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FPM in Strategic Management at XLRI – Xavier School of Management
East Singhbhum, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Strategic Management at XLRI – Xavier School of Management East Singhbhum?
This Strategic Management program at XLRI focuses on developing rigorous researchers and academicians to contribute to the complex world of business strategy. Rooted in India''''s dynamic industrial landscape, the program delves into strategic decision-making, organizational competitiveness, and sustainable growth, addressing unique challenges faced by Indian and global enterprises. It emphasizes both theoretical depth and practical relevance for a holistic strategic perspective, preparing future thought leaders.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring academicians, researchers, and consultants seeking to delve deeply into strategic thought. It primarily attracts individuals with strong analytical skills, a master''''s degree in a relevant discipline, and a passion for original, impactful research. Working professionals aiming for senior strategy roles in Indian conglomerates, or those transitioning into management education and policy formulation, will find this program highly beneficial and transformative.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as faculty members in top-tier business schools across India, strategic consultants for leading firms, or lead research and policy roles in think tanks. Doctoral qualifications often lead to significantly higher earning potential, with starting salaries for Assistant Professors in good institutions ranging from INR 15-30 LPA. It equips them for leadership in both thought and practice, driving strategic excellence.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Research Methodologies- (Year 1 (Terms 1-3))
Dedicate intensive effort to core courses like Statistics for Management and Business Research Methods. Actively participate in workshops on advanced statistical software (e.g., R, Python, Stata) and qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo). Form study groups to discuss complex methodological concepts and solve problems.
Tools & Resources
R/Python for statistical analysis, NVivo/Atlas.ti for qualitative analysis, Reference texts on econometrics, research design, and advanced statistics
Career Connection
A strong methodological foundation is critical for conducting rigorous, publishable research, which is essential for successful dissertation completion and a career in academia or advanced research roles.
Engage in Proactive Literature Review and Idea Generation- (Year 1 (Terms 1-3))
Beyond assigned readings, proactively identify and read foundational and contemporary papers in Strategic Management from top journals. Attend all departmental research seminars and engage actively with faculty to understand their research interests and ongoing projects. Start brainstorming potential research areas and theoretical puzzles early.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, XLRI Library databases for management journals, Faculty profiles on XLRI website
Career Connection
Early engagement with literature helps in identifying critical research gaps, refining your intellectual interests, and preparing robustly for the comprehensive examination and eventual dissertation proposal development.
Develop Excellent Academic Writing Skills- (Year 1 (Terms 1-3))
Utilize the ''''Introduction to Academic Writing and Communication'''' course to its fullest potential. Seek regular and constructive feedback on all written assignments from professors and peers. Practice writing clear, concise, and academically rigorous prose. Actively pursue opportunities to co-author a working paper with a faculty member.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for efficient referencing, Purdue OWL writing resources, XLRI''''s writing center support
Career Connection
High-quality academic writing is an indispensable skill for successful publications, compelling conference presentations, and the comprehensive doctoral dissertation, directly impacting your academic career progression.
Intermediate Stage
Strategically Select Electives and Potential Advisors- (Year 2 (Terms 4-6))
Carefully choose Strategic Management electives that deeply align with your emerging research interests and potential dissertation topics. Actively engage with faculty teaching these courses to identify potential dissertation advisors. Initiate informal discussions with prospective advisors to gauge intellectual fit and explore specific research avenues collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
XLRI FPM Coordinator and department heads, Faculty profiles and research publications on XLRI website, Departmental seminar series and research events
Career Connection
Thoughtful elective choices and early advisor engagement directly shape your dissertation topic, ensuring the quality, relevance, and feasibility of your research, which is paramount for successful academic placements.
Prepare Rigorously for the Comprehensive Examination- (End of Year 2 / Beginning of Year 3)
Form a dedicated and focused study group specifically for the comprehensive examination, which is a major milestone. Systematically review all core and elective course material thoroughly. Practice answering challenging essay questions under timed conditions and actively seek mock exam opportunities from senior FPM scholars or faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
Past exam papers (if institutionally available), Review sessions organized by faculty mentors, Core Strategic Management textbooks and leading academic journals
Career Connection
Successfully passing the comprehensive exam is a mandatory and critical milestone for advancing to doctoral candidacy, demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of the field and readiness for independent, impactful research.
Develop a Robust Dissertation Proposal- (Year 2 (Terms 4-6) into Year 3)
Begin formulating a detailed and theoretically sound dissertation proposal, clearly outlining your research problem, theoretical framework, chosen methodology, and expected academic contributions. Present preliminary ideas in departmental brown-bag seminars or workshops to receive early, constructive feedback and refine your core research questions.
Tools & Resources
Official research proposal templates and guidelines, Feedback from faculty and peers, Workshops on proposal writing and academic presentations
Career Connection
A well-developed, compelling proposal serves as the essential blueprint for your entire dissertation, ensuring a focused, feasible, and high-impact research project that can lead to significant publications.
Advanced Stage
Sustained Dissertation Progress and Targeted Publications- (Year 3-4)
Work consistently on your dissertation, maintaining regular and productive meetings with your advisor. Prioritize converting dissertation chapters into high-quality, publishable journal articles. Strategically target leading Indian and international strategic management journals to build a strong publication record, crucial for academic success.
Tools & Resources
Academic conferences (e.g., Academy of Management, Strategic Management Society, EGOS), Journal submission guidelines, XLRI''''s research support services and publication incentives
Career Connection
Publications are the primary currency of academia; a strong and consistent publication record is absolutely paramount for securing coveted faculty positions in top-tier institutions in India and globally, and for career advancement.
Active Networking and Research Presentation- (Year 3-4)
Actively participate in national and international academic conferences, workshops, and symposia, presenting your cutting-edge research findings. Proactively network with senior scholars, potential collaborators, and academic recruiters. Seek opportunities for invited talks, guest lectures, or participation in doctoral consortia to expand your academic footprint.
Tools & Resources
Conference databases and calls for papers, LinkedIn for academic networking, Leveraging faculty mentors'''' professional networks
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborations, post-doctoral opportunities, and crucial job market insights, while presenting your research refines your communication skills and establishes your presence and reputation within the global academic community.
Strategic Preparation for the Academic Job Market- (Year 4)
Develop a compelling academic CV, a well-articulated teaching philosophy statement, and a concise research statement. Rigorously practice job talks and interview skills through mock sessions. Attend job market workshops and engage proactively with XLRI''''s career services specifically for academic placements. Tailor your applications meticulously to target institutions.
Tools & Resources
XLRI Career Services (focused on academic placements), Mock interview panels with faculty, Reviewing successful academic CVs and application packages
Career Connection
Proactive and thorough job market preparation is absolutely essential for securing desirable faculty positions immediately upon dissertation defense, ensuring a smooth and successful transition into a fulfilling academic career.
