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MBA in Production at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Production at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Production and Operations Management program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, focuses on optimizing the creation and delivery of goods and services. In the dynamic Indian industrial landscape, efficient operations are crucial for competitiveness, driving demand for professionals skilled in streamlining processes and managing complex supply chains. This program differentiates itself by blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications relevant to both manufacturing and service sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates seeking entry into manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain roles, and BBA/B.Com graduates aiming for careers in operations. It also caters to working professionals in mid-level roles, such as production supervisors or logistics coordinators, who wish to upskill and take on strategic operational responsibilities. Individuals looking to transition into the fast-growing e-commerce and retail operations sectors in India will also find this specialization highly beneficial, provided they have a foundational understanding of business processes.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in operations management, supply chain management, quality assurance, and project management. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing to INR 10-20 LPA for experienced professionals in Indian manufacturing giants, e-commerce firms, and logistics companies. The program prepares students for roles such as Operations Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Production Planner, and Quality Control Executive, aligning with certifications like Six Sigma and APICS.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Analytical & Statistical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on Managerial Economics, Business Statistics and Analytics, and Accounting for Management. Master concepts like demand forecasting, statistical inference, cost analysis, and data interpretation. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses on probability and statistics, Coursera modules on financial accounting, and Excel for practical data manipulation.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera, Microsoft Excel, R/Python (basics)
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are fundamental for data-driven decision-making in operations and supply chain roles, crucial for optimizing efficiency and reducing costs.
Develop Management and Organizational Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in case study analyses for Management Principles and Practices and Organizational Behavior. Understand different management styles, leadership theories, and organizational structures. Join student clubs related to management or entrepreneurship to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings and enhance soft skills like teamwork and communication.
Tools & Resources
Harvard Business Review case studies, Institutional library resources, Student management clubs
Career Connection
Essential for leading teams, understanding corporate culture, and effectively navigating organizational dynamics in any management role, particularly in complex operational environments.
Initiate Industry Awareness and Networking- (Semester 1-2)
Attend guest lectures and workshops organized by the Department of Management Studies. Begin researching key companies in the manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain sectors in India. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni and industry professionals, gaining insights into current industry trends and career paths within operations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Company websites, Department guest lecture series
Career Connection
Early exposure helps in understanding industry expectations, identifying potential employers, and building a professional network that can be vital for internships and placements.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Operations and Supply Chain Tools- (Semester 3-4)
For Production and Operations Management electives, focus on understanding the practical application of tools and techniques like Lean Manufacturing, TQM, ERP, and Operations Research. Engage in simulations, solve real-world problems presented in class, and explore relevant software. Consider pursuing foundational certifications in Six Sigma (Green Belt) or supply chain (e.g., CSCP introduction).
Tools & Resources
SAP ERP learning modules, Simulation software, Six Sigma Green Belt certification resources, APICS introductory materials
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools is highly valued in manufacturing and supply chain roles, directly enhancing employability and effectiveness in optimizing processes.
Seek Practical Industry Exposure through Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Actively pursue internships in manufacturing units, logistics companies, or e-commerce operations. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in areas like inventory management, production planning, quality control, or supply chain optimization. Document learnings and build a portfolio of projects completed during the internship.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Internshala, LinkedIn, Company career pages
Career Connection
Internships provide critical practical experience, bridge the gap between academia and industry, and often serve as a direct pathway to full-time employment.
Enhance Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Participate in business competitions, hackathons, or case study challenges focused on operations, supply chain, or manufacturing scenarios. Collaborate with peers to analyze complex problems and propose innovative solutions. This hones critical thinking and decision-making under pressure, vital for operations leadership.
Tools & Resources
Industry-specific case competitions, B-school challenges, Team collaboration tools
Career Connection
Employers highly value candidates who can demonstrate effective problem-solving and strategic decision-making in real-world business contexts, directly applicable to operations challenges.
Advanced Stage
Master Project Work and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the 10-credit Project Work. Choose a topic that aligns with your specialization (Production and Operations Management) and potentially addresses a real industry problem. Focus on rigorous data collection, analysis, and coherent report writing. Practice compelling presentations to effectively communicate findings and recommendations.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Statistical software (SPSS, R), Presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), Academic advisors
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and the ability to contribute valuable insights, enhancing interview performance and career readiness.
Strategic Career Planning and Interview Preparation- (Semester 4)
Work closely with the placement cell for mock interviews, resume building workshops, and group discussion practices. Research target companies and roles in the operations and supply chain domain, tailoring your application materials to specific requirements. Network extensively with alumni for referrals and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Resume builders, Interview preparation platforms, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Focused preparation ensures you are interview-ready, articulate your skills and experience effectively, and maximize your chances of securing a desirable position.
Continuous Learning and Industry Trends Awareness- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Stay updated with the latest trends in operations and supply chain management, such as Industry 4.0, AI in logistics, sustainable operations, and blockchain in supply chain. Follow industry publications, attend webinars, and consider micro-credentials or short courses in emerging technologies relevant to your field to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Tools & Resources
Industry magazines (e.g., Supply Chain Management Review), Professional association websites (e.g., ASCM/APICS India), Online learning platforms
Career Connection
Demonstrates proactive engagement and adaptability, making you a more attractive candidate for roles that require foresight and innovation in a rapidly evolving operational landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any Degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved category applicable to Tamil Nadu candidates only) and Valid Score in TANCET/XAT/MAT/CAT/GMAT/ATMA/CET/VEE/any other State/National Level Entrance Examination.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 89 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23MSBC101 | Management Principles and Practices | Core | 4 | Evolution of Management Thought, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Departmentation, Directing and Motivation, Controlling Techniques |
| 23MSBC102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Demand Analysis and Forecasting, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structure and Pricing Strategies, Macroeconomic Concepts, Business Cycles and Policies |
| 23MSBC103 | Accounting for Management | Core | 4 | Financial Statements Analysis, Cost Concepts and Classifications, Budgeting and Budgetary Control, Marginal Costing and Break-Even Analysis, Capital Budgeting Techniques |
| 23MSBC104 | Business Statistics and Analytics | Core | 4 | Data Collection and Presentation, Probability and Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Time Series and Forecasting |
| 23MSBC105 | Organizational Behavior | Core | 4 | Individual Behavior and Perception, Motivation Theories, Group Dynamics and Team Building, Leadership Styles and Theories, Organizational Culture and Change Management |
| 23MSBC106 | Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 4 | Entrepreneurial Process and Types, Business Plan Preparation, Sources of Finance for Entrepreneurs, Small Business Management, Innovation and Creativity |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23MSBC201 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing Concepts and Environment, Product Life Cycle and Branding, Pricing Strategies, Promotion Mix and Channels, Marketing Research and Consumer Behavior |
| 23MSBC202 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Capital Budgeting Decisions, Working Capital Management, Capital Structure Theories, Cost of Capital, Dividend Policy |
| 23MSBC203 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | HR Planning and Job Analysis, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal and Compensation, Industrial Relations |
| 23MSBC204 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Production Systems and Layout, Inventory Management, Quality Control and Assurance, Supply Chain Management, Project Management |
| 23MSBC205 | Research Methods for Management | Core | 4 | Research Design and Process, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| 23MSBC206 | Business Ethics and Corporate Governance | Core | 4 | Ethical Theories and Principles, Corporate Social Responsibility, Good Corporate Governance Practices, Ethical Decision Making, Whistle-blowing and Ethical Leadership |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23MSBC301 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Strategic Analysis and Formulation, Environmental Scanning, Strategy Implementation, Strategic Control and Evaluation, Corporate and Business Level Strategies |
| 23MSBC302 | Management Information Systems | Core | 4 | Information Systems Fundamentals, Database Management Systems, E-commerce and Mobile Commerce, Decision Support Systems, IT Strategy and Governance |
| 23MSBE301 | Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Elective | 4 | Logistics System Design, Transportation Management, Warehousing and Distribution, Inventory Management in SCM, Supply Chain Relationships |
| 23MSBE302 | Material Management | Elective | 4 | Purchasing and Procurement, Storekeeping and Inventory Control, Material Handling Systems, Standardization and Codification, Vendor Development and Rating |
| 23MSBE303 | Service Operations Management | Elective | 4 | Service Design and Development, Capacity and Demand Management, Waiting Line Management, Service Quality and Productivity, Customer Relationship Management |
| 23MSBE304 | World Class Manufacturing | Elective | 4 | Lean Manufacturing Principles, Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma Methodology, Just-In-Time (JIT) Systems, Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23MSBC401 | Project Work | Core | 10 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Viva-Voce |
| 23MSBE401 | Total Quality Management | Elective | 4 | Principles and Concepts of TQM, Quality Gurus and their Contributions, Statistical Process Control (SPC), Quality Tools and Techniques, ISO 9000 and TQM Implementation |
| 23MSBE402 | Enterprise Resource Planning | Elective | 4 | ERP Concepts and Architecture, ERP Modules and Benefits, ERP Implementation Life Cycle, Business Process Reengineering (BPR), ERP Vendors and Future Trends |
| 23MSBE403 | Operations Research | Elective | 4 | Linear Programming and Simplex Method, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Network Models (PERT/CPM), Queuing Theory, Simulation Models |
| 23MSBE404 | Management of Technology and Innovation | Elective | 4 | Technology Strategy and Policy, Research and Development Management, Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation Process and Diffusion, Technology Transfer and Commercialization |
