IIM Visakhapatnam Inaugurated its First Batch of Executive PhD Course; Check Details Here

Content Curator | Updated On - Jul 8, 2024

The Executive Ph.D course has been designed to empower professionals with advanced research skills and knowledge, enabling them to tackle complex challenges in their respective fields.

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM Visakhapatnam) welcomed the first batch of the Executive PhD (Exec-Ph.D) course on July 7, 2024. The induction event was conducted at the Gambhiram campus.

The Executive Ph.D course has been designed to empower professionals with advanced research skills and knowledge, enabling them to tackle complex challenges in their respective fields. The curriculum includes cutting-edge theory with practical application, fostering innovation and leadership in their industries.

A total of 16 candidates have been selected for admission to the Executive PhD Course. These candidates come from various backgrounds such as manufacturing, IT, consulting, e-commerce, engineering projects, and construction, with an average work experience of over 17 years.

IIM Visakhapatnam Executive PhD Cohort 2024-25

Additionally, over 40% of the enrolled candidates have more than 20 years of professional expertise. Nearly 24% of the candidates are women.

Former director of IIM Udaipur and member of the board of governors at IIM Vizag, Prof Janat Shah, attended the inaugural event as the chief guest. Speaking on this occasion, Prof Shah noted that the executive PhD journey significantly diverges from the corporate world.

“While the business setting prioritises problem-solving and quick action, the PhD experience encourages participants to explore multifaceted issues with nuance. This process equips individuals with a fresh perspective, emphasising critical thinking over mere problem-solving. In the pursuit of an executive PhD, balancing work, family demands, and industry commitments becomes essential. Discipline and consistent effort are crucial. After completing coursework, maintaining momentum becomes a personal responsibility—no one else will push you; you must work diligently and stay disciplined,” said Prof Shah to the participants.

Indian Institute of Management Vizag director, Prof M Chandrasekhar said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. Drawing from both IIM Vizag’s precepts and the industry experience of the participants, this programme is poised for success,” said Prof Chandrasekhar, who encouraged participants to publish case studies and research work.

He mentioned that IIM Vizag would invite some of the executive PhD participants to teach their executive education programmes. Executive PhD programme chairperson, Prof Amit Shankar, urged the participants to cultivate unwavering patience and intent, even during moments of doubt.

"For executive PhD candidates, pinpointing a research problem becomes intuitive, as their extensive professional experience exposes them to countless real-world challenges," he said.

Dean (administration) Prof Kaveri Krishnan explained the admission process and the profiles of the successful candidates. Admissions chair Prof Prashant Premkumar Nair also spoke on this occasion.

The participants will attend an eight-day immersion module on campus from July 7 to 14, 2024. Following this, they will begin working remotely on their research projects before proceeding to an international immersion in term-II, and then returning to campus for the third leg of the immersion programme.

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