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PHD-COMMERCE in Business Management at Sardar Patel University

Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, is a premier autonomous state university established in 1955 in Gujarat. Recognized for its academic strength and research focus, SPU offers over 250 diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The expansive 86-acre campus fosters a vibrant learning environment.

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location

Anand, Gujarat

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About the Specialization

What is Business Management at Sardar Patel University Anand?

This Business Management PhD program at Sardar Patel University focuses on advanced research in various facets of management. It aims to develop scholars capable of contributing original knowledge to the field. With India''''s rapidly evolving economic landscape, this program addresses the critical need for advanced analytical skills and deep theoretical understanding to tackle complex business challenges and inform strategic decision-making.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for academic professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, aspiring researchers aiming for faculty positions in business schools, and senior industry practitioners looking to combine their experience with rigorous academic inquiry. Candidates typically hold a Master''''s degree in Commerce, Management, or related fields, demonstrating strong analytical abilities and a passion for original research.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as professors and researchers in universities and management institutions across India. They are also well-suited for high-level research roles in corporate R&D, policy think tanks, and consulting firms. Entry-level salaries for PhDs in academia in India typically range from INR 7-12 LPA, with significant growth potential into senior academic and administrative positions.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Research Methodology and Foundational Theories- (Semester 1)

Dedicate intensive effort during the coursework semester to deeply understand research methodologies, statistical tools, and core management theories. Actively participate in seminars and workshops to clarify concepts and engage with diverse research perspectives.

Tools & Resources

SPSS/R for statistical analysis, Mendeley/Zotero for reference management, E-journals like JSTOR, EBSCO Host through university library

Career Connection

A strong grasp of methodology is fundamental for conducting robust research, critical for thesis defense and future academic publications.

Engage Actively with Faculty and Peers- (Semester 1-2)

Regularly schedule meetings with your research supervisor to discuss progress, challenges, and ideas. Participate in departmental colloquia and peer group discussions to get constructive feedback and expand your academic network.

Tools & Resources

University research seminars, Departmental discussion forums

Career Connection

Networking with faculty and peers can open doors to collaborative projects, co-authorships, and mentorship essential for a successful academic career.

Develop Advanced Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Focus on refining academic writing for research papers, literature reviews, and thesis chapters. Seek feedback on drafts from your supervisor and utilize university writing centers, if available, to ensure clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic standards.

Tools & Resources

Grammarly Premium, APA/MLA/Chicago style guides, University writing workshops

Career Connection

Effective academic writing is paramount for publishing in reputable journals, securing grants, and successfully completing your thesis.

Intermediate Stage

Identify and Refine a Unique Research Gap- (Semester 2-4)

Through extensive literature review, meticulously identify a novel and significant research gap within Business Management that aligns with your interests and societal relevance in the Indian context. Continuously refine your research questions and objectives.

Tools & Resources

Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus/Web of Science (university access)

Career Connection

A well-defined and original research problem is the backbone of a successful PhD thesis, paving the way for impactful contributions to your field.

Participate in National and International Conferences- (Semester 3-5)

Actively seek opportunities to present your research proposals or preliminary findings at national and international academic conferences. This provides invaluable feedback, networking opportunities, and exposure to current research trends.

Tools & Resources

Calls for papers from AIMS, IIMs, reputed universities, Travel grants from university/UGC

Career Connection

Presenting at conferences enhances your academic profile, builds connections with senior researchers, and strengthens your presentation skills for viva-voce and job talks.

Begin Publishing in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semester 4-6)

Aim to convert parts of your literature review or early research findings into publishable papers. Target reputed peer-reviewed journals, even if it''''s a co-authored publication, to start building your publication record.

Tools & Resources

UGC CARE List journals, Journal impact factor databases

Career Connection

Publications are crucial for academic job applications, promotions, and establishing yourself as an expert in your domain.

Advanced Stage

Finalize Thesis and Prepare for Viva-Voce- (Semester 5-6 (or final year))

Systematically complete your thesis writing, ensuring all chapters are coherent, well-argued, and meticulously edited. Conduct mock viva-voce sessions with your supervisor and departmental faculty to anticipate questions and refine your defense strategy.

Tools & Resources

Thesis formatting guidelines (university-specific), Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides)

Career Connection

A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your doctoral journey and a prerequisite for degree conferral, leading directly to academic or research roles.

Actively Engage in Academic Job Market Preparation- (Final year)

Start preparing your academic CV, teaching philosophy statement, and research statement well in advance. Network with faculty members who can provide mentorship and reference letters for academic job applications. Attend job search workshops.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn for academic job postings, University career services

Career Connection

Proactive preparation for the academic job market is essential for securing desirable faculty positions in Indian and international universities.

Mentor Junior Researchers and Collaborate on Projects- (Final year)

Seek opportunities to mentor Master''''s or MPhil students in research methodology or specific project work. Collaborate with peers or faculty on additional research projects to broaden your scope and enhance your teamwork skills.

Tools & Resources

Departmental research groups, University project platforms

Career Connection

Mentoring and collaboration demonstrate leadership and teamwork abilities, valuable traits for academic and research leadership roles, and can lead to more publications.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Master''''s degree in Commerce/Management or an allied discipline with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade). A relaxation of 5% marks for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled candidates. Successful completion of SPU entrance test or UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET/GPAT/teacher fellowship holder.

Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework)

Credits: 8-12 (for compulsory coursework, excluding research credits) Credits

Assessment: Internal: 30% (for coursework papers), External: 70% (for coursework papers, plus thesis evaluation and viva-voce)

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Research MethodologyCore (Compulsory)4Introduction to Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Measurement, Sampling Techniques, Statistical Analysis for Research, Report Writing and Research Ethics
Advanced Studies in Business ManagementCore (Specialization Specific)4Contemporary Issues in Business, Advanced Management Theories and Practices, Strategic Business Research, Organizational Dynamics and Change, Marketing Management Paradigms, Financial Management Research Trends

Semester semesters

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Doctoral Research and Thesis WorkResearchVariableLiterature Review and Gap Identification, Formulation of Research Objectives and Hypotheses, Development of Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination
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