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PHD in Strategic Management at Indian Institute of Management Calcutta
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Strategic Management at Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Kolkata?
This Strategic Management PhD program at IIM Calcutta focuses on developing cutting-edge research skills to address complex strategic challenges faced by organizations. With a strong emphasis on theoretical foundations and empirical rigor, the program prepares scholars to contribute significantly to academic thought and practice in the dynamic Indian business landscape. It delves into competitive strategies, corporate governance, innovation, and global expansion, critical for India''''s growing economy.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and professionals with a strong analytical bent seeking to contribute to management theory and practice. Candidates typically hold a Master''''s degree or a professional qualification, possessing a keen interest in strategic thinking, organizational dynamics, and rigorous research methodologies, aiming for leadership roles in academia, policy-making, or strategic consulting.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue distinguished careers as faculty members in premier business schools in India and globally, or as research leaders in think tanks and large corporations. Entry to experienced salary ranges for Assistant Professors in top Indian B-schools can range from INR 15-35 LPA. The program fosters critical thinking, advanced research capabilities, and deep domain expertise, aligning with the growing demand for highly skilled strategic thinkers in India''''s complex economic environment.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Management and Research Fundamentals- (undefined)
Dedicate significant effort to understanding core general management courses (Economics, OB, Finance, Marketing, Operations) and foundational research methodologies. Form study groups with peers to discuss concepts and problem-solving, leveraging IIM Calcutta''''s rich academic resources and library access.
Tools & Resources
IIM Calcutta Library databases (JSTOR, EBSCO, Scopus), Academic journals (Academy of Management Review, Strategic Management Journal), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for developing robust research questions and understanding the broader managerial context, which are essential for academic credibility and impactful research output.
Proactively Engage with Faculty- (undefined)
Regularly schedule meetings with professors in the Strategic Management area and across disciplines. Discuss course content, potential research interests, and seek early guidance on academic papers. This helps in identifying a research niche and finding potential thesis advisors.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Departmental seminars and workshops
Career Connection
Building strong faculty relationships facilitates mentorship, co-authorship opportunities, and crucial networking for future academic placements and research collaborations.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (undefined)
Actively participate in workshops on qualitative and quantitative software (e.g., R, Python, Stata, NVivo) and attend research colloquiums. Begin exploring datasets relevant to strategic management problems in India, even if just for practice.
Tools & Resources
IIM Calcutta''''s Computing Centre, Online courses (Coursera, edX for data analysis), Research methodology workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in diverse research methods is non-negotiable for a PhD, enabling independent research and increasing employability in research-intensive roles.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Strategic Management Literature- (undefined)
Beyond coursework, commit to extensive reading of seminal and contemporary works in strategic management. Attend international and national conferences (e.g., Academy of Management, SMS, Pan-IIM World Management Conference) to stay updated and network with scholars.
Tools & Resources
Leading academic journals (Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science), Conference proceedings, Research networks like ResearchGate or LinkedIn Scholar groups
Career Connection
A comprehensive understanding of literature helps identify research gaps and contribute novel theoretical perspectives, critical for a successful dissertation and publishing in top-tier journals.
Prepare Rigorously for Comprehensive Examination- (undefined)
Form dedicated study groups for the comprehensive exam, meticulously reviewing all core and area-specific concepts. Practice answering past questions under timed conditions to simulate exam pressure and identify areas needing further study.
Tools & Resources
Past comprehensive exam papers (if available), Syllabi of core courses, Mentorship from senior PhD students
Career Connection
Passing the comprehensive exam is a critical gatekeeping step; successful completion allows progression to thesis research, demonstrating mastery of the field''''s knowledge base.
Begin Thesis Proposal Development- (undefined)
Start formulating potential research questions, conducting preliminary literature reviews, and identifying suitable methodological approaches for your thesis. Engage actively with your proposed thesis supervisor to refine your research idea and develop a robust proposal.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Literature review databases, Supervisor''''s guidance and feedback
Career Connection
A well-structured and compelling thesis proposal sets the stage for efficient and impactful dissertation research, significantly reducing overall program duration and ensuring research relevance.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Publication- (undefined)
Maintain a disciplined writing schedule, targeting regular progress on your dissertation chapters. Aim to convert at least one strong thesis chapter into a publishable journal article, actively seeking feedback from your committee and submitting to relevant conferences or journals.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Grammarly/QuillBot for editing, Targeted journal submission guidelines
Career Connection
Publications during the PhD are highly valued for academic job market success, demonstrating research productivity and the ability to disseminate scholarly work.
Develop Teaching and Communication Skills- (undefined)
Seek opportunities to assist professors in teaching, conduct guest lectures, or mentor junior PhD students. Attend pedagogy workshops to hone teaching skills, as strong communication and teaching abilities are essential for academic careers.
Tools & Resources
IIM Calcutta''''s teaching assistant roles, University teaching development programs, Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Effective teaching experience and communication prowess are key differentiators in the academic job market, making candidates more attractive to institutions.
Strategize for the Academic Job Market- (undefined)
Start preparing your CV, research statement, and teaching statement well in advance. Network actively at conferences, participate in mock job talks, and leverage IIM Calcutta''''s career services or faculty networks for guidance on academic placements.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (HigherEdJobs, Chronicle of Higher Education), Faculty connections, IIM Calcutta''''s career development support
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic job market preparation maximizes the chances of securing desirable academic positions immediately after graduation, aligning with individual career aspirations in India or abroad.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or 5-year Integrated Master''''s Degree) in any discipline, with First Class (60%) or equivalent OR Professional qualifications like CA, ICWA, CS with a Bachelor''''s degree (minimum 4-year duration) and First Class (60%) OR B.Tech/BE degree with First Class (60%) or equivalent. Valid scores in CAT, GATE, GMAT, GRE, NET JRF (UGC/CSIR) are required.
Duration: Typically four to five years (minimum 4 years)
Credits: Minimum 36 credits for coursework (12 courses x 3 credits) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME 701 | Microeconomics for Managers | Core (General Management) | 3 | Consumer Theory, Producer Theory, Market Structures, Factor Markets, Market Failure and Public Goods |
| OB 701 | Organizational Behaviour | Core (General Management) | 3 | Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Dynamics, Leadership Theories, Organizational Culture, Change Management |
| QM 701 | Quantitative Methods for Decision Making | Core (General Management) | 3 | Probability Theory, Statistical Inference, Regression Analysis, Optimization Techniques, Decision Theory |
| RM 701 | Qualitative Research Methods | Core (Research Methodology) | 3 | Philosophical Foundations of Qualitative Research, Research Design and Sampling, Data Collection Techniques (Interviews, Focus Groups), Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis, Grounded Theory), Trustworthiness and Ethics in Qualitative Research |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME 702 | Macroeconomics for Managers | Core (General Management) | 3 | National Income Accounting, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Economic Growth Theories, Inflation and Unemployment, International Trade and Finance |
| FI 701 | Financial Management | Core (General Management) | 3 | Time Value of Money, Capital Budgeting, Cost of Capital, Working Capital Management, Risk and Return |
| MK 701 | Marketing Management | Core (General Management) | 3 | Marketing Environment Analysis, Consumer Behavior, Market Segmentation and Targeting, Product and Brand Management, Pricing and Distribution Strategies |
| RM 702 | Quantitative Research Methods - I | Core (Research Methodology) | 3 | Research Design and Measurement, Survey Design, Descriptive Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Introduction to Regression |
| OM 701 | Operations Management | Core (General Management) | 3 | Operations Strategy, Process Design and Analysis, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management, Quality Management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM 701 | Foundations of Strategic Management | Area Compulsory | 3 | Evolution of Strategic Management, Industry Analysis (Porter''''s Five Forces), Resource-Based View, Corporate Level Strategy, Strategy Implementation |
| RM 703 | Quantitative Research Methods - II | Core (Research Methodology) | 3 | Advanced Regression Models, Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Panel Data Analysis, Experimental Design |
| SM 702 | Corporate Strategy | Area Elective | 3 | Diversification Strategies, Vertical Integration, Corporate Governance, Portfolio Management, Strategy for Multi-business Firms |
| SM 703 | Strategic Leadership and Change Management | Area Elective | 3 | Leadership Theories in Strategy, Leading Strategic Change, Organizational Culture and Strategy, Decision Making in Strategic Contexts, Power and Politics in Organizations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SM 706 | Strategic Management of Innovation | Area Elective | 3 | Types of Innovation, Innovation Processes and Models, Technology Strategy, Intellectual Property Management, Ecosystems for Innovation |
| SM 704 | Managing Global Strategy | Area Elective | 3 | Globalization Drivers and Challenges, Modes of International Entry, Global Value Chains, Cross-Cultural Management, Geopolitical Risks and Strategy |
| SM 705 | Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Restructuring | Area Elective | 3 | Motives for M&A, Valuation in M&A, Integration Challenges, Divestitures and Spin-offs, Legal and Regulatory Aspects |
| SM 707 | Emerging Market Strategies | Area Elective | 3 | Characteristics of Emerging Markets, Institutional Voids, Base of the Pyramid Strategies, Reverse Innovation, Global-Local Dynamics |
| SM 708 | Industry Analysis and Competitive Strategy | Area Elective | 3 | Industry Structure and Dynamics, Competitive Advantage Sources, Business Level Strategies, Game Theory in Competition, Sustaining Competitive Advantage |
| SM 709 | Strategy Process | Area Elective | 3 | Strategy Formulation Frameworks, Role of Top Management, Strategic Planning Systems, Organizational Politics and Strategy, Cognitive Aspects of Strategy |
| SM 710 | Business Models, Ecosystems and Platforms | Area Elective | 3 | Business Model Innovation, Platform Strategy, Ecosystem Dynamics, Value Capture and Creation, Network Effects |
