

PHD in General Management at School of Petroleum Management, Pandit Deendayal Energy University


Gandhinagar, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is General Management at School of Petroleum Management, Pandit Deendayal Energy University Gandhinagar?
This General Management PhD program at School of Petroleum Management, PDEU, focuses on advanced research across diverse management domains relevant to the Indian context, including energy, marketing, finance, HR, and strategy. It aims to develop scholars capable of contributing significantly to academic and industrial knowledge, particularly in the evolving Indian business landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, experienced professionals with a strong research inclination, and individuals seeking to contribute original knowledge to management theory and practice. Candidates with a Master''''s degree in relevant disciplines looking to delve deeper into specialized management research areas within an Indian framework would find this program highly suitable.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect careers as faculty in business schools, consultants in strategic roles, or researchers in think tanks and corporate R&D divisions within India. The program equips scholars to address complex managerial challenges, publish in leading journals, and influence policy, with potential for significant leadership roles in Indian industry and academia.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Coursework Phase (e.g., First year))
Dedicate intensive effort to understanding research design, statistical tools, qualitative methods, and academic writing. Actively engage in workshops, online courses, and seminars focused on advanced research techniques and data analysis.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R, Python (for data analysis), NVivo (for qualitative research), Coursera/edX, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Strong methodological skills are fundamental for conducting credible research, critical for thesis completion, and highly valued in both academic research and corporate analytics roles.
Cultivate a Strong Academic Network- (Coursework Phase (e.g., First year))
Actively connect with faculty, senior PhD scholars, and visiting researchers within SPM and PDEU. Attend and participate in departmental seminars, research colloquia, and conferences (even local ones) to gain diverse perspectives and identify potential collaborators.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University faculty directory, Academic conferences (e.g., AIMS, IIM conferences), Research groups
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, collaborative research projects, job opportunities, and builds a professional reputation crucial for an academic or research career.
Develop a Focused Research Proposal- (Coursework Phase (e.g., First year))
Begin early identification of a research gap within a chosen management specialization. Work closely with potential supervisors to refine research questions, objectives, and methodology. Regularly seek feedback and iterate on the proposal to ensure rigor and relevance.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost), Academic journals, Institutional library resources, Supervisor consultations
Career Connection
A well-defined research proposal is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, demonstrating critical thinking and research design capabilities, essential for future research grants and projects.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Active Publication and Conference Participation- (Intermediate Research Phase (e.g., Years 2-3))
Aim to publish preliminary research findings in peer-reviewed journals or present at national/international conferences. Convert coursework assignments or literature reviews into publishable articles, even if not directly from the final thesis.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Conference submission platforms, Academic writing workshops, Faculty guidance on journal selection
Career Connection
Publications and presentations enhance academic visibility, build a strong CV for faculty positions, and demonstrate research productivity and communication skills.
Seek Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities- (Intermediate Research Phase (e.g., Years 2-3))
Explore collaborations with researchers in other departments or schools within PDEU (e.g., School of Technology, School of Petroleum Technology) to enrich your research perspective and methodological toolkit. Attend interdisciplinary workshops.
Tools & Resources
PDEU inter-departmental research groups, Institutional research grants encouraging collaboration
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary research broadens one''''s expertise, makes research more impactful, and makes scholars more versatile and attractive to diverse academic and industry roles.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Intermediate Research Phase (e.g., Years 2-3))
Volunteer as a teaching assistant for master''''s level courses, assist faculty with grading or lecture preparation, and mentor junior PhD scholars. Participate in teaching effectiveness workshops if available.
Tools & Resources
University teaching and learning center (if available), Faculty mentorship, Peer feedback
Career Connection
Teaching experience is often a prerequisite for academic positions. Mentoring skills are valuable in any leadership role, demonstrating communication and guidance abilities.
Advanced Stage
Prioritize Rigorous Thesis Writing and Editing- (Advanced Research/Writing Phase (e.g., Years 4-6))
Allocate dedicated, uninterrupted time for writing and revising the thesis. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and doctoral committee. Employ professional editing services if needed, focusing on clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley for referencing), Grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly Premium), Institutional editorial support, Supervisor''''s expertise
Career Connection
A well-written, impactful thesis is crucial for successful defense and reflects research rigor, directly influencing future career prospects in academia or research.
Prepare for Comprehensive Viva Voce- (Advanced Research/Writing Phase (e.g., Years 4-6))
Conduct mock viva sessions with your supervisor and other faculty members to simulate the thesis defense experience. Prepare compelling presentations, anticipate challenging questions, and articulate your research contributions clearly and confidently.
Tools & Resources
Recorded presentations, Peer review, Faculty mock interview panels
Career Connection
A confident and articulate defense demonstrates intellectual mastery and communication skills, vital for academic presentations, job interviews, and professional credibility.
Actively Pursue Post-PhD Career Opportunities- (Advanced Research/Writing Phase (e.g., Years 4-6))
Begin applying for faculty positions, research fellowships, or industry R&D roles well before thesis submission. Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application, highlighting your research expertise and teaching experience.
Tools & Resources
Academic job portals (e.g., HigherEdJobs, Chronicle of Higher Education), LinkedIn, Professional networking, Career services at PDEU
Career Connection
Proactive job searching ensures a smoother transition post-PhD, aligning your advanced qualifications with suitable academic or industry leadership roles in India and globally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering / Technology / Science / Humanities / Social Sciences / Commerce / Management / Law / Pharmacy with minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade point average (for SC/ST/SEBC/PwD, 50% marks). OR a candidate with a Bachelor''''s Degree in Engineering / Technology (or equivalent) having secured minimum 75% marks or equivalent grade point average with 10 years of professional experience. Candidates must also have valid scores in GATE/UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/JRF/SLET/GPAT/ICAR-NET/teacher fellowship or equivalent national level examinations OR appear for PDEU''''s PhD Entrance Test.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, maximum 6 years (including coursework)
Credits: Minimum 8 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: Evaluation of coursework by concerned faculty/doctoral committee members. Periodic evaluation of research work by Doctoral Committee., External: Comprehensive Examination, Research Proposal Evaluation, PhD Thesis Examination including Viva Voce.




