Why MBA Development Management different from contemporary MBA degree

Covid-19 has created volatility and uncertainty where sustainable development has become a matter of concern. The entire globe has been seeing a paradigm shift in all sectors and all directions calling for a need for a more autonomous and purpose-driven workforce. Changes in the entire ecosystem have been noticed where the boundaries between the Rural and the Urban are slowly disappearing. The National Commission on Population (NCP) in India, 38.6% of Indians i.e about 600 million are predicted to live in urban areas by 2036 which is in the next 15 years. It indicates that there would be more opportunities for professionals to build an eco-system for the Rurban population.

MBA Development Management unlike other MBA programmes opens a specialised arena of career opportunities. Development Management offers a more focused approach to the person to work in a very niche yet specialised area which calls for attention towards making strategic decisions.

What can you do after MBA Development Management?

While a degree in Development Management does not lead to a specific career in the way that, medicine or engineering or accounting does, you can choose to:

• Become engaged in the accountable governance of development transformation 
• Contribute to Facilitating citizen engagement for accountable governance
• Gain skills in evidence-based planning, implementation and management of rurban and urban development transformation 
• Learn to lead development management of CSR initiative 
• Learn to manage flagship development programs of 

• Government of India 
• Join and contribute in domestic and international organizations by emphasising clarity on poverty alleviation and community development 
• Development Management of CSR initiatives and small enterprise creation

Who can apply?

Candidates graduated from any recognized university in any discipline with min. 50% marks. Candidates must have a CAT/ XAT/ NMAT/ MAT/ CMAT/ ATMA/ GMAT/ IIHMR UMAT Score Card, or Certificate(s) of work experience.

Salary and programme objectives

The Master Degree course in Development Management is of two years and after its fulfilment, students can go in different fields for occupations including lessons relevant to the 21st century with the essence of a praising career. The course tenure is for two years with an average fee beginning from a range of 5.25 lakh. Candidates graduating from MBA DM receive an average pay package of Rs. 5-7 lakh p.a. as a beginner, and it grows if one with the opportunities gets promoted as a Research Analysts / Sustainability Manager, he/she shall certainly draw a salary package of Rs. 12 lakh p.a.

Job opportunities

Students with a degree in Development Management would be equipped to deal with those with knowledge in analytics, financial and human resource systems, and sustainable development approach and will be offered the opportunities to the candidates explore profiles in distinguished sectors like Banking Sector, Trade Centres, Marketing Sector, Investment Sector, Financial fields personnel Business Development Companies, Urban and Rural Development Areas, Business Development Executive, Evidence-based policy and program planning, Management of Rurban and Urban transformations, Colleges and Universities, etc. Organisations such as WHO, UN, Water Aid, NHM, National Rural Livelihood Mission etc also consider professionals with MBA Development Management degrees. 

About the author

Dr Rahul Ghai is the Dean of the School of Development Studies at IIHMR University.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha