ISB revises PGP curriculum with focus on flexibility, action-based learning, constant renewal

NEW DELHI: The Indian School of Business (ISB) has introduced a comprehensive curriculum review for its Postgraduate programme in Management (PGP) with a three-pronged approach, including providing flexibility, action-based learning methods and constant renewal of curriculum.

The revised curriculum for PGP will emphasise on personalised and experiential learning. In this regard, the newly established Centre for Learning and Teaching Excellence will drive continuous improvement in content and curriculum design, the B-school said.

“Up to now, half the curriculum could be built by the student from the list of elective courses, while the other half, the core, was fixed. Now there is much more flexibility. This directly addresses not just the variety of jobs but also the diversity within the PGP cohort. The incoming cohort, for instance, has a national-level badminton player, a civil servant, and students with a background in the armed forces,” it said.

Changes in ISB PGP curriculum

Flexibility - The PGP programme will provide more flexible and customised structure as students come from diverse backgrounds ranging from engineering to armed force to arts and sports.

Activity-based learning - The institute announced that it will now use more activity-based learning methods to build the ability to constantly learn.

Constant renewal - The curriculum for PGP will be undergoing constant changes to meet the changing business landscape.

The institute informed that the list of elective subjects will be expanded allowing candidates to choose from a wide list of elective credits and build up to 60% of the programme. “The core credits are reduced to 14; of those too, four can be chosen from a wider list,” it said.

In an effort to align with the demands of the data-driven business landscape, the B-school has added new courses covering innovative technologies. Elective offerings include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

The institute has also revised the curriculum for the one-year programme. Earlier there were standard six-week terms, however, now there are four ‘block weeks’ built in -- making space for a variety of shorter-term courses in between the usual terms, the official statement read.

“Additionally, ISB's Office of Experiential Learning will offer immersive experiences that bridge theory with practice through activities such as field immersions and industry-sponsored projects. This holistic approach aligns with prominent global trends and is informed by a thorough study of the learning landscape by ISB,” it added.

Academic advisory services

From next year, ISB will provide academic advisory services to the students to help them choose a more cross-functional or multi-disciplinary set of elective courses. This means, students will have an option to not major in one area instead build a variety of skill sets.

“The specifics of the review were determined by the faculty’s research on the future of work, and on related aspects such as technological shifts. We also spoke extensively to the alumni, the recruiters, industry at large, to inform this exercise. The result is an ever-evolving curriculum, which ensures a real-time response to newer trends and requirements," Dean Madan Pillutla said.