Ahmedabad University doesn’t have departments within its Schools and Centres, instead we have different programmes offering a whole host of Majors for the students to choose from. A Major is an area of specialisation within a degree programme (for example, History or Chemical Engineering or Economics or Accounting). The student chooses a Major at the time of entering the University but has the flexibility to change the Major as per the prescribed policy. We also allow our students to come into the University with an undeclared Major. Each Major requires 60 or more credits and the total requirements for the degree will 120 credits or higher depending upon the number of credits a particular Major requires. Usually, a Major has the following structure – a School Core, a Discipline Core, Discipline Electives, School Electives and Internships. Being an Honours degree a Thesis or Capstone project with a writing component is also there for Arts, Sciences, Management and Commerce programmes. For Engineering students, it is a project.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Honours programmes and the Majors in the liberal Arts and Sciences that constitute them are an entry point for careers in broad and diverse areas. They are 21st-century programmes: rigorous, contemporary and contextual. They are interdisciplinary, and encourage experiential ‘self-learning’ in order to establish how best to ask the right questions and conduct research, and what methodology to use in a particular circumstance. In line with the other programmes at Ahmedabad University, this represents a rethinking of higher education and what it can achieve. As the world changes and artificial intelligence and big data make complex moral and political demands on our understanding; as digital technology remakes music and the possibilities of art; as questions about the future of the global environment spring up at the interstices of applied science, social sciences and philosophy, these programmes will seek to act as a bridge not only between the liberal arts and sciences, but between academic and public intellectual life.
Accounting is a system for measuring and summarising business activities, interpreting financial information and communicating the results to management and other stakeholders to help them make better business decisions. Digital technology allows accountants to perform tax preparation services, statistical analysis and forecast modelling much more efficiently. Thus, in addition to being knowledgeable in accounting practices, an accounting professional needs to be a skilled communicator, able to ethically apply accounting processes and to integrate these processes with computerised accounting technology. The paradigm shift in the field of Accounting necessitates a change in the traditional curriculum that focuses only on individual branches of accounting and lacks a multidisciplinary approach interweaving these courses with the other functional areas of management. The major in Accounting is designed to develop a strong foundation in important aspects of any business’s operations by creating a theoretical framework to understand the importance and applicability of accounting principles and practices. It will enable students to create a comprehensive knowledge base by exploring various aspects of a business entity, including nuances of financial accounting, application of relevant tax laws, cost accounting techniques and their application for the purpose of management analysis, cost control and decision making. This major will also help students to develop a broad understanding of different dimensions of finance, including financial management, banking, and the structure and operation of financial markets and services. Students will be exposed to contemporary developments in financial reporting like the need of mandate corporate governance for corporate ethics, CARO in auditing, the adoption of IFRS in India, emergence of forensic accounting and deciphering misreporting of financial statements. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: Classify and arrange the financial information in financial statements as per the prescribed formats of the Companies Act, 2013 Break down the financial effects of corporate restructuring on the financial statements of companies Sketch the performance of companies through financial statement analysis techniques Interpret the needs of various stakeholders and develop the ability to communicate financial data effectively and provide meaningful recommendations Assemble cost accounting information and use various techniques of cost accounting to assess the managerial actions and decision making Interpret and use the provisions of tax laws judiciously for corporates and non-corporates Generate automated financial statements through the use of accounting software Implement the best practices of corporate governance The major aims to prepare students for meaningful employment in the field of Accounting. The undergraduate programme at Ahmedabad University will also enable students to pursue professional qualifications like Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accounting (CPA), Certified Financial Planning (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst, and Chartered Accountancy, among many others. read more >>
Accounting and Finance are core functions of a business organisation. But with the advent of technology, contemporary accountants are no longer the number crunchers that they were pictured to be and Finance is much more than just managing money. Digitised accounting has made it easy for accountants to perform tax preparation services, statistical analysis and forecast modelling much more efficiently. Technology has dramatically improved accuracy in the accounting and finance fields and reduced the margin of error but has also provoked problems of cybercrimes and digital hacking. Introduction of secure financial technologies like block-chain and crypto-currencies, or electronic payment systems are meant to address these issues and will further drive the use of digital technologies in financial intermediation and financial markets. In fact, these are times of massive change in the accounting and financial space. The major in Accounting and Finance is a response to this highly evolving backdrop. The major aims to prepare graduates who understand both the accounting and finance functions deeply. A two pronged approach to the curriculum is desirable - on one hand it is anchored by the key fundamentals of finance and introduction to new financial techniques and on the other it, will enable the students to create a comprehensive knowledge of contemporary Accounting techniques like forensic accounting. It also trains in the use of analytical tools in making financial decisions in firms, institutions providing financial services, and the financial system at large. It will help students to understand how organisations finance their activities and what accounting practices they follow to track the monetary transactions. A broad understanding of these aspects would be facilitated through the inclusion of different dimensions of Accounting and Finance like financial accounting, decision making through cost accounting techniques, application of relevant tax laws, contemporary developments in financial reporting and auditing, techniques in financial management, investment analysis, issues in corporate finance, structure and operation of financial markets and services. Overall, it aims to provide a blend of the theory of Accounting and Finance through practical application and relevant case studies within the corporate space. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: classify and arrange financial information in the financial statements and sketch the performance of companies through financial statement analysis techniques use analytic and quantitative techniques to understand data, make sound inferences, and make well-supported decisions apply best practices in financial management to make plans, organize projects, monitor outcomes and provide financial leadership interpret the needs of various stakeholders and develop the ability to communicate financial data effectively and provide meaningful recommendations implement best practices to create and evaluate financial portfolios to achieve investment outcomes observe and interpret financial markets to uncover potential opportunities assemble cost accounting information and use various techniques of cost accounting to assess managerial actions and decision making interpret and use the provisions of tax laws judiciously for corporates and non-corporates A major with a combination of Accounting and Finance is recognised worldwide for enhancing the critical as well as the analytical capacities for students. Those planning for career in industry, commerce and financial services will find career opportunities in banking, insurance, taxation, treasury, and financial management. Students can also pursue additional professional qualifications in the Accounting and Finance area like Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accounting (CPA), Certified Financial Planning (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Accountancy among many others. read more >>
Business analytics major will enable the students to analyse data for business decision making. It involves using information technology, statistical analysis, quantitative methods, and computer-based models to gain improved insight about business operations and aid better data-based business decision making. Business analytics is an integral part of modern management. It helps solve complex business problems using data. Business analytics will provide the students with a range of specific frameworks, tools, and concepts that they will be able to apply across a wide range of real time business functions and situations. It will enable the students to learn techniques and tools to identify, understand and apply state-of-the art methods using hands-on approach to drive value for businesses, companies and society. Business analytics skills are deployed. In all functions of any firm. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: Understand and critically apply concepts and methods of business analytics Identify, model and solve decision problems in different settings Interpret results/solutions and identify appropriate courses of action for a given managerial situation whether a problem or an opportunity Recognize, understand and apply the language, theory and models of the field of business analytics Foster an ability to critically analyse, synthesise and solve complex unstructured business problems Encourage an aptitude for business improvement, innovation and managerial action Business analytics graduates find opportunities in both manufacturing and services organizations. They build data models and perform analysis for various functions of a firm like marketing, finance, human resource, operations & supply chain management. read more >>
The distinguishing feature of the major in Economics at Ahmedabad University is its emphasis on rigour and creativity. Students will be taught to analyse and think independently about issues using an economics theoretical framework and data-based evidence. The programme focuses on the development of a strong foundation in Mathematics to allow students to better grasp modern economic theory. They will develop skills necessary to analyse economic and financial issues using mathematical models. Students will also develop a proficiency in statistics, empirical methods and statistical software packages. The final year undergraduate thesis requirement will train students to think creatively about a topic of their own interest and to conduct systematic scientific research on it. The thesis and the years preceding it will provide ample opportunity to develop strong writing, communication and presentation skills. The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Major in Economics will introduce students to microeconomics, macroeconomics, statistics, econometrics, history of economic thought and a study of the Indian economy. In addition, students may choose from a wide range of electives and learn more about specific areas of Economics such as development, environment, finance and labour economics. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the undergraduate programme at Ahmedabad University, students will also take classes in other subject areas and thus have an opportunity to learn alternative theories and pedagogies. The programme will provide an early opportunity for students to learn to collaborate with peers. This is because during the Foundation Programme, and subsequently throughout the curriculum, there will be a strong emphasis on project-based learning. On completion of the major, the student will be able to: Develop an awareness of important economic and policy issues nationally and globally. Analyse and think independently about issues using theoretical frameworks from the discipline of economics. Critically evaluate empirical research because of a proficiency in statistics, and empirical research methods. Learn to manage and analyse data using statistical software. Communicate economic ideas and arguments effectively using data based evidence. Think creatively and learn the process of systematic scientific research to evaluate economic and policy related topics. The degree will prepare students to study further or seek employment directly. One can pursue Graduate studies in economics or related disciplines such as Business, Law, Political Science, Public Administration and Public Policy. Employment opportunities, upon completing the major in Economics, include working in business, civil services, corporate sector, government, investment banks, journalism, media, technology firms, non-governmental organisations, think tanks and research institutions. Students will be encouraged and supported to pursue internships during the summer months. read more >>
Family Business and Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs are agents of change not only for industrial and economic transformation but also for social development. Entrepreneurship creates an environment for innovation and inventions, as well as jobs, wealth, resources, and products and services. The major in Family Business and Entrepreneurship is a five year Integrated Master of Business Administration programme. It prepares students to understand the motivation, dynamics, and decision-making ambience of family businesses and entrepreneurs and to develop skills and mindsets for managing businesses. The Family Business and Entrepreneurship major addresses conception, design, organization, and management of new enterprises and family businesses. It encompasses various facets from opportunity identification through launch, growth, financing and profitability. Students are encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and hone their skills needed to develop a new enterprise with potential for growth and funding or to identify and pursue opportunities for growth within an existing organisation. Students are taught different tools and techniques required to start a new venture or manage an existing venture. They are trained to work with changing environments, new technological advancements and new business models. Simulation courses give students the opportunity to put together business plans with fellow students. The major also addresses issues like purpose, conflict, succession, leadership and professionalism in the context of family businesses. Students appreciate the importance of ethical business practices and complyiance with government and industry laws and regulations. Courses are offered in areas like strategy, business history, international business, innovation, sustainability, organisational behaviour, finance, marketing and organisational design. The Entrepreneurship Major may also be combined with minor to enhance the student’s entrepreneurial or organisational career options. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: assess the attractiveness and pitfalls of business opportunities apply innovation, entrepreneurship theories and scientific research by collecting and analysing data to understand market conditions. iterate an initial idea to align with market requirements create a prototype after understanding basic functioning of the product/service and test the prototype in the market analyse key risk areas and processes associated with different options in introducing different types of products or services in the market develop and test the business model canvas in the real market scenario develop a business plan to pitch to various stakeholders for collaborations conduct processes for building organisations The Family Business and Entrepreneurship Major is designed for: (a) potential entrepreneurs; (b) future intrapreneurs—people inside organisations who use entrepreneurship principles to create profitable business lines or introduce Major change; (c) business service providers—consultants, financers and bankers, accountants, lawyers and others who work closely with start-up and operating businesses and current small business owners who are interested in new opportunities through their existing organisations; and (d) members of family businesses. read more >>
Finance has evolved over the years especially with the advent of technology. Financial technologies like block-chain and crypto-currencies and electronic payment systems are driving financial intermediation and financial markets. It is against this highly dynamic backdrop that we offer our major in Finance. In order to address new industry requirements, the curriculum provides a multidisciplinary training which interweaving the fundamentals of Finance with the other functional areas of Management. The major in Finance provides deep quantitative and managerial training in various domains of finance. The objectives of the major and learning outcomes are firmly anchored around six key components—money, financial institutions, financial instruments (including financial services), financial markets, central banks and governmental regulatory bodies. On completion of this major, the student would have learnt accounting techniques and their application for the purpose of management analysis, control and decision making measurement, computation and analysis of financial activity, rooted in the fundamentals of financial mathematics and basic analytics through spreadsheets basic principles and theoretical frameworks of various financial services like insurance, mutual funds, investments and banking etc. the essential nature of fiduciary responsibility and the fundamental shift being witnessed in current times, and its long-term implications in terms of ethics and governance the international financial environment and its implications for the Indian financial system in an increasingly globalised financial setting the basic concepts of financing, investment and distribution decisions with their applications to use analytic and quantitative techniques to understand data, make sound inferences, and make well-supported decisions functioning of financial markets, with a special focus on capital and money markets and the role played by them in the fund-raising requirements of any economy to apply best practices in financial management to make plans, organise projects, monitor outcomes and provide financial leadership the basic principles and theoretical framework of various financial services like insurance, mutual funds, banking, etc. Students completing the major find opportunities in banking, insurance, investments, risk management and behavioural finance at institutions globally as well as pursue graduate studies. Students can also pursue independent financial advisory careers as personal financial consultants. The programme content also supports the pursuit and acquisition of additional professional qualifications in the finance area, like CFA, CFP and FRM etc. read more >>
The major in Finance and Economics offers a comprehensive learning of financial sector performance and evaluation with a firm grounding in economic theories and policies. The curriculum is designed to develop a strong foundation in the area of financial markets and corporate finance in the broader context of economic policy announcements such as monetary policy, fiscal policy etc. since the performance of financial sector and the corporates is greatly influenced by major economic policies, both, domestic and international. This programme will equip student with deep knowledge of the complementary aspects of financial and economic theory. Students in this major take courses that builds a theoretical base in both the disciplines of Economics and Finance. Courses provide a strong training in analysis of data and models in these fields. Coupled with the multidisciplinary approach and project based learning, the curriculum helps develop a sound understanding of global financial markets, monetary policy challenges faced by central banks and everything in between. As the financial sector is constantly undergoing rapid innovations and growth with the digital disruption due to FinTech, there are new set of skills required by the industry. There is also an increase in the flow of capital across borders, making many countries more vulnerable to external financial shocks. It is in this context that the industry needs dynamic professionals who possess analytical and data skills to work in the financial sector that is rapidly evolving. A student can chart a successful career in various profiles ranging from investment banking, equity analyst, project finance, portfolio manager to financial analyst, actuarial analysts’ etc. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: Interpret and assess the role of financial institutions and their impact in a given economic environment Develop techniques for financial performance evaluation of organisations Use tools and techniques of efficient financial allocation of an organisation Critically analyse and review performance of financial sector and economy at large Analyse financial and economic data using advance data tools and software Review and predict the possible consequences of economic and political policy announcements either in the domestic or international market Financial institutions such as banks, NBFCs, regulatory agencies and central banks are some of the prominent employers. Students with a Major in Finance and Economics at Ahmedabad University will have developed rigours skills to pursue a graduate degree in business, finance and/or economics. Further, they will also have developed research capabilities which would make them eligible to apply to PhD programmes globally.read more >>
Human Resource and Organisations
The major, Human Resource and Organisations, builds competencies required for contemporary human resource management and prepares students for careers as human resource professionals. It focuses on the effective application of human resource management and organisation behaviour theories to the practice of human resource and effective management of organisations. Students would not only learn the different functions of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behaviour but also the integration of these functions with business strategy. Students would be sensitized towards the role of Human Resource function towards legal and ethical aspects of business, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. The major leverages technology and analytics to train students in decision making. Students also develop an understanding of workplace behavior and the transformation of work. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: demonstrate the competence needed to effectively manage human resources which include analyzing human behavior, developing comprehensive strategic and tactical plans for an organisation, and prepare organisations to execute their strategies; evaluate complex qualitative and quantitative data to support strategic and operational decisions; demonstrate ethical and socially responsible behavior and contribute to creating a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work environment; exhibit competencies like group managing skills, understanding of social and individual psychology and the interpretation of organisational behavior; trained in critical thinking, analytical decision-making, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Successful graduates take up positions such as human resource administrators, corporate trainers, compensation and benefits managers, training and development specialists, recruiters, employment relations managers, diversity manager and staffing specialists. read more >>
The marketing function in an organization includes managing product and market development, market penetration, performing market research, making marketing plans, as well as strategically approaching important marketing activities such as advertising, distribution for sales, pricing, after-sales customer service, public relations and marketing communication. A major in Marketing will build strong foundational knowledge as well as skills in various areas in the marketing function and digital skills as relating to the function. The Marketing major offers a combination of theory and application, striking an appropriate balance between the two. This major shall exposure learners to detailed application of critical concepts in the marketing domain such as the marketing mix, B2B vs B2C vs C2C marketing scenarios, global vs local marketing challenges, changing digital dynamics and their relevance. It shall provide an in-depth exposure to the area of choice-based sectors such as luxury, healthcare, pharmaceutical or fashion to name a few. There will be application of learning to real-life scenarios via industry seminars, live case studies, experimental learning, project-based courses and training in hard skills such as mathematics and market research as well as softer skills such as communication and negotiation. Marketing students will develop a thorough understanding of other functions of the business in relevance to the marketing domain and their importance in conducting marketing activities and designing effective marketing plans. Finally, this major shall equip students with the necessary knowledge and methods to make decisions and successfully solve a broad set of marketing problems. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: Create effective marketing plans for various domains such as product characteristics, pricing, promotion and distribution mechanisms Develop hypotheses, conduct experiments, undertake market research and draw insights to evaluate various market situations Use digital technology for various marketing activities Analyse situations from consumer, company, and market perspectives and make effective decision making, keeping ethical considerations at the centre at all times Use quantitative methods to address marketing questions Students graduating with a major in Marketing will be able to explore careers in areas such as advertising, journalism, branding, sales management, retail management, merchandising, product development, distribution management and market research. They will also be suitable for jobs in areas such as people management, process development and budgeting within the marketing sphere. read more >>
The Operations function in any organization comprises product development, factories that produces goods including vendors, distribution and warehousing activities, logistics and transportation, as well as service activities that help make supply meet demand across supply chains. Operations Management is the study of ways to make Operations functions and their activities efficient and effective by coordinating decisions and allocating resources optimally. The Operations Management major is designed to provide tools, methods and processes that are required to manage production of goods and services efficiently and effectively. It provides a student a perspective and an understanding of how excellence in operations delivers competitive advantage. The major teaches you about principles & theories to make operational decisions (for example, levels of inventory to keep or how to schedule gates & planes at airports) as well as provides methods and processes to organize work in a wany to enhance productivity (for example, just-in-time and lean operations or vendor management or design of facilities). It combines managerial decision making with technical aspects of decision making. Typical areas of learning will include capacity and facilities planning, forecasting demand & resources, planning & scheduling activities, logistics & inventory management, project management, quality planning and control, coordinating decisions across functions of a firm for improved performance and customer service. Principles of operations management are applied in many functional domains and industries. Global supply chains have made operations function more technology oriented. The major will equip students to learn about technologies and softwares that are used in industry to make such decisions. The major is data oriented and teaches quantitative models for making better decisions. Operations Managers are found in all business whether they are any kind of design or manufacturing or services. Traditionally, they have worked in factories & transportation sectors but increasing they are found in banks, retail, real estate, hospitals, entertainment & arts, event management, advertising, space industry, technology management firms, city management etc. Wherever, resources need to be allocated and activities need to be planned and executed, one will find operations managers. Consulting firms hire operations graduates to design and execute operational improvement strategies on shop floors or other kinds of service organization. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: understand how operations management contributes to the achievement of an organization’s strategic objectives analyze and identify bottlenecks and areas of operational improvement to enhance productivity use analytical methods to make operation decisions in manufacturing and service environments Evaluate approaches to problem solving and process improvement in production and distribution settings Undertake planning and scheduling activities in any operational context read more >>
Operations Research and Statistics
Operations Research and Statistics are disciplines that are concerned with the application of quantitative methods to making better decisions and analytically trying to obtain optimal solutions to complex decision making problems. They also provide an understanding of relationships between various factors that impact decisions. Operations Research and Statistics major is designed for students who want to provide themselves with the analytical and statistical skills that are necessary for success in industry, business or in the public sector. Applications of Operations Research and Statistics or management science as it is referred to in business schools are found in every domain of enquiry and life – from business to engineering to medicine to defence to social sciences and even in evolution, biology, public health and climate change. Students in this major will learn to model complex unstructured problems, build an understanding and expertise in methods to derive solutions, and then use them in applications of managerial situations and elsewhere. Course work for the major would include learning about data science, deterministic and stochastic optimization, simulation, models and methods of queueing and networks, statistical modelling and their applications in marketing, finance, manufacturing, supply chains etc. Case studies and experiential projects are the mechanisms through which models and methods will be applied. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: well versed in methods and tools of quantitative decision making able to model unstructured business problems and apply Operations Research and Statistical methods to analyze and make decisions able to design experiments, perform statistical and computational analysis, and analyse outcomes rigorously Students who pursue this major will be able to pursue careers as management science professionals, business analysts or as a statistician in various business management disciplines including marketing, finance, human resources, supply chain and operations functions. Graduates find positions in various industries including IT and Consulting sectors. This major opens up opportunities for graduate education in a variety of quantitative fields.read more >>
Supply chain management involves the integration of business processes and decisions across organizations from suppliers through manufacturers and distributors to the final customer in order to deliver good and services effectively and efficiently. Creating a seamless flow of goods and services becomes the objective of supply chain management so that a firm is able to meet the changing requirements of customers effectively. Supply chains have become global and there are many organizations involved in making supply meet demand. The recent pandemic has made supply chain management central to economies and survival in nations. They have changed the ways production and distribution of goods and service is likely to take place post this crisis thereby creating new opportunities for graduates entering into supply chain industry in the near future. The Supply Chain Management major provides students an understanding of functions that comprise the supply chain, i.e., demand planning, procurement & supplier management, production and distribution, and customer servicing as well as mechanisms for coordinating activities across them. The major combines building of skills in technology and analytical methods, developing an understanding of managerial decision making environment that leads to functional & strategic decisions, and a fostering of perspectives towards enhanced productivity and customer value add. Students learn about core functions that comprise a supply chain and the nature of operational decision making therein. The major emphasizes the strategic nature of this function and a recognition of its values in coordination of decisions and functions across several firms. Students who pursue this programme will become strong problem solvers with a keen eye for detail. They will be able identify vulnerabilities in supply chain operations and propose solutions to improve efficiency. On completion of this major, the student will be able to: Identify issues in individual functions that lead to seamless flow of goods and services and bring about supply chain coordination Apply theories and principles to evaluate and manage an effective supply chain Understand the foundational role of logistics as it relates to linking suppliers to producers and customers Align the management of a supply chain with corporate goals and strategies. Analyze and improve supply chain processes and design systems that will deliver high value to the customer Graduates of this major join entry-level management analyst positions in consultancy, operations, logistics and distribution, manufacturing, purchasing, sourcing, warehousing, and other industrial sectors. They are ready to build professional careers with manufacturers, distributors, transportation carriers, logistics service providers as well as consulting and technology companies that develop solutions for the same. read more >>
