Comprehensive Course Structure
The MBA in International Business curriculum at Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai is meticulously structured to provide students with a holistic understanding of global business operations. The program spans two years, divided into four semesters, each designed to build upon the previous one while introducing new concepts and practical applications.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | IB-101 | Fundamentals of International Business | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | IB-102 | Global Economic Environment | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | IB-103 | International Trade Theory and Policy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | IB-104 | Cross-Cultural Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | IB-201 | International Financial Markets | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-102 |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | IB-202 | Global Marketing Strategy | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-104 |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | IB-203 | Supply Chain Management | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-102 |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | IB-204 | Business Analytics for Global Markets | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-102 |
| Year 2 - Semester 3 | IB-301 | International Business Strategy | 3-0-0-3 | IB-201, IB-202, IB-203 |
| Year 2 - Semester 3 | IB-302 | Sustainable Business Practices | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-102 |
| Year 2 - Semester 3 | IB-303 | Digital Transformation in Global Markets | 3-0-0-3 | IB-204 |
| Year 2 - Semester 3 | IB-304 | Global Human Resources Management | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-104 |
| Year 2 - Semester 4 | IB-401 | Capstone Project in International Business | 0-0-6-6 | All previous courses |
| Year 2 - Semester 4 | IB-402 | Advanced Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-102 |
| Year 2 - Semester 4 | IB-403 | Executive Leadership in Global Organizations | 3-0-0-3 | IB-301 |
| Year 2 - Semester 4 | IB-404 | Global Business Ethics and Governance | 3-0-0-3 | IB-101, IB-102 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Global Strategic Leadership: This course focuses on developing leadership capabilities in complex, multi-cultural environments. Students learn to navigate geopolitical risks, manage organizational change, and implement global strategies that align with corporate objectives. The course includes case studies from top-tier organizations such as General Electric, Nestlé, and Siemens.
International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Designed to equip students with negotiation techniques that are effective in cross-cultural settings, this course explores the dynamics of international business negotiations. It covers topics like mediation strategies, cultural sensitivity, and legal frameworks governing global contracts.
Emerging Markets Strategy: This elective delves into the unique challenges and opportunities present in emerging economies. Students examine economic development models, regulatory environments, and market entry strategies tailored to developing nations. Case studies from India, Brazil, China, and Africa are used to illustrate key concepts.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management: With growing emphasis on sustainability, this course teaches students how to design and manage supply chains that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. Topics include green logistics, circular economy principles, and carbon footprint reduction strategies.
Digital Transformation in Multinational Enterprises: This advanced course explores how digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing are reshaping global business operations. Students learn to evaluate digital readiness, assess risks, and develop transformation roadmaps for large-scale enterprises.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Engagement: Focused on ethical business practices, this course examines how organizations balance profit motives with social responsibility. It covers stakeholder theory, CSR frameworks, and methods for measuring societal impact through sustainability reporting.
Global Risk Management: This course addresses the complexities of managing risks in international business environments. Students learn to identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks across different markets and regulatory contexts.
International Trade Agreements and Policy Analysis: Designed for students interested in public policy, this course provides an in-depth analysis of trade agreements, tariff structures, and regulatory policies affecting global commerce. It includes simulations of WTO negotiations and discussions with policymakers.
Global Brand Management: This elective explores the strategic management of brand identity across diverse markets. Students learn to develop brand positioning strategies, manage cross-cultural marketing campaigns, and build customer loyalty in global contexts.
International Human Resource Development: This course focuses on talent management and organizational development in multinational settings. Topics include expatriate management, diversity training, performance evaluation systems, and workforce planning in global organizations.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The curriculum at Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai emphasizes project-based learning as a core component of student development. This approach encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation.
The program includes two major projects: a mini-project in the second semester and a final-year capstone project. Mini-projects are undertaken during the second semester under faculty supervision and involve analyzing business cases, conducting market research, or solving operational problems faced by real organizations.
For the final-year capstone project, students select a topic aligned with their specialization and work closely with a faculty mentor to conduct original research or develop a strategic solution for a multinational corporation. These projects often result in publishable papers or patents, providing students with tangible achievements that enhance their professional profiles.