

MBA in Logistics And Supply Chain Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)


Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Logistics and Supply Chain Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Logistics and Supply Chain Management program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on equipping students with expertise in managing the flow of goods, services, and information. It covers strategic sourcing, global logistics, and supply chain analytics, crucial for optimizing operations in India''''s rapidly growing manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. The program emphasizes practical application and technological integration for efficient supply chains.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into the dynamic logistics and supply chain industry, aiming for roles in operations, procurement, or distribution. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in supply chain management, perhaps moving into managerial or analytical positions. Individuals with a keen interest in optimizing business processes and a desire to contribute to India''''s economic backbone will thrive.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in logistics, warehousing, procurement, and e-commerce operations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential into senior roles at leading Indian and multinational companies. The skills acquired align with professional certifications in supply chain management, boosting professional credibility and advanced career trajectories in the Indian market.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Analytical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering concepts from Managerial Economics, Business Statistics, and Operations Research. Actively participate in problem-solving sessions and engage with numerical assignments to solidify understanding of quantitative techniques crucial for business analysis.
Tools & Resources
Excel for data analysis, R/Python basics for statistical modeling, NPTEL courses for foundational management subjects
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are critical for data-driven decision-making in LSCM, essential for roles in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and strategic planning.
Develop Effective Communication and Ethical Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in communication workshops, group discussions, and presentations. Practice public speaking and refine business writing skills. Internalize ethical considerations discussed in Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility to ensure responsible business conduct.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International clubs (if available), Grammarly for writing refinement, Harvard Business Review articles on ethics and leadership
Career Connection
Excellent communication and ethical conduct are crucial for leadership roles and effective stakeholder management, vital for seamless operations across the supply chain.
Engage in Peer Learning and Collaborative Projects- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, share insights, and prepare for exams. Actively seek opportunities for group projects, fostering teamwork, negotiation skills, and diverse perspectives on management challenges.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online tools (Google Docs, Microsoft Teams), University library resources, Case study discussions
Career Connection
Teamwork and collaboration are vital in complex supply chain environments, where cross-functional coordination is essential for project success and efficient problem-solving.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Practical Exposure through Summer Internship- (After Semester 2, before Semester 3)
Secure a meaningful summer internship in a logistics or supply chain company. Actively seek projects involving real-world challenges like inventory optimization, route planning, or vendor management. Document learnings thoroughly and build a portfolio of work.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn for professional networking, Industry contacts, internship search platforms (Internshala, Naukri)
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable industry experience, build professional networks, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly accelerating career entry and practical skill development.
Specialize in Key LSCM Domains- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into chosen elective areas like Strategic Sourcing, Global Logistics, or Warehouse Management. Read industry reports, case studies, and professional journals related to these domains. Attend webinars and industry talks to stay updated on trends.
Tools & Resources
Online LSCM courses (Coursera, edX), CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) resources, Industry magazines (Logistics Management India)
Career Connection
Developing specialized knowledge makes you a highly sought-after candidate for specific LSCM roles, enhancing your market value and opening doors to focused career paths.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-4)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and guest lectures organized by the department or external bodies. Actively connect with speakers, alumni, and recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn to build a robust professional network and gain insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Professional Network, Industry associations (e.g., CII, FICCI logistics forums), Career fairs and industry meetups
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and insights into industry trends, crucial for long-term career growth and navigating the competitive job market.
Advanced Stage
Execute a Comprehensive Project Work- (Semester 4)
Select a challenging research topic within Logistics and Supply Chain Management for the final project. Conduct thorough research, data collection, analysis, and present actionable recommendations. Aim for a real-world problem statement with tangible outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (JSTOR, EBSCO), Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python), Project management tools for task tracking
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates problem-solving abilities, research skills, and practical application of knowledge, highly valued by recruiters for impactful roles.
Master Supply Chain Analytics Tools- (Semester 4)
Beyond theoretical understanding, gain hands-on experience with tools and software used in supply chain analytics and IT, such as ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), advanced Excel, and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI).
Tools & Resources
SAP/Oracle training modules, Online tutorials for Tableau/Power BI, Case studies on IT implementation in SCM and data visualization platforms
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools is a direct requirement for many modern LSCM roles, particularly in supply chain planning, optimization, and data analysis, making you industry-ready.
Prepare Rigorously for Placements- (Semester 4)
Participate actively in placement training programs, mock interviews, and group discussion sessions. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific LSCM roles. Prepare for technical questions related to your specialization and general aptitude tests to enhance employability.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell resources, Online aptitude test platforms, Interview preparation guides and practice sessions
Career Connection
Thorough preparation significantly increases your chances of securing a desirable placement in top-tier companies, kickstarting your career in logistics and supply chain management.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in any Degree of this University or any other University recognized by the Syndicate as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for Theory courses), 50% (for Practical/Project), External: 60% (for Theory courses), 50% (for Practical/Project)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MBA101 | Management Theory and Organizational Behavior | Core | 5 | Management Process and Functions, Organizational Behavior Concepts, Personality and Perception, Motivation and Leadership, Group Dynamics and Team Building |
| 21MBA102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 5 | Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Theory, Market Structures and Pricing Strategies, Profit Management, Macroeconomic Environment and Business Cycles |
| 21MBA103 | Business Statistics | Core | 5 | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Probability Distributions, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis |
| 21MBA104 | Accounting for Management | Core | 5 | Financial Accounting Principles, Cost Accounting Concepts, Management Accounting Tools, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgetary Control and Variance Analysis |
| 21MBA105 | Communication Skills and Business Ethics | Core | 4 | Communication Process and Barriers, Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Business Correspondence and Reports, Business Ethics and Values, Corporate Social Responsibility |
| 21MBA106 | Business Environment and Law | Core | 4 | Economic and Political Environment, Social and Technological Environment, Competition Law and Consumer Protection Act, Indian Contract Act, Companies Act and FDI |
| 21MBA107 | Computer Applications in Management (Practical) | Practical | 1 | MS Office Suite for Business, Internet and E-Commerce Applications, Database Management Systems, Statistical Software Usage, Presentation Tools |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MBA201 | Marketing Management | Core | 5 | Marketing Mix and Strategies, Consumer Behavior and Market Segmentation, Product Life Cycle and Branding, Pricing Methods and Strategies, Promotion and Distribution Channels |
| 21MBA202 | Financial Management | Core | 5 | Capital Budgeting Decisions, Cost of Capital and Capital Structure, Working Capital Management, Dividend Policy Decisions, Sources of Finance and Financial Planning |
| 21MBA203 | Operations Management | Core | 5 | Production Systems and Process Design, Facility Location and Layout, Inventory Management Techniques, Quality Management and TQM, Project Management and Scheduling |
| 21MBA204 | Human Resource Management | Core | 5 | HR Planning and Job Analysis, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal and Compensation, Industrial Relations and Employee Welfare |
| 21MBA205 | Research Methods for Management | Core | 4 | Research Design and Problem Formulation, Sampling Techniques and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing and Presentation |
| 21MBA206 | Operations Research | Core | 4 | Linear Programming, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Network Analysis (PERT/CPM), Queuing Theory, Decision Theory and Game Theory |
| 21MBA207 | Entrepreneurship Development (Practical) | Practical | 1 | Entrepreneurial Characteristics and Process, Business Plan Formulation, Project Identification and Appraisal, Sources of Finance for Startups, Legal Aspects of Business |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MBA301 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic Management Process, Environmental Analysis, Strategy Formulation and Choice, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Evaluation and Control |
| 21MBALS3E1 | Fundamentals of Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Elective | 5 | Introduction to SCM and Logistics, Supply Chain Drivers and Performance, Transportation in SCM, Warehousing and Distribution, Inventory Management Fundamentals |
| 21MBALS3E2 | Strategic Sourcing and Procurement Management | Elective | 5 | Strategic Sourcing Process, Supplier Selection and Management, Negotiation and Contract Management, E-Procurement and Technology, Global Sourcing Strategies |
| 21MBALS3E3 | Global Logistics and International Trade | Elective | 5 | International Logistics Environment, Incoterms and Documentation, Modes of International Transportation, Customs Procedures and Regulations, Trade Blocs and Global Supply Chains |
| 21MBA302 | Summer Internship | Project | 4 | Industry Exposure and Practical Application, Problem Identification and Analysis, Data Collection and Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Professional Networking |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21MBALS4E1 | Warehouse and Inventory Management | Elective | 5 | Warehouse Operations and Functions, Warehouse Layout and Design, Material Handling Systems, Inventory Control Models, Demand Forecasting and Planning |
| 21MBALS4E2 | Supply Chain Analytics and IT | Elective | 5 | Supply Chain Metrics and Key Performance Indicators, Data Analytics in SCM, Forecasting Techniques and Tools, ERP Systems in Supply Chain, Emerging Technologies (RFID, Blockchain, AI) |
| 21MBALS4E3 | Retail Logistics and E-Commerce Supply Chain | Elective | 5 | Retail Supply Chain Management, E-commerce Logistics and Fulfillment, Omni-channel Retailing Logistics, Last-mile Delivery Optimization, Reverse Logistics and Sustainability |
| 21MBA401 | Project Work (Viva-Voce) | Project | 5 | Problem Formulation and Research Design, Literature Review and Data Collection, Statistical Analysis and Interpretation, Findings and Recommendations, Report Presentation and Viva-Voce |




