Industrial Visit to MSN Labs

Event Name: Industrial Visit to MSN Labs

Objective: The industrial visit aimed to give students first-hand exposure to pharmaceutical industry operations, focusing on production, quality control, and packaging processes. It also sought to bridge academic concepts with real-world applications while fostering interactions with industry professionals.

Outcome: The visit gave students practical insights into pharmaceutical manufacturing, focusing on tablet production. Key operations concepts like process flow, quality assurance, and packaging were observed and connected to their curriculum. The experience deepened their understanding of operations management by linking theory with real-world practices. A Q&A session with the MSN Lab In-charge broadened perspectives on operations, HR, marketing, and finance. Overall, the visit enriched students' industry awareness and contributed to their holistic learning experience.

Report

1. Introduction

On September 18, 2024, the MBA students of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Hyderabad, were provided with a valuable opportunity to visit MSN Laboratories Private Limited, a leading pharmaceutical company. The visit was organized by the Student Welfare Department with the primary objective of familiarizing students with real-life applications of their academic knowledge in the field of operations management.

The students were divided into two groups for the visit, with the first batch attending in the morning and the second post-lunch. The visit allowed the students to witness various facets of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process and understand the key elements of production, quality control, and packaging.

2. Overview of MSN Laboratories

MSN Laboratories is a globally recognized pharmaceutical company known for its focus on the development, production, and distribution of a wide range of generic medicines. With advanced production facilities and rigorous quality control protocols, the company maintains high standards in its manufacturing processes. The visit was an opportunity for the students to experience the operations of such a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Visit Itinerary

The first batch of students reached MSN Laboratories at 10:30 AM. Upon arrival, all students were required to hand over their mobile phones, ensuring compliance with the company's security and confidentiality policies. The visit commenced with a 30-minute briefing by the MSN Lab In-charge. The briefing covered an introduction to the company's operations, organizational structure, and its role in the pharmaceutical sector.

After the briefing, students were provided with safety equipment, including aprons, face masks, and head covers, before entering the production area. The tour of the production facility was divided into the following stages:

3.1 Production Process

The students observed the entire process of tablet manufacturing, from the initial raw material handling to the final tablet production. This provided them with a thorough understanding of the step- by-step processes involved in pharmaceutical production. Key operations management concepts, such as process optimization and flow management, were evident throughout the manufacturing process.

3.2 Quality Control

One of the most critical aspects of pharmaceutical production is quality control. Students were shown the company's stringent quality control measures to ensure that every batch of tablets met regulatory standards and safety requirements. The quality control processes included both manual inspections and automated systems to detect any deviations from the standard.

3.3 Packaging

The visit also covered the packaging process, where students witnessed how tablets are prepared for distribution. The packaging process included various steps such as labeling, sealing, and boxing, ensuring that the products were ready for shipment to retailers or healthcare facilities.

4. Interactive Q&A Session

Following the production tour, students were guided to a confined room for a question-and-answer session with the MSN Lab In-charge. This interactive session allowed students to explore various aspects of operations, human resources, marketing, and finance. Several students raised questions related to the challenges of managing large-scale pharmaceutical operations, regulatory compliance, and cost management in production. The session provided a well-rounded perspective on how different business functions contribute to the success of MSN Laboratories.

5. Key Learnings from the Visit

The industrial visit was a highly informative experience for the students, offering a direct link between their academic knowledge and the industrial operations of a pharmaceutical company. The key learnings include:

6. Conclusion

The industrial visit to MSN Laboratories was a well-structured and insightful experience for the MBA students of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Hyderabad. It provided a platform for students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By observing live operations, engaging in discussions, and exploring the pharmaceutical production process, students enhanced their understanding of operations management and its critical role in the pharmaceutical industry.

The visit also offered an opportunity to gain valuable insights into other business functions, encouraging holistic learning and preparing students for future roles in the industry. Overall, the visit was a significant step in providing real-world exposure to MBA students, complementing their academic curriculum with practical experience.