IIM Bangalore is making history by introducing an online undergraduate programme in ‘Digital Business and Entrepreneurship,’ offered through its digital learning initiative, IIMBx. Applications for this groundbreaking course will open on June 15, 2024, with classes set to begin in September 2024. Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, a senior faculty member in the Entrepreneurship area, will serve as the Course Director for this three-year programme, which includes internships and practical projects.
Renowned for its excellence in education and leadership in offering Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), IIM Bangalore’s new BBA programme represents a significant milestone. This programme is strategically designed to integrate digital technology, business management principles, and an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing students for the dynamic and competitive business landscape. The innovative curriculum aims to equip students with the skills needed for the digital future.
Professor Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, stated that the programme’s goal is to produce entrepreneurs, digital enterprise employees, and individuals who can drive digital progress in traditional businesses. The programme features a flexible exit policy and will be delivered online with asynchronous content to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds. There will be an entrance test, and the courses will be designed to be as engaging and interactive as possible.
Aligning with India’s vision for the future, this programme addresses the need for accessible, industry-oriented, and quality educational programmes. It aims to boost India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by democratizing and making education more inclusive. The course combines digital and management fundamentals with an entrepreneurial mindset to prepare self-motivated, digitally savvy graduates.
The BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship will empower students to become innovative entrepreneurs and leaders. It fosters a culture of creativity, risk-taking, and business acumen, nurturing a new generation of leaders capable of driving change and making a tangible impact in the business world.
A key component of the programme is student networking through collaborative projects, local engagements, and institutional events, providing opportunities to build essential relationships and explore diverse career paths.
IIM Bangalore, ranked among the top management institutes in India according to NIRF, is a pioneer in online education. It has significantly contributed to the global MOOC platform edX with over 75 courses and millions of participants. The school’s entrepreneurship training programmes are highly regarded, and it coordinates management education for SWAYAM, the Government of India’s online education platform.
Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, Chairperson of Digital Learning at IIMB, explained the programme’s structure, highlighting its asynchronous components, including faculty videos, assigned readings, ungraded assignments, and projects or simulations. The programme emphasizes innovative pedagogy, social learning, and ensuring learner satisfaction.
