Professor Bharath Gopalan is an ardent ontological practitioner and an accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry. He has held various leadership roles in steering HR and Learning and Development practices and in managing the operations of leading organisations such as Hyundai, RBI, Ramco, Bharat Fritz Werner and BARC.

Professor Bharath has conceptualized, designed, and delivered leadership and behavioural workshops with ontological and experiential-based approaches, has been constantly involved in building a learning and innovation culture within organisations, and has championed various internal branding and employer branding initiatives. He is a published author of two books, Break Your Boundaries and The Smart Presenter, is a certified assessor for the HR Excellence award by CII and a deemed national resource person by the Government of India for the training of officials in government institutions.

Mr. Bharath is a licensed practitioner of psychometric tests like Thomas profiling, MBTI, and Situational Leadership” and has been helping leaders discover innate strengths and harness their teams’ potentials through his signature workshops like Pygmalion Leader, Yinfluencer, and Generative Conversations. He has been involved in two prestigious nationally important projects, BARC’s Rare Materials project and RBI’s New Note press project, right from the inception stage to the commissioning and optimal operation of the plants.

Currently, Mr. Bharath, apart from pursuing his passion for teaching, is extensively involved (as the Chief Process Officer at GIBS Business School) in implementing process approaches and innovation for organisational excellence. He brings his rich leadership experience in HR and learning and development to his current position and plays a vital role in shaping the culture and processes at GIBS.

GIBS B School

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

GIBS proudly offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, affiliated with Bangalore University, known for its comprehensive and industry-aligned curriculum. This program is specially designed to build a strong foundation in business and management principles for undergraduate students. Our BBA program stands out for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students to meet the challenges of the modern business world. The program’s curriculum is enriched with value-added programs (VAPs), subject matter expert (SME) sessions, and a unique focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, making it an ideal choice for young aspirants who wish to excel in the business arena. At GIBS, we provide an environment where students are encouraged to be innovative and engage in research activities, setting the stage for a successful career in business and beyond.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt?

The distinctiveness of our BBA program at GIBS lies in its perfect blend of academic rigour and real-world relevance. The program is meticulously designed to offer a holistic understanding of business management, coupled with hands-on training and exposure to different functional areas of administration. What makes our program unique is the emphasis on practical exposure and the integration of innovative teaching methodologies. Our approach to education includes a significant focus on hands-on experiences and creative research activities, ensuring students are not just learning theoretically but are actively applying their knowledge in practical settings. This dynamic educational experience is further enhanced by our commitment to maintaining a student-centric environment where each student is encouraged to explore and develop their unique potential.

What will you say the “best practices” in the course you’re offering? 

The best practices in our BBA program include a strong emphasis on experiential learning and industry relevance. We incorporate a variety of teaching methodologies, including case studies, group discussions, and project-based learning, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of business concepts. The program is further enriched by regular industrial visits and interactive sessions with business experts, which provide invaluable real-world insights. Additionally, our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial mindsets is evident in the curriculum design, which encourages students to think creatively and innovatively. The program also emphasises the development of soft skills, such as communication and leadership, ensuring our graduates are well-rounded and prepared to excel in their future careers.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

A key insight into our BBA program is its focus on equipping students with a practical understanding of business operations. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, ensuring students are well-prepared to face the challenges of the business environment. Another valuable aspect is the program's emphasis on developing entrepreneurial skills, encouraging students to think creatively and embrace innovation. This focus on entrepreneurship and innovation ensures that our graduates are not just job-ready but also equipped to create and lead future business ventures. Additionally, the program's global immersion program provides students with international exposure, enhancing their understanding of global business practices and preparing them for a career in the global business arena.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our BBA program is designed to prepare students for the future by integrating practical skills and a global perspective into the curriculum. We emphasise developing a comprehensive understanding of business operations, coupled with an awareness of international business practices. The program's focus on practical exposure, through industrial visits and project work, ensures that students are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, our global immersion program exposes students to different cultures and business practices, making them adaptable and versatile for international careers. The program also encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate and lead in the ever-evolving business landscape.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

To deliver our comprehensive BBA program, our faculty undergo continuous professional development. This includes participating in workshops and seminars, engaging with industry leaders, and staying updated with the latest educational trends and practices. Our faculty, with their diverse expertise and experience, are dedicated to providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment. They are trained to use innovative teaching methodologies and are committed to fostering a student-centric learning atmosphere. This approach ensures that our students are not just receiving an education but are being mentored and guided to develop their full potential.

How do you tend to build an industry connect with this program? 

Building strong industry connections is a key aspect of our BBA program. We facilitate this by engaging with industry professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and seminars. These interactions provide students with valuable insights into the corporate world and help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Our unique Corporate is a Customer (CIC) model ensures that our curriculum is aligned with industry needs, making our graduates highly valued by employers. The program's emphasis on practical exposure, through industrial visits and internships, further strengthens these connections, providing students with hands-on experience and a pathway to successful careers.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

Incorporating the BBA program at GIBS involved balancing academic depth with the practical demands of the business world. We addressed this by developing a curriculum that provides a comprehensive understanding of business management while ensuring practical applicability. Keeping the program relevant and up-to-date with the ever-evolving business landscape was another challenge. We overcame this by regularly updating our curriculum and engaging with industry leaders for insights. Additionally, integrating innovative teaching methodologies and ensuring a student-centric approach required a revaluation of our pedagogical strategies. Overcoming these challenges has been crucial to our commitment to providing a top-tier business education, preparing our students not just for their careers but to be leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this Program?

In our BBA program, students engage in various projects that reflect the complexities of the business world. These projects include market research, business plan development, and case study analyses. An essential component of these projects is their focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to develop and implement creative business solutions. The program also includes practical projects and industrial visits, providing students with hands-on experience and an understanding of the real-world business environment. These diverse project types ensure that our students develop a robust set of skills and a deep understanding of business operations, preparing them for successful careers in various sectors.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Graduates of the GIBS BBA program benefit from a well-rounded education that opens a wide array of career opportunities. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, along with strong industry connections, ensures our students are highly attractive to top recruiters. Career options post-course are varied, including roles in finance, marketing, human resources, and more. The program's emphasis on entrepreneurship also prepares students to start their own ventures or take up leadership positions in startups. The global exposure provided by the program, coupled with the strong alumni network, enhances the career prospects of our graduates, preparing them for successful careers both nationally and internationally.