Visakhapatnam: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Visakhapatnam has officially inaugurated the second batch of its executive post-graduate diploma program in management (EPGDPM) for officers and executives from the defence sector. This one-year program was developed under the guidance of the Department of Defence Production, Union Ministry of Defence, and in knowledge partnership with HAL Management Academy, BEL Academy for Excellence (Nalanda), and the National Academy of Defence Production. Its primary objective is to strengthen leadership and management acumen within the defence industry.
Participant Profile and Program Structure
The second batch comprises participants from six defence public sector undertakings, the National Academy of Defence Production, and a private defence firm. The cohort has an average age of 38 years and boasts over 12 years of work experience. The EPGDPM is structured as a modular MBA program. Participants are awarded an executive post-graduate diploma upon successful completion of the first year. They also have the option to continue for a second year to earn an MBA degree.
Hybrid Learning Format
Delivered in a hybrid format, the program includes online sessions and six weeks of campus immersion. The first two-week immersion takes place at IIM Visakhapatnam at the start of the program. The second two-week immersion includes one week at HAL Management Academy and BEL Academy for Excellence (Nalanda), and one week at NADP, Nagpur. The third two-week immersion is held at ESCP Business School in Paris, France.
Inauguration Ceremony Highlights
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Captain Ganti Venkateswarlu, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of Hindustan Shipyard Limited, as the chief guest. In his keynote address, he lauded IIM Visakhapatnam for the successful completion of the first batch of EPGDPM and called upon the participants to work towards self-reliance in the defence sector. He emphasized that leadership requires multifaceted personalities capable of navigating complexity, inspiring teams, and driving transformation. He encouraged the participants to strive for even incremental changes that can collectively create a significant impact.
Academic Leadership Speeches
Professor M. Chandrasekhar, Director of IIM Visakhapatnam, highlighted the program's strong academia-industry collaboration and its case-based, curated management learning approach. He emphasized defence as a strategic growth sector and noted that IIMV has conceptualized the program to address the specific needs of the defence industry. Professor Prashant Premkumar Nair, Admissions Chair, introduced the cohort profile. Professor B. Srirangacharyulu, Program Chair, briefed the participants on the curriculum, delivery model, and learning objectives. Professor Nair expressed gratitude to the participants and their families for their commitment, the Ministry of Defence for its trust and partnership, and the faculty and staff of IIM Visakhapatnam for their support in making the program possible.
