Education & Training

Evolution of the MBA; navigating the future of business education in a digital and global landscape

Evolution of the MBA; navigating the future of business education in a digital and global landscape

The new-age MBA programmes are also ensuring that fresh graduates are fluent in global diversity and international norms.

Author

Mayank Dhaundiyal, Professor of Strategy and Dean at Jindal Global Business School (JGBS), O. P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.

Summary

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) continues to stand out as one of the top choices for postgraduate education, consistently outperforming many other master’s degrees across various metrics. The Graduate Management Admission Council’s (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey reveals that employers highly value the skills and leadership qualities instilled by MBA programmes, making MBA graduates more sought-after in the job market.

However, the MBA degree’s traditional value proposition faces intense scrutiny, and there is an increasing demand for graduates to possess not only analytical skills but also the ability to successfully lead a multi-cultural and multi-generational workforce through uncertain times, a global mindset, and an understanding of organisational constraints and realities. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, employers are seeking MBA graduates who can hit the ground running in navigating complex challenges and driving innovation. This shift in demand reflects the need for industry-ready and adaptable leaders who can think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate across diverse teams.

Consequently, the ‘Masters in Business Administration’ title may have remained the same, but the content and delivery have undergone a huge transformation. MBA programmes are evolving to incorporate experiential learning opportunities and courses that foster creativity, technical know-how, and emotional intelligence. New-age MBA programmes are pivoting towards a more practical, skills-based curriculum emphasising digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, global awareness, leadership, and adaptability. This includes courses in emerging technologies, data analytics, digital marketing, and e-commerce, aiming to equip students with the right skills to navigate and harness the digital landscape effectively. The qualification demands have also evolved and moved beyond the conventional specialisations of finance, marketing, and operations to offer new-world specialisations such as business analytics, artificial intelligence, fintech, sports management, and more.

Published in: Financial Express

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