.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Management Studies at Gujarat University
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Management Studies at Gujarat University Ahmedabad?
This PhD program in Management Studies at Gujarat University focuses on developing advanced research capabilities in various management domains. It is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and independent scholarly contributions, addressing complex business challenges relevant to the rapidly evolving Indian industry landscape. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical implications of management research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for academic aspirants, management faculty, and seasoned industry professionals holding a Master''''s degree in Management or allied fields who aspire to contribute original research to the body of knowledge. It targets individuals passionate about scholarly inquiry, those seeking to become thought leaders, and professionals aiming to elevate their expertise through rigorous academic research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers in academia as professors, researchers, or consultants. In India, they find opportunities in top business schools, research institutions, and corporate think tanks. Entry-level salaries for Assistant Professors in management range from INR 6-10 LPA, with significant growth potential based on research output and experience, enabling impactful contributions to policy and industry practices.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand research methodologies, statistical tools, and academic writing conventions during coursework. Engage actively in workshops and seminars on research ethics and data analysis. This ensures a strong foundation for your subsequent thesis work.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R/Python for statistical analysis, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management, Online courses on research methods (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL)
Career Connection
A solid grasp of research methods is crucial for producing credible research, essential for academic publications and thesis defense, directly impacting future academic and research positions.
Identify and Refine Your Research Area- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Engage early with your supervisor to explore potential research gaps and areas of interest within Management Studies. Begin a preliminary literature review to narrow down a specific problem statement and research questions, aligning with current Indian industry trends or societal needs.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Scopus for literature search, University library databases, Discussions with faculty and industry experts
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem sets the direction for your entire PhD, leading to a focused and impactful thesis that can garner recognition in the academic and professional community.
Cultivate Strong Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2 (Coursework Phase))
Practice academic writing regularly, focusing on clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Seek feedback on your literature reviews, research proposals, and initial drafts from your supervisor and peers. This is critical for journal publications and thesis quality.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly/ProWritingAid, Academic style guides (APA, MLA), University writing center resources
Career Connection
Effective academic writing is paramount for publishing in peer-reviewed journals, which is a key performance indicator for academic promotions and career advancement in research.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Literature and Theoretical Frameworks- (Year 2-3)
Conduct an exhaustive literature review to establish the theoretical foundations and identify the specific research gap. Develop a robust theoretical framework that underpins your study, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge in your chosen area.
Tools & Resources
Advanced search operators in academic databases, Systematic review methodologies, Theoretical framework models
Career Connection
A strong theoretical grounding and comprehensive literature review enhance the scholarly contribution of your thesis, making it more publishable and respected in the academic community.
Engage in Research Seminars and Conferences- (Year 2-3)
Present your research in progress at departmental seminars, university-level symposia, and national/international conferences. Actively participate in discussions, seek feedback, and network with fellow researchers and senior academics. This builds visibility and refines your research ideas.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases (e.g., All Conference Alert), Presentation software, University funding for travel grants
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences is vital for gaining exposure, receiving constructive criticism, and establishing a professional network, which can lead to collaborations and job opportunities.
Develop Advanced Data Analysis Expertise- (Year 2-3)
Master advanced statistical or qualitative data analysis techniques relevant to your research. Utilize specialized software proficiently and be prepared to justify your methodological choices. Consider seeking certifications in advanced analytics.
Tools & Resources
AMOS/SmartPLS for SEM, NVivo/Atlas.ti for qualitative analysis, Advanced statistical workshops, Udemy/Coursera courses
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced data analysis makes your research robust and your skill set highly desirable for research roles in both academia and industry (e.g., data scientist, market research analyst).
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Quality Publication Output- (Year 3-5)
Aim to publish at least one or two research papers in UGC-CARE listed, Scopus, or ABDC ranked journals based on your PhD work. This demonstrates your research capabilities and significantly enhances your academic profile for faculty positions.
Tools & Resources
Journal finder tools, Manuscript preparation guidelines, Peer review feedback integration
Career Connection
Publications are a primary criterion for selection and promotion in academic positions in India and globally, directly impacting your employability and career trajectory as a researcher.
Prepare Rigorously for Thesis Defense- (Year 4-5)
Dedicate ample time to writing, refining, and preparing your PhD thesis, ensuring it meets all university guidelines and academic standards. Practice your pre-submission seminar and final viva-voce presentation multiple times with your supervisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
Thesis template and guidelines from Gujarat University, Mock defense sessions, Feedback from mentors
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD journey, leading to the award of the degree and validating your expertise, opening doors to advanced academic and research roles.
Build a Professional Academic Network- (Throughout PhD, intensified in later stages)
Actively maintain and expand your academic network by connecting with scholars met at conferences, seminars, and through research collaborations. These connections are invaluable for future research projects, job referrals, and staying updated with the latest advancements.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Professional associations (e.g., AIMS-India), Regular communication with peers and mentors
Career Connection
A strong professional network can provide mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and insights into job openings, significantly enhancing your career prospects in academia and research-oriented roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s Degree in Management or an allied discipline with at least 55% aggregate marks (or equivalent grade) from a recognized university. Relaxation for reserved categories as per UGC/Government norms. Qualifying in entrance test conducted by Gujarat University or having valid NET/SLET/GATE scores.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (Full-time); Coursework duration typically 1-2 semesters
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework (as per UGC Regulations 2016 and Gujarat University ordinances) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (for coursework, includes assignments, presentations, internal exams), External: 50% (for coursework, end-semester examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-MGMT-C01 | Research Methodology and Quantitative Techniques | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research Design, Methods of Data Collection and Sampling, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing and Regression Analysis, Academic Writing and Research Ethics, Introduction to Statistical Software (e.g., SPSS/R) |
| PHD-MGMT-C02 | Advanced Topics in Management Studies (Area Specific Paper) | Core | 4 | Contemporary Theories in Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management Research Perspectives, Innovations in Marketing and Consumer Behavior, Current Issues in Financial Management, Human Resource Analytics and Development, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems |
