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PHD in Commerce at M. R. Desai Arts & E. E. Laher Kodsadiya Commerce College
Navsari, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Commerce at M. R. Desai Arts & E. E. Laher Kodsadiya Commerce College Navsari?
This PhD Commerce program at Shri Manibhai Ranchhodji Desai Arts and Esmail Esab Laher Kosadia Commerce College, affiliated with VNSGU, focuses on advanced research in various facets of commerce. It aims to develop critical research skills and contribute new knowledge relevant to the evolving Indian economic landscape. The program nurtures scholars to address complex business challenges and explore contemporary commercial phenomena.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an M.Com or equivalent degree seeking to pursue a career in academia, advanced research, or strategic roles in industry. It targets individuals passionate about scholarly inquiry, problem-solving, and contributing to the theoretical and practical knowledge base of commerce and management in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as Assistant Professors, Research Scientists, Economists, or Business Consultants in India. With strong analytical skills, they are well-prepared for roles in government, think tanks, and corporate R&D. Salary ranges typically begin at INR 5-8 LPA for entry-level academic roles, growing significantly with experience and publications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Coursework and Identify Niche- (First 6-12 months (Coursework Period))
Engage deeply with the PhD coursework (Research Methodology, Computer Applications). Actively attend seminars, develop strong statistical and analytical software skills (e.g., SPSS, R). Begin exploring existing literature to identify a unique research gap and potential topic within Commerce relevant to the Indian context early on.
Tools & Resources
VNSGU Coursework Syllabus, Research papers on Google Scholar, SPSS/R software tutorials, College library resources, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology and a well-defined research problem are crucial for timely thesis completion and pave the way for impactful publications, enhancing academic and research career prospects.
Build a Robust Literature Review- (Months 6-18 (Post-Coursework))
Conduct an exhaustive review of national and international literature related to your chosen topic. Utilize academic databases and citation management tools to organize research, identify key theories, and understand past research findings. This stage helps refine your research questions and theoretical framework.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, Shodhganga (for Indian theses), Mendeley/Zotero citation managers, VNSGU Digital Library
Career Connection
A comprehensive literature review demonstrates scholarly rigor and provides the intellectual grounding necessary for original contribution, highly valued in both academic writing and future research endeavors.
Network and Attend Research Workshops- (Throughout Year 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, college-level research presentations, and university-organized workshops on research methods, academic writing, and publishing. Connect with senior researchers, peers, and faculty to gain insights and feedback on your evolving research ideas.
Tools & Resources
VNSGU Research Workshops, Departmental seminar series, Professional conferences in Commerce/Management in India
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to potential collaborations, mentorship, and strengthens your academic profile, which is beneficial for future academic appointments and research grants.
Intermediate Stage
Develop and Pilot Research Instruments- (Months 18-30 (Year 2-3))
Based on your refined research questions, design and validate appropriate data collection instruments (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides, observation protocols). Conduct pilot studies to test the feasibility and reliability of your instruments, especially in the diverse Indian market context.
Tools & Resources
SurveyMonkey/Google Forms, NVivo/Atlas.ti for qualitative data, Statistical software for pilot analysis, Expert faculty review
Career Connection
Proficiency in instrument design and validation is a critical research skill, making you a competent independent researcher and enhancing employability in research-intensive roles.
Systematic Data Collection and Analysis- (Months 24-42 (Year 2.5-3.5))
Execute your data collection plan rigorously, adhering to ethical guidelines. Apply appropriate statistical or qualitative analytical techniques to process and interpret your data. Ensure transparent reporting of methodologies and findings, crucial for the Indian academic environment.
Tools & Resources
Fieldwork/Online data collection, SPSS/R/Python for quantitative analysis, NVivo/thematic analysis for qualitative data
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are highly transferable, preparing you for roles that require evidence-based decision-making in academia, consulting, and corporate research departments.
Present Research in Conferences and Seminars- (Months 30-48 (Year 3-4))
Prepare and present your preliminary research findings at national and regional conferences, particularly those focusing on Commerce and Management in India. Seek feedback from scholars to strengthen your arguments and refine your research, building your academic presence.
Tools & Resources
Conference calls for papers (e.g., IIMs, university conferences), Departmental research colloquia, Presentation software
Career Connection
Presenting builds confidence, hones communication skills, and helps establish your credibility as a researcher, which is essential for academic career progression and gaining recognition in your field.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Chapter Completion- (Months 48-60 (Year 4-5))
Dedicate significant time to writing your thesis chapters, focusing on clear articulation of arguments, robust methodology, and precise findings. Regularly share drafts with your supervisor for feedback and integrate revisions promptly. Aim for structured completion of each chapter.
Tools & Resources
Word processing software, Grammar/Plagiarism checkers (e.g., Turnitin), Supervisor''''s guidance, Academic writing handbooks
Career Connection
Effective thesis writing is the culmination of your PhD journey. A well-written thesis is critical for successful defense and demonstrates your ability to produce high-quality scholarly work, a key attribute for future employers.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Publication Strategy- (Months 60-72 (Year 5-6))
Thoroughly prepare for your PhD viva voce examination by anticipating questions, understanding your thesis deeply, and practicing your presentation. Simultaneously, identify suitable peer-reviewed journals (UGC-CARE list in India) for publishing chapters from your thesis, converting them into publishable articles.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with faculty/peers, UGC-CARE List of Journals, Journal submission guidelines
Career Connection
A successful viva and publications in reputable journals significantly enhance your academic reputation, increase your chances of securing faculty positions, and demonstrate your contribution to the body of knowledge.
Develop Academic Profile and Career Planning- (Months 66-72+ (Final Year & Post-PhD))
Beyond thesis submission, focus on building your academic profile. Create a professional website or Google Scholar profile to showcase your research. Actively explore post-doctoral opportunities, academic job postings, and prepare your CV, teaching philosophy, and research statements for future career pursuits in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Google Scholar Profile, Academic job portals (e.g., university career pages, naukri.com for academia), CV/Resume building workshops
Career Connection
A strong academic profile and proactive career planning are essential for transitioning from PhD student to a successful researcher or academician, ensuring you are well-prepared for the competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (PG) in Commerce or allied subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/SEBC/PH categories) from a recognized university, and qualify the VNSGU-PET entrance examination or be exempted (e.g., UGC-NET/JRF, SET/SLET, GATE, M.Phil).
Duration: Ph.D. Course Work: 6 months (Overall PhD Program: Typically 3-6 years)
Credits: 12 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDCOM001 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Report Writing and Presentation |
| PHDCOM002 | Computer Applications & Review of Literature | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Computer Applications, MS Office for Research, Internet and Online Databases for Research, Statistical Software Packages (e.g., SPSS), Techniques of Literature Review, Academic Integrity and Plagiarism |
| PHDCOM003 | Specialization Subject (Commerce) | Core | 4 | Advanced Theories in Accounting and Finance, Contemporary Issues in Marketing Management, Emerging Trends in Human Resource Management, Strategic Management and Corporate Governance, International Business Environment, Indian Business and Economic Reforms |
