The Indian Institute of Management Ranchi recently completed the process of review of its course curriculum across the undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral programmes in its Faculty Retreat which was recently held after a long interval. The Institute as a part of its Strategic Plan, ‘IIM Ranchi@2030’ undertook a detailed review of courses across the programmes. The changes were deep and comprehensive and have been aimed to bring the latest developments in the industry and the society to the classroom.
In the post-graduate programmes, the concept of elective courses received a major boost as the second year in all the three full time post graduate programmes of the institute, have been made completely flexible. Compulsory courses in the three terms of the second year have been completely replaced with elective courses. Students have the possibility to select electives from across all study areas of the institute in all the three terms of the second year. Mid-term examinations have also been made flexible to provide greater academic freedom to faculty members. This development is expected to encourage faculty members to introduce new and innovative courses which cater to industry demands. Students are expected to benefit from these courses and explore new domains and create a unique niche for themselves while increasing their employability quotient at the same time.
The first year of the post graduate programmes has also undergone a deep change, and existing courses have been replaced with new courses wherever required to reflect the latest developments. Of particular importance is the introduction of a new course titled ‘Ethical Issues in AI’ in the MBA-Business Analytics Programme, and a course on ‘Ethics, Governance and Sustainability’ in the Executive MBA Programme. Such courses are expected to introduce students to up and coming developments in the industry and academia.
The Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) has also undergone a comprehensive review process for its courses with the perspective of providing a multidisciplinary programme which also includes courses which could bring a positive change to the lives of the students. Elective courses called “Enrichment Electives’ have been introduced across all the first three years of the IPM. These Enrichment Electives would provide a fresh perspective to students through courses like cinematography, Socratic Dialogues, Water Management, Sports Management, Story Telling, Human Connect, Drama and Theatre, Art and Painting, etc.
The compulsory courses of the undergraduate part of the IPM has also undergone a sea change with new courses like Science of Happiness, Sustainability, Social Work, and Tribes in India, which aim to provide a holistic learning experience of important life skills while also connecting them to the roots. Students also have the possibility to learn a local tribal language in the language elective course scheduled in the second year.
Considering the focus on Liberal Arts as a part of the comprehensive revamp of the courses, the Institute has also created a new area called Liberal Arts and Sciences through the merger of pre-existing General Management and Humanities and Applies Sciences Areas. The Strategic Management Area has also been renamed as Strategy and Entrepreneurship Area to highlight the new focus areas of the Institute. With the new area dedicated to Liberal Arts and Sciences and renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship, the Institute expects to send a deeper message to its students about learning for a better and fulfilling life while sharing a deeper bond with the society.
