Part-Time Doctoral Programme for Working Executives in Management at IIM Lucknow

Explore IIM Lucknow’s part-time doctoral programme for working executives in management, designed for professionals seeking advanced research skills with flexibility.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, mid-career professionals often face a dilemma: how to pursue advanced academic research without interrupting their careers. The part-time doctoral programme for working executives in management at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIML) is an answer to that challenge. With its rigorous structure and flexibility, the programme is designed to empower professionals with strong research foundations while accommodating their professional responsibilities.

This initiative marks a significant shift in higher education—making doctoral studies more inclusive, practical, and industry-aligned. For professionals aiming to contribute to academia, policy, or corporate strategy, the programme offers a rare balance of academic depth and workplace relevance.

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What the Programme Offers

The Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) is a doctoral-level initiative targeted at experienced professionals who wish to engage deeply with management research. Unlike conventional doctoral tracks, this is a non-residential programme crafted for working executives.

Key features include:

• Flexibility: Designed for professionals who cannot commit to a full-time course.
• Research Focus: Strong emphasis on management research with real-world applications.
• Duration: Typically spans four to five years, offering a structured yet adaptable timeline.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Allows participants to explore research across finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and organizational behavior.

For executives balancing boardrooms and classrooms, this programme bridges the gap between practice and theory.

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Why a Non-Residential PhD in Management Matters

Globally, doctoral programmes in management have often been limited to those who can step away from professional life. A non-residential PhD management programme for working professionals provides accessibility to a demographic that cannot leave their corporate responsibilities behind.

Such programmes encourage:

• Application of Research in Real Time: Professionals apply research insights directly to their industries.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Working executives bring workplace realities into academic discussions.
• Enhanced Career Mobility: Participants may move into academia, consulting, or higher leadership roles.

IIM Lucknow’s initiative resonates with global practices, where institutions like Wharton and London Business School have also experimented with flexible doctoral options.

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Target Audience and Eligibility

The programme is tailored for mid-senior executives, managers, consultants, and corporate strategists. Applicants are generally expected to have:

• A master’s degree or equivalent qualification with strong academic performance.
• Work experience of at least 7–10 years, often in managerial or leadership roles.
• A keen interest in pursuing management research with both academic and professional implications.

The programme stands out because it respects the career trajectory of seasoned professionals, rather than expecting them to “start over.”

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Insights from Experts

According to Professor Archana Shukla, Director of IIM Lucknow, the programme reflects the institute’s vision of producing scholar-practitioners. She highlighted that “the demand for management research has expanded beyond universities into corporate boardrooms and policymaking.”

Education policy analyst Dr. R. Narayan, commenting on India’s evolving higher education ecosystem, remarked that such initiatives “blur the boundary between academia and industry by creating scholar-leaders who understand both.”

These insights underline the role of such programmes in redefining executive education in India.

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Structure and Curriculum

The curriculum for the executive fellow programme in management for corporate professionals is divided into coursework, comprehensive exams, and thesis research.

1. Coursework Phase:
   • Advanced management theory and quantitative methods.
   • Specialized electives based on research interest.
   • Research methodology workshops.
2. Comprehensive Examination:
   • Tests the depth of theoretical understanding.
   • Focuses on the chosen area of specialization.
3. Thesis Development:
   • Independent research under faculty supervision.
   • Emphasis on addressing industry-relevant questions.

The programme adopts a blended learning model combining in-campus residencies with online modules.

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Benefits of the Programme

Enrolling in a management research doctorate with flexible schedule for executives delivers several advantages:

• Personal Growth: Develop analytical thinking and research skills.
• Professional Edge: Gain credentials that enhance leadership credibility.
• Networking Opportunities: Interact with faculty, peers, and researchers across industries.
• Contribution to Society: Produce research that can inform policy and drive innovation.

These benefits ensure that participants don’t just acquire a degree but actively shape knowledge creation in management.

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Global Comparisons

While Indian institutions are catching up, globally, interdisciplinary part-time PhD in management for working managers programmes have long been seen as avenues to strengthen ties between academia and industry.

For instance:

• Wharton’s Executive Doctorate in Business Administration targets senior leaders.
• Grenoble Ecole de Management (France) offers executive doctoral tracks focusing on applied research.

IIM Lucknow’s initiative brings such models to India, tailored for the local and regional context.

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Admission Process

Admission typically involves:

• Online application submission with academic and professional details.
• Statement of purpose highlighting research interests.
• Interview process to evaluate academic motivation and industry insights.

Candidates are evaluated not only on academic merit but also on the quality of their professional experience and research potential.

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Internal and External Resources

For aspirants and students, resources are as important as the programme itself.

• Explore NCERT courses for strengthening fundamentals.
• Stay updated with Current Affairs to connect real-world issues with research.
• Access Notes and MCQs for study support.
• Learn visually with Videos.
• Navigate Syllabus details for related content.
• Download free PDFs from Edunovations store.
• Schools seeking academic technology can explore Mart Ind Infotech.

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Challenges and Opportunities

While the programme is innovative, it comes with challenges:

• Time Commitment: Balancing work, family, and doctoral study is demanding.
• Research Rigor: Professionals must adapt from corporate decision-making to academic writing.
• Resource Access: Ensuring remote participants have equal access to library and research databases.

At the same time, the opportunities far outweigh these hurdles. Graduates stand to become a new category of scholar-leaders, bridging industry and academia.

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Conclusion

The part-time doctoral programme for working executives in management at IIM Lucknow is more than just an academic offering—it is a pathway to create transformative leaders. By aligning advanced research with real-world practice, it ensures that knowledge flows both ways: from boardrooms to classrooms and back again.

As India strives to become a global hub for knowledge and innovation, such initiatives redefine the role of education in shaping industries, policies, and society.

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FAQs

1. What is the duration of the part-time doctoral programme for working executives in management at IIM Lucknow?
   The programme typically takes four to five years to complete, depending on research progress.
2. Who can apply for the non-residential PhD management programme for working professionals?
   Experienced executives with a master’s degree and at least 7–10 years of work experience are eligible.
3. What is the structure of the executive fellow programme in management for corporate professionals?
   It includes coursework, comprehensive exams, and a thesis phase.
4. How flexible is the management research doctorate with flexible schedule for executives?
   The programme allows participants to balance work commitments with academic milestones.
5. What are the benefits of pursuing an interdisciplinary part-time PhD in management for working managers?
   Benefits include professional growth, research opportunities, and stronger career prospects.
6. Is the programme entirely online?
   No, it follows a blended model with both campus residencies and online learning.
7. What are the career prospects after completing the programme?
   Graduates can pursue careers in academia, consulting, policy, or senior leadership roles.
8. How competitive is the admission process?
   Admission is selective, based on academic background, professional achievements, and research intent.
9. Does the programme include financial support?
   Limited financial assistance may be available, but most participants are self-funded professionals.
10. How does IIM Lucknow’s programme compare to global executive PhD options?
    It aligns with international practices while being customized for India’s professional landscape.