IIM Calcutta launches leadership program in smart manufacturing for senior professionals

IIM Calcutta has announced the launch of its Advanced Programme in Smart Manufacturing Leadership (APSML), aimed at preparing senior professionals to lead India’s transition to Industry 4.0.

The eight-month online program is being offered in collaboration with VCNow Executive Education, with sessions held once a week for three hours on Saturdays and a four-day campus immersion for practical exposure.

The course is designed for professionals with at least eight years of experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or related sectors.

It covers digital transformation strategies, integration of IoT, AI, robotics, digital twins, and cloud computing, along with data-driven manufacturing, cybersecurity, data governance, and system modeling.

"At IIM Calcutta, we are committed to developing future-ready leaders. The APSML program is a strategic step towards empowering professionals to lead India's smart manufacturing revolution with vision, innovation, and technological excellence," said Prof Alok Kumar Rai, Director, IIM Calcutta.

Prof R Rajesh Babu, Dean of Executive Education, added that the program helps participants design and lead digital transformation initiatives.

"This is achieved through the integration of technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics, digital twins, and cloud computing to enhance manufacturing excellence."

The program also emphasizes strategic and operational skills, including sustainable strategy, supply chain management, change management, and leadership in digital manufacturing.

"We aim to help participants foster a culture of continuous improvement and drive strategic innovation within their organizations," said Prof Partha Priya Datta, program director.

Prof Vishal Bansal highlighted the experiential learning approach, which includes hands-on demonstrations, capstone projects, simulations, and case studies on both Indian and global manufacturing firms.

Pulak Pattanayak, co-founder and director of VCNow, said, "We are excited to partner with IIM Calcutta in launching this cutting-edge program, which perfectly aligns with our focus on leveraging smart technology for transformative learning experiences."

Further details and admissions information are available on the program’s official website: https://www.iimcal.ac.in/ldp/advanced-programme-smart-manufacturing-leadership-apsml