.png&w=1920&q=75)
PHD in Management Studies at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Management Studies at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This PhD in Management Studies program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, focuses on cultivating advanced research capabilities and critical thinking in various management disciplines. Rooted in the dynamic Indian economic landscape, the program is designed to produce scholarly work relevant to local and global business challenges. It emphasizes rigorous methodological training and a deep dive into contemporary management theories and practices, fostering intellectual leaders who can contribute significantly to academia, industry, and policy-making in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academics, experienced professionals, and research enthusiasts holding a Master''''s degree in Management or related fields who aspire to contribute original research to the body of knowledge. It targets individuals seeking to become university professors, research scientists in think tanks, or high-level consultants and strategists in Indian corporations. Candidates with a strong analytical bent, an inquisitive mind, and a commitment to rigorous academic pursuits will find this program a rewarding pathway to advanced scholarly and professional roles within India''''s growing research ecosystem.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as faculty members in leading Indian business schools, research analysts in major consultancies, or policy advisors in government and non-governmental organizations. With a PhD from VELS, individuals are well-positioned for leadership roles that require deep analytical and problem-solving skills, often commanding competitive salary packages (ranging from INR 8-15 Lakhs annually for entry-level academic positions to significantly higher for experienced professionals in industry research roles). The program enhances intellectual rigor, facilitates professional networking, and opens doors to global academic collaborations, bolstering career growth in India and abroad.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Statistical Software- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core research methodologies, from problem formulation to data analysis. Simultaneously, gain hands-on proficiency with statistical software like SPSS, R, or Python for data processing and interpretation, which are critical for future thesis work.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R/Python tutorials, NPTEL courses on research methods, VELS library resources for methodology textbooks
Career Connection
Strong methodological and statistical skills are fundamental for credible research and are highly valued in academic publishing and industry data analysis roles, laying the groundwork for a successful dissertation and future career.
Actively Engage in Academic Discussions & Seminars- (Semester 1)
Participate proactively in departmental seminars, research colloquiums, and faculty discussions. This helps in understanding diverse research perspectives, refining your own research questions, and receiving early feedback on nascent ideas from experienced scholars.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, VELS research groups, Academic conferences in Chennai/India
Career Connection
Developing strong presentation and critical thinking skills through active participation is essential for academic conferences, thesis defense, and effective teaching, enhancing visibility and networking within the Indian academic community.
Develop Strong Academic Writing & Ethical Practices- (Semester 1)
Focus on cultivating clear, concise, and academic writing style, adhering strictly to publication guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA). Simultaneously, internalize and practice research ethics to ensure the integrity and credibility of your work from the outset.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Academic writing workshops, VELS plagiarism detection software, UGC guidelines on research ethics
Career Connection
High-quality, ethical academic writing is paramount for journal publications and thesis submission, directly impacting your academic reputation and opening doors to publishing opportunities and grants in India and globally.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Literature & Identify Research Gap- (Year 1.5 - Year 2)
Beyond coursework, conduct an extensive and systematic review of existing literature in your chosen area of specialization. This rigorous process is crucial for identifying significant research gaps and formulating original and impactful research questions for your thesis.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, VELS library databases, Reference management software (Mendeley/Zotero)
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem, backed by comprehensive literature review, is the cornerstone of a strong PhD thesis, essential for academic advancement and contributing novel insights to Indian management practices.
Seek Regular Mentor Feedback & Form a Research Circle- (Year 1.5 - Year 3)
Maintain consistent communication with your research supervisor, seeking regular feedback on your progress, challenges, and research design. Additionally, form or join a small peer research circle to share ideas, critique each other''''s work, and provide mutual support.
Tools & Resources
Scheduled meetings with supervisor, Peer groups, Online collaboration tools
Career Connection
Regular feedback ensures research quality and trajectory, while peer interaction builds a valuable academic network, crucial for collaboration, problem-solving, and navigating the academic landscape in India.
Present Research at National Conferences & Workshops- (Year 2 - Year 3)
Actively seek opportunities to present your ongoing research at national-level academic conferences and workshops. This provides early exposure, allows for constructive feedback from a wider academic audience, and builds confidence in articulating your work.
Tools & Resources
Calls for papers from IIMs, IITs, other Indian universities, VELS conference travel grants
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences is vital for networking, gaining visibility, and testing your ideas, which is essential for eventual thesis defense and securing academic positions in India.
Advanced Stage
Prioritize Structured Thesis Writing & Chapter Completion- (Year 3 - Year 4)
Develop a disciplined writing schedule, breaking down the thesis into manageable chapters and setting realistic deadlines. Focus on completing one chapter at a time, ensuring coherence, rigorous argumentation, and consistent referencing throughout.
Tools & Resources
Thesis templates, Writing software, Regular check-ins with supervisor
Career Connection
Timely and high-quality thesis completion is directly linked to timely degree award, which is a prerequisite for academic job applications and career progression in India.
Aim for Peer-Reviewed Publications- (Year 3.5 - Year 5)
While writing your thesis, extract publishable papers from your research and aim to submit them to reputable peer-reviewed journals, preferably those listed in UGC-CARE or Scopus. Early publications significantly boost your academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms, VELS research publication support, List of UGC-CARE journals
Career Connection
Publications are a critical metric for faculty recruitment and promotions in Indian universities and research institutions, enhancing your marketability and research impact.
Prepare Rigorously for Viva Voce & Career Planning- (Year 4 - Year 5)
Practice presenting and defending your thesis research extensively, anticipating potential questions and critiques from examiners. Simultaneously, begin actively planning your post-PhD career path, whether in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship, leveraging VELS career services.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions, Presentation practice, VELS career guidance cell, Academic job portals (e.g., highered.india.gov.in)
Career Connection
A confident and articulate viva defense is the final step to earning your PhD. Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition to your desired professional role, maximizing the value of your advanced degree in the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or equivalent professional degree) with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled/EWS). Selection through VELS Research Eligibility Test (VRET) followed by an interview, unless exempted (e.g., UGC/CSIR-JRF/NET/SLET/GATE/Teacher Fellowship holders or M.Phil from VISTAS).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (Full-time), 7 years (Part-time)
Credits: 12 (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for coursework), External: 60% (for coursework)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23RMPM101 | Research Methodology and Pedagogical Skills | Core | 4 | Foundations of Research, Research Design and Methods, Sampling and Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Reporting and Ethics, Pedagogical Skills for Academia |
| 23RMPM102 | Advanced Statistics for Management Research | Core | 4 | Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing and Parametric Tests, Regression Analysis (Multiple, Logistic), Multivariate Data Analysis (Factor, Cluster), ANOVA and ANCOVA, Time Series Analysis |
| 23RMPM103 | Current Trends in Management | Core | 4 | Strategic Management and Business Models, Marketing and Consumer Behavior Dynamics, Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior, Financial Management and Analytics, Operations and Supply Chain Innovations, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem |
