IIM Visakhapatnam Welcomes Second Batch of Executive PhD Scholars
The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV) welcomed the second cohort of its Executive PhD program, a distinctive and forward-thinking initiative designed for working professionals. Offered in a hybrid format, the program includes multiple campus immersions, including an international component, enabling scholars to balance professional commitments with rigorous academic pursuit.
This cohort of 17 scholars brings together rich and diverse experience from fields such as Automobile, Aviation, Broadcasting, Consulting, Education, IT, and Telecommunications. Their academic journey begins with an immersive on-campus experience that encourages both intellectual depth and reflective learning.
Prof. Prashant Premkumar Nair, Chairperson (Admissions), IIMV, extended a warm welcome to the cohort, emphasizing the rich diversity of states, disciplines, and professional backgrounds represented. With the inauguration, the scholars begin their PhD journey across diverse management domains such as Marketing, Information Systems, Strategy, and Decision Sciences. It also marks their first campus immersion, setting the tone for a rigorous and engaging academic experience.
In his address, Prof. Amit Shankar, Chairperson PhD Programs IIMV, reimagined the marketing mix into a PhD mix with the four Ps: Passion, Patience, Perseverance and Practice as key to a successful doctoral journey.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty, Dean (Academics), IIMV, spoke about the significance of research and soft knowledge creation in the golden age of the platform economy. He emphasized that doctoral education enables individuals to make unbiased decisions, pause for critical thinking, and maintain traceability of purpose.
Prof. M. Chandrasekhar, Director, IIMV, delivered an insightful address on the transformative power of research. He noted that research brings clarity in thinking, which sharpens expression, enhances communication, and ultimately equips individuals to inspire and influence others toward meaningful goals. He underlined the critical role of evidence-based analysis in responsible and impactful decision-making.
The Chief Guest for the inauguration, Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi, lauded IIM Visakhapatnam for conceptualizing a program that stands out not just in structure but also in vision. He highlighted the significance of features like the global residency component, which enables international campus immersion and fosters structured reflection. He spoke about the value of participant-centered design, its careful balance of rigour and relevance, and the productive duality of being both a scholar and a practitioner. He also offered thoughtful suggestions to further enrich the scholars' experience.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Kaveri Krishnan, Dean (Administration) IIMV, who encouraged the spirit of inquiry and reflection that the Executive PhD program fosters. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, faculty, staff and participants for their presence and contributions to the meaningful beginning of this academic journey.
With its strong academic foundation, international exposure, and deep connection to real-world practice, IIM Visakhapatnam’s Executive PhD program continues to build a vibrant space for leadership grounded in research, reflection, and relevance.
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