CEO, COO, MD, VP, Deputy Magistrate, and Senior Superintendent of Police to research in IIM Sambalpur's 2024 PhD batch

Dais World | 22/07/2024 07:28 PM

Innovative research horizons: IIM Sambalpur's 2024 PhD inauguration connects academia and industry

IIM Sambalpur inaugurated its 6th batch of PhD and 5th batch of Executive PhD programme 2024 in hybrid mode at its campus. The ceremony included insightful discussions on research methodologies and journeys, featuring the participation of international and national academicians, authorities, and industry leaders. The objective of these discussions was to share the research experience and to guide the newly enrolled PhD students at IIM Sambalpur. The Executive PhD students are currently working in sectors such as the Defence Force, government organisations, the IT industry, and entrepreneurship. Some are employed in prestigious companies and organisations such as Google, Accenture, Flipkart, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Pidilite Industries, among others. It is to be highlighted that out of the total 25 candidates in both PhD and Executive PhD programmes, they hold various important positions such as CEO, COO, MD, VP, Deputy Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, Business Head and IIT Faculty, among others.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, emphasised the importance of research in driving innovation and solving real-world problems in his welcome address. Prof. Jaiswal described the research methodology and said, “Scientific discovery involves two primary methods: the positivist and interpretivist approaches. The positivist method begins with a hypothesis grounded in established theory. Researchers collect data to test this hypothesis, aiming to contribute new insights to existing literature through a structured process of formulating research questions, developing hypotheses, collecting data, and presenting findings. The interpretivist approach starts with unusual facts that challenge traditional theories. It investigates discrepancies between theory and practice, such as why Ola cabs caused the decline of traditional radio cabs or how small companies outperform large ones. This approach creates new research opportunities by exploring these anomalies.”

Prof. Raj Agnihotri, Assistant Dean of Industry Engagement, Ivy College of Business, Iowa State University, USA, said, “Think big, think like an innovator. It's time to move beyond merely validating existing theories and start finding solutions that create real impact on businesses, society, and communities. Build theories that aren't confined to specific contexts but can be generalised and applied globally. Remember, innovation isn't limited by geographical boundaries or academic fields; it transcends borders and integrates diverse perspectives. By fostering this mindset, you can contribute to ground-breaking advancements that resonate worldwide and redefine the landscape of research and practice.” Prof. Agnihotri further said, “Expand your network of scholars and collaborators. True learning and innovation happen through collaboration. As PhD students, you have a unique power and opportunity to reach out and connect with experts and peers worldwide. Use this time to build meaningful relationships that will not only enhance your research but also broaden your academic and professional horizons.”

Prof. Vishal Gupta, Professor, University of Alabama, USA said, “Embark on your PhD journey with the mindset of a world champion —strive for excellence, not just completion. Just as Olympic athletes push beyond the norm, embrace the challenge of high-quality research and global competition. Your journey demands dedication, rigorous training, and the pursuit of groundbreaking work, beyond mere expectations. Remember, true success in academics comes from the relentless pursuit of innovation and the courage to set higher standards for yourself.”  Prof. Gupta further added, “Approach your PhD like an elite athlete preparing for the global stage: with relentless dedication and a drive to excel. The path is not just about fulfilling requirements, but about making impactful contributions to your field.”

During the keynote address, Dr. K.K Tripathy, Economic Advisor (Health), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, underscored the importance of passion in one's academic journey and said, “Your passion is the cornerstone of your academic journey. Embrace it and it will drive you to create new knowledge and tackle complex problems. As you delve into research, focus on adding value to existing knowledge and specialise in your field to become an authority. Networking with peers and mentors will expand your horizons, while your analytical skills and critical thinking will help you navigate uncertainties. Remember, effective research involves understanding and interpreting data accurately, contributing to meaningful societal improvements, and enduring challenges with perseverance and resilience.”

Dr. R.K Singh, Vice President (HR), TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd., Belpahar, Odisha, said, “Research is not merely an academic pursuit but a journey of self-discovery and innovation. As we advance in automation and AI, we must embrace research as a tool to challenge existing paradigms and explore new frontiers. By integrating interdisciplinary approaches and critical thinking, we uncover insights that drive organisational excellence and personal growth. The power of research lies in its ability to question, validate, and transform conventional wisdom, ultimately enhancing our understanding and application of knowledge in diverse fields.”

Earlier, the programme commenced with an introductory remarks by Prof. Saumyaranjan Sahoo, Chairperson, PhD/Exe PhD Programme. Prof. Padmavathy Dhillon, Chairperson, ExPhD-DBA Programme, expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks.

The session continued with an engaging talk by Prof. Nilesh Khare, Ph.D. from Fisher College of Business, the Ohio State University (USA), Adjunct Professor, IIM Sambalpur on "What I wish I knew and What helped." Prof. Khare's session provided practical insights and advice to the new scholars.

The second day of the orientation programme featured a seminar by Prof. VG Venkatesh, Vice-Dean and Professor, Supply Chain Management, EM Normandie Business School, France, on "Crafting an impactful PhD journey: A Primer." This was followed by a session on "Crafting Research Output" by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal.

About IIM Sambalpur

IIM Sambalpur is one of the premier management institutions in the country and is widely known for its quality education. Spread over approximately 200 acres of land, the breathtaking and spectacular permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on 3rd February 2024. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone on 2nd January 2021, via video conferencing. Furthermore, the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, recently inaugurated the Incubation Centre, I-Hub Foundation, to promote startups and the 'Rangavati Centre of Excellence in Cultural and Sustainable Management'. It also has tie-ups with Flipkart, Amazon, and SIDBI to support, promote and connect regional weavers with global platforms. Equipped with sustainable practices and modernised facilities, the campus values its regional art by mapping the traditional IKAT, patterned textile-dyeing technique onto the brick façade. The institute is committed to providing excellent management education, harbouring a sense of entrepreneurship, and developing socially responsible leaders. IIM Sambalpur is known for its two-year flagship MBA Program, and admissions are held via CAT. It also offers an MBA for working professionals at the Delhi Centre at ISID, Vasant Kunj, providing options for a dual-degree program in partnership with French universities. Furthermore, in addition to the Executive MBA Program, the premier institute offers a PhD, Executive PhD, and Management Development Program (MDP). IIM Sambalpur has played a torchbearer role for other IIMs in terms of gender-diverse classrooms. IIM Sambalpur cut-off is 92 percentile. IIM Sambalpur's MBA fee is INR 13.04 Lakh, whereas IIM Sambalpur's average package stood at INR 16.64 LPA and IIM Sambalpur's highest package stood at INR 64.61 LPA for the 2023 batch.

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