PGDM in Human Resources vs. Operations Management: Picking the Right Course

The surveys have found that the majority of the leading corporate firms hire professionals who not only possess business acumen but also exhibit soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. That is why several top business schools and institutions have come up with a Post-graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme that is highly relevant to the current business and industry needs. However, choosing the right specialisation is a major concern, as it should align with our interests, passions, and career aspirations. The two most critical branches in PGDM include human resources and operations management. Although both streams offer strong opportunities for growth, they are entirely different from each other in different aspects. Today, in this blog, we shall help you pick the right course between a PGDM in Human Resources and Operations Management by bringing out the major differences between these courses.

PGDM in Human Resources vs. Operations Management: Course Duration and Eligibility

The PGDM in Human Resources is a two-year post-graduate programme that is divided into four semesters. The eligibility criteria to enrol in this course is 50% minimum marks in a bachelor's degree in any stream, followed by a valid score on the CAT, MAT, ATMA, CMAT, or equivalent entrance exams. Alternatively, students appearing in their final semester or year exams are also eligible to apply, and candidates with work experience are preferred.

The duration of the PGDM in Operations Management spans two years, split across four semesters. The eligibility criteria for this degree are a minimum of 50% marks in a bachelor's degree in any stream, followed by a valid score on the CAT, MAT, ATMA, CMAT, or equivalent entrance exams. Besides this, candidates with prior work experience are preferred, and students appearing in their final semester or year exams are also eligible to apply.

PGDM in Human Resources vs. Operations Management: Course Curriculum

The curriculum of the PGDM in Human Resources primarily focuses on developing skills and knowledge related to human capital management, employee relations, recruitment, talent management, and organisational behaviour.

On the other hand, a PGDM in Operations Management focuses on developing skills and knowledge in logistics, quality management, process optimisation, and supply chain management for an organisation. Both programmes offer internships and project work in their course curriculum. Let us see some of the core subjects that are covered in each discipline:

Core Subjects in PGDM: Human Resources

• Human Resource Management
• Organisational Behaviour
• Recruitment and Selection
• Performance Management and Appraisal
• Compensation and Benefits Management
• Training and development
• Labour Laws and Industrial Relations
• Talent Management
• Employee Engagement
• Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
• Strategic HR Management
• Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution
• Leadership and change management
• Ethics and Social Responsibility in HR

Core Subjects in PGDM: Operations Management

• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Production Planning and Control
• Quality Management
• Inventory Management
• Logistics and Distribution Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Project Management
• Operations Research
• Strategic Operations Management
• Global Operations and International Supply Chain
• Cost Management and Analysis
• Six Sigma and Process Improvement
• Technology and Operations
• Service Operations Management

PGDM in Human Resources vs. Operations Management: Career Opportunities
Both degrees offer great career advancement opportunities for individuals across different industries. While human resources professionals are in demand for their effective HR management skills, operations and chain management professionals are sought after in industries such as manufacturing, retail, logistics, and e-commerce. Let us observe some of the key career roles in each field:

Career Prospects in PGDM: Human Resource Management
A PGDM in Human Resources focuses on developing skills and knowledge related to managing human capital within organisations. As organisations require talented individuals who can support talent management and employee well-being, this specialisation offers a versatile career scope across various industries. We have listed some of the top job roles in this domain:

• HR Manager: HR managers oversee all aspects of human resources, such as recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and HR strategy development.
• Talent Acquisition Specialist: Talent Acquisition Specialists focus on identifying and recruiting top talent for your organisation.
• Training and Development Manager: Training and Development Managers develop and implement training programmes to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
• Compensation and Benefits Manager: Compensation and Benefits Managers manage employee compensation packages and ensure compliance with labour laws and regulations.
• HR Consultant: HR consultants provide HR expertise as external consultants to businesses, helping them navigate HR challenges, compliance, and best practices.

Career Prospects in PGDM: Operations Management
A PGDM in Operations Management emphasises improving supply chain processes and production within organisations. As manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce companies look for individuals who can streamline their processes and reduce operational costs, this course offers ample career opportunities across these industries. We have listed some of the top job roles in this domain:

• Operations Manager: Operations managers oversee and manage day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness within an organisation.
• Supply Chain Manager: Supply chain managers lead and optimise supply chain operations, such as procurement, production, inventory management, and distribution.
• Logistics Manager: Logistics managers manage transportation, warehousing, and inventory logistics to ensure the timely and efficient movement of goods and materials.
• Quality Control Manager: Quality Control Managers ensure product and service quality by implementing quality control processes and standards.
• Project Manager: Project managers manage projects related to process improvement, system implementation, and operational efficiency within the organisation.

PGDM in Human Resources vs. Operations Management: Which one to choose?

To summarise, both degrees offer exciting career growth opportunities across different industries, although they differ in several aspects such as curriculum, objective, and focus. Therefore, if you are interested in recruitment, employee engagement, conflict resolution, and manpower management, a PGDM in Human Resources is a recommended career choice. However, if you want to pursue a career in process optimisation, supply chain analysis, project management, or inventory management, then a PGDM in Operations Management is an ideal option.