

MBA in Operations Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)


Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Operations Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Operations Management program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) focuses on equipping students with the skills to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and manage complex supply chains. In the rapidly industrializing Indian economy, efficient operations are crucial for competitiveness across manufacturing, services, and e-commerce sectors. This program distinguishes itself by combining theoretical foundations with practical applications relevant to India''''s dynamic business environment, preparing graduates to tackle real-world operational challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from engineering, science, or commerce backgrounds seeking entry into core operational roles within Indian manufacturing and service industries. It also caters to working professionals with 1-3 years of experience in production, logistics, or quality, looking to upskill and take on managerial responsibilities. Additionally, career changers transitioning into supply chain, project management, or process improvement roles will find the curriculum highly beneficial, especially those with an analytical bent.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in India as Operations Managers, Supply Chain Analysts, Logistics Coordinators, Project Managers, and Quality Assurance specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing to INR 10-20+ LPA for experienced professionals in leading Indian companies and MNCs. The program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, aligning with industry demand for professionals who can drive efficiency and innovation in complex operational landscapes, potentially leading to professional certifications like Lean Six Sigma.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Management Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental management, economics, accounting, and quantitative techniques. These subjects form the bedrock for advanced operations concepts. Engage actively in classroom discussions and solve numerical problems diligently.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Online tutorials (e.g., NPTEL for management basics, Coursera for economics), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals ensures you can connect operational decisions to broader business objectives, a critical skill for entry-level managerial roles and future leadership positions.
Enhance Communication and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in case study analyses and presentations, focusing on structuring arguments and clear communication. Practice quantitative problem-solving using tools like Excel or basic statistical software to build a robust analytical foundation.
Tools & Resources
Case study competitions, Public speaking clubs, Microsoft Excel tutorials, SPSs (trial version) or R for basic stats
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for coordinating teams and presenting solutions, while strong analytical skills are non-negotiable for data-driven operational decision-making in India''''s competitive landscape.
Engage in Industrial Visits and Mentorship- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the industrial visit opportunities provided by the institution to observe real-world operations. Seek out and connect with faculty or industry mentors to gain insights into career paths and industry expectations in India.
Tools & Resources
VISTAS career services, LinkedIn for mentor search, Industry reports and publications
Career Connection
Early exposure to industry practices and mentorship provides context to theoretical learning, helps in networking, and clarifies career aspirations, making you more marketable for internships and jobs.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Choose Operations Management electives strategically based on your career interests. Go beyond the syllabus, exploring advanced topics and current industry trends. Seek out opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in simulated environments or mini-projects.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Supply Chain/TQM, SAP learning resources (if available), Industry webinars and conferences
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a preferred candidate for niche roles in supply chain, quality, or project management, enhancing your value proposition to Indian employers.
Pursue a Meaningful Summer Internship- (After Semester 2 (during summer break), evaluated in Semester 4)
Actively seek and secure a summer internship in an operations-focused role at a relevant company. Treat it as a real-world project, contributing meaningfully and building a strong network within the organization.
Tools & Resources
VISTAS placement cell, Internshala, LinkedIn Jobs for internships, Company career pages
Career Connection
A successful internship provides practical experience, verifies your interest in the field, often converts into pre-placement offers, and strengthens your resume for final placements in India.
Participate in Operations-Focused Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Join case study competitions, supply chain challenges, or business simulation games. These platforms allow you to apply your knowledge, test your problem-solving skills under pressure, and network with peers and industry experts.
Tools & Resources
Inter-college competitions, Industry body events (e.g., CII, FICCI youth forums), Online simulation platforms
Career Connection
Participation showcases your practical aptitude, teamwork, and ability to handle complex problems, which are highly valued by recruiters seeking future operations leaders.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Project Work- (Semester 4)
Select a challenging project in an area of Operations Management that aligns with your career goals. Conduct thorough research, apply analytical tools, and develop practical solutions. Your project should demonstrate problem-solving capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases, Industry reports, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for data analysis), Faculty mentors
Career Connection
A well-executed project is a strong talking point in interviews, demonstrating your ability to conduct independent research and contribute to organizational improvements, crucial for senior roles.
Focus on Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 4)
Engage in rigorous aptitude test preparation, mock interviews, and group discussions. Actively network with alumni and industry professionals through workshops, seminars, and LinkedIn. Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight your operations skills.
Tools & Resources
Online aptitude platforms (e.g., Indiabix), VISTAS placement training, LinkedIn for networking, Resume building tools
Career Connection
Proactive and structured placement preparation significantly boosts your chances of securing desired roles in top-tier companies across India. Networking opens doors to hidden opportunities.
Acquire Industry Certifications- (Semester 4 onwards)
Consider pursuing relevant industry certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, PMP (Project Management Professional) foundations, or certifications in supply chain from professional bodies like APICS. This adds a tangible skill endorsement.
Tools & Resources
ASQ (American Society for Quality), PMI (Project Management Institute) resources, Online certification courses (e.g., Udemy, edX)
Career Connection
Certifications differentiate you in the job market, validate your expertise, and often lead to better salary packages and faster career progression in operations-intensive industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in any Bachelor''''s Degree Examination of Bharathiar University or any other University recognized by Bharathiar University as equivalent thereto, with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved category) in the qualifying examination. Admission based on entrance examination (CAT/MAT/XAT/ATMA/CMAT/CET) or VEE.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT1101 | Management Principles and Practices | Core | 3 | Management Concepts, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Staffing, Directing and Controlling, Modern Management Practices |
| MGT1102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Economic Principles, Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures and Pricing, Macroeconomic Environment |
| MGT1103 | Accounting for Management | Core | 3 | Financial Accounting Fundamentals, Cost Accounting Techniques, Management Accounting Tools, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgeting and Control |
| MGT1104 | Organizational Behavior | Core | 3 | Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, Leadership and Motivation, Conflict and Stress Management, Organizational Culture and Change |
| MGT1105 | Quantitative Techniques for Management | Core | 3 | Operations Research, Linear Programming, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Queuing Theory and Simulation, Decision Theory and Game Theory |
| MGT1106 | Business Communication and Negotiation Skills | Core | 3 | Communication Process, Oral and Written Communication, Business Etiquette and Correspondence, Negotiation Strategies and Tactics, Presentation Skills |
| MGT1107 | Case Study and Analysis | Core | 1 | Case Study Methodology, Problem Identification, Data Analysis in Cases, Solution Development, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT1201 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Concepts and Environment, Market Segmentation and Targeting, Product and Brand Management, Pricing, Promotion, and Distribution, Digital Marketing |
| MGT1202 | Financial Management | Core | 3 | Financial Objectives, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Working Capital Management, Capital Structure and Dividend Policy, Risk and Return Analysis |
| MGT1203 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Planning and Job Analysis, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal and Compensation, Industrial Relations |
| MGT1204 | Research Methods for Management | Core | 3 | Research Design and Process, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Ethics |
| MGT1205 | Operations Management | Core | 3 | Production Systems, Facility Location and Layout, Inventory Management, Quality Management and Control, Supply Chain Management |
| MGT1206 | Business Law and Ethics | Core | 3 | Indian Contract Act, Company Law Provisions, Consumer Protection Act, Cyber Law, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance |
| MGT1207 | Industrial Visit and Report | Core | 1 | Industry Exposure, Observation and Learning, Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation of Findings |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT1301 | Strategic Management | Core | 3 | Strategic Planning Process, Strategic Analysis Tools, Corporate and Business Strategies, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Control and Evaluation |
| MGTE3101 | Supply Chain Management | Elective | 3 | Supply Chain Strategy, Logistics and Transportation, Inventory Optimization, Sourcing and Procurement, Information Technology in SCM |
| MGTE3102 | Total Quality Management | Elective | 3 | Quality Philosophy, Quality Tools and Techniques, Statistical Process Control, Six Sigma Methodology, ISO Standards and Auditing |
| MGTE3103 | Services Marketing and Management | Elective | 3 | Nature of Services, Service Design and Development, Service Quality Models, Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty, Service Recovery Strategies |
| MGTE3104 | Project Management | Elective | 3 | Project Life Cycle, Project Planning and Scheduling, Resource Allocation, Risk Management, Project Monitoring and Control |
| MGTE3105 | Advanced Production and Operations Management | Elective | 3 | Demand Forecasting, Aggregate Planning, Capacity Planning, Scheduling Techniques, Maintenance Management |
| MGTE3106 | Materials Management | Elective | 3 | Purchasing Management, Stores Management, Inventory Control Systems, Materials Handling, Value Analysis |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT1401 | Entrepreneurship Development and Project Work | Core | 4 | Entrepreneurial Process, Business Plan Development, Feasibility Analysis, Sources of Funding, Small Business Management |
| MGTE4101 | Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics | Elective | 3 | Logistics Network Design, Transportation Management, Warehousing and Distribution, Demand Planning and Forecasting, Supply Chain Performance Analytics |
| MGTE4102 | Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma | Elective | 3 | Lean Principles and Tools, Value Stream Mapping, Waste Reduction Techniques, Six Sigma Methodologies (DMAIC), Green Belt Concepts |
| MGTE4103 | Technology Management | Elective | 3 | Technology Strategy, Technology Forecasting, Research and Development Management, Technology Transfer, Innovation Management |
| MGTE4104 | Operations Strategy | Elective | 3 | Operations Strategy Formulation, Competitive Dimensions of Operations, Process Choice and Design, Capacity and Location Strategy, Global Operations Strategy |
| MGTE4105 | World Class Manufacturing | Elective | 3 | WCM Principles, Just-In-Time (JIT), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Industry 4.0 Applications |
| MGTE4106 | Simulation and Modeling for Business Decisions | Elective | 3 | Simulation Concepts, Model Building Techniques, Discrete-Event Simulation, Monte Carlo Simulation, Decision Support Systems |
| MGT1402 | Summer Internship and Report | Project | 6 | Industry Exposure, Practical Application of Concepts, Project Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation |
| MGT1403 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Methodology and Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Findings and Discussion, Dissertation Writing and Viva-Voce |




