Unleashing Practical Wisdom: VGSoM's Innovative Approach to Business Learning

In the dynamic realm of business, education transcends the confines of traditional classrooms. Vinod Gupta School of Management (VGSoM) at IIT Kharagpur embraces this philosophy through its pioneering initiative, "Learning Business Outside Classroom" (LBOC), where theory seamlessly intertwines with real-world application.

A Holistic Learning Expedition at VGSoM:

Far beyond a mere subject, LBOC embodies an immersive experience that propels students beyond theoretical confines. This one-credit course is meticulously designed to cultivate practical skills, nurture critical thinking, and equip students with the resilience needed in today's ever-evolving business landscape.

LBOC touches upon the critical skills and experiences that are required for the holistic development of a business student. It helps the diverse set of students VGSoM to acquire the knowledge that they would need going forward. The several integral elements of LBOC include the practical immersion where students don't merely learn about the business world but step into it through hands-on live projects, gaining invaluable exposure to the intricacies of various industries.

This helps in a continuous evolution as remaining attuned to industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging technologies, is a cornerstone of LBOC. It champions self-directed learning, encouraging students to delve into online courses, books, and workshops to better serve the projects they undertake.? In this world where communication plays a vital role in creating vast networking, LBOC recognizes the pivotal role of professional networks and acts as a Networking Hub where students are actively prompted to connect with industry stalwarts, attend events, and engage in community activities to broaden their perspectives. Throughout this journey, the guidance is provided with Mentorship Magic as we call it where seeking guidance from seasoned professionals is actively encouraged. Mentors provide insights, share experiences, and help students navigate the complex terrain of business. It is all amalgamated as a Skill Symphony- LBOC places a spotlight on holistic skill development, encompassing critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving prowess, and adept project management.

To gain further insights into the program, the Admissions committee talked to the batch of 2022-24 about their experiences with LBOC:

Emlon Ghosh shared his experience about his team’s work with “SystemOnSilicon Corporation” where they worked on social media marketing and marketing analysis firsthand for the company while Sarthak Bhagat and Arnab Das shared their unique experience with “Roha Precision” where they worked in the veterinary sector in which they did primary research on the feasibility of a GI parasite infection testing kit. Their team surveyed different states and they got the chance to learn about Primary market research, stakeholder identification, how consumer demand affects product development along with the communication skills needed and learnings of the ground realities of an industry. Pradeesh NT also worked with “Roha precision” in a different capacity where his team did secondary research in which they did a competitor evaluation for the company analyzing aspects like value proposition, positioning, operations, distribution, marketing, funding, partnerships, strengths, weaknesses, etc. for 10 different companies. The research aimed to help ROHA formulate strategies for entering the cattle healthcare market. Jyotirmaya Mohapatra and his team worked with “Capsavvy”, a financial advisory company that provides customized business solutions related to Business Strategy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Restructuring, etc. In their project, they learned about the research related to the company’s expansion to a new business horizon, “Venture Capitalist market” and the different aspects of Start-up funding.?

MBA Projects- An Integration of Learning and Application:

As an integral part of LBOC, VGSoM effortlessly integrates online projects sourced directly from companies. This facet of the program offers students a hands-on opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world predicaments. The MBA projects unfold as follows:

Project Genesis: Participating companies present genuine problem statements, challenging students to devise innovative solutions.

Virtual Engagement: Projects unfold entirely online, eliminating the need for a physical office space and fostering a conducive virtual work environment.

Temporal Embrace: Each project spans 10 weeks, running from January 2024 to April 30, 2024, allowing students to allocate 5 hours per week to the endeavor.

Collaborative Dynamics: Teams comprising 5-6 students collaborate on each project, reflecting the diversity and synergy essential for effective problem-solving.

Guiding Lights: Companies appoint mentors to provide continuous guidance, ensuring that the learning experience is not just theoretical but also practically enriching. Along with that, one professor for each group of students is given to mentor them.

Student Tapestry- A Kaleidoscope of Diversity:

The 2023-25 batch at VGSoM is a vibrant mosaic of 146 students, with almost all students holding BE/ B Tech degrees with an average work experience of more than 22 months. This diversity enriches the academic tapestry, creating an environment where varied perspectives converge, fostering deeper insights.

In Conclusion- Learning Redefined:

Learning Business Outside Classroom at VGSoM transcends the conventional academic paradigm. It's a transformative journey that readies students not just for the theoretical intricacies of business but for the pragmatic challenges that await. Through LBOC and the associated MBA projects, VGSoM stands at the forefront of redefining business education — creating agile, innovative, and socially responsible leaders poised for success in the ever-evolving landscape of global business.