PhD in Operation Management is a research-based doctoral program in Operations Management that focuses on the management and control of an organization’s operations and production processes. It is one of the most popular management streams, with numerous job opportunities in reputable MNCs, corporate houses, and manufacturing companies.
The goal of operations management is to convert resources into high-quality goods and services.
It entails overseeing the organization’s manufacturing processes in order to achieve maximum efficiency.
It assists your business in increasing profits while lowering costs and ensuring maximum productivity.
The process of administering business practices to achieve the highest level of efficiency is known as operations management. The main goal of operations management is to efficiently convert materials into goods and services. Planning, implementing, and supervising the production of goods and management, as well as looking after the management, are all included in the term “operations management.” Professionals in this field are responsible for both the production and management of goods and services.
Candidates who complete the PhD Operation Management course will be qualified to work as professors and lecturers in colleges and universities, as well as in reputable corporations. These candidates commonly hold the job titles of Operations Manager, Operations Team Leader, Customer Service Manager, or Service Delivery Manager. PhD Operation Management candidates can expect to earn around INR 7,00,000 per year on average. Salary, on the other hand, rises with experience and can reach INR 10,00,000 per annum.
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PhD in Operation Management: An Overview
In the table below, some of the major highlights of the PhD Operation Management course are listed.
| Level of Course | Doctorate |
| Also referred as | Doctor of Philosophy in Operation Management |
| Duration of Course | 3-5 Years |
| Type of Examination | Semester |
| Eligibility Criteria | MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with minimum 55% aggregate marks |
| Process of Admission | Entrance Exam Based |
| Average Course Fee (Annually) | INR 10,000 – 3,00,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 7,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
| Top Areas of Recruitment | Colleges and Universities, MNCs, Corporate Houses and Manufacturing sector companies. |
| Positions of Job | Operations Manager, Operations Team Leader, Customer Services Manager, Service Delivery Manager, etc. |
PhD in Operation Management Eligibility
For admission to the PhD Operation Management program, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements. The general eligibility criteria are discussed below, though the exact criteria vary by college.
- Candidates must have completed an MBA or a PGPM in Operations Management. Candidates with a PGDM in Operations Management will be considered as well.
- To be eligible for PhD operation management, candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 55 percent at the Masters/PG Diploma level.
- Candidates with relevant work and research experience will be given a significant advantage.
- Candidates who have letters of recommendation will have a massive advantage.
PhD in Operation Management Syllabus
A PhD in Operation Management entails course work followed by a research project in one of the major areas of operation management.
- Research Methodology, Thesis Writing, Research Theories, and other research-related subjects are commonly covered in coursework.
- Survey techniques, data analysis, communication skills, and other subjects may be included in the coursework.
- Candidates must conduct research on one of the topics listed below after completing the coursework.
| Subjects for Research | Description of Subjects |
|---|---|
| Operation Management Principles | This subject examines and analyses all of the major Operation Management Principles and Theories. Candidates will be expected to comprehend these principles and provide their opinions on them. |
| Resource Management | Resource management is a crucial aspect of management that deals with the distribution, utilization, and overall management of an organization’s net resources. |
| Management of Human Resources | Human resource management refers to the principles and procedures that should be followed when dealing with employees who report to a manager. It entails investigating new theories in order to increase worker productivity. |
| Managerial Economics | The study of an organization’s economic aspects is the focus of this subject. This is a crucial and difficult subject that necessitates a great deal of mathematical and statistical analysis. |
| Business Development Theories | Basic and advanced theories, as well as case studies, for developing an organization’s overall business are included in business development theories. |
| Production Management | Production management is responsible for all aspects of a company’s better production. It also entails looking into ways to increase output with a limited budget. |
| ICT in Management | In management, ICT (Information Communication Technology) is used for a variety of tasks. This topic delves into the use of ICT in management in depth. |
PhD in Operation Management Admission Procedure
The majority of colleges admit students to PhD Operation Management programs based on their entrance exam scores.
- Most colleges use national entrance exams such as UGC-NET, CSIR-UGC-NET, and others.
- However, some colleges, including many IITs, have their own entrance exam for PhD Operation Management programs.
- Candidates who pass the entrance exam will be subjected to additional tests and personal interviews before being finalized.
Application Procedure
The procedure for applying to the PhD Operation Management program is outlined below.
- Step 1: Application Process: Candidates must apply for both colleges and entrance exams separately. The forms are usually available on the college’s website.
- Step 2: Exams: The majority of PhD Operation Management entrance exams are taken online. The admit cards are usually distributed 10 days before the exam.
- Step 3: Merit Lists, Cutoffs, and Results: The conducting body will announce the entrance exam results. Colleges will release cutoff marks and merit lists based on the results.
- Step 4: Personal Interview and Document Verification: Candidates who have been shortlisted will be invited to a Personal Interview and Document Verification. If the interview panel is impressed after the personal interview, the candidates will be required to submit their documents for document verification.
- Step 5: Enrollment is the fifth step. If the candidate is found to be eligible after the document verification, he or she will be admitted to the course.
The Importance of Operation Management
- Smaller businesses have very simple and straightforward operations. Everyone helps to manage the processes, and everything runs smoothly for the most part.
- However, this does not apply to businesses with more than 20 employees. That’s when things start to get tricky. You can’t just rely on your employees to do a good job; you need standardized procedures in place to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
- Operations management, when done correctly, can lead to:
- Better Output – The operations manager improves and optimizes processes that have a significant impact on the product or service. This usually results in increased output, lower defect rates, and lower costs, among other things.
- Better output leads to a better product or service, which gives you a competitive advantage. This allows your company to stand out from the crowd and attract new customers.
- Higher Profits – By combining the first two, you can improve the bottom line of your company and increase profits.
PhD in Operation Management: Institutes Ranked by NIRF
| Ranking by NIRF | Institute Name | Place | Process of Admission | Average Fees (Annually) | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management | Kolkata | Entrance Based | INR 2,00,000 | INR 27,90,000 |
| 11 | Indian Institute of Technology | Bombay | Entrance Based | INR 25,800 | INR 20,34,000 |
| 14 | Indian Institute of Technology | Madras | Entrance Based | INR 11,200 | INR 16,10,000 |
| 33 | Indian Institute of Management | Kashipur | Entrance Based | INR 2,00,000 | INR 13,82,000 |
| 50 | Loyola Institute of Business Administration | Chennai | Entrance Based | INR 2,00,000 | INR 9,00,000 |
PhD in Operation Management: Important Documents Required
- Gap certificate (if applicable)
- No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
- passing/degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination.
- Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
- Documentary proof of the date of birth
- Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the university last attended)
- Research Proposal:
- A character certificate (from the head of the institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree)
Students should be aware that if the aforementioned certificates are not attached to their application, their application will not be taken into account for admission.
PhD in Operations Management: Focus Areas
The PhD in Operation Management is a research-based doctoral program that focuses on one of management’s most popular domains: operations management.
- The course requires students to conduct research in one of the major areas of operations management and submit a thesis at the end of the semester.
- Managerial Principles, Operation Management Skills, Resource Management, Managerial Economics, and other popular research areas are covered in this course.
- Coursework and a research program are the two main components of the course.
- The coursework will lay the groundwork for students to properly conduct their research. Research methods and communication skills are usually included.
- Following the completion of their research and thesis, students will be required to participate in a viva voce based on their thesis.
- The course will prepare candidates to effectively manage any organization’s operations and to take on challenging tasks as an operations manager in the future.
PhD in Operation Management: Important Entrance Exams
For admission to PhD Operation Management programs, there are both national and institute-level entrance exams. The following sections go over some of these entrance exams.
- UGC-NET: The National Testing Agency administers the national eligibility test to select candidates for PhD programs, JRF positions, and faculty positions at colleges and universities. It is usually held twice a year, once in December and again in May or June.
- CSIR-UGC-NET: NTA also administers a national level entrance exam. The primary goal of this exam is to identify candidates for junior research fellowships and lectureships in India’s prestigious science and technology colleges. This test is given twice a year.
- RMAT: For admission to PhD programs in management, the All India Management Association administers the Research Management Aptitude Test.
- X-RAT:The Xavier Research Aptitude Test is a national entrance exam administered by XIMB for admission to XIMB and XLRI’s research-based M.Phil and PhD programs. However, many other colleges accept it as well.
PhD in Operation Management: Preparation Plan
Entrance exams for PhD Operation Management programs typically include questions that assess candidates’ writing ability, verbal and comprehensive ability, general aptitude, and quantitative reasoning. The following are some of the most important tips for effectively preparing for the exam.
- At least one month before the exam date, try to finish the entire entrance exam syllabus. This will allow you to have enough time to revise.
- Make a thorough review of the syllabus and important topics to cover to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
- As many sample papers as you possibly can. In the exam environment, try to solve them in the allotted time.
- Check your scores after completing the sample papers and make a note of them. This will assist you in keeping track of your daily progress and identifying areas where you can improve.
- Reading newspapers on a daily basis will help you perform better in the general knowledge section.
- Candidates must achieve the highest possible score on the entrance exams in order to meet the cutoff.
- During the entrance exam, candidates should attempt at least 80–90 percent of the total question paper. This will help them improve their grades.
- Fill out the application form completely and accurately to avoid any mistakes. Errors in the application process may result in the candidature being cancelled.
- Make sure you’re prepared for the personal interview round. Keep in mind the types of questions that will be asked during the interview.
- Also, if required, prepare for written tests. Make an effort to improve and professionalize your writing.
- During the personal interview, you should dress appropriately. Work on your communication and body language.
PhD in Operation Management: Top Institutes
According to the NIRF Ranking 2020, the top PhD Operation Management colleges are listed in the table below.
| Ranking by NIRF | Institute Name | Place | Average Fees (Annually) | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Indian Institute of Management | Kolkata | INR 2,00,000 | INR 27,90,000 |
| 11 | Indian Institute of Technology | Bombay | INR 25,800 | INR 20,34,000 |
| 14 | Indian Institute of Technology | Madras | INR 11,200 | INR 16,10,000 |
| 33 | Indian Institute of Management | Kashipur | INR 2,00,000 | INR 13,82,000 |
| 50 | Loyola Institute of Business Administration | Chennai | INR 2,00,000 | INR 9,00,000 |
| 53 | IFMR Graduate School of Business | Shri City | INR 2,00,000 | INR 8,70,000 |
| NA | Gitam Institute of Management | Visakhapatnam | INR 73,200 | INR 3,50,000 |
| NA | Sharda University | Greater Noida | INR 50,000 | INR 4,50,000 |
| NA | Jaypee Business School | Noida | INR 50,000 | INR 4,00,000 |
Future Trends in Operation Management
The role of operations management in the field is changing in organisations. Everything these days is available online, so the candidate must ensure that their product stands out from the competition. One of the broad job functions is operations management.
They’re also in charge of ensuring that businesses run smoothly in the aftermath of COVID-19. It is critical to adopt new upcoming trends and stay current in order to remain competitive in the market. Some of the upcoming trends are listed below:
- Streamlining Organizational Communication
- Up-skill front-line staff
- Improving Demand Responsiveness
- Mobile communication tools
- Extreme Efficiency Through Automation
As a result, employees in the organization must stay current in order to bring about changes in the business. They should keep current business trends in mind when developing the new product.
PhD Operation Management & PhD Business Management: Key Differences
While operation management is solely concerned with the operations of a company, business management is concerned with the company’s long-term growth strategy. The following table summarizes the major differences between PhD Operations Management and PhD Business Management.
| Basis of Comparison | PhD Operation Management | PhD Business Management |
|---|---|---|
| Also referred as | Doctor of Philosophy in Operation Management | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management |
| Level of Course | Doctorate | Doctorate |
| Overview | PhD Operation Management is concerned with the management and control of an organization’s operations and production processes. Managerial Principles, Resource Management, Managerial Economics, Operation Management Skills,and other topics are among the most popular topics covered in this course. | PhD Business Management is concerned with the overall management and control of an organization’s entire business. Finance Management, Information Systems Management, Organizational Theory and Behavior, Human Resource Management,and others are among the most popular subjects covered in this course. |
| Duration of Course | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Process of Admission | Entrance Based | Entrance Based |
| Criteria for Eligibility | MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with minimum 55% aggregate marks | MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Business Management with minimum 55% aggregate marks |
| Top Institutes | IIM Kolkata, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIM Kashipur, etc. | IIT Delhi, NMIMS, Christ University, etc. |
| Average Fees (Annually) | INR 10,000 – 3,00,000 | INR 5,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Positions of Job | Operations Team Leader, Customer Services Manager, Operations Manager,Service Delivery Manager, etc. | Business Associate, Brand Development Manager, Business Development Manager, Data Analyst, etc. |
| Areas of Recruitment | Colleges and Universities, MNCs, Corporate Houses and Manufacturing sector companies. | MNCs, Finance Sector Companies, IT Sector Companies, Corporate Houses, etc. |
| Average Salary Per Annum | INR 7,00,000 – 10,00,000 | INR 4,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
Important Skills Required
Every profession necessitates the candidate’s possession of specific skill sets in order to function effectively within the organization. In the field of operations management, the following skill sets are required:
- Interpersonal Skills: These are the abilities that we use every day to communicate with the people in our lives. To communicate with others in the organization, the candidate must have these abilities.People are constantly interacting with an operations manager. As a result, they must be able to communicate effectively with the organization’s employees, stakeholders, senior management, and even customers or clients.On a personal and professional level, operations managers know how to communicate, listen, and relate to their coworkers. They must demonstrate tolerance, understand people’s differences, and resolve inter-employee conflicts.
- Good with Documentation: This is a necessary skill because the candidate will be responsible for the organization’s documentation. He or she must ensure that documentation is up-to-date and understandable by all, as this is critical in operations management.
- Leadership Skills: To lead his or her team to work efficiently, the candidate must have leadership skills. As a result, the candidate must have this ability.
- Good motivational skills: They should be able to inspire team members to work together effectively and efficiently and ensure that the work is completed on time. They should be able to motivate their teammates.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: Negotiation skills enable the parties to reach an agreement, and the candidate should be able to work with the other party. He or she should be able to negotiate in this manner. This is an important skill to have because it is the first step toward becoming a good negotiator.
- Organizational skills: An operations manager must be able to oversee multiple projects without becoming distracted or overwhelmed by the various processes. They should be able to plan, execute, and monitor each project from start to finish without losing sight of the big picture.The importance of staying organized cannot be overstated. Otherwise, unfinished tasks will pile up, the company will waste time, and important documents may be misplaced. And this could jeopardize the project’s success.For maximum productivity and production efficiency, good organizational skills are required
- Processes coordination: A good coordination skill is required of an operations manager.They should be able to carry out multiple tasks at once and switch between them without negatively impacting production. Resources, activities, and time should all be well-integrated in order to achieve the organization’s objectives.Dealing with crises and interruptions, quickly proposing solutions, and quickly returning to normal routine functions to avoid delay or further disruption are all part of coordination.
- Technical knowledge: An operations manager must keep up with all technological advancements in the industry, especially now that we live in the age of rapid technological advancements.This is the only way they’ll be able to create processes that are both efficient and technologically sound. Many modern businesses rely on technology to run their businesses, giving them a competitive edge in the marketplace.If the operations manager keeps up with the latest technological advancements, they can use them to improve internal processes. Processes that were previously carried out manually, for example, can now be automated and become more efficient.
PhD in Operation Management: A Comparison among Institutes
In the table below, the top IIMs, IITs, and top private colleges offering PhD in Operation Management are compared on the basis of average fees, average salary, top recruiters, and other factors.
| Basis of Comparison | IIM Kashipur | IIT Bombay | IFMR Graduate School of Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlight | Kashipur’s Indian Institute of Management is a top-ranked public management school in India. According to the NIRF Ranking Survey 2020, it is one of the top management colleges. It primarily provides PGPM and PhD level courses in a variety of management disciplines, including Operation Management. | The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, is one of the best technology colleges in the country, consistently ranking among the top five engineering colleges over the years. It’s also one of the country’s top 15 management schools. In Engineering, Management, and Basic Science, it primarily offers B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc., MBA, and PhD degrees. | Under the Krea University sheds, the IFMR Graduate School of Business is a private business school. It is situated on the University’s Sri City Campus. It offers full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs, as well as PhD programs in a variety of management fields. |
| Location | Kashipur | Mumbai | Sri City |
| NIRF Management Ranking 2020 | 33 | 11 | 53 |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam followed by personal interview | Entrance exam or written test followed by personal interview | Entrance test followed by personal interview |
| Eligibility Criteria | MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with minimum 55% aggregate marks | MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with minimum 55% aggregate marks | MBA/PGPM or PGDM in Operation Management with minimum 55% aggregate marks |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 2,00,000 | INR 25,800 | INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 13,82,000 | INR 20,34,000 | INR 8,70,000 |
| Top Recruiters | Byju’s, Aditya Birla Group, Tata Motors, Reliance Jio,HDFC Bank, etc. | Samsung, Google,Microsoft, Qualcomm, Amazon, Adobe, etc. | Deloitte, Genpact, Aviva Life Insurance, HCL Technologies, Accenture,etc. |
PhD in Operation Management: Top Job Profiles
Candidates who complete the PhD Operation Management program can work as professors and lecturers in colleges and universities, or in reputable MNCs, corporate houses, and manufacturing sector companies. The major job profiles for these candidates, as well as salary trends, are listed below.
| Profile of Job | Description of Job | Average Salary Per Annum |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Manager | An operations manager is in charge of overseeing all aspects of a company’s operations. In some cases, the manager is also in charge of the organization’s production process and manufacturing activities. | INR 7,61,000 |
| Operations Team Leader | The Operations Team Leader is in charge of guiding and supervising the teams involved in Operation Management. They are also in charge of communicating with higher authorities about the Operation Management activities.. | INR 5,16,000 |
| Senior Operations Manager | The senior operations manager is in charge of overseeing the various operations teams as well as the junior operations managers who report to him. | INR 10,00,000 |
| Assistant Customer Service Manager | The Assistant Customer Services Manager is in charge of an organization’s customer services. They are also in charge of ensuring that the services provided are of high quality. | INR 5,59,000 |
| Service Delivery Manager | The service delivery manager ensures that proper and high-quality services are delivered to the organization’s customers on time. | INR 10,00,000 |
| Assistant Operations Manager | Assistant Operations Managers assist operations managers in managing the day-to-day operations of a company. | INR 5,47,000 |
| Production Manager | The Production Manager is in charge of overseeing the manufacturing industry’s production activities and ensuring proper input-output flow. | INR 8,50,000 |
| Retail Store Manager | The retail store manager oversees all aspects of a store’s operations and ensures that footfall and net profit increase. | INR 4,57,000 |
PhD in Operation Management: Benefits and Scope
Due to the high demand for Operation Management degrees on the job market, earning a PhD in Operation Management has a number of benefits, some of which are listed below.
- Operations Management is a course that focuses on the management side of things while also looking after the operations. Individuals’ career opportunities continue to expand the scope of this field.
- The Operations Management course will assist the student in comprehending the planning, coordination, and supervision of production and manufacturing.
- To work in the field at the same time, the candidate must ensure that he or she understands all aspects of the course.
- Though few people are aware of Operations Management, it is regarded as one of the best courses for pursuing career opportunities.
- After completing this course, the individual is hired as an Operations Manager and Supply Chain Manager. As a result, taking a course in this field is advantageous because it opens the door to a variety of career options. As a result, the scope of this course is expanding not only in India but also internationally.
- High Salary: Candidates who complete a PhD in Operations Management typically receive a higher salary than MBA candidates. The average annual starting salary is INR 7,00,000 to INR 10,00,000.
- Opportunities to Work in Top MNCs: Top MNCs hire Operation Management candidates on a regular basis. As a result, job opportunities in these top-rated companies will be plentiful.
- High Demand in the Job Market: Because operation management is such an important part of an industry’s overall management, demand for PhD Operation Management candidates will always be high.
- Opportunities to work in top foreign MNCs: These candidates may have the opportunity to work in top foreign MNCs.
- Opportunities to begin your career in a higher position within a company:
- PhD Operation Management candidates are typically offered higher managerial positions in organisations, though this depends on the candidates’ skills.
- Possibilities to work as a Management Researcher: After completing a PhD in Operations Management, a candidate can work as an independent researcher.
- Candidates can conduct additional research in their chosen field. A candidate can pursue a Doctor of Management degree after conducting additional research in this field.
- Candidates can also work as independent researchers in the field of operations management, publishing their own insights and research papers.
- They can also establish their own organisation or business.
- Professors and Lecturers in various management colleges and universities are available to the candidates.
- Candidates can also enroll in top universities abroad to further their education in this field.
FAQs
For admission to PhD Operation Management programs, the majority of IITs hold their own entrance exams. After passing the written exam, the candidates will be required to attend a personal interview for final selection.
PhD Operation Management is rarely offered online because it requires mandatory coursework. However, once the coursework is completed, the candidates can continue their research while working.
Yes, candidates with a PGDM in Operations Management can apply for a PhD in Operations Management if their PGDM degree is considered equivalent to an MBA degree by the relevant institute and the candidate has scored higher than the required minimum marks in the qualifying exam.
Though exact fees vary, PhD courses at the IIMs typically cost between INR 1,00,000 and INR 2,50,000 per year.
Though the length of the coursework varies by college, most colleges’ coursework is one year in length.
Because operations management is such an important part of any industry, there is always a high demand for candidates with degrees in this field. Candidates with a PhD in Operations Management are more likely to be offered higher positions within a company.
Though salaries vary depending on the candidate’s skills and experience, candidates with a PhD in Operations Management can expect to earn between INR 7,00,000 and INR 10,00,000.
It all depends on what you want to do with your life. After completing your MBA, you should pursue a PhD in Operation Management if you want to pursue research-oriented jobs or lectureships in the field.
The National Eligibility Test (NET), also known as the UGC NET or NTA-UGC-NET, is an examination used in Indian universities and colleges to determine eligibility for assistant professorships and Junior Research Fellowships.
A doctoral degree or PhD in business management requires a postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification in any relevant field with at least 50% marks.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the statutory body responsible for coordinating, formulating, and maintaining higher education standards in India. In order to be recognized by the UGC, a university must be inspected by a UGC-appointed expert panel.
NIFT was granted statutory status in 2006 by an act of the Indian Parliament, allowing it to award degrees and other academic distinctions. Because it already has statutory status, it does not require UGC recognition.
The administration of business practices to achieve the highest level of efficiency possible within an organization is known as operations management. Materials and labor are converted into goods and services as efficiently as possible by operations management.
Graduates with a PhD in Operations Management can work as:
Professor of Business Administration
Planning and scheduling of operations
project management.
Management of human resources
management of quality.
Group dynamics and team building.
A PhD can take up to three years to complete, on average. A doctorate degree takes three to five years to complete, depending on the program’s design, the subject area you’re studying, and the institution that offers the program.
The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to have a master’s degree as well as a 2:1 or higher bachelor’s degree. Some universities, on the other hand, only require the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant work experience may be accepted with lower grades.