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MBA in Operations Management at University of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Operations Management at University of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram?
This Operations Management program at the University of Kerala focuses on equipping future leaders with skills to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity across industries. Given India''''s burgeoning manufacturing and service sectors, the program addresses the critical demand for professionals adept at managing complex supply chains, ensuring quality, and leveraging technology for operational excellence. It uniquely prepares students for leadership roles in India''''s dynamic industrial landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates seeking to pivot into management, fresh commerce or science graduates aiming for careers in production or logistics, and mid-career professionals looking to upskill in supply chain or quality management. Individuals with a keen interest in problem-solving, process improvement, and strategic decision-making in manufacturing, e-commerce, or service industries will find this specialization highly rewarding, contributing directly to India''''s economic growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles like Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Quality Assurance Manager, or Logistics Coordinator in leading Indian and multinational companies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry certifications like Lean Six Sigma, facilitating rapid career progression and positioning graduates as vital assets in India''''s competitive business environment.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Quantitative Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extra effort to Quantitative Techniques and Managerial Economics. Focus on understanding statistical tools, operations research concepts, and economic principles as they form the bedrock for advanced operations management subjects. Solve problems regularly and seek clarification from professors.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Statistics and OR, Khan Academy for basic quant skills, Reference textbooks beyond syllabus
Career Connection
A solid quant base is crucial for analytical roles in operations, helping in data-driven decision making and problem-solving, which are highly valued by Indian companies like consulting firms and e-commerce giants.
Engage in Cross-Functional Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in group projects involving diverse functional areas (Marketing, HR, Finance). Understand how operations integrates with other departments. This holistic view is vital for future managers, especially in Indian companies where cross-functional collaboration is key.
Tools & Resources
Business case studies, Group discussions with peers from different backgrounds, University workshops on inter-departmental synergy
Career Connection
Develops a comprehensive business perspective, making you more adaptable and effective in managing complex projects and teams across various departments in an Indian corporate setting.
Start Reading Industry Publications- (Semester 1-2)
Begin subscribing to and reading newsletters or magazines focused on Indian manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain. This helps in understanding current trends, challenges, and success stories, building industry awareness early on.
Tools & Resources
Logistics Management India, Manufacturing Today India, Indian Retailer, Supply Chain Management Review (global perspective)
Career Connection
Staying updated with industry news helps in interviews, networking, and identifying potential career paths in India''''s rapidly evolving operations sector.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Industry Certifications- (Semester 3)
Enroll in online certification courses like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP (Project Management Professional) foundation, or supply chain analytics. These certifications are highly valued by Indian employers and demonstrate practical skill acquisition.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for Lean Six Sigma, Udemy for PMP prep, APICS/ISCEA for Supply Chain certifications (foundational), PMI India resources
Career Connection
These certifications make your resume stand out, enhancing employability for specialized operations roles and often leading to higher starting salaries in Indian industries.
Seek Relevant Internships and Projects- (Semester 3 (during breaks) & throughout Semester 4)
Actively look for internships or live projects with manufacturing, logistics, or e-commerce companies in India. Focus on roles that involve process improvement, inventory management, or supply chain analysis to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn Jobs, Internshala, Direct company applications
Career Connection
Practical experience is invaluable for placements. It builds your network, provides industry insights, and offers real-world application of theoretical knowledge, highly sought after by Indian recruiters.
Master Data Analysis Tools- (Semester 3-4)
Develop proficiency in data analysis software such as Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), SQL, and introductory Python/R for statistical analysis. These tools are critical for analyzing operational data and making informed decisions.
Tools & Resources
Excel functions (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP), SQL tutorials (W3Schools), Python for Data Science (Datacamp, Codecademy), Power BI/Tableau for visualization
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are in high demand for roles like Business Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, and Operations Consultant, directly impacting your prospects in data-driven Indian organizations.
Advanced Stage
Network Extensively and Attend Conferences- (Semester 4)
Actively attend industry conferences, seminars, and webinars related to operations, supply chain, and manufacturing in India. Network with professionals, alumni, and guest speakers to gain insights and explore career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Industry association events (e.g., CII, FICCI), LinkedIn networking, Alumni meetups, Operations Management conferences
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job markets, mentorship, and gives you a competitive edge in securing placements in leading Indian and global companies.
Specialize in a Niche Area- (Semester 4)
Beyond core operations, choose a niche like ''''Digital Supply Chain'''', ''''Sustainable Operations'''', ''''Robotics Process Automation (RPA) in Logistics'''', or ''''Healthcare Operations''''. Develop deep expertise through electives, projects, and self-study to stand out.
Tools & Resources
Advanced online courses specific to niche, Research papers and journals, Industry reports on emerging technologies
Career Connection
Niche specialization makes you a highly sought-after expert, leading to premium job opportunities and faster career growth in cutting-edge operations roles within India.
Prepare for Placement Success- (Semester 4)
Engage thoroughly with the placement cell for mock interviews, resume reviews, and aptitude test preparation. Focus on behavioral questions, case studies, and quantitative reasoning, tailoring your responses to highlight operations management skills.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell workshops, Online aptitude platforms, Interview prep books (e.g., Arun Sharma for CAT/MBA interviews), Peer mock interviews
Career Connection
Robust placement preparation ensures you are well-equipped to ace interviews and secure desirable job offers in top-tier Indian companies, maximizing your return on investment in the MBA program.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree from University of Kerala or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SEBC/OEC categories), and a valid score in K-MAT/CMAT/CAT.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA101 | Management Principles and Organizational Behaviour | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Management, Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Controlling, Foundations of Organizational Behaviour, Motivation and Leadership, Group Dynamics and Team Building, Organizational Culture and Change |
| BA102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Managerial Economics, Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures and Pricing Strategies, Profit Management, Business Cycles and Forecasting |
| BA103 | Accounting for Management | Core | 4 | Financial Accounting Concepts, Financial Statement Analysis, Cost Accounting Systems, Budgeting and Budgetary Control, Standard Costing and Variance Analysis, Activity Based Costing |
| BA104 | Quantitative Techniques for Management | Core | 4 | Probability and Probability Distributions, Statistical Inference and Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Linear Programming, Transportation and Assignment Models, Decision Theory and Game Theory |
| BA105 | Business Environment and Law | Core | 4 | Economic Environment of Business, Socio-Cultural and Political Environment, Legal Framework of Business, Company Law and Consumer Protection Act, Competition Law and Intellectual Property Rights, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA201 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing Concepts and Environment, Consumer and Industrial Buyer Behaviour, Market Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning, Product and Pricing Strategies, Promotion and Distribution Strategies, Services Marketing and Digital Marketing |
| BA202 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | HRM Functions and Challenges, HR Planning, Recruitment, and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management and Appraisal, Compensation and Benefits Management, Industrial Relations and Employee Welfare |
| BA203 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Goals and Functions of Financial Management, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Cost of Capital and Capital Structure, Working Capital Management, Dividend Policy Decisions, Sources of Finance and Financial Markets |
| BA204 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Operations Management, Product and Process Design, Facility Location and Layout, Capacity Planning and Aggregate Planning, Inventory Management, Quality Management and Control |
| BA205 | Research Methodology for Management | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Business Research, Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Design and Procedures, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA301 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Strategic Management, Environmental Scanning and Industry Analysis, Strategy Formulation and Choice, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Evaluation and Control, Corporate Governance and Ethics |
| BA302 | Business Analytics for Management Decisions | Core | 4 | Introduction to Business Analytics, Descriptive Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Prescriptive Analytics, Data Visualization and Tools, Big Data Analytics in Business |
| BA303(OM) | Supply Chain Management | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Introduction to Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Network Design, Inventory Management in SCM, Procurement and Sourcing Strategies, Information Technology in Supply Chain, Global Supply Chain and Risk Management |
| BA304(OM) | Total Quality Management | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Quality Concepts and Philosophies, Quality Control Tools and Techniques, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, ISO Standards and Quality Certifications, Quality Audits and Benchmarking, Customer Focus and Employee Involvement |
| BA305(OM) | Service Operations Management | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Nature and Characteristics of Services, Service Design and Development, Service Delivery Systems, Capacity Management in Services, Managing Queues and Waiting Lines, Service Quality and Customer Experience Management |
| BA306(OM) | Operations Research & Decision Making | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Linear Programming Extensions, Integer Programming, Dynamic Programming, Queuing Theory Models, Simulation Techniques, Network Models (PERT/CPM) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA401 | International Business | Core | 4 | Globalization and International Business, Theories of International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, International Monetary System, Regional Economic Integration, International Marketing and Human Resource Management |
| BA402 | Project Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Project Management, Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Risk Management, Project Cost and Quality Management, Project Team Management, Project Monitoring and Control |
| BA403(OM) | Advanced Production Planning & Control | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Forecasting in Production Planning, Aggregate Production Planning, Master Production Scheduling, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Just-In-Time (JIT) and Lean Production, Shop Floor Control and Scheduling |
| BA404(OM) | Logistics & Warehouse Management | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Fundamentals of Logistics Management, Transportation Management, Warehousing and Distribution Strategies, Materials Handling and Packaging, Inventory Control in Logistics, Reverse Logistics and Green Logistics |
| BA405(OM) | Technology & Innovation Management in Operations | Elective (Operations Management) | 4 | Role of Technology in Operations, Innovation Processes and Strategies, Digital Transformation in Operations, Industry 4.0 and Automation, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Technology Adoption and Implementation |
| BA406 | Project Work and Viva Voce | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Findings and Report Writing, Managerial Implications, Oral Presentation and Defense, Independent Research |
