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PH-D in Industrial And Management Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Industrial and Management Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur Nagar?
This Industrial and Management Engineering Ph.D. program at IIT Kanpur focuses on advanced research in operations, supply chain, marketing, finance, and organizational behavior. It prepares scholars to address complex managerial challenges and contribute to knowledge creation, highly relevant to India''''s rapidly evolving industrial landscape and growing need for advanced analytical and management expertise. The program emphasizes quantitative methods and empirical research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for candidates holding a Master''''s degree in engineering, management, or allied sciences, possessing strong analytical skills and a keen interest in academic research. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in academia as professors or researchers, or those aiming for senior R&D and strategy roles in leading Indian and multinational corporations. Specific prerequisite backgrounds include a robust foundation in mathematics and statistics.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure faculty positions at premier Indian and global academic institutions, or join research and consulting firms. India-specific career paths include leadership roles in R&D departments of manufacturing, IT, and service industries. Salary ranges for Ph.D. graduates vary widely, from INR 15-30 LPA for entry-level academic/research roles to higher for experienced industry positions. The program aligns with the demand for highly specialized management scientists.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Methodologies and Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate the first two semesters to thoroughly understanding the core courses in operations research, statistics, and economics. Actively participate in class discussions, solve advanced problem sets, and seek clarification from professors. This foundational knowledge is critical for your comprehensive exam and future research.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks for IME601, IME602, IME603, Online platforms like Coursera/edX for refresher courses, Departmental study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of fundamentals ensures you can frame complex research problems and apply appropriate methodologies, a key skill for academic and industry research roles.
Identify Initial Research Interests and Mentors- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental research seminars and interact with faculty members to explore their ongoing research. Read recent publications in journals relevant to IME to identify areas of interest. This early engagement helps in choosing a supervisor and defining a preliminary research topic, crucial for long-term thesis success.
Tools & Resources
IITK Library databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Departmental faculty profiles, Research seminars and workshops
Career Connection
Early research focus and mentorship establish a clear path for thesis development, directly influencing your academic publication record and future career specialization.
Develop Advanced Analytical and Software Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, proactively learn and practice advanced statistical and optimization software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, Arena, GAMS). These tools are indispensable for empirical and quantitative research. Seek out workshops or online tutorials to enhance your computational proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Python (with Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), R (with Tidyverse), MATLAB, Simulation software (e.g., Arena), Online coding platforms like HackerRank/LeetCode for practice
Career Connection
Proficiency in these tools makes you highly competitive for data scientist, research analyst, and quantitative modeling roles in both academia and industry in India.
Intermediate Stage
Prepare Rigorously for the Comprehensive Examination- (Semester 3-4)
The comprehensive exam assesses your mastery of the core domain knowledge. Form study groups, practice past papers, and clarify concepts with faculty. This exam is a critical milestone, demonstrating your readiness for independent research.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s comprehensive exam papers (if available), Review sessions with senior Ph.D. students, Core course textbooks and notes
Career Connection
Successfully clearing the comprehensive exam is mandatory for thesis progression and signals your foundational expertise to future employers or academic institutions.
Initiate and Present Research Proposals- (Semester 3-5)
Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research problem, conduct a thorough literature review, and develop a robust methodology. Prepare and present your research proposal to the Departmental Post Graduate Committee (DPGC) for feedback, integrating their suggestions for improvement.
Tools & Resources
Reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley), Literature databases (Google Scholar, ResearchGate), LaTeX/Word for proposal writing
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal sets the stage for impactful thesis work and demonstrates your ability to conceive and plan independent research, a core skill for any research-intensive role.
Network and Attend Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage with researchers in your field by attending national and international conferences (e.g., ORSI, POMS India Chapter, IIM conferences). Present preliminary research findings, gather feedback, and establish collaborations. This expands your academic network and exposes you to cutting-edge research.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (ORSI, POMS), Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn, ResearchGate), IITK travel grants for students
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to post-doctoral opportunities, collaborations, and increases your visibility within the global research community, enhancing your academic career prospects.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Publications and Thesis Writing- (Semester 5-8 (and beyond))
Prioritize writing research papers for submission to reputable peer-reviewed journals. Systematically document your research findings, methodology, and contributions. Maintain a disciplined writing schedule for your thesis, seeking regular feedback from your supervisor and research committee.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Grammar checkers (Grammarly), Journal submission portals, LaTeX for thesis formatting
Career Connection
High-quality publications are paramount for academic job applications. A well-written thesis showcases your research rigor and contributes significantly to your professional profile.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Final year, preceding thesis submission)
Thoroughly prepare for your pre-submission seminar and final viva voce examination. Practice your presentation, anticipate challenging questions, and articulate your contributions clearly and concisely. Seek mock defense sessions with your supervisor and peers.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Departmental guidelines for thesis defense, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
A confident and articulate defense is the culmination of your doctoral journey, affirming your expertise and readiness to enter the academic or advanced research workforce.
Engage in Teaching Assistantships and Mentoring- (Throughout Ph.D., especially Semester 4 onwards)
Take on teaching assistant (TA) roles for undergraduate or master''''s courses within the IME department. This experience develops your teaching skills, communication abilities, and leadership qualities. Mentor junior Ph.D. students, fostering a collaborative research environment.
Tools & Resources
TA training workshops offered by IITK, Course materials and lecture notes, Peer mentoring programs
Career Connection
TA experience is invaluable for academic career paths, demonstrating your ability to educate and guide students. Mentoring enhances your leadership skills, crucial for both academia and industry management roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology, Management, Economics, Computer Applications, or Sciences (with Mathematics at Bachelor’s level) with a minimum CPI of 6.5 or 60% marks. Preference for M.Tech./M.S. (by research) in Engineering. GATE/UGC/CSIR JRF or equivalent qualification is required.
Duration: Minimum 6 semesters (3 years) of coursework and research, extending up to 5-7 years typically.
Credits: Minimum 24 credits (equivalent to 6 courses) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IME601 | Managerial Economics | Core (from department''''s core offerings) | 4 | Microeconomics and macroeconomics concepts, Demand and supply analysis, Production and cost theory, Market structures and pricing strategies, Macroeconomic policies and national income |
| IME602 | Operations Research | Core (from department''''s core offerings) | 4 | Linear programming and Simplex method, Duality and sensitivity analysis, Network flow problems, Integer and dynamic programming, Queueing theory and simulation |
| IME603 | Statistical Methods for Business | Core (from department''''s core offerings) | 4 | Probability distributions and sampling, Hypothesis testing and ANOVA, Correlation and regression analysis, Time series analysis, Non-parametric methods and software applications |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IME604 | Business Research Methods | Elective (from department''''s core offerings) | 4 | Research design and formulation, Data collection methods and sampling, Measurement, scaling, and questionnaire design, Data analysis techniques, Report writing and ethical considerations |
| IME610 | Quantitative Methods in Management | Elective (from department''''s core offerings) | 4 | Advanced linear and non-linear programming, Multi-criteria decision making, Game theory and stochastic processes, Heuristic and metaheuristic optimization, Decision modeling techniques |
| IME611 | Financial Management | Elective (from department''''s core offerings) | 4 | Financial statements and ratio analysis, Time value of money and capital budgeting, Cost of capital and capital structure, Working capital management, Dividend policy and mergers & acquisitions |
