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FPM in Agriculture at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Agriculture at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad Ahmedabad?
This specialization, inferred as Food and Agribusiness within the Public Systems Group at IIM Ahmedabad, focuses on rigorous doctoral research into critical issues facing India''''s agricultural and food sectors. It equips scholars to address challenges in production, marketing, policy, and sustainability, leveraging IIMA''''s expertise in management and public policy. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, crucial for solving complex problems in India''''s diverse agricultural landscape and contributing to food security.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, policy analysts, and researchers with a strong analytical background and a passion for India''''s food and agriculture sectors. It targets individuals holding Master''''s degrees in economics, agricultural sciences, management, or related fields, seeking to contribute original research to global and Indian agricultural policy and business. Professionals from government, NGOs, or agribusiness looking to transition into research or academia would also benefit.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in academia, international organizations like the FAO or World Bank, government policy think tanks, and research divisions of leading agribusiness firms in India. Typical roles include Assistant Professor, Senior Researcher, Policy Advisor, or Agri-Business Consultant. Salaries can range significantly based on sector and role, with strong growth trajectories in an evolving Indian food economy and policy landscape.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Research Methodologies- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and qualitative research methods. This involves consistent engagement with advanced textbooks, journal articles, and problem-solving exercises to ensure a solid understanding of fundamental research tools.
Tools & Resources
Stata, R, Python for statistical analysis, Academic journals (e.g., American Economic Review), IIMA''''s research databases
Career Connection
Essential for any doctoral research, enabling robust analysis and theory building. Mastery of these methods is critical for conducting credible research and securing academic positions.
Actively Participate in Research Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Attend and critically engage in all FPM and area-specific research seminars. This exposure helps scholars understand diverse research topics, methodologies, and identify potential research gaps and emerging trends in their field.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Online academic seminar series, Internal discussion forums
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, presentation skills, and networking opportunities within the academic community, which are crucial for future collaborations and intellectual growth.
Engage with Faculty on Research Ideas- (Semester 1-2)
Proactively seek discussions with faculty members from the Public Systems Group and related areas (e.g., Economics, Strategy) to explore initial research interests and gain early mentorship. This helps in refining nascent research ideas.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Informal meetings, IIMA''''s internal research colloquia
Career Connection
Early mentorship is vital for thesis topic selection and navigating the complex research process effectively, laying a strong groundwork for future independent research.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Food & Agribusiness Literature- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically review seminal and current literature specific to food and agribusiness, rural development, and agricultural policy. This involves identifying key theories, empirical findings, and critical debates relevant to your evolving research focus.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Food Policy journal, Agricultural Economics journal
Career Connection
Establishes expertise in the chosen domain, enabling the formulation of novel and significant research questions for the dissertation, a key academic and research skill.
Develop and Refine Research Questions- (Semester 3-5)
Work closely with potential thesis advisors to translate broad research interests into specific, feasible, and impactful research questions that address significant gaps in the Food and Agribusiness literature and have policy relevance.
Tools & Resources
Advisor meetings, Research proposal workshops, Internal FPM peer review sessions, Research design templates
Career Connection
A well-defined and original research question is the cornerstone of a successful dissertation, crucial for eventually publishing impactful work and securing academic positions.
Participate in Academic Conferences & Workshops- (Semester 4-5)
Attend and present preliminary research ideas or literature reviews at national (e.g., IIM conferences, Agri-Business related conferences in India) and international workshops to receive early feedback and broaden your intellectual horizons.
Tools & Resources
Conference calls for papers, IIMA research grant support, Indian Society of Agricultural Economics
Career Connection
Builds crucial presentation skills, receives constructive feedback on research, expands professional networks, and is vital for academic visibility and future collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Data Collection and Analysis- (Semester 6-7)
Rigorously collect and analyze data for the doctoral dissertation, utilizing appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods learned, ensuring ethical considerations are met throughout the research process and data handling.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork grants, Access to relevant datasets (e.g., NSSO, FAOSTAT, AgriStat), Advanced statistical software, Qualitative analysis tools (NVivo, Atlas.ti)
Career Connection
Successful execution of data collection and analysis is the core of original research, leading to strong dissertation chapters and potential publications, vital for academic career progression.
Prepare Manuscripts for Publication- (Semester 7-8)
Transform dissertation chapters into publishable journal articles, aiming for top-tier journals in agricultural economics, food policy, or public systems. Focus on clarity, rigor, and contribution to the existing body of knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Faculty co-authorship opportunities, Peer feedback mechanisms, Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
Publications are critical for securing academic jobs and demonstrating research impact. A strong publication record significantly enhances career prospects in academia and research.
Network and Engage in Placement Activities- (Semester 7-8 (leading up to defense))
Actively network with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals in India and globally. Engage with the IIMA placement committee for academic or research positions aligned with Food and Agribusiness and policy analysis.
Tools & Resources
IIMA alumni network, Academic job portals (e.g., Inside Higher Ed, EconJobMarket), Career counseling services, Professional conferences and seminars
Career Connection
Strategic networking and leveraging institutional placement support are vital for securing desirable roles in academia, policy think tanks, or research institutions after graduation.
