PGPEX-VLM is a unique programme that fulfils the current industry’s growing demand for techno-managerial leaders who shape the neo-industrial revolution. Laden with latest management skills and cutting-edge technology knowledge, these vanguards are being readied for meeting the challenges offered by the new wave of business enterprises that thrive on information as they strive for the “Triple Bottom line”.

This one year fast-paced programme has a built in manufacturing focus that helps to appreciate an industry’s metamorphosis in competitive times. The course is being conducted jointly by 3 premier institutes of India viz. IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras. The course has been designed by these institutes in consultation with industry, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), NMCC and MHRD.

Growth of the manufacturing sector in India has been recognized as a key thrust area by the Government of India. One of the main objectives of NMCC, among others, is to serve as a policy forum for enhancing the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing sector. The NMCC has drawn up a long term manufacturing strategy which includes strengthening education and training at various levels. One such programme is the one year Post Graduate Programme for Executives for Visionary Leadership in Manufacturing (PGPEX-VLM), which was structured under the guidance of Professor Shoji Shiba, a renowned international expert in the manufacturing sector and a recipient of the Deming Prize. Prof. Shiba has been associated for more than a decade with the very successful Leaders for Manufacturing Program (LFM) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The Government of India and the Government of Japan had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the year 2007, under which the Government of Japan has agreed to extend cooperation to support transfer of Japanese expertise and visit to manufacturing centres of excellence in Japan for VLM Program.

Every year around 32 candidates are being selected across the country after thorough evaluation. The class is kept small because this kind of leadership development involves a high degree of dialogue, personal attention, and coaching. To keep pace with the accelerated learning environment and maintain objectivity of the new knowledge, candidates with substantial professional experience from diverse industries are chosen to undergo this rigorous course. Also the current relevance and the possibility of gainful deployment of the acquired knowledge, makes the programme attractive for both individuals and firms. Hence sponsoring of candidates by the respective companies is welcome. The students spend the 1 year attending courses in the 3 institutes, visiting industries during tours and fulfilling the internship requirement.

A joint Post Graduate Diploma in Management for Executives in Manufacturing (PGDM-VLM) by IIM Calcutta, IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras is awarded after the successful completion of the Programme.