Programme Overview

Organizations today operate in an environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Rapid technological advances, shifting customer expectations, and compressed innovation cycles demand that managers not only execute efficiently but also continuously reimagine problems, solutions, and delivery models. Traditional linear approaches to problem-solving and project execution often struggle to keep pace with this dynamic context.

Design Thinking and Agile Thinking have emerged as two complementary managerial capabilities that address these challenges holistically. Design Thinking provides a structured yet creative approach to understanding users, reframing problems, and generating innovative solutions. Agile Thinking complements this by enabling adaptive execution through iterative planning, continuous feedback, and incremental value delivery.

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of both Design and Agile practices. AI-powered tools can accelerate user research synthesis, support ideation, enable rapid prototyping, assist in backlog prioritization, and provide predictive insights for planning and risk management. However, the effective use of AI requires managers to understand not only the tools but also the underlying thinking models they are meant to augment.

At the end of the programme, participants will have developed a strong and integrated understanding of human-centered problem solving, adaptive execution, and AI-augmented decision-making. They will be equipped with practical frameworks, tools, and leadership perspectives to identify the right problems, design innovative solutions, and deliver value effectively in uncertain and dynamic environments. The programme enables managers to translate learning into actionable initiatives within their organizations, foster a culture of collaboration and experimentation, and lead design- and agility-driven transformation with confidence and clarity.

The programme is delivered jointly by internal faculty members and experienced industry practitioners, creating a complementary learning environment where academic rigor and practical insight reinforce each other. This integrated approach ensures that participants gain a balanced perspective, grounded in proven frameworks yet enriched by real-world application, enabling deeper understanding and meaningful transfer of learning to organizational practice.

Programme Objective

The primary objectives of this programme are to:

  1. Develop a human-centered problem-solving mindset among managers using Design Thinking principles and tools.
  2. Enable participants to frame and reframe complex business problems through empathy, insight synthesis, and structured ideation.
  3. Build strong Agile thinking and execution capabilities for managing uncertainty, rapid change, and cross-functional collaboration.
  4. Demonstrate how AI tools can augment managerial thinking, decision-making, and execution across design and delivery phases.
  5. Strengthen leadership capabilities required to foster innovation, experimentation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Key Topics

Design Thinking for Leaders

  • Human-centered problem solving and Design Thinking frameworks
  • Empathy-driven user research, insight synthesis, and problem framing
  • Aligning design outcomes with business strategy and organizational goals
  • Use of AI tools to support research analysis, ideation, and prototyping

Agile Thinking and Execution

  • Agile mindset, values, and principles for managing rapid prototyping
  • Agile governance, scaling considerations, and common transformation pitfalls
  • AI-enabled decision support for planning, prioritization, and risk management

Integration, Leadership, and Transformation

  • Integrating Design Thinking with Agile for continuous discovery and delivery
  • Leadership behaviors and cultural shifts required for agility and innovation
Programme Directors
Professor Debabrata Chatterjee

Professor Debabrata Chatterjee

Organizational Behavior

Who May Attend

The programme is designed for working professionals with 7+ years of experience, including:

  • Middle and senior managers
  • Project, program, and delivery managers
  • Product managers and business analysts
  • Innovation, transformation, and strategy leaders
  • Operations and functional managers
  • Consultants and advisors
  • Professionals from manufacturing, services, IT, the public sector, and start-ups

Participants who are involved in digital transformation, innovation initiatives, process improvement, or organizational change will particularly benefit from this programme.

Programme Duration and Delivery
  • From the morning of June 08, 2026 till the afternoon of June 12, 2026
  • Face to face - classroom based
Pedagogy

The programme adopts an experiential, application-oriented pedagogical approach designed specifically for working professionals. Conceptual inputs are combined with real-world case studies to establish a strong theoretical foundation while maintaining managerial relevance. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, simulations, and group exercises that enable them to apply Design Thinking and Agile concepts to realistic business challenges. Structured discussions and reflection sessions encourage peer learning and help participants relate insights to their own organizational contexts. AI-enabled tools are demonstrated and used selectively to augment problem analysis, ideation, planning, and decision-making, ensuring that technology enhances managerial thinking rather than replacing it. This blended approach ensures a balance between theory and practice, enabling participants to translate learning into actionable outcomes in their professional roles. Sessions facilitated by industry experts integrate contemporary organizational experiences, practical challenges, and implementation insights, reinforcing the applicability of concepts across diverse industry contexts.

How to Apply
  • You can apply/nominate your personnel by clicking on the “Apply Now” link corresponding to the particular MDP, as appearing on our online calendar available at: https://iimcal.ac.in/mdp/mdp-calendar
  • Once the candidature(s) is (are) approved, the sponsoring authority or participant (in case of self-nomination) will be intimated over email along with a Proforma Invoice seeking programme fees in advance.
  • Programme fees can be remitted online through Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT/RTGS).
  • Upon remitting the fees online, kindly intimate Executive Education Office with the UTRNo. /relevant transaction details through email, so that we can connect your remittance to your nomination(s). Please note that confirmation of participation is subject to receipt of Programme fees by CMDP Office before commencement of the MDP.

For further assistance, please connect with:

Name: Ms. Payel Majumder
Number: +91 33 7121 6012
Email ID: program_mdp[at]iimcal[dot]ac[dot]in

Apply Now

To apply please click on Apply Now

For further queries, please write to program_mdp[at]iimcal[dot]ac[dot]in