Can classroom theory alone prepare MBA graduates for real-world business challenges? Organizations increasingly say no—and global MBA programs like the one at SDA Bocconi Asia Center are listening.
The Evolution of MBA Education: From Theory to Practice
Over the past few years, management education has undergone a rapid transformation. The traditional MBA curriculum, which focused primarily on lectures and frameworks, is now changing according to current industry expectations. Organizations now demand graduates who can bridge the gap between classroom learning and corporate application.
At SDA Bocconi Asia Center, for the International Master in Business program, this expectation is met through immersive short-term Live Projects, where students work directly with organizations across diverse sectors like Marketing, Consulting, Finance, Human Resources and Operations. The Career Development Services (CDS) Office of the college plays a crucial role in sourcing Live Projects, understanding the company requirements and expectations, and ensuring that students gain skills that will help them during their internships and full-time placements.
Students take on a variety of business challenges like designing marketing campaigns, evaluating financial models, creating human resource engagement strategies and optimizing supply chains. These projects help them gain competencies that are valued by recruiters. In working across different industries and functions, they also discover their professional inclinations. This hands-on exposure transforms students into professionals who are industry-ready and have an understanding of the pace, pressure, and precision that the corporate world demands.
Real IMB Students, Real Business Impact
Finance and Fundraising: From Classroom to Capital Markets
Sahil Sharad, a current student of International Master in Business program, completed a live project with Panchayat that transformed his understanding of development finance. “I helped plan budgets and support early-stage capital-raising efforts,” he explains. “It gave me exposure to how fundraising actually works on the ground, not just in textbooks.”
The project built competencies in financial modeling and stakeholder communication—skills that directly translated to his MBA internship search.
Marketing Live Projects: Data Meets Strategy
Aumkar Ranade worked with Mist Media Marketing and Shivom Fasteners on market research and competitive analysis. “I conducted on-ground surveys and learned how insights convert into strategies,” he shares. “Presenting to senior leaders improved my communication skills and prepared me for the next phase of my international MBA journey.”
This type of hands-on marketing experience helps MBA students develop the strategic thinking that employers value most.
HR and Talent Acquisition: Building People Skills
Ishan Revankar’s live project with Occams Advisory focused on virtual engagement and talent acquisition. “I reimagined engagement strategies, created content series, and developed a year-round calendar aligned with global observance days,” he explains. “Understanding stakeholder coordination and end-to-end hiring processes gave me practical HR expertise beyond what MBA coursework could provide.”
Consumer Insights and Brand Positioning
Mehak Tawakley’s project at Aukera Jewellery centered on market research and brand strategy. “I analyzed consumer trends and competitive landscapes to inform data-backed decisions,” she says. “The project was particularly insightful for understanding how brands position themselves in crowded markets.”
Why Live Projects Matter for Global MBA Students
These live projects benefit both students and companies. Organizations access sharp minds, while students experience environments that textbooks can’t capture. This mutually beneficial exchange often leads to internship conversions.
Through its live projects, SDA Bocconi Asia Center weaves in industry engagement throughout its curriculum. At SDA Bocconi Asia Center, every live project is an opportunity to learn and to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities to think differently.