IIM Bangalore introduces BBA in digital business, entrepreneurship

On September 16, 2024, IIM Bangalore launched the BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) program virtually as a historic first step towards its entry into undergraduate education.

The inaugural cohort attending the session was addressed by a distinguished group of speakers, including Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore; K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Health; Mukesh Bansal, CEO of Curefit & Founder of Meraki Labs; Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan, OB&HRM area, and Chairperson, Digital Learning; and Professor Suresh Bhagavatula, Entrepreneurship area, and Chairperson BBA (DBE).

Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan discussed IIMB's ten years of experience and skill in providing digital education during his introductory remarks. Professor Krishnan said, "Our  main aim is to provide undergraduate students across the country with access to high-quality education

It provide the first cohort of more than 1,000 students with a rich, engaging learning experience, he emphasized the necessity of fusing traditional business management with the changing demands of digital firms.

K During his keynote address, Sanjay Murthy presented the government's plan for digital education. He emphasized the critical role played by IIMB as a National Coordinator and credited platforms like SWAYAM for democratizing access to education.

Dr. Devi Shetty bombard the program's debut as a major step in the right direction toward increasing access to higher education in India. He said, "In an era where education has become elitist, IIMB's new programme opens doors for students who previously could only dream of such opportunities" . Dr Shetty emphasised that graduates with digital skills and an IIMB degree would be highly sought after in the job market.

LEADERS HIGHLIGHT BBA DBE'S ROLE IN SHAPING FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

Mukesh Bansal talked about how the program's guarantee of accessibility and excellent standards may revolutionise education. Using his background in e-commerce, he emphasised the value of viewing consumer behaviour through the eyes of a digital native and urged students to take charge of their education.

4 key skills that future-ready learners must possess are critical thinking, collaborative learning, digital literacy, and communication, according to Professor Vasanthi Srinivasan. Professor Srinivasan pointed out that in addition to offering instructional materials, IIMB's digital platforms give students access to essential life and digital skills.

Professor Suresh Bhagavatula described how the BBA DBE focuses on integrating fundamental business abilities with digital knowledge.

"Our aim is to prepare students for a digitally-driven world," he stated.

"The curriculum emphasizes an entrepreneurial mindset and includes thirty percent on emerging digital business technologies and thirty percent on core business topics like finance, operations, and marketing," he continued. The program mixes live classes, offline tests, and taped course material. In addition to providing various exit alternatives and highly engaging content, it fosters community building through internships and projects with NSRCEL, one of India's top business incubators, all while adhering to UGC and other national laws.