Introduction

Pokhara University, established under Pokhara University Act, 1997 aims at developing capable and creative human resource that can successfully compete not only in national but also in global arena. The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) of Pokhara University offers different graduate programs and MBA is one of the graduate programs. The MBA program is for those who would like to pursue their career as general executives and managers. The MBA program can be offered at any shift (either morning, day or evening) as per the convenience of the schools/colleges unless otherwise mentioned. The MBA program has been designed to be implemented over a period of 2 years spread over six trimesters.

FMS’s major objectives are as follows:

• To cultivate highly competent executives and managers across various economic and social sectors within the country.
• To develop management professionals and entrepreneurs with a global outlook.
• To enhance the knowledge, managerial skills, and exposure of practicing managers, executives, and entrepreneurs.
• To broaden students’ perspectives by fostering positive attitudes and guiding them to become productive and responsible global citizens.

MBA Program Objectives

The MBA program aims to drive corporate change in Nepal by transforming students into proficient managers, executives, and entrepreneurs who can serve as strategic change agents in both the corporate and social arenas. The program emphasizes cultivating a social and developmental perspective, while equipping students with robust skills in analysis, decision- making, implementation, leadership, and communication. Higher Education has been going through extreme dynamism and it has changed its nature over the last decade, more so, over the last few years in the post-pandemic era. Higher Education has witnessed many changes and has to undergo significant changes to accommodate the needs and expectations of new learners. Likewise, the changes are imperative for Business and Management education as well considering the changing times. Due to the massive disruption caused in the business environment by technology and the pandemic and the emerging challenges of sustainability, the highly turbulent business environment, emergence of new business models, it is imperative for business schools to revisit their curriculum and pedagogy. As we enter into the era of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) and learn to co-exist with artificial intelligence; critical thinking, emotions, empathy, collaboration, and networking will be of primary importance.
The course has been designed keeping the above in mind and also the changing needs of the new age learners and industry. The focus is on new age learning, co-creation of learning through active engagement of learners in the learning process, the concept of co-creation of learning, experiential learning, and adapting learning with the evolving age of AI and ML.

The specific objectives of the program are as follows:

• To provide students a firm grasp of broad-based and integrated fundamentals of management with real-life applications.
• To develop professional managers who can effectively lead an organization in a highly dynamic and competitive global business environment.
• To provide student-centered learning environment where students acquire modern management skills, enhance their managerial capabilities, and adopt success- oriented, career-focused behaviors and attitude.

Program Features

• The features of the MBA program are competitive learning environment, market-driven concentrations, and program flexibility. The course requirements, duration, and other features of the program are as follows:
• The MBA program consist of a total of 60 credit hours comprising foundation courses, analytical tool courses, core and functional area courses, integrative courses, concentration and elective courses. The program also includes practicum modules, consultancy project and internship. The course offers a choice to students between degree by industry practice track or research track.
• The MBA program should be completed within six trimesters. The duration of each trimester will be 12 weeks excluding examinations. The college/school is required to complete the mandatory contact hours (12 hours for one credit) required by the program.
• Graduates from all disciplines are eligible to join the program. However, the applicant must have a minimum of 15 years’ formal education (12 years of schooling plus three years of graduation). Furthermore, the applicant must have secured a minimum CGPA of 2.0 or 45 percent in Bachelor’s level.
• The program shall be run without a long vacation. The minimum time period required to complete the program is 24 months (six trimesters). The maximum time for completion of the program shall be four years from the date of registration.
• The program will use a range of pedagogical inputs that includes on-campus learning through classroom discussions, presentations, group work, case analysis and guest lecture series, simulations, and off- campus learning through project work and on-line instructions.

Admission Procedure Eligibility

• To be eligible to apply for admission to the MBA program, an applicant must have a minimum of 15 years of formal education (12 years of schooling plus 3 years of bachelor’s degree).
• Furthermore, the applicant must have secured a minimum CGPA of 2.0 or 45 percent in Bachelor’s level.
• The final decision on admission is taken on the basis of scores on the admission test and interviews.

Documents Required

• The applicant is required to submit the following documents with the application form made available by the concerned college/school by paying a predetermined fee:
• Completed and signed MBA application form
• Official transcripts from all the academic institutions attended.
• Certificates of all degrees should be photocopied and submitted with proper attestation.
• Enrolment is conditional upon completion of all admission formalities including payment of all fees as determined by the college.
• Incomplete applications shall not be processed.

MBA Concentration Courses and Course Codes

The program offers several career-focused concentrations. These courses allow students to gain additional knowledge and skills on specific concentration areas. The students are required to select any four courses from any one of the following concentration areas.