

PH-D in Management Studies at AMC Engineering College


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Management Studies at AMC Engineering College Bengaluru?
This Ph.D. in Management Studies program at AMC Engineering College, affiliated with Visvesvaraya Technological University, focuses on nurturing high-calibre researchers capable of making significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field. The program emphasizes rigorous research methodology and deep conceptual understanding to address complex business challenges prevalent in India and globally. It prepares scholars to contribute to academic knowledge and industry best practices.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academicians, senior industry professionals seeking to transition into research roles, and individuals with a strong master''''s degree in management or allied disciplines. It caters to those passionate about intellectual inquiry, problem-solving, and contributing original insights to management thought. Candidates are expected to have a solid foundation in business concepts and a keen interest in conducting independent research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as university professors, research scientists, high-level consultants, or policy advisors in think tanks. In the Indian context, they are highly sought after in B-schools, corporate R&D divisions, and government advisory roles. The Ph.D. provides a unique credential for leadership and critical thinking, fostering a deep understanding of management issues that transcends functional boundaries.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Literature Review- (Coursework Semester (typically Semester 1))
Thoroughly engage with the coursework on Research Methodology and Statistics. Beyond classroom learning, actively practice identifying research gaps and conducting comprehensive literature reviews using academic databases. Participate in departmental seminars to understand diverse research approaches.
Tools & Resources
VTU Library resources, JSTOR, Scopus, Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology is critical for successful thesis work and is a core skill for any research-oriented career, making you a credible academic or industry researcher.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor from the outset to define a clear, feasible, and impactful research problem. Refine your research questions, objectives, and preliminary methodology. Seek feedback from other faculty members and peers to strengthen your proposal.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Departmental Ph.D. colloquia, Proposal defense presentations
Career Connection
A well-articulated proposal demonstrates critical thinking and project management skills, essential for leading research projects in academia or industry.
Network and Engage with the Research Community- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental research presentations, workshops, and national/international conferences. Engage with fellow researchers and faculty from other institutions. Join relevant academic groups or associations to stay updated on current research trends and build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Research seminars, Conferences (e.g., AIMS International, IIM conferences), LinkedIn groups for researchers
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborations, post-doctoral opportunities, and visibility within your field, which is vital for an academic career and impactful research dissemination.
Intermediate Stage
Execute Data Collection with Precision- (Semester 3-5)
Systematically collect primary or secondary data following your approved research design. Ensure ethical considerations are met and data quality is maintained. Document your data collection process meticulously for transparency and reproducibility.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey/Google Forms for primary data, CMIE Prowess, Capitaline for secondary data, Nvivo/Atlas.ti for qualitative data analysis, Research Ethics Board guidelines
Career Connection
Proficiency in data collection and management is highly valued in market research, analytics, and academic roles, showcasing your ability to generate reliable insights.
Master Advanced Data Analysis Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Apply appropriate statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to your collected data. Seek guidance from statisticians or faculty experts if needed. Be prepared to adapt your analytical approach based on data characteristics and emerging insights.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Python (Pandas, Scikit-learn), NVivo, AMOS/SmartPLS for structural equation modeling
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are universally sought after. This expertise can lead to roles in business intelligence, data science, and advanced research, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
Regularly Publish and Present Findings- (Semester 4-6)
Translate your ongoing research findings into publishable papers. Target national and international peer-reviewed journals. Present your work at conferences and workshops to gain feedback and build your publication record early on. Start with working papers or conference proceedings.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List Journals, SCOPUS/Web of Science indexed journals, Departmental presentation forums
Career Connection
A robust publication record is crucial for academic career progression, faculty positions, and grants. It establishes your expertise and contribution to the field.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Quality- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate significant time to writing your doctoral thesis, ensuring clarity, coherence, and originality. Adhere to academic writing standards and institutional formatting guidelines. Regularly review and revise chapters with your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly/Turnitin for plagiarism checks and grammar, LaTeX/Microsoft Word for formatting, EndNote/Zotero for consistent referencing
Career Connection
The thesis is your magnum opus. Its quality reflects your scholarly rigor, attention to detail, and ability to construct a compelling argument, which are invaluable for any professional role requiring high-level written communication.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Semester 7-8 onwards)
Practice presenting your research effectively and prepare thoroughly for potential questions during your pre-submission and final viva voce examinations. Seek mock defense opportunities with faculty members or senior researchers.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Previous viva defense recordings/transcripts (if available), Presentation software (PowerPoint/Keynote)
Career Connection
Successfully defending your thesis demonstrates confidence, public speaking skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas under scrutiny – skills vital for leadership and academic roles.
Strategize for Post-Ph.D. Career Paths- (Semester 7-8 onwards)
While finalizing your thesis, actively explore post-doctoral opportunities, faculty positions, or industry research roles. Prepare your CV, teaching philosophy (if applicable), and research statement. Leverage your network for job leads and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Academic job portals (e.g., Times Higher Education), Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D. and helps align your research trajectory with your long-term professional aspirations, whether in academia, research institutions, or industry.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Management/Commerce/Allied fields with at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/Category-1 candidates of Karnataka), or equivalent grade. Must qualify in VTU Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Ph.D. (VTU-ETR) or be exempted (e.g., UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET qualified, M.Phil. degree holders).
Duration: Minimum 3 years (full-time) / 4 years (part-time) from provisional registration (Ph.D. coursework typically 1 semester)
Credits: 8-12 credits (for coursework phase, as per VTU norms, typically 2-3 subjects of 4 credits each) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Assignments, Seminars, Tests), External: 50% (End-semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22PHDRM01 | Research Methodology and Statistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research and Research Process, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Sampling Design and Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis Techniques (Univariate, Bivariate, Multivariate), Interpretation, Report Writing, and Research Ethics |
| 22PHDMSXX | Advanced Topics in Management Studies (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Contemporary Theories in Management, Identification of Research Gaps, Advanced Literature Review in Specialization Area, Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Development, Research Design specific to Management Disciplines |




