate case competitions, Agri-tech challenges
Career Connection
Winning or even participating in such competitions showcases your analytical abilities, teamwork, and resilience, which are highly valued by recruiters during placements.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation & Research- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on your Dissertation in Semester 4, choosing a topic relevant to current agribusiness challenges or innovations. This independent research project is an opportunity to delve deep into a chosen area, showcasing analytical rigor and contributing to knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Research journals, Academic databases, Faculty mentors, Statistical software
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation highlights your research capabilities and critical thinking, which are highly regarded for consulting, research, and strategic planning roles within agribusiness.
Network and Build Industry Relationships- (Semester 3-4)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and alumni meets to expand your professional network. Engage with senior professionals, learn from their experiences, and explore potential mentorship opportunities. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with agribusiness leaders and recruiters.
Tools & Resources
Industry events, Alumni network, LinkedIn, Guest speaker sessions
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for career advancement. Strong industry connections can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and insights that inform your career trajectory, especially in a niche sector like agri-business.
Strategize for Placements & Career Launch- (Semester 3-4)
Begin placement preparation early by refining your resume, cover letters, and interview skills tailored for the agribusiness sector. Practice mock interviews, participate in workshops, and understand the specific demands of roles you are targeting. Research potential employers thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, Career counselors, Online interview platforms, Company websites
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic placement preparation significantly increases your chances of securing a desirable role in leading agribusiness companies, ensuring a strong start to your professional journey.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduate from any recognised University / Institute with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) at graduation level. Candidates appearing for final year examinations can also apply, but their admission will be subject to obtaining a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST) in the qualifying examination. A candidate who has completed qualifying qualification from any Foreign University must obtain an equivalence certificate from Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 114 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Basic Economics for Business | Core | 3 | Nature & Scope of Economics, Demand & Supply Analysis, Production & Cost Theory, Market Structures, Macroeconomic Concepts |
| 102 | Statistics for Business Decisions | Core | 3 | Data Collection & Presentation, Probability & Distributions, Sampling & Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Regression & Correlation |
| 103 | Financial Accounting & Reporting | Core | 3 | Accounting Principles, Journal, Ledger & Trial Balance, Preparation of Financial Statements, Cash Flow Statement, Introduction to IFRS |
| 104 | Organizational Behavior | Core | 3 | Foundations of Individual Behavior, Perception & Learning, Motivation Theories, Group Dynamics & Team Building, Leadership & Conflict Management |
| 105 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Concepts & Environment, Market Segmentation & Targeting, Product & Brand Management, Pricing Strategies, Promotion & Distribution Channels |
| 106 | Business Communication & Soft Skills | Core | 2 | Principles of Business Communication, Verbal & Non-verbal Communication, Presentation Skills, Business Correspondence, Group Discussion & Interview Skills |
| 107 | Legal Aspects of Business | Core | 2 | Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, Consumer Protection Act, Companies Act, Intellectual Property Rights |
| 108 | Information Systems for Managers | Core | 2 | Role of Information Systems, Database Management Systems, Networking & Telecommunications, E-commerce & Digital Business, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy |
| 109 | Rural Marketing | Core | 3 | Rural Environment & Demographics, Rural Consumer Behavior, Product & Pricing Strategies for Rural Markets, Rural Distribution & Communication, Challenges & Opportunities in Rural Marketing |
| 110 | Agri-Input Marketing | Core | 3 | Overview of Agri-Inputs, Seed Marketing, Fertilizer Marketing, Pesticide & Crop Protection Marketing, Farm Mechanization & Equipment Marketing |
| 111 | Food and Agribusiness Sector Overview | Core | 2 | Structure of Indian Agribusiness, Food Supply Chain Dynamics, Agricultural Policies & Regulations, Major Players & Trends, Challenges & Opportunities in the Sector |
| 112 | Design Thinking for Innovation | Core (Non-Credit) | 0 | Introduction to Design Thinking, Empathize & Define Phases, Ideation Techniques, Prototyping & Testing, Application in Business Innovation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | Operations Management | Core | 3 | Production Systems & Design, Inventory Management, Quality Management & Control, Supply Chain Management, Lean Operations & JIT |
| 202 | Research Methods for Business | Core | 3 | Research Process & Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Report Writing & Ethics |
| 203 | Financial Management | Core | 3 | Goals of Financial Management, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Working Capital Management, Cost of Capital & Capital Structure, Dividend Policy |
| 204 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Functions & Strategy, Recruitment & Selection, Training & Development, Performance Management, Compensation & Benefits |
| 205 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic Management Process, Environmental Analysis, Strategy Formulation, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Control & Evaluation |
| 206 | Business Analytics | Core | 3 | Introduction to Business Analytics, Data Mining Techniques, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, Data Visualization & Tools |
| 207 | Project Management | Core | 2 | Project Life Cycle, Project Planning & Scheduling, Risk Management in Projects, Project Monitoring & Control, Agile Project Management |
| 208 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Demand & Revenue Analysis, Production & Cost Decisions, Pricing Strategies, Market Equilibrium & Competition, Decision Making Under Uncertainty |
| 209 | Commodity Trading | Core | 3 | Indian Commodity Markets, Futures & Options Trading, Hedging Strategies, Spot Market Operations, Regulatory Framework for Commodities |
| 210 | Value Chain in Agri-Business | Core | 3 | Agri Value Chain Concepts, Post-Harvest Management, Logistics in Agriculture, Food Processing & Value Addition, Retail & Export Linkages |
| 211 | Agri-Finance and Microfinance | Core | 3 | Sources of Agri-Finance, Agricultural Credit & Lending, Crop Insurance Schemes, Microfinance Models in Rural India, Role of NABARD & Rural Banks |
| 212 | Agri-Business Project Report | Core (Non-Credit) | 0 | Project Identification & Formulation, Feasibility Study & Analysis, Market Survey & Data Collection, Report Writing & Documentation, Project Presentation & Viva |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | International Business | Core | 3 | Globalization & International Trade, Theories of International Business, International Investment & Finance, Global Marketing Strategies, Cultural & Ethical Issues in IB |
| 302 | Agri Export-Import Management | Core | 3 | Indian EXIM Policy for Agri-products, Export-Import Documentation, Logistics & Shipping for Agri-exports, Trade Finance & Risk Mitigation, Export Promotion Schemes & Councils |
| 303 | Sustainable Agri-Business | Core | 3 | Concepts of Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Impact of Farming, Organic Farming & Certifications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Green Technologies in Agribusiness |
| 304 | Agri-Retail Management | Core | 3 | Agri-Retail Formats & Trends, Supply Chain in Agri-Retail, Merchandising & Store Operations, Consumer Behavior in Agri-Retail, Technology in Agri-Retail |
| 305 | Agri-Food Processing Management | Core | 3 | Food Processing Technologies, Quality Control & Assurance, Food Safety Standards (FSSAI), Packaging & Shelf-life, Product Development & Innovation |
| 306A | Digital Marketing in Agri-Business | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Marketing for Agri, Content Marketing Strategies, E-commerce Platforms for Agri-products |
| 307A | Marketing Research for Agri-Business | Elective | 3 | Marketing Research Process, Data Collection Methods in Agri, Questionnaire Design, Statistical Analysis of Data, Report Writing & Presentation |
| 308A | Rural & Social Marketing | Elective | 3 | Rural Marketing Strategies, Social Marketing Concepts, Health & Education Campaigns in Rural Areas, Micro-marketing Initiatives, Government Schemes & Rural Development |
| 309A | Corporate Finance in Agri-Business | Elective | 3 | Capital Structure Decisions, Working Capital Management, Investment & Financing Decisions, Mergers & Acquisitions in Agri-sector, Risk Management & Valuation |
| 306B | Supply Chain Analytics in Agri-Business | Elective | 3 | Introduction to SCM Analytics, Demand Forecasting Models, Inventory Optimization Techniques, Logistics & Transportation Analytics, Network Design & Optimization |
| 307B | Quality Management in Agri-Business | Elective | 3 | Total Quality Management (TQM), ISO Standards & Certifications, Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food Safety Management Systems, Quality Audits & Traceability |
| 308B | Logistics and Cold Chain Management | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of Logistics Management, Transportation Modes & Networks, Warehousing & Inventory Management, Cold Chain Infrastructure & Operations, Technology in Logistics & Cold Chain |
| 309B | Operations Strategy in Agri-Business | Elective | 3 | Formulating Operations Strategy, Capacity Planning & Location Decisions, Process Design & Automation, Technology & Innovation in Operations, Global Operations Strategies |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | Agri-Business Strategy | Core | 3 | Strategic Analysis in Agri-Business, Competitive Advantage in Agri-sector, Growth & Diversification Strategies, Global Agri-Business Strategies, Mergers & Acquisitions in Agriculture |
| 402 | Agri-Business Entrepreneurship | Core | 3 | Entrepreneurial Process & Mindset, Business Plan Development for Agri-startups, Funding & Incubation for Agri-ventures, Innovation & Technology in Agri-Entrepreneurship, Legal & Regulatory Aspects for Startups |
| 403 | Geo-Informatics & Data Science in Agri-Business | Core | 3 | Applications of GIS in Agriculture, Remote Sensing for Crop Monitoring, Data Analytics for Precision Farming, IoT & AI in Agri-Business, Crop Yield Prediction & Disease Detection |
| 404 | Dissertation | Core | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review & Gap Analysis, Research Methodology & Design, Data Collection & Analysis, Report Writing & Thesis Presentation |
| 405 | Plantation Management | Elective | 3 | Cultivation of Plantation Crops, Pest & Disease Management, Harvesting & Post-Harvest Practices, Processing & Value Addition, Marketing of Plantation Products |
| 406 | Livestock & Dairy Management | Elective | 3 | Animal Husbandry Practices, Dairy Farm Management, Livestock Health & Nutrition, Breeding & Genetic Improvement, Value Added Dairy Products |
| 407 | Agribusiness Project Finance | Elective | 3 | Project Appraisal Techniques, Financial Structuring for Agri-projects, Risk Assessment & Mitigation, Sources of Project Funding, Government Schemes for Agri-financing |
| 408 | Agri Export-Import Finance | Elective | 3 | Export Credit & Guarantees (ECGC), EXIM Bank & Foreign Trade Policy, Foreign Exchange Risk Management, Letter of Credit & Trade Instruments, Financing for International Agri-Trade |
| 409 | Rural Infrastructure Management | Elective | 3 | Importance of Rural Infrastructure, Rural Roads & Connectivity, Irrigation & Water Management, Power & Energy in Rural Areas, Storage & Warehousing Development |
