Business Management List of Subjects & Syllabus You Should Know

By upGrad

Updated on Oct 31, 2025 | 10 min read | 28.98K+ views

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According to Statista’s Market Outlook, the total revenue in India’s "Business" app market - defined as apps enhancing work efficiency and productivity, is projected to grow from approximately US $48.67 million in 2022 to US $82.01 million by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.86%.

Business Management is the branch of education that deals with an organization’s planning, execution, oversight, and analysis This field of study covers the foundation of a corporation or an organization and several functional levels such as production, finance, administrative, human resources, sales & marketing, and others.  

In this blog, we cover a complete list of core and elective business management subjects, their detailed syllabus and tips on how to choose the right subjects. We also provide guidance to maximize your career after a business management course. 

Gain the expertise to excel in business management with ours management courses. Unlock advanced strategies and leadership skills for success in the global business landscape.

Business Management Syllabus: List of Core Subjects 

Business Management programs cover advanced business ethics, leadership ethics, leadership, and decision-making concepts. Essentially, it prepares students to be efficient leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs. Human resource management, economics, sales, and information technology are just a few specializations available in business management courses. 

Advance your career in business management with these specialized management programs: 

So, what are the subjects in business management? Let’s find out: 

A business management course curriculum gives students advanced business knowledge and skills while also introducing them to modern business practices.  

The following is the list of topics covered in the curriculum: 

  • Finance Accounting 
  • Operational and information management 
  • Human resource management 
  • An introduction to marketing 
  • Microeconomics  
  • Business law  
  • Organizational Behaviour 
  • Organizational strategy 

 The main subjects taught in Business management courses are given below: 

1. Introduction to Management 

  • It gives a short overview of the basic management skills needed to organize, structure, regulate, and lead a company 
  • Teaches learners the foundation for understanding how to manage and be managed 
  • This subject aims to prepare students to identify and offer solutions for various administrative and organizational issues 

2. Human Resource Management 

  • This subject focuses on effective leadership and management principles in modern organizations. Students also learn about HR policies, international HRM, employment laws, team relations, etc. 
  • As a learner, you learn how to manage a company’s workforce. You will have a better understanding of contemporary labor policies that protect both the workers and the company’s welfare. 
  • Human resource management seeks to enhance recruitment practices, employee retention, upskilling, etc. 

Also Read: Difference Between Business, Profession, and Employment: Definitions and Key Distinctions  

3. Finance Management 

  • This course will teach you how to compute financial measures such as profitability, liquidity, and efficiency. 
  • You also learn how to use market ratios, debt ratios, and capital budgeting ratios if you study financial management. Thus, you get in-depth knowledge about budgeting and using business resources 

4. Organizational Behaviour 

  • It combines classic ideas with recent empirical debates about organizational structure 
  • Introduces theoretical and practical research on individual, interpersonal, and group performance in the workplace 
  • It also covers decision-making, motivation, leadership, teamwork, and corporate culture 
  • The learning technique relies on using the human side of management through role-play exercises and group projects 

5. Managerial Economics 

  • Aims to demonstrate how economic theory applies to managerial decision-making and how resources are distributed and coordinated to achieve the organization’s ultimate goal 
  • Focuses on microeconomics principles and models to solve problems and identify the basic economic concepts and models 
  • It includes the following: Consumer behavior theory, Production and applications to the labor market, Market structures, Product differentiation, Decision analysis and Pricing. 

6. Business Laws and Policies 

  • The primary purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the basic legal concepts and rules regulating commercial operations 
  • It seeks to help students grasp how business policies are directly linked to the natural world 

7. Organizational Planning 

  • Focuses on strategic circumstances and how to use analytical techniques to assess a company’s competitive position 
  • Students learn about real-world challenges and develop appropriate action plans using game theory 
  • Another part of this subject looks at the evidence of various management styles and their effects on firm processes, organizational change, and corporate culture in today’s collaborative business contexts 

8. Customer Relationship Management 

  • Without efficient and effective customer relationship management, no organization can compete in today’s market. This business management subject teaches you how to develop brand loyalty while optimizing customer satisfaction 
  • It also teaches new tactics to attract potential customers 

9. Operations Management 

  • Operations management is a crucial MBA subject in terms of overall scope in varied organizations  
  • It teaches you how to deal with challenges such as quality, productivity, capacity, and supply chain management in business operations 

10. Marketing Analysis & Research 

  • Marketers must conduct marketing research before they introduce a new product or service. 
  • This specialization teaches how to perform market research to gather relevant information from potential customers and use this data in crucial decision-making processes 

Check out the Top 15 Career Options in Business Management in India in 2025

Some Additional Subjects in Business Management Syllabus 

Here are some additional subjects in the business management syllabus that many leading institutes offer in business management courses along with the core specialization subjects: 

SUBJECT  DESCRIPTION 

Business fundamentals 

  

Generally spread across five parts, this addresses the fundamentals of corporate management and the background of establishing the business. 
International Scope of Business Development 

This subject includes both business and non-profit consultancy assignments. 

  

Business Discovery Expedition  It focuses on the impact of political and cultural barriers on a country’s social, economic, and business environment. 
Futuristic Business Marketing Strategies  This business management module teaches you to evaluate critical global trends and their potential implications on market evolution, business models, and stakeholder interests. 
Executive management abilities  This module is about the difficulties and dilemmas faced by leaders. 

Also Read: Career Options in Management in 2025 

Business Management Courses 

Business Management is a broad discipline in the academic world, encompassing a dynamic range of business management functions. Students can take up business management in their undergraduate (BBA/BMS), postgraduate (MBA/PGDM), and doctoral studies at universities across the country, both online and offline.  

The subjects covered in undergraduate courses are domain fundamentals, whereas the PG or doctoral levels focus more on advanced studies with specialization subjects. The following are your business management degree options: 

COURSE  LEVEL 

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) 

BMS ( Bachelor of Management Studies) 

Undergraduate 

MBA (Master of Business Administration) 

PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) 

Postgraduate  

DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) 

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) 

Doctorate 

Know about the 14 Essential Business Management Skills for Managerial Excellence in 2025 

Importance of Choosing the Right Business Management Subjects 

Picking the right subjects in business management isn’t just about completing a course—it shapes the skills you develop and the career path you follow. Here’s why choosing wisely matters: 

  • Choosing the right business management subjects helps you gain practical skills in areas like finance, marketing, HR, or analytics that can be applied in real-world business scenarios. 
  • Selecting subjects aligned with your career goals boosts career growth and opens doors to higher-paying roles and leadership opportunities. 
  • Specializing in relevant areas improves employability, making you a strong candidate for top recruiters. 
  • Thoughtful subject choices maximize career opportunities after a business management course and help you stand out in competitive job markets. 

Tips for Excelling in Business Management Subjects 

To get the most out of your business management course, it’s important to combine smart study habits with practical experience and skill-building.  

Here are some tips to help you excel:

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  • Plan your study schedule: Break down topics into manageable chunks and review regularly to retain concepts better. 
  • Focus on practical projects: Apply your learning through case studies, assignments, and real-world projects. 
  • Take up internships: Gain hands-on experience in companies to understand industry practices and boost employability. 
  • Develop soft and technical skills: Work on communication, teamwork, leadership, and tools like Excel, Analytics, or Marketing platforms. 
  • Stay updated with trends: Keep track of the latest business strategies, market trends, and digital tools to stay ahead. 
  • Engage in group discussions: Collaborate with peers to share knowledge, gain new perspectives, and strengthen understanding.

Learn Business Management with upGrad 

Now that you know the key business management subjects and modules, it’s clear how important it is to stand out in the job market. To land high-paying roles, you need to build a profile that shows you can lead and adapt to constantly changing business challenges. 

Start by pursuing specialized courses to gain deeper expertise in your chosen field. Combine this with skills in emerging technologies like data analytics or basic programming to create a well-rounded profile capable of handling cross-functional roles and impressing recruiters. 

At upGrad, we have it all! From AI to data science, to cloud certifications and management to skill development courses. You will surely find an upskilling course that fits your needs. 

Below are our popular business management courses, be sure to check them out and enroll now: 

Course Name   Duration  
Master of Science in Business Management and Technology - Paris School of Business   12 Months  
Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology - Golden Gate University (GGU)   15 Months  

MSc in International Accounting & Finance  

  

12 Months  
Professional Certificate Programme in HR Management and Analytics - IIM Kozhikode   6 Months  
PG Certificate in Product Management - Duke Corporate Education   5 Months  
B.Com. in International Accounting & Finance from JGU    36 Months   
B.Sc. in Finance & Entrepreneurship    36 Months   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between business administration and business management?

Business administration focuses on overseeing day-to-day operations, whereas business management involves strategic planning and leadership. Both fields overlap, but administration is more operations-focused, while management covers broader business growth strategies.

2. How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in business management?

A Business Management degree at the bachelor’s level can last for a duration of 3 to 4 years depending upon the university and the type of program you have enrolled in. A bachelor's degree in business management is the perfect starting step for someone looking to build a career in business management. 

3. Is a business management degree worth it?

Yes, a business management degree can significantly enhance career prospects, providing opportunities for higher salaries, promotions, and leadership roles. It equips you with essential skills for navigating the corporate world.

4. How do I start a career in business management?

To start a career in business management, earn a relevant degree (like a BBA or MBA), gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs, develop leadership skills, and network with professionals. Focus on continuous learning and growth.

5. How does business management differ from entrepreneurship?

Business management focuses on efficiently running existing businesses, while entrepreneurship involves starting new ventures and innovating. Both fields overlap, but entrepreneurship is more risk-driven and focused on creation, while management is about optimizing existing operations.

6. What are the benefits of pursuing a Business Management course?

Business Management courses equip individuals with leadership, analytical, and strategic skills that prepare them for high-responsibility roles, offering career growth, professional recognition, and the ability to influence business outcomes.

7. What skills are needed for a Business Management career?

The key skills needed for a career in business management include leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, time management, financial literacy, communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking, which help in managing teams and making sound business decisions.

8. Can I pursue a business management course online?

Yes, many universities and institutions offer online business management courses ranging from certifications to full-fledged degrees (BBA, MBA). These programs provide flexibility and can be completed remotely, ideal for working professionals.

9. What is the career growth after a business management degree?

Career growth includes progression from entry-level roles to managerial and executive positions. Common paths are marketing manager, HR director, operations manager, financial analyst, and CEO, with the potential for significant salary growth and leadership roles.

10. What are the challenges of studying Business Management?

Challenges include managing the vast scope of the subject matter, understanding complex financial and economic principles, staying motivated during long academic periods, and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business problems.

11. What are the options in business management courses for working professionals?

Many universities offer part-time MBA programs, online courses, and executive education programs tailored for working professionals. These programs allow individuals to enhance their skills without leaving their current job or career path and are designed to cater to the needs of working professionals looking to simultaneously continue their learning journey.

12. What are the core business management subjects I should focus on?

Core business management subjects typically include Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Business Ethics. Focusing on these helps you build a strong foundation and prepares you for various career opportunities after a business management course. 

13. How many subjects are usually included in a business management course?

A typical bachelor’s or master’s program includes around 10–15 core subjects, along with electives. Knowing the business management syllabus in advance helps you plan your learning and career path efficiently. 

14. Can I specialize in a particular field during a business management course?

Yes! Many programs allow specialization in areas like Digital Marketing, Finance, Operations, or HR. Choosing relevant electives enhances your skills and increases your chances of landing better business management placement opportunities.

15. What skills do I gain from business management course subjects?

By studying business management course subjects, you develop leadership, strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. These competencies improve your employability and help you excel in diverse roles across industries. 

16. Which companies hire graduates from business management courses?

Top recruiters include TCS, Infosys, Deloitte, Amazon, and top FMCG and consulting firms. Knowing the top companies for business management jobs helps you target your career efforts strategically. 

17. Is there placement assistance available for business management students?

Yes, many institutes provide business management placement assistance, including resume building, mock interviews, and internship opportunities. Leveraging this support improves your chances of securing good business management placement opportunities.

18. What is the average salary after completing a business management degree?

The business management salary in India varies based on role and experience. Entry-level positions may start around ₹3–5 LPA, while managerial roles can reach ₹10–15 LPA or more with experience and specialization.

19. Can I pursue business management courses online and still get placements?

Absolutely. Many online courses offer industry-aligned curriculum and business management placement assistance, allowing students to access business management placement opportunities and career support even while learning remotely.

20. How does studying business management help in career growth?

Studying business management subjects equips you with essential skills for leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning. This opens up higher-paying roles, promotions, and better career opportunities after a business management course.

Reference Links:
https://www.statista.com/outlook/amo/app/business/india
https://www.careers360.com/courses/business-management-studies-course
https://www.mangalayatan.in/blog/business-management-admission-course-details-fees-and-duration.html
https://www.krmangalam.edu.in/business-management-course/

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