MBA in the Era of Disruption: Why Management Education Must Reinvent to Remain Relevant

The business world is entering an era where disruption is the norm, not the exception.

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Fragmented markets, shifting customer loyalties, rapid technological breakthroughs, and evolving global power balances are fundamentally changing how companies compete. A 2024 Deloitte study notes that 70% of global CEOs identify the "velocity of change" as their biggest challenge, signalling a clear need for leaders who can navigate volatility with confidence and clarity. It is not the change but speed and rate of change that is driving businesses today.

In this landscape, an MBA cannot remain what it was a decade ago. Management education must reinvent itself to remain relevant, mentoring graduates who are agile, data-driven, and resilient.

Fragmented Markets & Demanding ConsumersIndian consumers today are discerning, price-sensitive, and quick to shift preferences. An EY consumer index reveals that 42% of Indians changed at least one preferred brand in 2024, driven by better value, digital convenience, or product innovation. Markets are no longer dominated by a few established players; instead, hyper-segmentation, D2C brands, and regional challengers are thriving.

Implication for management education:Institutions must prepare students to decode rapidly changing buyer behaviour. This translates into curriculum elements that require attentions such as:

■ Consumer analytics and behavioural insights

■ Omni-channel strategy

■ Experimentation-based marketing