.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Rural Management at Faculty of Management Studies, Marwadi University
Rajkot, Gujarat
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Rural Management at Faculty of Management Studies, Marwadi University Rajkot?
This Rural Management PhD program at Smt. R. D Gardi Department of Business Management focuses on advanced research in developing sustainable solutions for rural communities. It addresses critical challenges within India''''s vast rural landscape, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to socio-economic development, policy formulation, and market linkages tailored for rural contexts. The program aims to foster expert researchers capable of contributing significantly to the rural sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in Management, Rural Studies, Social Sciences, or allied fields with a strong aptitude for research. It attracts individuals passionate about rural development, seeking to address complex issues through rigorous academic inquiry. Professionals from NGOs, government agencies, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments looking to deepen their expertise and contribute to policy-making are also well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as academic researchers, policy analysts for government bodies, consultants for rural development projects, or lead roles in NGOs and international organizations focused on rural upliftment. Potential salary ranges in India can vary widely, from entry-level policy research roles (INR 5-8 LPA) to experienced consultancy/academic positions (INR 12-25+ LPA). The program prepares scholars for impactful contributions to India''''s rural economy.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Data Analysis- (Semester 1)
Engage deeply with the Research Methodology coursework, focusing on understanding diverse research designs, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis methods. Simultaneously, gain proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python''''s Pandas/SciPy) through online tutorials and workshops to analyze quantitative data effectively. This robust foundation is critical for designing impactful research.
Tools & Resources
Saurashtra University library resources, NPTEL courses on Research Methodology, Coursera/edX for SPSS/R/Python for Data Science, GeeksforGeeks for statistical concepts
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are indispensable for any research-oriented career, enhancing credibility as an academic, policy analyst, or consultant, directly impacting the quality and applicability of your PhD thesis.
Cultivate Critical Literature Review Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Systematically review existing literature in Rural Management, focusing on identifying research gaps and theoretical contributions. Attend departmental seminars and workshops on effective literature review, academic writing, and critical thinking. Develop a detailed annotated bibliography of key papers in your chosen area of specialization.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Saurashtra University Digital Library, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management
Career Connection
Proficiency in literature review helps in identifying unique research problems, building a strong theoretical framework for your thesis, and demonstrating scholarly rigor, which are vital for academic and research roles.
Build a Strong Rapport with Your Supervisor- (Ongoing from Semester 1)
Establish regular communication with your PhD supervisor. Actively seek feedback on coursework, literature review, and initial research ideas. Clearly communicate your research interests and progress. Proactively propose discussion topics and demonstrate initiative in your research endeavors. This mentorship is pivotal for navigating the PhD journey.
Tools & Resources
Regular scheduled meetings, Email communication, Shared document platforms
Career Connection
A strong supervisory relationship provides guidance, opens doors to academic networks, and ensures your research aligns with academic standards, directly influencing the successful completion and impact of your thesis.
Intermediate Stage
Develop and Refine Your Research Proposal- (After Coursework, within 1 year)
Based on coursework and literature review, formulate a clear, feasible, and impactful research proposal for your PhD thesis. Present it in departmental seminars to gather feedback from faculty and peers. Refine your research questions, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes until it is robust and supervisor-approved.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research seminars, Supervisor guidance, Workshops on proposal writing
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal is the blueprint for your PhD and future research projects, demonstrating your ability to conceptualize and plan independent scholarly work, crucial for academic positions and grant applications.
Engage in Fieldwork and Data Collection- (Year 1.5 - Year 2.5)
For Rural Management, active fieldwork is crucial. Plan and execute your data collection strategy in rural settings, which may involve surveys, interviews, focus groups, or participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques. Obtain necessary ethical approvals and develop strong rapport with local communities for rich, context-specific data.
Tools & Resources
Survey tools (Google Forms, KoboToolbox), Audio recorders, Community engagement techniques, Ethical clearance procedures
Career Connection
Hands-on data collection in rural India provides invaluable practical experience, enhancing your understanding of ground realities and making your research findings more relevant and impactful for policy-making and development roles.
Attend and Present at Conferences- (Year 2 - Year 3)
Actively search for relevant national and regional academic conferences (e.g., IIM conferences, specific rural development conferences). Submit abstracts of your ongoing research and prepare compelling presentations. Network with other researchers and scholars in the field to gain feedback and build collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., AIMS, IIMs), Departmental funding for travel, Presentation software
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences enhances your visibility in the academic community, hones your communication skills, and helps in establishing a professional network essential for future collaborations, postdoctoral opportunities, and faculty positions.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Publication- (Year 3 - Year 4)
Dedicate significant time to writing your PhD thesis, ensuring clarity, coherence, and originality. Aim to convert thesis chapters into publishable journal articles in peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Journal of Rural Development, Economic and Political Weekly). Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers on drafts.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Grammarly/Turnitin, Journal submission platforms, University thesis formatting guidelines
Career Connection
High-quality publications are critical for securing academic positions and demonstrating your research contribution. A well-written thesis is the culmination of your scholarly journey, proving your expertise and analytical capabilities.
Prepare for Thesis Defense (Viva-Voce)- (Final 6 months of PhD)
Thoroughly review your entire thesis, anticipating potential questions from the examiners. Conduct mock viva sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members to practice articulating your research findings, methodology, and contributions confidently. Be prepared to defend your work rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Previous thesis defense examples, University defense guidelines
Career Connection
Successfully defending your thesis is the final academic hurdle. A strong defense demonstrates mastery of your subject, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are highly valued in both academic and non-academic leadership roles.
Explore Post-PhD Career Paths & Networking- (Year 4 onwards)
Beyond thesis completion, actively explore postdoctoral opportunities, academic job markets, and research roles in government or non-profit sectors. Attend career workshops, update your CV, and leverage your professional network established during conferences and collaborations to identify suitable positions aligned with your expertise in Rural Management.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic job portals (e.g., higheredjobs.com, individual university sites), Career counseling services
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-PhD. Utilizing your network and showcasing your specialized research in Rural Management will open doors to impactful roles that leverage your advanced skills and knowledge in India''''s development sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Management/Commerce/Economics or allied discipline with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories), valid score in entrance examination (e.g., PET) conducted by the university, and successful interview.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (including 1 semester coursework)
Credits: 12 (for compulsory coursework phase) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhDM-C1 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Inference, Research Ethics and Report Writing |
| PhDM-C2 | Review of Literature and Seminar (Subject Specific) | Core | 4 | Literature Review Techniques, Identifying Research Gaps, Critical Analysis of Research Papers, Academic Writing Skills, Seminar Presentation Development, Art of Scientific Communication |
| PhDM-C3 | Specialization Paper (Advanced Topics in Rural Management) | Specialization Core | 4 | Rural Economy & Livelihoods, Rural Marketing & Supply Chains, Microfinance & Financial Inclusion, Rural Social Entrepreneurship, Public Policy for Rural Development, Sustainable Rural Practices & Governance |
