The PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA programme is designed for working professionals who want to develop advanced management knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare for greater business responsibilities without taking a career break. The programme combines an executive education phase delivered by IIM Lucknow with an MBA degree programme offered by Paris School of Business.
For students planning to enrol in 2026, understanding the syllabus is important because the programme covers more than traditional management subjects. It includes corporate strategy, financial decision-making, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, international business, marketing, operations, and corporate governance.
The programme follows a two-phase learning structure. Students first complete the IIM Lucknow phase and then progress to the Paris School of Business MBA curriculum. This guide explains both phases, the major subjects, available specialisations, practical learning components, and assessment approach.
PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA Syllabus 2026: Programme Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | MBA from Paris School of Business with IIM Lucknow Certification |
| Programme Duration | Approximately 18 months |
| Learning Mode | Online |
| Phase 1 | IIM Lucknow Executive Programme |
| Phase 1 Duration | Approximately 4 months |
| Phase 2 | Paris School of Business MBA |
| Phase 2 Duration | Approximately 14 months |
| MBA Degree Awarded By | Paris School of Business |
| IIM Lucknow Credential | Executive Programme Certificate |
| Main Learning Areas | Strategy, finance, AI, leadership, marketing, operations, and governance |
| Specialisation Options | Strategic Leadership, AI and Technology, Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain |
The programme structure and subject details are based on the published programme information. Course schedules, elective availability, assessment requirements, and immersion arrangements should be confirmed for the specific intake.
Understanding the Two-Phase MBA Curriculum
The PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA curriculum is divided into two stages. Each stage has a distinct academic purpose.
The first phase establishes a foundation in strategic management, financial reporting, data-driven decisions, and organisational leadership. The second phase expands this knowledge through international business strategy, financial leadership, operations, marketing, digital transformation, and corporate governance.
This structure allows students to build essential management capabilities before exploring more advanced business challenges.
Phase 1: IIM Lucknow Executive Programme Syllabus
The first four months focus on four management subjects delivered through the IIM Lucknow executive education component. These subjects help professionals develop a common foundation in business strategy, financial analysis, technology-enabled decision-making, and organisational change.
1. Corporate Strategy and Business Model Design
Corporate Strategy and Business Model Design focuses on how organisations establish competitive advantages, evaluate market opportunities, and build sustainable business models.
Managers must understand their competitive environment and decide how to allocate resources across different business priorities. This subject helps learners examine these decisions through practical management frameworks.
Topics covered include:
- Competitive advantage and market positioning
- Business model analysis and redesign
- Portfolio strategy and resource allocation
- Value chain analysis
- Strategy formulation and implementation
- Responding to market disruption
- Evaluating strategic business opportunities
Students can apply these concepts to understand how businesses compete, respond to industry changes, and create long-term value.
2. Strategic Financial Reporting and Communication
Financial information plays an important role in business planning and strategic decision-making. Managers must understand how to interpret financial statements, assess performance, and communicate financial findings to stakeholders.
This subject connects financial reporting with broader management decisions.
Topics covered include:
- Financial statement analysis
- Key performance indicators and financial ratios
- Cash flow analysis
- Financial performance evaluation
- Identifying financial risks and warning signs
- Communicating financial information to stakeholders
- Connecting financial reporting with resource allocation
This subject may be particularly useful for managers who do not work directly in finance but need to understand the financial implications of business decisions.
3. Executive Decision-Making with Data and AI
Data and artificial intelligence are increasingly used to support business planning, forecasting, and operational decisions. This subject examines how executives can use data and AI tools to evaluate alternatives and improve decision-making.
The emphasis is on managerial application rather than treating AI only as a technical subject.
Topics covered include:
- Data-driven executive decision-making
- Predictive analytics and scenario modelling
- AI-assisted business decisions
- Business dashboards and performance indicators
- Data interpretation for strategic planning
- AI governance and accountability
- Managing bias and responsible technology use
The subject can help professionals understand how data and AI support business decisions while highlighting the importance of human judgement and responsible implementation.
4. Leading Transformations and Organisational Dynamics
Organisations frequently need to change their structures, processes, technology, or business strategies. Successful transformation requires leaders to manage resistance, align stakeholders, and guide employees through uncertainty.
This subject focuses on the leadership skills needed to implement change effectively.
Topics covered include:
- Organisational change management
- Leadership during business transformation
- Managing resistance to change
- Organisational design
- Stakeholder communication and alignment
- Leading teams through uncertainty
- Managing competing priorities
These concepts are relevant to professionals responsible for restructuring, digital transformation, team development, or strategic business initiatives.
Phase 2: Paris School of Business MBA Syllabus
After completing the IIM Lucknow phase, students progress to the Paris School of Business MBA curriculum. This stage covers ten core courses organised around global strategy, financial leadership, business growth, digital transformation, and governance.
1. Geopolitical Risks and Strategic Decision-Making
Businesses operating across borders must consider political developments, trade policies, regulatory changes, and international risks.
This subject examines how external events influence business strategy and market decisions.
Topics covered:
- Geopolitical risk analysis
- Trade policies and sanctions
- International supply chain exposure
- Regulatory changes
- Strategic responses to global disruption
- Scenario planning for uncertain markets
Students develop an understanding of how international developments can affect investment decisions, supply chains, and market expansion.
2. Macroeconomics and Uncertainty
Macroeconomic conditions influence business performance, consumer demand, investment, and international trade. Managers must understand economic indicators and consider how changing conditions affect organisational plans.
Topics covered:
- Economic growth and business performance
- Inflation and exchange rates
- Interest rates and investment decisions
- Global value chains
- Economic uncertainty and business risk
- Scenario planning
- Country and sovereign risk
This subject helps professionals connect broader economic developments with company-level decisions.
3. Capital Allocation, Valuation and Mergers
Financial strategy involves deciding where to invest resources, how to value businesses, and whether mergers or acquisitions can support growth.
This subject focuses on the financial analysis required for major corporate decisions.
Topics covered:
- Capital allocation
- Business valuation
- Discounted cash flow analysis
- Comparable company analysis
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Financial due diligence
- Deal structuring and integration risks
- Measuring potential business synergies
The learning can be useful for managers involved in corporate finance, business expansion, investment planning, or strategic acquisitions.
4. Operations, Scaling and Operating Models
Operations management focuses on how organisations design processes, manage resources, and deliver products or services efficiently.
As businesses grow, they must improve productivity without compromising quality or customer satisfaction.
Topics covered:
- Operating model design
- Process improvement
- Capacity and resource planning
- Supply chain management
- Vendor risk management
- Bottleneck analysis
- Automation and technology-enabled operations
- Scaling business operations
This subject may benefit operations managers, entrepreneurs, supply chain professionals, and executives responsible for business performance.
5. Marketing Strategy and Growth
Marketing Strategy and Growth examines how organisations identify customers, position their brands, and develop sustainable revenue opportunities.
The focus extends beyond advertising to include market analysis, customer acquisition, and business growth.
Topics covered:
- Market sizing and segmentation
- Competitive positioning
- Brand strategy
- Customer acquisition
- Digital and performance marketing
- Customer lifetime value
- Go-to-market planning
- Market expansion across regions
Students can use these concepts to evaluate marketing performance and develop strategies for attracting and retaining customers.
6. Pricing Strategies and Unit Economics
Pricing decisions directly affect revenue, profitability, and competitive positioning. Businesses must understand their costs, customer expectations, and market conditions before selecting a pricing strategy.
Topics covered:
- Pricing models and revenue structures
- Contribution margin analysis
- Break-even analysis
- Value-based pricing
- Customer willingness to pay
- Competitive pricing
- Unit economics
- Pricing for subscription and platform businesses
This subject is useful for professionals involved in product management, revenue growth, entrepreneurship, and commercial strategy.
7. Digital Strategy and Information Systems
Digital transformation involves using technology to improve business models, processes, customer experiences, and organisational performance.
This subject examines how leaders can align technology investments with business objectives.
Topics covered:
- Digital business strategy
- Enterprise information systems
- Data infrastructure and governance
- Digital platforms and ecosystems
- Privacy and regulatory considerations
- Evaluating technology investments
- Digital transformation planning
Students gain a management-oriented understanding of how digital systems support competitiveness and business growth.
8. Innovation and Strategic Renewal
Organisations must continually adapt to changing customer needs, technology, and competitive conditions. Innovation helps businesses develop new products, improve processes, and explore alternative business models.
Topics covered:
- Business model innovation
- Corporate entrepreneurship
- Design thinking
- Innovation portfolio management
- Evaluating new business opportunities
- Scaling successful innovations
- Managing disruptive change
This subject may be valuable for entrepreneurs, product leaders, consultants, and managers responsible for innovation initiatives.
9. International Strategy and Market Entry
International expansion requires businesses to evaluate potential markets, select suitable entry strategies, and manage cross-border risks.
This subject examines the decisions involved in entering and operating in international markets.
Topics covered:
- International market assessment
- Country risk analysis
- Joint ventures and strategic partnerships
- Acquisitions and greenfield investment
- Licensing and other entry approaches
- Cross-border operations
- International competitive positioning
- Regulatory and cultural considerations
The subject supports professionals who work with global customers, multinational organisations, or international expansion projects.
10. ESG, Long-Term Value and Reputation Leadership
Environmental, social, and governance considerations have become important elements of corporate strategy. Organisations must balance commercial performance with accountability, responsible practices, and stakeholder expectations.
Topics covered:
- ESG integration into corporate strategy
- Corporate governance
- Sustainability and responsible business models
- Stakeholder management
- Reputation risk
- Crisis communication
- Ethical business practices
- Long-term value creation
This subject helps managers understand how responsible leadership and governance can influence business reputation and sustainability.
PSB MBA Specialisations Available in 2026
In addition to the core curriculum, the published programme information lists five specialisation options. Participants are offered the opportunity to select two, subject to the programme’s current rules and availability.
| Specialisation | Main Focus | Relevant Learning Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Leadership | Executive leadership and governance | Stakeholder management, corporate governance, board leadership |
| AI and Technology | Technology-led business decisions | AI for strategic decisions, digital transformation, data advantage |
| Finance | Financial strategy and markets | Business valuation, capital markets, fintech, digital banking |
| Marketing | Brand development and growth | Brand strategy, reputation, customer growth and retention |
| Operations and Supply Chain | Operational efficiency and global supply chains | Supply chain strategy, automation, Industry 4.0 |
Strategic Leadership
This specialisation is suited to professionals who want to strengthen leadership capabilities, influence stakeholders, and understand corporate governance.
AI and Technology
This option is relevant to managers interested in digital transformation, AI-supported decisions, and the strategic use of data and technology.
Finance
The Finance specialisation may suit professionals seeking deeper knowledge of business valuation, financial markets, and technology-driven financial services.
Marketing
Marketing focuses on brand positioning, reputation, customer engagement, and strategies for sustainable business growth.
Operations and Supply Chain
This specialisation is relevant to professionals involved in procurement, logistics, operations, production, and supply chain transformation.
Students should confirm the exact elective titles, teaching sequence, and availability of their chosen specialisations before enrolling.
Practical Learning and Business Projects
The PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA curriculum combines subject-based learning with practical application. This helps participants connect management concepts with real organisational challenges.
Case Studies and Business Analysis
Case-based learning allows students to evaluate business situations, identify challenges, compare alternatives, and recommend solutions.
Executive Decision-Making Exercises
Students examine management decisions involving financial performance, competitive strategy, data, and organisational change.
Practical Business Frameworks
The curriculum references analytical tools and management frameworks that can support decision-making. Examples include SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, scenario planning, financial valuation, and market segmentation.
CEO Challenge Project
The published programme information includes a CEO Challenge Project that involves working on a real-world company challenge. The project is intended to take participants through business diagnosis, analysis, recommendations, and final presentation or defence.
The exact project requirements, deliverables, and evaluation criteria should be confirmed for the relevant cohort.
How Is the PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA Assessed?
Assessment may involve several methods, depending on the subject and programme phase.
| Assessment Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Assignments | Evaluate understanding of management concepts |
| Case Studies | Test business analysis and problem-solving |
| Presentations | Develop communication and recommendation skills |
| Group Activities | Encourage collaboration and peer learning |
| Applied Projects | Connect theory with business challenges |
| Examinations or Other Evaluations | Measure subject knowledge where required |
The precise assessment weightings and completion requirements may differ between courses. Students should review the programme handbook and current assessment policies before starting.
Is the PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA Suitable for Working Professionals?
The programme is designed for professionals who want to improve their management capabilities while continuing their careers.
Its online delivery can help participants study without relocating for the entire programme. However, students still need to manage live classes, independent study, assignments, group work, and project deadlines.
The curriculum may be relevant to:
- Managers seeking broader business responsibilities
- Finance and marketing professionals preparing for leadership roles
- Operations and supply chain managers
- Entrepreneurs managing growing businesses
- Professionals involved in digital transformation
- Consultants seeking stronger strategic management knowledge
Before applying, compare the live class schedule with your work commitments and confirm any mandatory attendance or immersion requirements.
Conclusion
The PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA syllabus for 2026 combines executive management education with a broader international MBA curriculum. The first phase covers Corporate Strategy and Business Model Design, Strategic Financial Reporting and Communication, Executive Decision-Making with Data and AI, and Leading Transformations and Organisational Dynamics.
The Paris School of Business phase expands into geopolitical risk, macroeconomics, finance, mergers and acquisitions, operations, marketing, pricing, digital strategy, innovation, international market entry, and corporate governance. Students can also explore specialisations in Strategic Leadership, AI and Technology, Finance, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain.
For working professionals, this structure offers an opportunity to build cross-functional management knowledge and apply it to business decisions. Before enrolling, verify the current curriculum, specialisation choices, assessment requirements, and the distinction between the MBA degree awarded by Paris School of Business and the executive programme certificate provided by IIM Lucknow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA syllabus for 2026?
The syllabus covers corporate strategy, financial reporting, AI-supported decision-making, leadership, global business, operations, marketing, pricing, innovation, international strategy, and corporate governance.
2. How many phases are there in the PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA?
The programme is divided into two phases: an approximately four-month IIM Lucknow executive education phase and an approximately fourteen-month Paris School of Business MBA phase.
3. What subjects are taught during the IIM Lucknow phase?
The four published subjects are Corporate Strategy and Business Model Design, Strategic Financial Reporting and Communication, Executive Decision-Making with Data and AI, and Leading Transformations and Organisational Dynamics.
4. What subjects are included in the Paris School of Business MBA phase?
The published curriculum includes ten courses covering geopolitical risk, macroeconomics, capital allocation, valuation, mergers, operations, marketing, pricing, digital strategy, innovation, international market entry, and ESG.
5. What specialisations are available in the PSB MBA?
The published options are Strategic Leadership, AI and Technology, Finance, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain. Participants can select two subject to the programme’s applicable rules.
6. Does the programme include AI and digital transformation?
Yes. AI and digital business topics appear in the IIM Lucknow phase and the Paris School of Business curriculum. A dedicated AI and Technology specialisation is also listed.
7. Is there a practical project in the PSB + IIM Lucknow MBA?
The published programme information includes a CEO Challenge Project focused on analysing a real-world company challenge and presenting recommendations. Confirm the exact requirements for your intake.
8. How are students assessed in the programme?
Assessment methods may include assignments, case studies, presentations, projects, and examinations or other evaluations, depending on the course and programme phase.
9. Can working professionals complete the MBA online?
The programme is advertised as an online pathway designed for working professionals. Students should confirm the live class schedule, workload, and any required in-person activities.
10. Which institution awards the MBA degree?
Paris School of Business awards the MBA degree, while IIM Lucknow provides an Executive Programme Certificate for its phase of the programme, subject to completion requirements.
