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PHD in Liberal Arts Sciences at INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT RANCHI
Ranchi, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Liberal Arts & Sciences at INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT RANCHI Ranchi?
This PhD program at Indian Institute of Management Ranchi, while not formally designating ''''Liberal Arts & Sciences'''' as a distinct specialization with a predefined syllabus, strongly encourages interdisciplinary research that can integrate perspectives from these fields. Scholars may explore topics within existing management specializations like Organizational Behaviour, General Management, Economics, or Ethics, employing qualitative, critical, or humanistic approaches relevant to the Indian socio-economic context. The program aims to foster rigorous academic inquiry that contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical applications in management.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for candidates holding strong academic records in diverse disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and management, who possess a keen interest in conducting interdisciplinary research. It attracts individuals looking to address complex societal and organizational challenges through a lens that combines management principles with broader liberal arts perspectives. Ideal applicants are driven by intellectual curiosity and aspire to careers in academia, research, or policy-making, contributing to India''''s evolving knowledge landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program, pursuing research with a Liberal Arts & Sciences focus within IIM Ranchi''''s PhD framework, can expect to develop profound analytical and research skills, leading to expertise in interdisciplinary problem-solving. Career paths often lead to positions as professors, researchers, or consultants in academic institutions, think tanks, and research divisions of Indian and multinational corporations. They contribute to knowledge creation in areas such as organizational ethics, cultural dynamics in management, and sustainable development. While salary ranges vary widely based on role and institution, academic positions generally offer competitive packages, with significant growth trajectories for experienced scholars in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Research Methodology Base- (First 1-2 years of coursework)
Engage rigorously with core coursework in research methodologies, statistics, and qualitative techniques. Attend workshops on research software (e.g., R, SPSS, NVivo) and academic writing. Actively participate in discussions and seek clarification to build a robust foundation for future interdisciplinary research.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology textbooks, Statistical software R or SPSS, Qualitative analysis software NVivo, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
A strong methodological base is critical for designing and executing credible research, which is fundamental for any academic or research career in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Literature- (First 1-2 years of coursework and early research exploration)
Beyond core management readings, actively seek out and delve into foundational texts and contemporary research in relevant Liberal Arts & Sciences disciplines like sociology, philosophy, psychology, history, and anthropology. This broadens perspective and helps identify potential interdisciplinary research gaps relevant to management.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, University Library databases, Key academic journals in Humanities and Social Sciences
Career Connection
Developing a wide intellectual base enables innovative research, a key asset for academics looking to make a unique contribution and stand out in the Indian higher education landscape.
Network with Faculty Mentors- (Throughout the coursework phase, especially towards the end of the first two years)
Initiate discussions with faculty across different areas at IIM Ranchi whose research interests align with potential Liberal Arts & Sciences applications in management. Seek guidance on potential research topics, theoretical frameworks, and publication avenues. Attend faculty seminars and presentations.
Tools & Resources
IIM Ranchi Faculty profiles, Departmental seminars, Research colloquia
Career Connection
Building strong relationships with faculty provides invaluable mentorship, future collaboration opportunities, and enhances visibility for academic and research roles.
Intermediate Stage
Develop a Unique Research Proposal- (After coursework, prior to comprehensive exam and proposal defense)
Formulate a compelling and original research proposal that strategically integrates Liberal Arts & Sciences perspectives within a management context. Focus on defining a clear research question, theoretical framework, and methodology. Seek extensive feedback from supervisors and doctoral committee members.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal templates, Supervisory committee meetings, Feedback from peers and faculty
Career Connection
A strong, well-defined research proposal is the gateway to a successful dissertation and signals readiness for independent scholarly work, attracting potential faculty positions.
Engage in Academic Conferences & Workshops- (Year 2 onwards, post-coursework)
Actively present research in progress at national and international academic conferences, particularly those focusing on interdisciplinary management, social sciences, or humanities. Participate in doctoral consortia and workshops to receive feedback and network with scholars from diverse backgrounds.
Tools & Resources
Indian Academy of Management IAM conferences, Academy of Management AOM specialized tracks, International conferences in relevant fields
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences helps refine research, builds a publication record, and creates a professional network crucial for academic job placements and collaborations in India and abroad.
Master Advanced Qualitative/Interdisciplinary Methods- (Year 2-3 of the program, during research proposal development)
Deepen expertise in advanced qualitative research methods (e.g., ethnography, discourse analysis, case studies, historical analysis) or mixed methods, as these are often central to Liberal Arts & Sciences-informed management research. Seek out specialized training or online courses to build mastery.
Tools & Resources
Advanced qualitative methodology textbooks, Online courses from platforms like Coursera or edX, Specialized workshops
Career Connection
Developing niche methodological expertise makes a scholar highly desirable for academic roles focusing on complex organizational and societal phenomena in the Indian context.
Advanced Stage
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 3-5, concurrent with dissertation writing)
Focus intensely on preparing chapters of the dissertation for submission to reputable peer-reviewed journals, ideally targeting A/A* ranked journals or top-tier journals in relevant interdisciplinary fields. Work closely with supervisors on manuscript development and revision.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, Academic writing software like Grammarly, Supervisor feedback and editorial support
Career Connection
A strong publication record in quality journals is the single most important factor for securing competitive academic positions, especially at IIMs and other top institutions in India.
Prepare for the Academic Job Market- (Final year of the PhD program)
Develop a compelling academic CV, teaching philosophy statement, and research statement. Practice job talks and interview skills. Network with faculty at other institutions and attend faculty recruitment events. Tailor applications to specific institutions and their research needs.
Tools & Resources
Career services for PhDs, Mock interview panels, Networking events, Online job portals like Chronicle of Higher Education and Indian academic job boards
Career Connection
Strategic preparation ensures competitiveness for faculty positions at IIMs, IITs, and other premier educational and research institutions in India.
Cultivate a Teaching Portfolio- (Year 3-5, as opportunities arise and alongside research)
Seek opportunities to assist in teaching undergraduate or postgraduate courses, particularly those with a strong theoretical or interdisciplinary component. Develop teaching materials, deliver guest lectures, and gather student feedback to build a teaching portfolio. This demonstrates readiness for academic roles.
Tools & Resources
Mentorship from teaching faculty, Teaching assistant roles, Curriculum development resources
Career Connection
Demonstrating teaching competence is essential for securing academic positions, especially at institutions where teaching is a core responsibility alongside research.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree or its equivalent in any discipline with at least 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA); OR a professional qualification (CA/ICWA/CS) with at least 50% marks along with a Bachelor’s degree with 60% marks; OR a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA). Candidates must also have a valid test score from CAT, GMAT, GRE, GATE, or JRF/NET.
Duration: Normally 5 years (minimum 4 years, maximum 7 years allowed for completion)
Credits: Approximately 60 credits for coursework (typically spread over the first two years, corresponding to six trimesters or four semesters as per academic calendar) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
