

PH-D in Management at Guru Nanak Dev University


Amritsar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Management at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar?
This Ph.D. Management program at Guru Nanak Dev University focuses on developing advanced research capabilities and fostering original contributions to the field of management. It is designed to address complex business challenges and academic gaps within the Indian industry context, emphasizing rigorous methodological training crucial for impactful research. The program differentiates itself by integrating theoretical depth with practical research applications relevant to contemporary business environments.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and senior management professionals in India who possess a strong academic record and a passion for in-depth inquiry. It attracts candidates with Master''''s degrees in management, commerce, economics, or related social sciences, seeking to contribute to scholarly knowledge, influence policy, and drive innovation within various industries.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers in academia as professors or researchers in leading Indian universities and research institutions. Opportunities also exist in corporate research and development, consulting, and policy formulation roles, commanding competitive salary packages ranging from INR 10-25 lakhs annually for early to mid-career researchers, with significant growth trajectories in specialized domains.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Statistics- (Semester 1)
Rigorously engage with the coursework (MGT-601, MGT-602) to build a strong theoretical and practical foundation in research design, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis. Utilize resources like online statistical tutorials and statistical software documentation.
Tools & Resources
MGT-601/MGT-602 textbooks, SPSS, R, Python (Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), Coursera courses on Research Methods, NPTEL lectures
Career Connection
Essential for designing robust studies and analyzing data, foundational for any research career in academia or industry.
Develop Proficiency in Research Software- (Semester 1)
Actively practice using computer applications for research (MGT-603), focusing on data management, analysis, and academic writing tools. Become proficient in at least one statistical software (SPSS, R, E-Views) and a reference manager (Mendeley/Zotero).
Tools & Resources
MS Office, SPSS/R/E-Views software, Mendeley/Zotero, official software tutorials, university computer labs
Career Connection
Enhances research efficiency, data presentation skills, and the ability to produce high-quality scholarly output.
Proactively Identify Research Gaps- (Semester 1)
Even during coursework, start exploring current literature in potential areas of interest within management. Attend departmental seminars and faculty presentations to identify emerging trends and significant research gaps. Begin conceptualizing potential research problems.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, university library databases, research papers, faculty discussions
Career Connection
Crucial for selecting a relevant and impactful thesis topic, a cornerstone of successful Ph.D. completion and future research trajectory.
Intermediate Stage
Cultivate Strong Supervisor Relationship- (Semester 2 onwards (after coursework))
Regularly communicate with your assigned supervisor, seeking guidance on literature review, research questions, and methodological approaches. Proactively present your progress and challenges, and be open to constructive feedback to refine your research direction.
Tools & Resources
Scheduled meetings, email communication, shared document platforms
Career Connection
A strong supervisory relationship is vital for navigating the complexities of Ph.D. research, ensuring timely progress, and receiving mentorship for academic career development.
Engage in Comprehensive Literature Review- (Semester 2 - 3)
Beyond coursework, dedicate significant time to an exhaustive review of extant literature in your chosen niche. Systematically identify key theories, empirical findings, and methodological approaches. Use academic databases effectively and organize your readings using reference management software.
Tools & Resources
University library, JSTOR, EBSCO, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero, academic journals
Career Connection
Builds deep domain expertise, helps in formulating original research questions, and prevents replication of existing work, crucial for thesis originality.
Participate in Research Workshops & Conferences- (Semester 2 onwards)
Attend and ideally present initial research ideas or literature reviews at departmental workshops, national seminars, or academic conferences within India. This provides valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and exposure to the broader research community.
Tools & Resources
University announcements, conference websites (e.g., IIM conferences, AIMS International Conference), professional associations (e.g., AIMS)
Career Connection
Develops presentation skills, expands academic network, and validates research direction, enhancing future collaboration and publication prospects.
Advanced Stage
Develop Robust Writing & Publication Skills- (Semester 4 onwards)
Focus on structured academic writing, preparing chapters of your thesis systematically. Aim to convert thesis chapters or distinct research findings into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals, ideally UGC-CARE listed journals relevant to management.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, academic writing guides, specific journal submission guidelines, university writing center (if available)
Career Connection
Publications are critical for academic job applications and career progression in India; a well-written thesis is essential for successful defense.
Network with Established Researchers- (Semester 3 onwards, intensifying in later stages)
Proactively connect with senior academics and researchers in your field, both within and outside GNDU. Attend keynote speeches, reach out to authors of influential papers, and build professional relationships that can lead to collaborations, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, academic conferences, university alumni networks, researchgate.net
Career Connection
Expands visibility, opens doors for post-doctoral positions, visiting faculty roles, and collaborative research projects.
Prepare Rigorously for Viva Voce- (Final semester/pre-defense period)
Conduct multiple mock viva sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members. Anticipate potential questions, practice concise explanations of your research contributions, and be ready to defend your methodology and findings confidently.
Tools & Resources
Thesis document, research papers, mock defense sessions, feedback from supervisor
Career Connection
A successful viva is the final hurdle to degree conferment, demonstrating mastery of your research area and ability to articulate your contribution effectively.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to Master''''s Degree with at least 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent grade ''''B'''' in UGC 7-point scale (or equivalent). A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is allowed for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled candidates or those who obtained Master''''s degree prior to 19th September, 1991, as per UGC norms.
Duration: Overall Ph.D.: 2-6 years; Coursework: 1 Semester
Credits: 12 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT-601 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research: Meaning, Objectives, Types, Formulation of Research Problem, Research Design, Sampling Design, Data Collection and Measurement, Research Report Writing |
| MGT-602 | Quantitative Techniques for Research | Core | 4 | Probability and Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression and Correlation Analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multivariate Data Analysis (Factor, Discriminant, Cluster), Time Series Analysis |
| MGT-603 | Computer Applications for Research | Core | 4 | Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems, MS Office for Research, Data Analysis using SPSS/E-Views/R, Internet and Online Databases, Reference Management Software, Presentation Tools |




