Orientation Session Day 3
Mastering Your Academic Journey: Understanding the BBA DBE Program Structure
The transition to higher education can be challenging, especially in a digital-first world. On Day 3 of the orientation, the focus was on understanding the academic framework of the BBA DBE program—an essential foundation for a successful journey ahead. Via, a core member of the academic team, guided students through the detailed structure of the program, covering everything from course credits to assessments and exams.
Flexibility with a Structured Approach
At the heart of the BBA DBE program is a blend of flexibility and academic rigor. Each year is divided into three terms, allowing students to explore a broad range of courses while managing their workload effectively. In Year 1, students will complete 45 credits across three terms. As Via explained, Term 1 kicks off in September and runs until December, followed by Term 2 from January to April, and Term 3 from May to August.
This term-based structure helps students juggle multiple commitments, giving them the freedom to learn at their own pace with course materials released weekly. However, it also requires strong time-management skills and self-discipline to keep up with the course load.
Key Courses and Assessments
The program is built around a mix of core, skill enhancement, and interdisciplinary courses. For example, in Term 1, students will dive into subjects such as Marketing Fundamentals, Creativity Mindset, and Business Communication. These courses are designed to build essential competencies, not only for academics but also for future career opportunities.
Assessments are equally diverse. Via explained that each course will include a midterm exam (40%), engagement-based assessments (10%), and a final exam (50%). Engagement goes beyond attending live sessions; it involves contributing to discussion forums, participating in surveys, and other interactive tasks. This holistic approach ensures that learning is continuous and immersive.
Self-Motivation is Key
A key takeaway from Via’s session was the importance of self-motivation and consistency. With asynchronous learning at the core of the BBA DBE program, it’s up to the students to schedule their study time and stay engaged with the course material. Creating a structured weekly calendar and breaking down tasks into manageable sections can greatly help with staying on track.
Exams also offer flexibility. If you miss an exam in Term 1, you can take it at the end of Term 2, provided you communicate early with the program office. This flexibility allows students to handle unforeseen circumstances without falling behind in their studies.
Making the Most of Resources
Via also emphasized the importance of taking full advantage of the tools and resources available. The learning management system (LMS) will be the primary hub for accessing course materials, assignments, and feedback. Logging in regularly, staying updated, and seeking help when needed are crucial habits for success. Additionally, students will receive physical textbooks for core courses, ensuring comprehensive learning resources are always on hand.
Navigating the Social and Communication Guidelines
Another important segment of the orientation was led by Kavita from the communications team, where she outlined the institute’s communication policy. This included guidelines on online conduct, social media usage, and the appropriate use of IIM Bangalore’s logo in public forums.
With social media playing a significant role in personal and academic branding, it’s essential to adhere to the institute’s policies. Students are encouraged to be mindful of their online presence, particularly when representing themselves as part of the IIMB community.
Building an Effective Learning Environment
As the academic journey unfolds, it’s essential to create a conducive learning environment. Setting up a dedicated study space, using productivity tools like Notion and Evernote to stay organized, and implementing study techniques like the Pomodoro method can help students manage their workload effectively.
With the flexibility offered by the BBA DBE program, success lies in balancing freedom with discipline. Make use of the resources at your disposal, stay actively engaged, and don’t hesitate to lean on your peers and faculty for support. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an enriching academic experience.