

PHD in Management Studies at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal


Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Management Studies at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal Dakshina Kannada?
This PhD in Management Studies program at NITK Mangaluru focuses on developing advanced research capabilities in various management domains. Rooted in India''''s dynamic business environment, the program encourages scholarly inquiry into contemporary challenges and opportunities. It emphasizes rigorous methodological training and interdisciplinary perspectives to foster original contributions to management theory and practice.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, researchers, and senior management professionals seeking to delve deep into theoretical foundations and empirical investigations in management. It attracts candidates with a strong academic record, research aptitude, and a keen interest in contributing to knowledge creation, preparing them for roles in Indian universities, research institutions, and corporate think tanks.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as Assistant Professors in leading Indian B-Schools and universities, research scientists in national labs, or consultants in top firms. Starting salaries for assistant professors can range from INR 7-12 LPA, with significant growth potential. The program cultivates analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills essential for academic and research leadership in the Indian context.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodologies and Core Coursework- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently complete the mandatory 12 credits of coursework, especially focusing on advanced research methodologies and relevant management electives. Actively participate in class discussions and seek clarification from faculty to build a strong theoretical and methodological base, crucial for your doctoral journey. Engage with foundational literature early on.
Tools & Resources
NITK Library Databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost), Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python), Qualitative analysis software (NVivo, Atlas.ti)
Career Connection
A solid coursework foundation ensures you are well-equipped to frame robust research questions and choose appropriate methodologies, directly impacting the quality and publishability of your future research, which is key for academic placements.
Identify Research Area and Potential Guide- (Semester 1-3)
Begin exploring potential research topics within Management Studies that align with your interests and the expertise of NITK faculty. Attend departmental research seminars, read faculty publications, and proactively engage with professors to discuss potential research ideas and identify a suitable doctoral guide. This early alignment is critical for smooth progress.
Tools & Resources
NITK Department of HSSM faculty profiles, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Departmental seminar schedules
Career Connection
Early identification of a research area and a supportive guide sets the trajectory for your entire PhD. A well-defined topic and strong mentorship lead to high-quality thesis work, significantly enhancing your prospects for academic and research roles.
Develop Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-4)
Actively work on improving your academic writing for research papers and presentations. Participate in writing workshops, seek feedback on assignments, and present your coursework findings in departmental forums. Focus on clarity, logical flow, and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
NITK Communication Skills Centre, Grammarly Business, LaTeX/Microsoft Word templates for academic papers, Departmental PhD student colloquia
Career Connection
Strong writing and presentation skills are paramount for publishing in reputable journals and presenting at conferences, which are critical for building an academic CV and securing faculty positions in India and abroad.
Intermediate Stage
Pass Comprehensive Examination and Prepare Research Proposal- (Semester 3-5)
After completing coursework, thoroughly prepare for the comprehensive examination, which assesses your understanding of your chosen field and research methodology. Subsequently, dedicate significant effort to developing a detailed and original research proposal under your supervisor''''s guidance, clearly outlining your problem, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions. This is a crucial milestone.
Tools & Resources
Previous comprehensive exam papers (if available), Research proposal templates/guidelines from NITK HSSM department, Peer review from fellow PhD scholars
Career Connection
Successfully passing the comprehensive exam and defending a robust research proposal demonstrates your readiness for independent research, a key criterion for any future research-oriented role or academic faculty position.
Engage in Early Research Publication- (Semester 4-6)
Transform your coursework papers or initial research work into publishable articles. Aim to submit to reputable national or international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. This early exposure to the publication process and constructive feedback is invaluable for refining your research skills and building your research profile.
Tools & Resources
JournalFinder tools (Elsevier, Springer), Predatory journal checklists (Cabells'''' Blacklist), NITK research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Early publications are a strong indicator of research productivity and quality. They significantly strengthen your application for academic jobs and research grants, providing tangible evidence of your scholarly contributions.
Network and Attend Conferences- (Semester 4-7)
Actively network with academics and researchers within and outside NITK by attending national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. Present your ongoing research, seek feedback, and build collaborations. These interactions are vital for gaining new perspectives and staying updated with current research trends in your field.
Tools & Resources
Financial support for conference travel (NITK grants, external scholarships), Conference alert websites, Professional academic associations in Management (e.g., AOM, Academy of International Business - India Chapter)
Career Connection
Building a strong academic network opens doors to collaborative research, post-doctoral opportunities, and offers valuable insights for your future career trajectory in academia or research institutions.
Advanced Stage
Maintain Research Momentum and Timely Thesis Submission- (Semester 6-8 (and beyond))
Develop a structured plan for your thesis writing, setting realistic milestones and regularly meeting with your supervisor. Ensure consistent progress on data collection, analysis, and writing, addressing feedback promptly. Proactively work towards meeting the stipulated deadlines for synopsis submission and final thesis submission to ensure timely completion of your PhD.
Tools & Resources
Project management software (Trello, Asana), Reference management tools (Mendeley, Zotero), Regular supervisor meetings
Career Connection
Timely completion of your PhD with a high-quality thesis demonstrates self-discipline, project management skills, and research efficacy, making you a more attractive candidate for academic and research positions upon graduation.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Final year)
Thoroughly prepare for your pre-submission seminar and final viva voce examination. Anticipate potential questions, refine your presentation, and practice defending your research findings, methodology, and contributions. Be ready to articulate the originality and significance of your work clearly and confidently.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with peers/senior scholars, Feedback from supervisor on presentation content, Review of your entire thesis for coherence
Career Connection
A strong performance in your thesis defense culminates years of hard work and solidifies your expert status in your chosen area, enhancing your credibility and positioning for prestigious roles in academia and research.
Strategic Career Planning and Application Development- (Final year/Post-PhD)
As you approach thesis submission, actively engage in career planning. Prepare your academic CV, teaching philosophy statement, research statement, and cover letters tailored for specific academic or research job applications. Utilize NITK''''s career services (if available) or department networks for guidance on job searches and interview preparation.
Tools & Resources
NITK Placement Cell (for general career guidance), Academic job portals (e.g., jobs.ac.uk, Chronicle of Higher Education, Indian academic job boards), Mentorship from senior faculty
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic career planning, coupled with a well-crafted application package, significantly improves your chances of securing desirable academic or research positions immediately after your PhD completion, kickstarting your professional journey.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (ME/M.Tech/M.Sc (Engg)/MBA/MA/M.Sc) in relevant discipline with 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA, OR Bachelor''''s degree (BE/B.Tech) with 75% marks or 8.0 CGPA. All candidates must qualify GATE/NET/equivalent score for institutional assistantship.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 7 years
Credits: Minimum 12 credits of coursework Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS8001 | Research Methodology | Core (Mandatory for PhD coursework) | 3 | Philosophy of Research, Problem Formulation, Literature Review, Research Design, Sampling Techniques, Report Writing |
| HS8002 | Quantitative Methods for Research | Core (Mandatory for PhD coursework) | 3 | Statistical Inference, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Multivariate Techniques, Data Analysis Tools, Interpretation of Results |
| HS8003 | Qualitative Research Methods | Elective (Can fulfill mandatory Research Methodology credits) | 3 | Qualitative Paradigms, Data Collection Techniques (Interviews, Focus Groups), Content Analysis, Grounded Theory, Ethnography, Qualitative Software |
| HS8004 | Research Design and Methods | Elective (Can fulfill mandatory Research Methodology credits) | 3 | Experimental Designs, Quasi-Experimental Designs, Survey Research, Case Study Method, Action Research, Mixed Methods Approach |
| HS8005 | Advanced Data Analysis for Research | Elective (Can fulfill mandatory Research Methodology credits) | 3 | Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Panel Data Analysis, Time Series Analysis, Factor Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Non-Parametric Tests |
| HS8006 | Academic Writing and Publication Ethics | Elective (Can fulfill mandatory Research Methodology credits) | 3 | Structure of Research Papers, Referencing Styles, Avoiding Plagiarism, Journal Selection, Peer Review Process, Research Integrity |
| HS8014 | Finance and Accounting for Decision Making | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Financial Statement Analysis, Investment Appraisal, Working Capital Management, Cost and Management Accounting, Financial Risk Management, Corporate Valuation |
| HS8015 | Marketing Management and Consumer Behavior | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Strategic Marketing, Brand Management, Consumer Decision Making, Market Segmentation, Digital Marketing Analytics, Services Marketing |
| HS8016 | Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | HR Strategy, Talent Acquisition and Retention, Organizational Culture, Leadership Theories, Performance Management, Industrial Relations |
| HS8017 | Operations and Supply Chain Management | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Process Design and Analysis, Inventory Management, Logistics and Distribution, Quality Management, Supply Chain Analytics, Operations Strategy |
| HS8018 | Strategic Management | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Strategic Analysis, Competitive Advantage, Corporate Strategy, Strategy Implementation, International Strategy, Strategic Leadership |
| HS8019 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Entrepreneurial Process, Business Model Canvas, Startup Ecosystem, Innovation Management, Funding for Startups, Social Entrepreneurship |
| HS8020 | Business Analytics | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Data Mining, Predictive Modeling, Prescriptive Analytics, Big Data Technologies, Data Visualization, Managerial Applications of Analytics |
| HS8021 | Financial Markets and Institutions | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Structure of Financial Markets, Money and Capital Markets, Banking Institutions, Regulatory Frameworks, International Financial Markets, Financial Crises |
| HS8022 | Corporate Finance | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Capital Structure Theories, Dividend Policy, Mergers and Acquisitions, Derivatives and Risk Management, International Corporate Finance, Behavioral Finance |
| HS8023 | International Business | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Theories of International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment, Global Marketing Strategies, Cross-Cultural Management, International Financial Management, Global Supply Chains |
| HS8025 | Research Seminar I | Elective (Practical) | 2 | Presentation of Research Ideas, Critique of Research Designs, Feedback on Literature Review, Scholarly Communication, Conference Preparation, Academic Discussions |
| HS8026 | Research Seminar II | Elective (Practical) | 2 | Advanced Research Problem Solving, Data Analysis Interpretation, Thesis Chapter Presentation, Peer Mentoring, Doctoral Colloquia, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| HS8027 | Special Topics in Management | Elective (Advanced Topics) | 3 | Emerging Management Paradigms, Specific Industry Challenges, Contemporary Business Issues, Foresight and Scenario Planning, Digital Transformation Strategies, Sustainability in Business |
| HS8028 | Philosophy of Science and Research Ethics | Elective | 3 | Epistemology, Ontology, Axiology, Scientific Reasoning, Integrity in Research, Ethical Review Boards |




