Interview: IIT Roorkee’s revamped MBA is faster, broader, practical

NEW DELHI: Revamped this year, the MBA programme offered by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee is now fast-paced, covers more ground and privileges practical learning. Mukesh Kumar Barua, dean, students’ welfare at IIT Roorkee, has been teaching management at the institute for almost two decades. He spoke to Careers360 about the changes.

Q. IIT Roorkee has restructured its MBA programme this year. Why was that necessary and what changes have been made in the course structure?

A. IIT Roorkee has introduced the quarterly term-based structure in its two-year MBA programme to revamp the curriculum in tune with the current requirements of the industry. This restructuring has put the institution in line with India’s premier B-Schools such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Each academic year of the programme is divided into four terms. The primary motive to restructure the MBA programme was to drive excellence through the expansion of the knowledge base and to encourage the promotion of research and innovation.

In this new structure, the first year will be focused on theoretical knowledge, while the second year will comprise practical learning experience with industrial visits, corporate interactions, projects, and research.

Q. How is the term system going to benefit students?

A. This new structure will introduce fast-paced courses of 1 credit, 1.5 credits, and 2 credits that will enable the inclusion of more subjects in the curriculum, the ability to choose electives from the fourth term (first year) itself, teaching the electives which are in high demand in the first year itself to equip students with the required knowledge before the placement season. The term system will expose students to a wider range of disciplines whereas the practical aspect of the course will comprise relevant industry exposure and project work.

The new structure has a proven track record of upskilling the students in line with the requirements of the futuristic workforce. The last semester will consist of only the project work and a lot of importance given to it can be helpful as more time would be available for every student under the guidance of the project mentor.

Q. In the second year, will there be focus on the local industries around the institute?

A. Yes, the second year is going to be focused on practical experience with greater industry exposure through internships, live projects and visits to nearby industries. Our institute has the opportunity of accessing the nearby SIIDCUL (State Infrastructure and Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd.), Dehradun, or even industries in Haridwar district.

Having said that, industrial visits are going to be just a part of the quality learning experience that a student can get, the change in curriculum will not only allow the students to have more industrial visits but also give them more time to engage in live projects, internships and other practical corporate learning experiences.

Q. Are there other plans?

A. The department is planning to start an executive MBA from next year. The new structure has a proven track record of upskilling the students in line with the requirements of the futuristic workforce. The last semester will consist of only the project work and a lot of importance given to it can be helpful as more time would be available for every student under the guidance of the project mentor.

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