IIM Kozhikode & Emeritus launch Chief Operations Officer Programme to drive COO productivity; Features Exclusive Online Modules by Kellogg Executive Education

Mumbai: The role of Chief Operations Officers in today’s world has expanded beyond just optimizing resources and increasing efficiencies. They need to be updated with current and future affairs and build strategies that will help propel the business forward in this agile and evolving business world. Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Chief Operations Officers (COOs), the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode), acclaimed for its 3rd rank in the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2023 rankings, has launched the Chief Operations Officer Programme in India. This programme is being launched in partnership with Emeritus, a global leader in delivering accessible and cost-effective high-quality education and features two exclusive online modules with certificates by Kellogg Executive Education.

The 12-month programme is designed for operational leaders and those aspiring to the COO role, as well as new and evolving COOs. For operational leaders, the program offers a deep dive into contemporary topics such as technology, design thinking, AI, digital supply chain, agile methodologies, and risk resilience, enabling them to optimize operational processes and build influential networks. Aspiring and newly appointed COOs benefit from a focus on cutting-edge practices that drive efficiency, innovation, and growth. The program equips them with strategic decision-making skills, cross-functional teaming expertise, and crisis management capabilities, complementing the CEO’s role.

According to PwC’s COO Insights, 49% of COOs strongly agree they can reinvent the business through new technology. This underscores the critical role of Chief Operating Officers in driving innovation and organizational transformation in the ever-evolving business world. As businesses increasingly rely on technology to stay competitive, the role of COO emerges as a vital one. Recognizing this expanding role of COOs, IIM Kozhikode’s new programme is aimed at helping these leaders stay ahead of the curve and effectively contribute to the sustainable growth and success of their organizations. By empowering participants to harness cutting-edge practices, the programme enables COOs to not only reinvent their businesses but also to lead strategic decision-making, enhance operational efficiency, and foster resilience in the face of technological disruptions and industry challenges.

The programme includes live-online sessions by the esteemed IIMK faculty along with two online modules delivered via pre-recorded video lectures by Kellogg Executive Education. It also includes a 3-day campus immersion with a leadership building workshop at IIM Kozhikode’s campus, hands-on learning with business simulations in Strategic and Global Supply Chain Management, a capstone project guided by the faculty of IIMK, a unique experience of peer-to-peer learning, and insights from industry practitioners. The modules of the programme, directed by Ashutosh Sarkar, Professor, Quantitative Methods and Operations Management Area, IIM Kozhikode and Arqum Mateen, Associate Professor, Quantitative Methods and Operations Management Area, IIM Kozhikode, includes operational diagnostics, SC agility, mitigating supply chain risks, business models and technology disruptions, Generative AI for business leaders, AI applications in supply chain management, AI and customer experience management, and delegation, execution and metrics for growth and success among others.

Expressing his excitement on the launch of the programme, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode said, “The role of the COO has undergone a transformative shift, moving beyond driving operational efficiency to embrace the pivotal task of creating strategic advantage while connecting diverse functions. This programme reflects our commitment to developing agile and visionary leaders. The programme, meticulously crafted, is a testament to our dedication to equipping COOs with the strategic insights and leadership prowess needed in today’s dynamic corporate landscape. We believe it will serve as a catalyst for organizational excellence and empower COOs to steer their companies towards unprecedented growth and success.”

Commenting on the programme launch, Mohan Kannegal, CEO, India and APAC, Emeritus, said, “We are thrilled to partner with leading institutions like IIM Kozhikode to launch high-impact programmes that will help participants in their professional journeys. With the role of COOs expanding, it is essential to equip these leaders with essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape, emphasizing areas such as AI, digital supply chain, and engineering operations management. We believe that this programme will equip the COOs with technology and data-driven strategic mindset to enable customer-centric value creation and achieve strategic operational excellence while teaching them to spearhead transformation and organizational growth.”

The program is scheduled to commence on March 30, 2024, with a fee of INR 6,50,000 + GST taxes. Any graduate (10+2+3) or diploma holders (Only 10+2+3) from a recognised university (UGC/AICTE/DEC/AIU/State Government/recognised international universities) with an aggregate of at least 50% in graduation along with a minimum work experience of 10 years can apply for this programme.

Upon successfully completing all evaluation components and maintaining a minimum attendance of 75%, participants will receive one prestigious completion certificate from IIM Kozhikode. Additionally, upon successful completion of the two online modules with a minimum grading of 80%, the participants will receive two module certificates by Kellogg Executive Education.