04-10-2025
By the time you implement a new technology, it’s already outdated. Businesses must carefully decide when to adopt emerging technologies versus waiting for the next breakthrough — but Purdue has been quick.
— Mohammad Rahman
“Things are evolving faster than ever, and I can only imagine how challenging it must be for professionals in other industries to keep up,” says Jim Ostrognai, senior vice president of software development at Salesforce in Indianapolis.
Recognizing this shift, Ostrognai, who has 25 years in the software industry, has been serving on the Daniels School Master of Business and Technology (MBT) program advisory board. He is helping shape this innovative end degree in business developed at the Daniels School in 2024, ensuring it provides cutting-edge courses in complex technological business models, fast-moving technologies, and the capabilities and limitations. Ostrognai’s expertise in software as a service (SaaS) speaks to rising professionals seeking a business degree that prepares them for making smart business decisions in a tech-driven world.
Education often lags behind rapid technological advancements, but Mohammad Rahman, academic director of the MBT program, sees Purdue’s newly relaunched business school as an opportunity to take a different approach.
“We operate with the philosophy that STEM is integral to business, positioning the school at the intersection of both fields,” he explains.
With this vision, the MBT program was designed to bridge a critical skills gap, ensuring professionals develop both business expertise and a deep understanding of technology. Graduates leave with the ability to integrate data-driven insights into their roles, transforming how businesses analyze and act on information, along with a strong foundation in data infrastructure and AI infrastructure.
“Instead of retrofitting old courses or simply renaming them, we focused on what the economy needs and what skills will be essential for leading businesses in the next five to ten years,” Rahman adds. “This program is built to prepare students for success in an evolving economy, equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to compete effectively.”
The MBT program is instrumental in training the next generation of leaders to think big about technology. It equips students to not only recognize the potential of technological advancements but also to challenge IT teams when they limit possibilities or set boundaries on what can be achieved. This focus on innovation and critical thinking is essential for preparing leaders to thrive in today’s tech-driven business world.
Watch the full webinar for more insights into the MBT program and how it prepares students to handle complex decision-making, manage change and lead within dynamic business environments.
If you would like to receive more information about pursuing a business master’s at the Mitch Daniels School of Business, please fill out the form and a program specialist will be in touch!
