

PHD in Technology Management at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)


Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Technology Management at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) Pune?
This Technology Management PhD program at Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune focuses on advanced research in managing technological innovation, defense technologies, and strategic business applications. Given India''''s rapid technological growth and focus on indigenous defense production, this specialization is critical for developing experts who can bridge technology and strategic decision-making in both public and private sectors. The program distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on defense technology management, reflecting DIAT''''s unique mandate, catering to the evolving demands of India''''s strategic industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for experienced professionals from defense, public sector undertakings, and technology-driven private industries seeking to advance their expertise through rigorous research. It also targets faculty from academic institutions aiming for higher qualifications and research contributions. Candidates typically possess a Master''''s degree in Engineering, Technology, Management, or related fields, often with significant professional experience, and are driven to contribute to strategic and technological advancements within the Indian ecosystem.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as research scientists, policy advisors, technology strategists, or academic leaders within India''''s defense sector, government organizations, and major R&D institutions. Potential roles include Senior Research Analyst, Technology Consultant, or Head of R&D Strategy. While salary ranges vary widely based on prior experience and sector, entry-level PhDs in research roles can expect competitive packages (INR 10-25 LPA), with significant growth potential in strategic leadership positions, contributing directly to national technological self-reliance.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodologies & Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with the ''''Research Methodology'''' and ''''Research and Publication Ethics'''' coursework. Understand qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, statistical tools, and ethical considerations in research, especially relevant to sensitive defense technology areas. Actively participate in discussions and seek clarification from professors.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, NVivo, Mendeley, UGC CARE List, DIAT''''s library resources
Career Connection
Builds a robust foundation for conducting credible research, ensuring ethical compliance, and publishing in high-impact journals, which are crucial for academic and strategic research roles.
Deep Dive into Technology Management Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the ''''General Management'''' core, explore foundational theories and models in technology and innovation management. Read seminal works, case studies (especially Indian ones), and contemporary articles to build a strong theoretical base before defining your specific research problem.
Tools & Resources
Harvard Business Review, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management journal, DIAT departmental seminars
Career Connection
Provides the conceptual framework necessary to identify pertinent research gaps, formulate relevant hypotheses, and contribute to cutting-edge knowledge in technology policy and strategy.
Initiate Networking with Faculty & Peers- (Semester 1-2)
Actively interact with your departmental faculty and senior PhD scholars. Attend departmental research presentations, colloquiums, and informal gatherings. These interactions can provide early insights into potential research areas, methodological guidance, and future collaborative opportunities within DIAT and its network.
Tools & Resources
DIAT departmental events, faculty office hours, academic conferences (e.g., AIMS International Conference on Management), LinkedIn
Career Connection
Early networking can lead to mentorship, research collaborations, and exposure to diverse perspectives crucial for navigating the PhD journey and future career advancements.
Intermediate Stage
Refine Research Proposal & Identify Niche- (Semester 3-4)
Based on your coursework and initial explorations, thoroughly refine your PhD research proposal. Focus on identifying a unique research gap within Technology Management, particularly in areas relevant to defense, innovation, or strategic management. Seek extensive feedback from your supervisor and DRC members.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal templates, Journal of Technology Management & Innovation, regular supervisor meetings, DIAT Research Review meetings
Career Connection
A well-defined and novel research problem is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, demonstrating intellectual rigor and potential for significant contribution, enhancing employability in research-intensive roles.
Engage in Pilot Studies & Data Collection Planning- (Semester 4-5)
Conduct small-scale pilot studies or preliminary data collection to test feasibility, refine research instruments, and gain initial insights. Develop a detailed plan for your main data collection, including ethical approvals, access to organizations (especially defense-related), and data analysis strategies.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, interview guides, DIAT Ethics Committee guidelines, institutional contacts for data access
Career Connection
Practical experience in data collection and analysis is highly valued in research and consulting roles. It also ensures efficient and effective execution of the main research, contributing to timely thesis completion.
Present at National/International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Prepare research papers based on your literature review, theoretical framework, or initial findings, and submit them to national or international academic conferences in technology management, innovation, or defense studies. This helps to gain early feedback, improve presentation skills, and build your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Conference call for papers (e.g., IAMOT, ISPIM, AIMS), presentation software, supervisor mentorship for paper writing
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance visibility, provide networking opportunities with leading researchers, and build confidence in communicating complex research, all vital for academic and research career progression.
Advanced Stage
Strategic Publication Plan & Journal Selection- (Semester 6-7)
Develop a strategic publication plan for your research findings. Identify target journals (peer-reviewed, high-impact, UGC CARE List/Scopus/WoS indexed) that align with your research area and publish papers consistently. Prioritize quality over quantity and aim for journals that enhance your academic and professional standing.
Tools & Resources
Journal ranking databases (e.g., ABDC, FT50), Scopus, Web of Science, academic writing workshops, supervisor guidance
Career Connection
High-quality publications are critical for academic positions, research grants, and demonstrating expertise, significantly boosting your profile in the competitive Indian research landscape.
Thesis Writing, Defense Preparation & Mentorship- (Semester 7-8)
Dedicate focused time to writing your doctoral thesis, ensuring logical flow, academic rigor, and adherence to DIAT''''s formatting guidelines. Practice your thesis defense presentation extensively with your supervisor and peers, anticipating potential questions and refining your arguments.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word thesis templates, Grammarly, mock defense sessions, feedback from DRC
Career Connection
Successful thesis defense is the culmination of PhD work, demonstrating independent research capabilities, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are highly valued in any advanced professional role.
Explore Post-PhD Career Paths & Network Widely- (Semester 8 (or final year))
Actively explore diverse career opportunities post-PhD, including academic faculty positions, R&D leadership roles in defense organizations, technology consulting, or policy analysis. Network beyond academia with industry leaders, participate in professional forums, and tailor your CV/resume to specific job roles.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, career fairs, professional associations (e.g., Association of Management Development Institutions in India), alumni network, DIAT''''s placement cell
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and extensive networking during the final stages significantly increase the chances of securing a desirable and impactful position that leverages your specialized PhD expertise in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Engineering/Technology/Science/Humanities/Management/Social Science in relevant discipline with First Class or equivalent; OR Bachelor''''s Degree in Engineering/Technology with outstanding academic record and Master''''s by Research (M.S./M.Phil.); OR M.Tech./M.E. in Technology Management/Industrial Engineering/Production Engineering/Management or equivalent with 60% marks (or 6.5 CGPA). UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE qualification is desirable.
Duration: 3-6 years
Credits: 12 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT-401 | General Management | Core | 3 | |
| MT-402 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | |
| MT-416 | Research and Publication Ethics | Mandatory | 3 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT-403 | Financial Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-404 | Marketing Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-405 | Human Resource Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-406 | Operations Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-407 | Strategic Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-408 | Project Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-409 | Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-410 | Intellectual Property Rights & Technology Transfer | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-411 | Supply Chain Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-412 | Quality Management | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-413 | Management of Change & Organizational Development | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-414 | Technology Forecasting & Assessment | Elective | 3 | |
| MT-415 | Defence Technology Management | Elective | 3 |




