Executive Fellow
Programme in
Management
Executive Fellow
Programme in
Management (EFPM)
The program is designed to offer candidates an oppurnity to systematically tackle a relevant and unresolved business problem through their academic work, and thus contribute to solving real-world business challenges. We offer you a rigorous journey that has been specially curated keeping the unique needs of a working professional in mind, so you do not have to choose between your doctoral ambitions and career progression. As a result of the programme, you will be able to create a differential edge over your professional counterparts by developing business context-driven advanced research skills and competencies. These will open newer career opportunities – propel into larger roles, diversify to consulting and academic roles, and ultimately build a portfolio career.
EFPM HIGHLIGHTS
01
Flexible combination of f2f teaching, online session, supervised research projects and independent study
02
Taught by accomplished faculty with extensive research and consulting experience
03
Strong Supervisory Team with complementary advisory strengths
04
Draw on different global perspectives to enrich your research
05
Opportunities to collaborate with a cohort of seniorlevel business executives
06
Developed to accommodate the needs of working business professionals
07
Designed to aid in career advancement and personal growth
08
Apply your learning for immediate professional impact
IDEAL CANDIDATE
A Scholar-Practitioner Passionate about solving real-world business challenges through research.
A Thought Leader in Making
Ready to advance your career as an educator, consultant, or industry expert.
An Analytical & Curious Mind
Possessing strong research aptitude and a drive for intellectual exploration.
Seeking a Global Network
Looking to join an exclusive peer group of senior executives and faculty mentors.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM ABOUT
Aim
Bridging the gap between academia and industry by amalgamating practice with scholarly research.
Building rigor & interdisciplinary focus to link theory and practice
For
Working professionals looking for career progression.
For transition to academia; or for academicians looking for part-time doctoral programmes.
Duration
4-year (part-time)
Expected time commitment of 12-15 hours per week of self-study.
4 mandatory week-long residencies in the first yearcovering coursework.
Research Focus
Informed by a “Real-world” business problem.
An interdisciplinary perspective.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
01
Knowledge Proficiency
Demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge in chosen area of specialization
02
Analytical, Methodological and Ethical Rigor
Demonstrate an ability to undertake independent, original and responsible research by mastering the analytical and methodological skills required.
03
Bridging Gap between industry and academia
Demonstrate an ability to address complex industry challenges and build solutions based on real world experiences and knowledge
04
Personal Effectiveness
Apply self-awareness and reflection to engage in dialogue (intra-personal and inter-personal) that informs their personal development during the program
“FIIB's EFPM program seamlessly blended quality education with the flexibility I needed as a working professional. The unique support system and engaging workshops made pursuing my doctorate a rewarding experience.”
-Sorabh Bajaj, Vice President, Business Excellence,
Sunstone EFPM Batch 2020-23
Program Structure - At a Glance
Year 1
(Course Work)
- 4 experiential residencies of 5 days each; comprising the core of the coursework requirements
- Provides an opportunity to work face-to-face with your supervisory team and other doctoral colleagues
- Also, include a social element to help build connections with your colleagues
Year 2
(Research Proposal)
- Continuous Assessment Seminar 1 & 2
- Comprehensive Examination
- Research Proposal Submission & Presentation
- Title Registration
Year 3
(Thesis Development)
- Continuous Assessment Seminar 3 & 4
- Literature Review - Paper Presentation
Year 4
(Thesis Submission)
- Continuous Assessment Seminar 5 & 6
- Pre-Submission Seminar
- Thesis Submission
- Oral Defense Viva
RESIDENCIES
There are 4 mandatory residencies of 5 days each (Sat-Wed) during the first 12 months of the program. For the August 2025 intake, these are indicatively planned to be held in September 2025, December 2025, March 2026 and June 2026. These residencies will cover the entire core coursework required for the program.
RESIDENCY 1
Overview of Business
Research Process
Course Modules
Introduction to
Business Research
Introduction to
Literature Review
Philosophy and
Methods
Workshops
Personal Development
Reading Academic Papers
Making the Mentoring
Relationship Work for
You Working with
Academic Integrity
RESIDENCY 2
Building the Research
Competencies
Course Modules
Applied Methods for
Management Research
Advanced Literature
Review
Workshops
Personal Development II
Reference Management
Finding the Right
Literature
Finding the Gap
RESIDENCY 3
Designing the
Research
Course Modules
Research Design
Area Course- I
Area Course- II
Workshops
Personal Development III
Finding your
Paradigmatic Position
RESIDENCY 4
Research Methods &
Data Analysis
Course Modules
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Area Course- III
Workshops
Personal Development IV
Ethics Approval Process
Pathways to Impact
WORKSHOPS
During the 3 years, a number of workshops will be offered that will focus on techniques and methods, as well as on strengthening the softer competencies of the scholars. These will be optional and additional. For some of the workshops, an online and offline version will be held. An indicative list of workshops is included below:
Advanced Quantitative
Techniques
Advanced Qualitative
Techniques
Research Paper Writing
Thesis Writing
Proposal Writing
Publications Clinic
Developing your Consulting
Practice
Giving back through Reviews
Preparing to Teach
INDUSTRY EXPERTS TURNED SCHOLARS:
DRIVING BUSINESS FORWARD
Join a distinguished network of executive scholars who are redefining business through impactful research and thought leadership. Be part of a community that transforms knowledge into real-world impact.
Atantra Dasgupta
South West Asia Head, Samsung Health & Medical Equipment (HME)
Area of Research: Adoption of Digital Health to enable Patient Based Healthcare Model
Krishnendu Baran Sarkar
Senior Financial Management Officer, India, Asian Development Bank
Area of Research: Developing a Framework for Effective Financial Reporting Across Diverse Business Environments
Anshul Garg
Deputy General Manager, TATA Business Excellence Group
Area of Research: Digital Transformation & Organization’s ESG Performance – An empirical study of banking sector in India
Shivang Sharma
Manager Sales & Marketing, Integrated Plastics Packaging, Dubai
Area of Research: Blockchain, NFTS, Metaverse: Exploring Emerging Technologies To Promote Sustainable Plastics Packaging
Our Scholars’ Corporate Roots
Our executive doctoral candidates come from top global organizations, bringing rich industry experience and innovative perspectives.
