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MBA in Strategic Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Strategic Management at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Strategic Management program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on developing leaders capable of guiding organizations through complex business landscapes. It emphasizes analytical thinking, decision-making, and execution of long-term plans crucial for sustainable growth in the dynamic Indian market. The program differentiates itself by integrating global best practices with local market nuances, preparing students for impactful roles in diverse industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for ambitious fresh graduates seeking entry into high-impact management roles, aspiring entrepreneurs, and working professionals looking to upskill and transition into strategic leadership positions. Individuals with a background in commerce, engineering, or business administration, possessing strong analytical abilities and a desire to shape organizational futures, will find this specialization particularly rewarding for career advancement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths as Management Consultants, Business Analysts, Corporate Strategists, or Project Managers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more (INR 10-25+ LPA) based on roles in top Indian companies and MNCs. The program provides a strong foundation for professional certifications in project management or business analysis, aligning with growth trajectories in Indian conglomerates and startups.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Business Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong understanding of all core MBA subjects like finance, marketing, HR, and operations. Utilize classroom learning, case studies, and supplemental online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera) to solidify these concepts, as they form the bedrock for strategic decision-making. Engage in group discussions and peer learning to clarify doubts and broaden perspectives on diverse business functions.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera, Harvard Business Review case studies, VISTAS library resources
Career Connection
A robust understanding of all business functions is essential for effective strategic planning and allows for informed decisions, leading to roles in general management or analytical positions in companies seeking holistic business acumen.
Develop Strong Analytical and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in quantitative subject labs like Business Data Analytics and Operations Management to hone analytical skills using tools like Excel and basic statistical software. Simultaneously, refine communication through presentations, group projects, and debating clubs. Seek feedback on both written and verbal communication.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, R/Python basics (online tutorials), Toastmasters International (if available), VISTAS communication workshops
Career Connection
Strategic roles demand strong data interpretation and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. These skills are highly valued by consulting firms and corporate strategy departments for presenting findings and influencing decisions.
Engage in Business Competitions and Simulations- (Semester 1-2)
Form teams and participate in inter-collegiate or intra-college business quizzes, case study competitions, and virtual business simulations. These activities provide hands-on experience in problem-solving under pressure and expose students to real-world business scenarios, fostering competitive spirit and strategic thinking from an early stage.
Tools & Resources
Online business simulation games, College event announcements, Student clubs
Career Connection
Participation showcases initiative and practical application of knowledge, improving resume quality and interview performance for roles requiring quick thinking and teamwork in the Indian business landscape.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Strategic Management Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully select elective subjects within the Strategic Management specialization that align with long-term career aspirations. Go beyond the syllabus by reading current industry reports, business news (e.g., Economic Times, Business Standard), and leadership biographies. Actively engage with faculty on contemporary strategic challenges and innovative solutions.
Tools & Resources
Financial newspapers, Industry journals, Faculty mentorship, LinkedIn Learning, Strategic management books
Career Connection
Specializing deeply enhances expertise, making graduates more attractive to specific roles in corporate strategy, business development, or management consulting, commanding better salary packages in the Indian job market.
Pursue Industry Internships and Live Projects- (After Semester 2 / During Semester 3 break)
Actively seek out and complete internships (minimum 8-10 weeks) or live projects with companies focused on strategic planning, business development, or management consulting. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to solve real business problems, building a portfolio of practical experience. Network extensively with industry professionals during this period.
Tools & Resources
VISTAS Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Company career pages, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala)
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical exposure, understanding corporate culture, and often lead to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability and network for future opportunities in India.
Develop Consulting Skills through Case Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Regularly practice solving complex business case studies, both individually and in teams. Focus on structured problem-solving frameworks (e.g., Porter''''s Five Forces, SWOT, PESTEL) and develop strong presentation skills to articulate recommendations. Participate in mock consulting interviews and workshops to refine these skills.
Tools & Resources
Case interview prep books (e.g., Case in Point), Online case study resources, VISTAS faculty for guidance
Career Connection
Strong consulting skills are highly valued in strategy roles, business development, and management consulting firms, which are major recruiters for MBA graduates in India.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Impact Capstone Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a challenging research topic for the capstone project or dissertation that aligns with the strategic management specialization. Conduct thorough research, data analysis, and derive actionable insights for a real or hypothetical company. Aim for a project that addresses a significant business problem or explores an emerging strategic area.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (e.g., EBSCO, J-STOR, PROQUEST), Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Faculty guidance
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates the ability to conduct independent strategic analysis, problem-solve, and provide value, making it a powerful talking point in job interviews for strategic roles.
Intensive Placement Preparation and Networking- (Semester 4)
Engage in rigorous preparation for campus placements, including resume building, mock interviews, group discussions, and aptitude tests. Leverage the college''''s alumni network and participate in industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with potential employers and gain insights into hiring trends for strategic roles in India.
Tools & Resources
VISTAS Placement Cell, LinkedIn, Alumni mentors, Online aptitude platforms
Career Connection
Proactive and thorough placement preparation is critical for securing desired roles in top companies. Networking can open doors to opportunities not advertised through traditional channels, especially for strategic positions.
Cultivate Strategic Leadership Qualities- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to lead teams in academic projects, student organizations, or college events. Focus on developing qualities like vision setting, team motivation, decision-making under uncertainty, and conflict resolution. Read leadership books and observe effective leaders to internalize best practices relevant to the Indian corporate context.
Tools & Resources
Leadership workshops, Self-help books on leadership, Industry leader interviews, VISTAS student body roles
Career Connection
Leadership potential is a key criterion for senior strategic roles. Demonstrating these qualities enhances an individual''''s readiness for managerial and leadership positions post-MBA, accelerating career progression in the competitive Indian landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in any Bachelor''''s Degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4 pattern) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories) from a recognized university. Candidates with valid scores in MAT / CAT / XAT / CMAT / ATMA / TANCET are preferred.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 97 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for Theory), 50% (for Practical/Project/Internship), External: 60% (for Theory), 50% (for Practical/Project), NA (for Internship)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R23MBA101 | Business Statistics and Research Methods | Core | 4 | Introduction to Statistics and Data, Probability and Probability Distributions, Sampling and Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Introduction to Research Methodology, Research Design and Data Collection |
| R23MBA102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Managerial Economics, Demand and Supply Analysis, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structure and Pricing Strategies, Macroeconomic Environment of Business, Business Cycles and Economic Policies |
| R23MBA103 | Accounting for Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Financial Accounting, Accounting Concepts and Principles, Financial Statements Analysis, Cost Accounting Fundamentals, Marginal Costing and Break-Even Analysis, Budgeting and Variance Analysis |
| R23MBA104 | Organizational Behaviour | Core | 4 | Introduction to Organizational Behaviour, Perception and Learning, Motivation Theories, Group Dynamics and Team Building, Leadership Styles and Theories, Organizational Culture and Change |
| R23MBA105 | Legal Aspects of Business | Core | 4 | Indian Contract Act 1872, Sale of Goods Act 1930, Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, Companies Act 2013, Consumer Protection Act 2019, Intellectual Property Rights |
| R23MBA106 | Principles of Management | Core | 4 | Evolution of Management Thought, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Departmentation, Staffing and Human Resource Management, Directing and Leading, Controlling and Coordination |
| R23MBA107 | Managerial Communication | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Written Communication Skills, Oral Communication and Presentation, Intercultural Communication, Business Correspondence and Reports |
| R23MBAL101 | Business Data Analytics Lab | Lab | 2 | Introduction to Spreadsheets for Data Analysis, Data Visualization Tools, Basic Statistical Functions, Regression Analysis using Software, Time Series Forecasting, Business Reporting and Dashboards |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R23MBA201 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Marketing, Market Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning, Product Life Cycle and Strategy, Pricing Strategies, Distribution Channels and Logistics, Promotion and Integrated Marketing Communication |
| R23MBA202 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to HRM, Human Resource Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation and Employee Relations |
| R23MBA203 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Financial Management, Time Value of Money, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Cost of Capital, Capital Structure Theories, Working Capital Management |
| R23MBA204 | Operations Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Operations Management, Process Design and Layout, Capacity Planning and Facility Location, Production Planning and Control, Quality Management and TQM, Supply Chain Management Fundamentals |
| R23MBA205 | Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Core | 3 | Introduction to Logistics and SCM, Logistics Network Design, Transportation Management, Warehousing and Inventory Management, Global Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Performance Measurement |
| R23MBA206 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Core | 4 | Concept of Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Innovation, Business Plan Development, Funding for Start-ups, Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship, Family Business Management |
| R23MBA207 | Corporate Social Responsibility | Core | 3 | Concepts of CSR, Stakeholder Engagement, CSR Initiatives in India, Sustainability and Business Ethics, Triple Bottom Line Reporting, CSR Legislation and Governance |
| R23MBAL201 | Operations Management Lab | Lab | 2 | Linear Programming Problems, Transportation and Assignment Models, Queuing Theory, Project Management Techniques (PERT/CPM), Inventory Control Models, Simulation in Operations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R23MBA301 | Strategic Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Strategic Management, Environmental Analysis and Competitive Advantage, Strategy Formulation and Implementation, Corporate Level Strategies, Strategic Control and Evaluation, Strategic Issues and Challenges |
| R23MBA302 | Business Ethics & Governance | Core | 3 | Introduction to Business Ethics, Ethical Decision Making, Corporate Governance Principles, Role of Board of Directors, Shareholder and Stakeholder Rights, Corporate Frauds and Scams |
| R23MBAV301 | International Business Management | Elective (Strategic Management) | 3 | Globalization and International Business, Theories of International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, International Financial Management, Entry Strategies for International Markets, Cross-Cultural Management |
| R23MBAV302 | Management of Technology & Innovation | Elective (Strategic Management) | 3 | Introduction to Technology and Innovation Management, Sources of Innovation, Technology Commercialization, Intellectual Property Rights, Technology Transfer and Diffusion, Innovation Strategies for Competitive Advantage |
| R23MBAV303 | Global Strategic Management | Elective (Strategic Management) | 3 | Nature of Global Strategy, Global Environmental Analysis, Global Competitive Strategies, International Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures, Global Strategy Implementation and Control |
| R23MBAV304 | Business Intelligence and Analytics for Strategic Decisions | Elective (Strategic Management) | 3 | Introduction to Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing and Data Mining, Predictive Analytics, Data Visualization and Reporting, Role of BI in Strategic Decision Making, Ethical Aspects of Business Analytics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R23MBAV305 | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) | Elective (Strategic Management) | 3 | Introduction to ERP Systems, ERP Modules and Functions, ERP Implementation Methodology, ERP Vendors and Market, Benefits and Challenges of ERP, Future Trends in ERP |
| R23MBAV306 | Strategic Leadership | Elective (Strategic Management) | 3 | Concept of Strategic Leadership, Leadership Theories and Styles, Developing Strategic Vision and Mission, Leading Organizational Change, Ethical and Social Responsibility of Leaders, Building Strategic Capabilities |
| R23MBA401 | Internship | Core | 5 | Practical Application of Management Concepts, Industry Exposure and Experience, Problem Solving in Real-world Scenarios, Professional Networking, Report Writing and Presentation, Skill Enhancement |
| R23MBA402 | Project Work | Core | 10 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Interpretation of Findings, Report Writing and Presentation |
