Dr. Abhisek Dutta is the Area Director (Acting) of Management and is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at NIIT University (NU). He is pursuing his PhD in the area of Technology Adoption. After his MBA from IBS Hyderabad, he worked for IDBI Capital Market Services before switching to academics. With 15 years of teaching experience, Prof Dutta combines research and experiential learning in his lectures. He has published many research papers in ABDC, and Scopus-indexed international journals and has been a consultant for several major telecom and beverage company projects.

NIIT University

What is the main focus of the Integrated MBA (iMBA) program at NU, and how does it differ from traditional MBA programs?

The main focus of the integrated MBA program is to provide a comprehensive management education combined with in-depth specialization in specific domains such as business analytics, digital and social media marketing & finance, banking & fintech, and entrepreneurship. The integrated MBA program is a 4-year course that combines undergraduate and postgraduate studies, whereas the traditional MBA program is a 2-year course that requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. It offers a comprehensive management education with specialization in business analytics, digital and social media marketing, and finance, banking & fintech, and entrepreneurship. The program is research-driven and industry-linked, with faculty members from both academia and the industry. In contrast, the traditional MBA program focuses on providing a general management education with an emphasis on core business functions such as finance, marketing, operations, and human resources.

According to you how does the iMBA program incorporate industry-linked and industry-relevant curriculum into its teaching approach?

iMBA incorporates industry-linked and industry-relevant curricula by integrating industry practitioners as full-time partnering faculty bridging the gap between industry and academics. Also, the six months of industry practice along with the campus mentor and industry mentor helped in developing the practical learning of the students.

Can you explain the structure of the industry practices included in the iMBA program and how it prepares students for the real world?

The industry practice is a 6-month long training by the university’s Centre for Industry Collaboration (CIC) works with students to explore and uncover their interest areas. Based on a match between the interests of a student and the requirements of the participating companies, the organization, and the project for the Industry Practice are finalized for each student. During the Industry Practice, students are guided by a faculty mentor from the campus, an off-campus resident mentor, and an industry mentor from the organization. Regular interventions by the faculty and industry mentor help in identifying the strengths and weaknesses. In the end, the university expects the students to be absorbed by the company upon completion of the course.

What opportunities are available for students after completing the iMBA program?

The iMBA program offers a unique advantage to join the industry faster by saving a year. Plus, the 6-month industry practice makes the students industry-ready the day one. All of our students have been placed with organizations of their choice areas ranging from business analytics, and marketing research to digital marketing.

Are there opportunities for students to pursue internships in the social sector as part of the iMBA program, and how does NU support such initiatives?

The students of iMBA are offered a social action project wherein they undertake social activities with sustainability at the core of it. The local connection with the society around the campus has benefited this project such as rural literacy, clean neighborhoods, and society, vocational training for daily wage workers, and many more. Such, courses lead and orient the students to undertake and work with social entrepreneurial companies. With the help of the Centre of Industry Collaboration, the student can opt for industry practice with social cause organizations.

Check NIIT University Courses & Fees

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership philosophy centers on fostering an environment built on trust and autonomy. I believe in empowering individuals and granting them the freedom to innovate and make decisions. Trust forms the bedrock of collaboration, enabling a dynamic, cohesive team that thrives through autonomy, accountability, and collective achievement.

What do you see as the program's greatest strengths?

The program‘s greatest strengths are many such as more than 30% customizable curriculum, a semester-long industry practice, industry-relevant specializations that are different from the general norms, and a project-based learning approach.

Could you share information about the mentorship program for iMBA students provided by NIIT University?

During IP, students are guided by a faculty mentor from the campus, an off-campus resident mentor, and an industry mentor from the organization. This semester not only develops management skills but also enhances professional competencies in various areas such as planning, problem-solving, time management, written and verbal communication, cost management, teamwork, meeting deadlines, confidence to complete a task, integrity, customer and professional communication, and more.

What are the most important functions in the role that you play in your university?

The most important function that I play as a part of the university is to make sure my students learn the best and are ready to handle the real world when they leave the secure embrace of our university. I am also responsible for handling other stakeholders such as academia and industry to help keep the programme relevant and useful. It is equally important to promote research, innovation, and collaboration among the management faculty and students and foster a culture of excellence.