

PHD in Management at Indian Institute of Technology Mandi


Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Management at Indian Institute of Technology Mandi Mandi?
This Management PhD program at IIT Mandi focuses on cultivating rigorous researchers and thought leaders in various management disciplines. Rooted in strong theoretical foundations and advanced research methodologies, it addresses complex challenges faced by Indian businesses and global organizations. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging technological advancements prevalent in the dynamic Indian industry landscape, ensuring graduates contribute significantly to academia and industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and professionals seeking to contribute original knowledge to the field of management. it attracts fresh graduates with strong academic records and research aptitude, as well as working professionals looking to transition into research or teaching roles. Candidates with backgrounds in engineering, science, humanities, social sciences, or management are encouraged, provided they demonstrate a keen interest in rigorous academic inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure faculty positions in premier Indian and international business schools or research roles in leading corporations and think tanks. India-specific career paths include roles in management consulting, policy research, and corporate strategy. Entry to experienced level salaries for PhDs in academia range from 8-20+ LPA, with significant growth trajectories. The program aligns with national research priorities and fosters innovative contributions.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Coursework Component (typically Year 1))
Dedicate early semesters to building a robust foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Actively participate in all coursework, engage with professors for clarity on complex concepts, and practice applying statistical software (like R, Python, SPSS) or qualitative analysis tools (like NVivo, Atlas.ti) to sample datasets. This ensures a strong conceptual and practical base for future dissertation work.
Tools & Resources
IIT Mandi SHSS Course Catalogue, Statistical software (R, Python, SPSS), Qualitative analysis tools (NVivo, Atlas.ti), Relevant textbooks and research papers
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is crucial for designing credible research, leading to high-quality publications and enhancing employability in both academic and industry research roles.
Engage in Early Literature Review and Problem Identification- (Coursework Component (typically Year 1))
Beyond coursework, proactively immerse yourself in academic literature within your areas of interest. Attend departmental seminars and workshops regularly. Identify research gaps and potential problem statements early on, discussing them actively with your potential supervisor. This iterative process helps in refining your research interests and formulating a strong research proposal.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Scomus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, IIT Mandi Library Resources
Career Connection
Developing a focused research problem early streamlines the dissertation process and demonstrates a proactive, self-directed research approach, valued by potential employers.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Coursework Component (typically Year 1))
Actively seek opportunities to write research summaries, review papers, and present your ideas. Utilize university writing centers or peer review groups for feedback. Participating in mini-conferences or internal PhD colloquia helps hone communication skills essential for academic careers. Indian academic circles highly value clear and concise communication.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, IIT Mandi Communication Centre
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing and presentation is paramount for publishing research and effectively communicating findings, directly impacting academic job prospects and grant applications.
Intermediate Stage
Collaborate on Research Projects and Publications- (Year 2-3 (Post-coursework, pre-thesis submission))
Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with faculty members or senior PhD scholars on ongoing research projects. This provides invaluable experience in data collection, analysis, and co-authorship on publications. Co-authoring papers, even as a junior researcher, significantly boosts your academic profile and opens doors for networking within the Indian research community.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research groups, Faculty project opportunities, Conferences and workshops
Career Connection
Publications are the currency of academia. Early co-authorship demonstrates research productivity and collaboration skills, critical for securing post-doctoral positions or faculty roles.
Network Actively with Peers and Industry Experts- (Year 2-3 (Throughout research phase))
Participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. Engage with visiting scholars and industry leaders. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your specialization. Building a strong professional network is crucial for future collaborations, mentorship, and understanding industry relevance of your research in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Conference websites (e.g., IIMs, IITs Management Conferences), Departmental guest lectures
Career Connection
A robust professional network can lead to research partnerships, internship opportunities, and direct connections to job openings in academia and industry.
Pursue Advanced Certifications in Specialized Tools- (Year 2-3 (As research focus solidifies))
Beyond basic software, consider advanced certifications in niche tools relevant to your chosen research area, such as specific econometric software (e.g., STATA, EViews), qualitative coding tools, or advanced machine learning platforms for business analytics. This specialization makes your skillset highly attractive to both academic institutions and data-driven Indian companies.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Official software training programs, NPTEL advanced courses
Career Connection
Specialized tool proficiency differentiates candidates and enhances their ability to conduct cutting-edge research, making them more competitive for specialized research or teaching positions.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Publications- (Year 4-5 (During dissertation writing and submission))
Strategically target high-quality, peer-reviewed journals for your dissertation chapters. Work closely with your supervisor to refine your manuscripts for submission. Aim for journals that are well-regarded within your specific management domain and have a good impact factor, as this significantly boosts your academic profile for faculty positions in India.
Tools & Resources
Journal rankings (e.g., ABDC, FT50), Journal submission platforms, Writing tools for academic clarity
Career Connection
A strong publication record in reputable journals is the primary criterion for securing tenure-track faculty positions and gaining research grants.
Prepare a Comprehensive Teaching Portfolio- (Year 4-5 (Leading up to job market))
If aspiring for an academic career, gain teaching experience by assisting professors, co-teaching courses, or delivering guest lectures. Develop a teaching philosophy statement, gather student feedback, and create sample syllabi. A well-rounded teaching portfolio is essential for securing faculty positions in Indian universities and management institutes.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching assistantships, Faculty mentorship, Online resources for teaching portfolio development
Career Connection
A strong teaching portfolio complements your research profile, making you a more attractive candidate for academic faculty roles, especially in India where teaching quality is highly valued.
Actively Engage in the Academic Job Market- (Year 4-5 (Pre and post dissertation defense))
Begin preparing for the academic job market well in advance of your dissertation defense. This includes developing a compelling CV, cover letter, research statement, and teaching statement. Attend mock interviews and chalk talks. Network with faculty at other institutions. In India, job postings often appear through professional associations and university websites.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Professional associations (e.g., AIMS India), Networking events
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic engagement with the job market is crucial for successfully transitioning from PhD student to a faculty member or research scientist.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree (M.Phil./M.Tech./M.E./M.Sc./M.A./MBA) in Management/Social Sciences/Humanities or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 6.5 or 60% marks. OR Bachelor’s degree (B.Tech./B.E.) with a minimum CGPA of 7.5 or 70% marks. Valid scores in GATE/UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF/NET or other national level examinations are generally preferred and often required for institute assistantship.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, typically 3-5 years (maximum 7 years as per ordinances)
Credits: Minimum 12 or 20 credits (depending on prior degree: 12 for Master''''s in Engg/Sci/Tech; 20 for Bachelor''''s in Engg/Sci/Tech or Master''''s in Arts/Commerce/Basic Sci/Social Sci/Humanities) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester component
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS503 | Quantitative Research Methods | Core (Research Methodology) | 3 | Research Design, Measurement and Scaling, Sampling Techniques, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Multivariate Data Analysis |
| HS504 | Qualitative Research Methods | Core (Research Methodology) | 3 | Philosophical Foundations of Qualitative Research, Case Study Research, Ethnography and Grounded Theory, Data Collection (Interviews, Focus Groups, Observation), Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic, Narrative, Discourse) |
| HS505 | Advanced Research Methods | Elective (Research Methodology) | 3 | Advanced Statistical Modeling, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Panel Data Analysis, Time Series Analysis, Big Data Analytics for Research |
| HS506 | Statistical Techniques for Research | Core (Research Methodology) | 3 | Probability Theory, Statistical Distributions, Parametric and Non-parametric Tests, ANOVA, Correlation and Regression, Factor Analysis |
| HS601 | Seminar on Research Topics | Core (Research Seminar) | 1 | Literature Review Techniques, Problem Identification and Formulation, Research Proposal Writing, Academic Presentation Skills, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| HS515 | Financial Management | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Capital Budgeting Decisions, Working Capital Management, Cost of Capital and Valuation, Dividend Policy, Corporate Restructuring |
| HS516 | Marketing Management | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Consumer Behavior Theories, Market Segmentation and Targeting, Product and Brand Management, Pricing Strategies, Promotion and Distribution Channels |
| HS517 | Organizational Behavior | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Individual Behavior in Organizations, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, Leadership Theories and Styles, Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Organizational Culture and Change |
| HS518 | Operations Management | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Supply Chain Management, Production Planning and Control, Quality Management Systems, Inventory Management, Process Improvement and Lean Systems |
| HS520 | Strategic Management | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Strategic Analysis and Formulation, Competitive Advantage, Corporate Strategy, Industry Analysis, Strategy Implementation and Control |
| HS533 | Business Analytics | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Data Mining Techniques, Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning Algorithms, Optimization Models, Data Visualization and Reporting |
| HS531 | Entrepreneurship | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Entrepreneurial Process, Opportunity Recognition, Business Plan Development, Startup Financing, Innovation and Growth Strategies |
| HS532 | Human Resource Management | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | HR Planning and Recruitment, Performance Management, Training and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Industrial Relations |
| HS534 | Supply Chain Management | Elective (Management Area) | 3 | Supply Chain Design, Logistics and Transportation, Inventory Optimization, Information Technology in SCM, Global Supply Chains |




