Experiential Learning at Fortune Institute of International Business [FIIB], Delhi

Since its inception in 1995, FIIB, a premier Business School in Delhi, has worked towards rediscovering and reinventing MBA Education. The unique curriculum is made to deliver learning experiences to students that are more collaborative and immersive. Prof. Vidya M. Iyer faculty at FIIB speaking says,  “To become successful managers, the students must work alongside a company, understand their models, identify and analyze the problem from multiple perspectives.”

For students pursuing MBA while it is essential to have an academic focus, it is no longer enough to just finish their degree in a classroom. To compete in the business world that is fiercely competitive and exacting, budding managers need to have experiences that differentiate them from others. And that is exactly where experiential learning comes into play.

Importance:

The real world problems of an organization or its competitors could be a world away from each other and could be all the more different from what is being taught in the classroom. Experiential learning opportunities encourage students to work along with corporates so they can identify and solve problems that arise in the companies.

Companies are increasingly looking for MBA graduates who have plunged themselves into ‘live’ corporate environment. Therefore, FIIB has partnered with companies, organizations, and industry leaders to weave a curriculum that is a perfect blend of strong academics and engaging practical projects.

Opportunities at FIIB:

The following 6 opportunities are incorporated into the MBA curriculum to channel the skills learned by students to actionable outcomes. Over the course of 2 years, students take part in these learning programs apart from the regular academic courses that test the mettle of the student.

1. Social Immersion Program (SIP) -
   
   Students work along with NGOs and social ventures under the mentorship of faculty to identify and solve the business problems. This helps drive societal awareness and a sense of sustainability in managers of tomorrow. By the end of the program, students make connections between themselves, community experiences and the larger world.
   
   The students are guided by a mentor who would help them establish rapport with the NGO, identify areas of engagement that were critical for NGO, and encourage them to plan and work for in those areas. In 2017, students worked with 14 NGOs like Agewell Foundation, Lakshyam, Teach For India etc.
   
   

2. Corporate Internship Project (CIP) -
   

   A 3-month internship experience, the students apply their theoretical learning and skills in the organization working on a selected project(s). The companies hire students for various roles and sectors such as marketing, finance, HR, operational/process analysis etc. CIP is a “recruiting opportunity” for many companies.

3. Global Immersion Experience -

   The fun learning part of the FIIB MBA, the Global Immersion Program provides students the experience of understanding the culture and commerce of another country, and develop the confidence to work in the international marketplace.  During the visit, students explore the different ways to approach a problem and make business decisions.
   
   Previously the students from the Institution have visited Black Tulip International, Al Nakheel Project, HANSA Green LED Light Trading LLC at Hamriyah, Skyline University College, the University of Sharjah in Dubai.

4. Live Projects -
   
   A short (up to 2 months), part-time engagement with a company taken up during the regular terms by students who have demonstrated their capacity and capability to handle multiple priorities. Through this, students get to nurture their conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Live projects also stress on team building and teamwork.

5. Business Simulation (BS) -
   
   A practical, integrated course that requires student teams to operate a simulated business in a highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. Acting as a business manager, students set the direction for the company to build up the business by making decisions related to its Strategy, Finance, Market, Operations, HR and Innovation. The simulation is a 30 hour full credited course aimed to foster interdisciplinary decision-making in an inexact environment and to prepare students for the problems and issues of working in a rapidly changing world.

6. Guided Independent Study (GIS) -
   
   A self-directed, advanced study elective course for students who wish to research deeper in a specific topic of their domain. GIS keep students engaged to academic skill building during their first phase of the job. It helps in building critical thinking of the student.

These immersive and engaging learning experiences at FIIB help the students place greater value of investing in their careers. Experiential learning opens a new window to MBA education by making the students aware of the challenges leaders and managers face in an organization every day. Under the guidance of faculty and teaming up with fellow students, alumni and their corporate mentors, students turn classroom knowledge to corporate actions. And this is the true aim of education at FIIB.