Indian Institute of Management-Visakhapatnam (IIMV) has recently launched an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program in a hybrid mode, catering to the changing preferences of students amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. With this initiative, IIMV joins the ranks of IIM Kozhikode as the second IIM in India to offer the EMBA program in a blended format.
The program has garnered significant attention, with 148 students hailing from 18 different states and Union Territories across the country securing admission. This diverse student body showcases the widespread appeal of the flexible EMBA program. Spanning over a period of two years, the majority of the program will be conducted virtually, with two campus immersions scheduled for five days each.
The inauguration of the program was held at IIMV’s permanent campus in Gambheeram, with the presence of all 148 students who had gathered in Visakhapatnam for their first campus immersion. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of D Shivakumar, Chairman of Burger King India and an independent director. Shivakumar had the honor of inaugurating the program, symbolizing the significance of this milestone for IIMV.
During his address at the inauguration, Shivakumar drew attention to the historical tendency of incumbents to underestimate and challenge new technologies. He provided examples of past innovations, such as books, television, mobile phones, airplanes, and computers, and highlighted how their potential impact was often underestimated. He emphasized that even individuals in the technological realm struggle to predict the full extent of the influence and future growth potential of emerging technologies. As a case in point, Shivakumar referenced the Aadhaar initiative, India’s unique identification number system, which surpassed all expectations. He cited the astonishing fact that even matrimonial sites now verify their users using Aadhaar numbers, an application that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Shivakumar shared his insights on the value of an EMBA program, emphasizing that the degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various business domains. He encouraged the students to adopt a digital and sustainable approach to their projects, highlighting the significance of these skills in the modern business landscape. As an experienced board member of various business schools, including IIMs, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of interactions with faculty and fellow students in maximizing the value of the program.
Professor M Chandrasekhar, Director of IIMV, echoed the sentiments of leadership and learning being interconnected, quoting former US president John F Kennedy. He emphasized that IIMV and its faculty would play a crucial role in helping students establish stronger connections with their organizations. Chandrasekhar stressed the importance of resource optimization, not only in terms of economic value but also in generating social and environmental benefits. He highlighted the comprehensive support and resources available at IIMV throughout the two-year program, enabling students to learn from top faculty members and engage with the institute’s ecosystem.
The program chairperson, Prof Happy Paul, also addressed the audience, underscoring the significance of this occasion. Prof Shivshanker Patel, Coordinator (academics and research), Prof Preeti Virdi, Executive Education Programs Chairperson, along with faculty and staff members, were present during the inaugural event.
The introduction of the hybrid EMBA program at IIM Visakhapatnam marks a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to adapting and catering to the evolving needs of students. With a diverse student body and an emphasis on digital and sustainable approaches, the program aims to equip future business leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.