IIM Bangalore Launches BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship
On September 16, 2024, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) took a significant step toward modernizing higher education by inaugurating its BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) program. The launch was celebrated in a virtual session that brought together a distinguished panel of speakers, including IIMB Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy from the Ministry of Education, and industry leaders like Dr. Devi Shetty and Mukesh Bansal.
A Vision for the Future of Education
In his opening address, Prof. Krishnan articulated the institute’s commitment to extending high-quality education to undergraduate students across India. He underscored the importance of integrating traditional business management principles with the rapidly evolving landscape of digital businesses. With an inaugural cohort of over 1,000 students, the program aims to provide a rich and interactive learning experience that prepares them for the challenges of a digital economy.
Curriculum Designed for a Digital Era
Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula, who chairs the BBA DBE program, elaborated on the curriculum’s unique structure. The program is designed to blend digital awareness with essential business skills, ensuring that students are well-equipped for a digitally-driven world. The curriculum comprises 30% focus on emerging digital business technologies, another 30% on core business topics such as finance, operations, and marketing, and emphasizes fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
Moreover, the program encourages community-building through internships and projects with NSRCEL, one of India’s leading business incubators. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also provides students with flexible exit options, making the program adaptable to various career paths.
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Higher Education
Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health, highlighted the program’s role in making higher education more accessible. He remarked on the elitist nature of education in contemporary society, stating that IIMB’s new initiative opens doors for students who previously felt excluded from such opportunities. This sentiment resonates with the broader goal of democratizing education and making it available to a wider audience.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Mukesh Bansal, CEO of Curefit and Founder of Meraki Labs, shared his perspective on the transformative potential of the BBA DBE program. Drawing from his extensive experience in e-commerce, he emphasized the necessity of understanding consumer behavior through a digital-native lens. Bansal encouraged students to take ownership of their learning journey, suggesting that the program not only imparts knowledge but also empowers students to become proactive learners in a fast-paced digital world.
A Commitment to Quality and Engagement
The BBA DBE program is designed to comply with UGC and other national guidelines, ensuring that it meets high educational standards. The emphasis on engaging content and interactive learning experiences is a testament to IIMB’s commitment to providing an education that is not only relevant but also impactful.
As IIM Bangalore embarks on this new educational venture, it stands at the forefront of a movement to reshape the landscape of business education in India. By focusing on digital business and entrepreneurship, the institute is preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.