Sri Balaji University, Pune

Research & Development Cell

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Sri Balaji University, Pune

Research & Development Cell

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Doctoral Programs in
Operations Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Programs in
Operations Supply Chain Management

Highlights
  • Duration 5 Years
  • Eligibility MBA / MMS or equivalent

Ph.D. Program in Operations & Supply Chain Management

Operations & Supply Chain Management focuses on efficient, resilient, and sustainable systems. Research includes supply chain analytics, process optimisation, lean operations, logistics, circular economy, quality management, service delivery, sourcing, and decision frameworks. 

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Categories Eligibility Admission Process SBUP - PET Details Important Instructions Important Dates SBUP - PET Syllabus Fee Structure

This program is for young, fresh Management graduates having post–graduate degree (MBA or equivalent) or Diploma (PGDM) holders having their post–graduation approved by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. This program is normally to be completed in 3 (three) years including coursework and its examination candidates who are interested in full-time Ph.D. under Jr. Research Fellowship will have to appear for the test/interview. On clearing the test/ interview, candidate will be offered a fellowship which would be in the range of ₹ 40,000/- (Forty Thousand) to ₹ 60,000/- (Sixty Thousand) per month, besides an annual contingency grant of ₹ 10,000/- (Ten Thousand) for attending conferences, etc. These scholars will be working full-time for their research program. During this period, they will assist the senior faculty in conducting in their academic duties at SBUP, besides continuing their research Annexure 34, page 101 (Page no 108 in the PDF Document file). These scholars may be offered suitable positions in the University after completing their Doctoral degree (Ph.D.). The candidates who are already postgraduates with some Industrial or Academic experience or the candidates who are expected to complete their Post-Graduation before appearing for the SBUP PET Test can also apply. 

Industry-sponsored Ph.D. scholars:
Corporate leaders who are required to delve into and resolve practical industry problems should be encouraged and given opportunities to pursue Ph.D. studies on key issues they encounter in their professional roles. This initiative will naturally foster industry-academia collaboration, which is essential in today's dynamic business environment. Flexibility will be provided where necessary, without compromising the core principles of doctoral research. Such efforts will also directly contribute to post-doctoral discourse, enhancing the relevance, validity, and academic richness of research, as well as its practical application in global industry contexts. However, forming a separate group for industry-sponsored Ph.D. scholars does not imply any relaxation of the rules and regulations governing doctoral studies at SBUP. These candidates must submit the required documentation, Annexure 01 and 02, pages 24 and 25 (Page no 30 and 31 in the PDF Document file), including the No Objection Certificate (NOC) addressed to the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, SBUP from their respective organizations, permitting them to pursue their Ph.D. at SBUP.

Ph.D. Scholars from other educational institutes:
The research scholars who hold full-time positions (as Faculties/Staff personnel) in educational institutions/universities and are permitted by their respective organizations to pursue their Ph.D. at Sri Balaji University, Pune (SBUP) may enroll as Part-time Research Scholars. These candidates will conduct their research under the supervision of the SBUP-approved Research Supervisors allotted to them and must complete the mandatory coursework credit requirements as stipulated by the UGC and are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations of the Ph.D. program in SBUP, in both letter and spirit during the process of their research. The research scholars are required to submit the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by their employers in the process of the submission of documents portion of the admission formalities for Ph.D. course in SBUP and are also required to state in concrete terms that they have been granted the necessary study leave (sabbatical leave) or permission in form of a letter/document from their employers (letter relieving them of their duties to pursue their Ph.D. in SBUP. Submission of the above documents/assurances is a must for the research scholars to pursue their Ph.D. in SBUP. The documents are to be addressed to the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Sri Balaji University, Pune and are to be submitted by the research scholar at the earliest date to ensure that their Ph.D. research will be conducted in a smooth way in SBUP.

Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. program shall have a Master's degree or a professional degree declared equivalent to the Master's degree by the corresponding statutory regulatory body, with at least 55% marks in aggregate or its equivalent grade 'B' in the UGC 7-point scale (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever grading system is followed) or an equivalent degree from a foreign educational Institution accredited by an Assessment and Accreditation Agency which is approved, recognized or authorized by an authority, established or incorporated under a law in its home country or any other statutory authority in that country to assess, accredit or assuring quality and standards of educational institutions. 

A relaxation of 5% of marks, from 55% to 50%, or an equivalent relaxation of grade, may be allowed for those applicants belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) / Differently Abled and other categories of candidates as per the policy of Government of Maharashtra from time to time, or for those who had obtained their Master's degree before 19th September 1991. The eligibility marks of 55% (or an equivalent grade in a point scale wherever the grading system is followed) and the relaxation of 5% to the categories mentioned above are permissible based only on the qualifying marks without including the grace mark procedures. 

To ensure that the utility-based research undertaken by experienced corporate managers with a minimum service of 15 years in the various domain areas/specializations in management, like Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Business Economics, International Business, Information Technology, etc., a new batch of corporate researchers will be formed. The co- supervisors for these corporate researchers may also be from Industries. This will be a unique and novel experience in the corporate research field. The mode of conduct of the doctoral research program and the related course work will also be modified wherever necessary, for example, the corporate leaders need not frequently come to the college but our faculties may be visiting cities where the number of registered corporate researchers is more.

The candidates working in organizations and applying as part-time external candidates will have to submit a consent letter from the respective organization.

Candidates who are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (Erstwhile Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI), their qualifications will be considered as on par to Post Graduate qualifications for Ph.D.

SBUP - PET (Ph.D. Entrance Test) 

Sri Balaji University, Pune shall admit Ph.D. students through an Entrance Test (SBUP - PET) to be conducted at the level of the University. The test will be a 100-question computer-based online MCQ Test of which, 50% of the test will be based on Research Methodology and the balance 50% will be based on Specific Domain selected by the scholar.

Notification regarding SBUP PET Entrance Test and Procedure 

The University shall: 

  1. Decide on an annual basis through their academic bodies a predetermined and manageable number of Ph.D. scholars to be admitted depending on the number of available research supervisors and other academic and physical facilities available, keeping in mind the norms regarding the scholar-teacher ratio (as indicated in Para 6.5).

  1. Notify well in advance on the University website and through advertisement in at least two (2) national newspapers, of which at least one (1) shall be in the regional language, the number of seats for admission, subject/discipline-wise distribution of available seats, criteria for admission, the procedure for admission, examination centre where entrance test(s) shall be conducted and all other relevant information for the benefit of the candidates.

  2. Adhere to the State-level reservation policy, as applicable.

Admission to be based on criteria notified by SBUP 

The admission shall be based on the criteria notified by Sri Balaji University, Pune, keeping in view the guidelines/norms in this regard issued by the UGC and other statutory bodies concerned from time to time. 

Procedure for Admission 

Announcement of Admission: 

  • The candidate has to fill a form (online) along with a fees of Rs. 1500/-.

  • Based on the online application form with uploaded documents, the R&D Cell informs the candidate regarding their eligibility for appearing for the SBUP-PET examination.

  • Upon confirmation of eligibility for appearing SBUP-PET examination, online payment of Rs. 3,500/- (Rupees Three Thousand Five Hundred only) be made.

  • In case the candidate is not shortlisted or voluntarily opts out of the admission process, the payment for SBUP_PET examination will not be refunded.

  • After receipt of the exam fee the candidate can appear to SBUP-PET examination

An Entrance Test shall be conducted with qualifying marks of 50%. The syllabus of the Entrance Test shall consist of 50% of research methodology and 50% shall be subject-specific. The Entrance Test shall be conducted at the centre(s) notified in advance (changes of Centres, if any, also will be notified well in advance) at the level of the University as mentioned in clause 1.2; and 

An interview/viva-voce to be organized by the constituent Institutes/ Departments of SBUP as mentioned in clause 1.2 where the candidates are required to discuss their research interest/area through a presentation before a duly constituted Research and Recognition Committee at the University departmental level. 

Exemption from the SBUP-PET Written Test will be granted for Candidates who have

1) Written and have received Qualification Certificates from UGC/CSIR (JRF) NET/SET/SLET/GATE/Research Fellowships of Central or State Government Departments/Agencies as approved by the regulatory bodies.

2) Candidates DST-INSPIRE fellowship.

3) Candidates with DBT/JRF.

4) Candidates who have an M. Phil Degree and were admitted to the said program through a written test. The Candidates who have been exempted from the SBUP-PET Written Test will have to attend a Personal interview for admission to the SBUP Ph.D. Program. 

Qualifying criteria for admission 

  • The interview/viva voce shall also consider the following aspects, viz., whether: 

  • The candidate possesses the competence for the proposed research.

  • The research work can be suitably undertaken at the constituent institutions/departments.

  • The proposed area of research can contribute to new/additional knowledge.

Maintenance of list of Ph.D. registered students

The University shall maintain the list of all the Ph.D. regitered students on its website on a year-wise basis. The list shall include the names of the registered candidates, the topic of his/her research, the name of his/ her supervisor/co-supervisor, date of enrolment/registration.

Validity of registration of the Ph.D. registered students

Ph.D. program shall be for a minimum duration of 3 years for full-time and part-time candidates including course work, extendable to 6 years Women candidates and candidates with disability of more than 40 percent may be allowed a relaxation of two years for a Ph.D. in the maximum duration, subject to the approval of the RAC, SBUP.

Cancellation of registration of the Ph.D. registered students 

Registration for the Ph.D. Candidate shall stand cancelled: 

  1. If the candidate fails to complete the coursework within the specified time limit (within the 1st year of admission) the registration will stand cancelled.
  2. If the candidate fails to gain approval for the submitted research proposal within 1 year of admission, registration will be automatically cancelled.
  3. In case the research scholar fails to submit 2 consecutive half-yearly progress reports or if 2 progress reports are unsatisfactory or if the candidate does not appear in any annual presentation, then the registration may be cancelled on the grounds of non- compliance. However, the candidate may appeal to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor through the research guide who will analyze the matter and will take a decision, regarding the cancellation of the registration of the candidate, which shall be final.
  4. If the candidate fails to complete a thesis and submit it within the maximum stipulated period and fails to apply for an extension, registration will be automatically cancelled.

For the attention of all the scholars planning to pursue their PhD at Sri Balaji University Pune, and who wish to appear for the Entrance Test SBUP PET 2025 

  • The SBUP PET 2025 will be conducted online. The applicants can appear for the test from anywhere. 

  • The test will be conducted on Saturday, 6th December 2025 at 11:30 am. 

  • This test will be of two sections for a duration of 60 minutes (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM). 

  • The online (written test Paper 1 & 2) will be consisting of two sections as below:

    • The first section will be of 30 minutes’ duration, consisting of 25 (twenty-five) questions on the topics of Research Aptitude.

    • The second section will also be of 30 minutes’ duration, consisting of 25 (twenty-five) questions on the topics of Management.

    • Both these sections will have questions of the MCQ type. 

  • Candidates will have to score 50% marks (aggregate) to clear this test. 

    • After this test, the candidate will have to make a presentation on the Research Proposal. The date for the same will be notified separately. This Viva voce / presentation will be conducted online using the Microsoft Teams app. The candidates must install Microsoft Teams on their devices. You can download the same by clicking https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-teams/download-app. 

    • Each scholar will be given 15 (fifteen) minutes for the presentation. This presentation will be in the following format: 

      • Proposed Research Topic/ Area 

      • Introduction of the Topic/ Area 

      • Objectives of Research 

      • Proposed Research Methodology 

  • Depending on the number of vacancies available, the eligible candidates will be called for an interview. 

  • A weightage of 70% for the entrance test and 30% for the performance in viva/ interview shall be given while preparing the merit list. 

  • Please read the form carefully and ensure all the fields are filled properly.

  • Fields marked * are mandatory.

  • Please ensure to upload the necessary self-attested copies of certificates as required.

  • Online payment of Rs. 1,500/- (Rupees One Thousand Five Hundred only) toward application fee is non-refundable.

  • Based on the online application form with uploaded documents, the SBUP office will inform you regarding your eligibility for appearing for the SBUP-PET examination.

  • Upon confirmation of eligibility for appearing SBUP-PET examination, online payment of Rs. 3,500/- (Rupees Three Thousand Five Hundred only) be made.

  • After receipt of the exam fee for appearing to SBUP-PET examination, the admit card will be made available online.

 

  • Last Date for applying to SBUP with a payment of Rs. 1,500/- to check eligibility to appear for SBUP PET 2025: Wednesday, 26th November 2025 (6 PM).

  • Last Date for applying for the SBUP PET 2025 Test with Payment of Rs. 3,500/: Thursday, 27th November 2025 (6 PM).

  • Briefing about SBUP PET 2025: Friday, 28th November 2025 (06:30 PM - 07:30 PM).

  • SBUP PET 2025 Mock Test: Monday, 1st December 2025 (02:00 PM - 04:00 PM).       

  • The duration of the mock test is 24 minutes & 24 questions (Research Aptitude - 12 Questions & Management Principles – 12 Questions).      

  • SBUP PET 2025: Saturday, 6th December 2025 (02:00 PM - 03:00 PM).       

  • Login starts at 01:15 PM. Aspirants wouldn’t be able to log in/join after 01:55 PM.

  • Results of SBUP PET 2025 will be declared on or before Monday, 15th December 2025.

  • The viva (presentation) date will be declared later.  (Update this for all specialization)

RESEARCH APTITUDE

1: Introduction to Research Methodology

Meaning of research: Purpose, Significance of research in Social and Business Science, and Ethics in Research, Defining research problem: Review of literature; Features of a good Research Design, Types of Research Design.

2: Research Design Formulation - Sampling and Data Collection

Sampling: Meaning, Characteristics of a good Sample, Sampling Methods, Probability and Non-probability Sampling, Steps in Sampling Design, Sampling Errors. Sources of Data: Primary and Secondary, Methods of collecting primary data: Survey and Observation.

3: Measurement and Scaling

Scaling techniques: Scales of Measurement and Levels and Types of Measurement Scales, Drafting the questionnaire, Reliability and Validity, Criteria for good measurement.

4: Data Analysis - Hypothesis Testing (Numericals NOT Included)

Meaning and Purpose of Hypotheses Testing, Steps in Hypotheses Testing, Use of Statistical Data Editing, Coding, Tabulation, Cross Tabulation, Concept of hypothesis, Procedure in Hypothesis Testing, Errors in Hypothesis testing, Types of Parametric and Non Parametric tests, Meaning of Correlation, Rank Correlation, Simple Linear Regression Analysis, Multiple Regression Analysis, Issues in Regression, Meaning of Regression Practical problems Chi-square test.

5: Result Presentation and Report writing

Report Writing – Layout of a Research Paper, Types of Report, Critical elements of a Research Report Techniques of Interpretation, Steps in drafting reports.

Suggested Readings:
  • Sachdeva, J.K. (2010). Business Research Methodology. Himalaya Publishing House, 1st Edition.
  • Cooper, D.R. and Schindler P.S. (2006). Business Research Methods. Tata McGraw Hill, 9th Edition.
  • Malhotra, N. (2011). Marketing Research – An Applied Orientation. Pearson Education, 6th Edition.
  • Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2011). Business Research Methods. Oxford, 3rd Edition.
  • Bajpai, N. (2014). Business Research methods. Pearson Education, 5th Impression.
  • Research Methodology – C.R. Kothari.

MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

1: Introduction to Management

Definition of Management, Management : Science, Theory and Practice - Development of Management Thought, Contribution of Taylor and Fayol, Management and Society : The External Environment, Managerial skills, Functions of Management, Business Ethics and Social Responsibility - Global and Comparative Management.

2: Planning

Planning - Steps in Planning Process - Scope and Limitations - Short Range and Long Range Planning - Objectives, Setting Objectives, Flexibility in Planning, Characteristics of a sound Plan - Management by Objectives (MBO) - Policies and Strategies - Scope and Formulation – Decision Making - Techniques and Processes.

3: Organising

Organising - Organisation Structure and Design - Authority and Responsibility Relationships - Delegation of Authority and Decentralisation - Interdepartmental Coordination - Emerging Trends in Corporate Structure, Strategy and Culture - Impact of Technology on Organisational design - Mechanistic vs Adoptive Structures - Formal and Informal Organisation - Departmentation, staffing – selection process – techniques- HRD.

4: Directing and Controlling

Directing: Scope, Human Factors, Creativity and Innovation, Harmonizing Objectives, Leadership styles, Types of Leadership, Motivation, Hierarchy of Needs, Motivation theories, Motivational Techniques, The System and Process of Controlling - Control Techniques and Information Technology - Requirements for effective control, The Budget as Control Technique, Productivity, Problems and Management, Control of Overall Performance, Direct and Preventive Control, Reporting.

5: Management practices

Comparative Management Styles and approaches - Japanese Management Practices, Organisational Creativity and Innovation - Management of Innovation - Entrepreneurial Management - Benchmarking - Best Management Practices across the world - Select cases of Domestic and International Corporations - Management of Diversity.

Suggested Readings:
  • Weihrich Heinz and Koontz Harold - Management: A Global and Entrepreneurial Perspective (Mc Graw Hill, 12th Edition 2008)
  • Stoner, Freeman and Gilbert Jr - Management (Prentice Hall of India, Latest Edition)
  • Bateman, Management (SIE), Tata McGraw-Hill PublishingCompany, New Delhi.
  • Fraidoon Mazda, “Engineering Management”, Addison Wesley, 2000.
  • Hillier Frederick S. and Hillier Mark S. - Introduction to Management Science: A Modeling and Case Studies Approach with Spreadsheets (Tata Mc Graw Hill, 2nd Edition 2008)
  • Koontz - Principles of Management (Tata Mc Graw Hill, Ist Edition 2008).
  • Massie, Joseph L., Essentials of Management, Pearson Education.
  • Robbins and Coulter - Management (Prentice Hall of India, 8th Edition).

Details regarding fees to be paid for SBUP PET Exam and Coursework

Sl. no. Details regarding fees to be paid Fee amount
1 Application fees for SBUP - PET (Note: Non Refundable) ₹ 1500/-
2 SBUP PET Examination Fees (Upon confirmation of eligibility) ₹ 3500/-
3 Ph.D. Coursework and Coursework examination fee ₹ 10000/-
Total amount to be paid:   ₹ 15,000/-

Details regarding fees for the Ph.D. Programme in SBUP

Sl. no. Details regarding fees to be paid Fee amount
I Security Deposit (Refundable after awarding of Ph.D.) ₹ 10,000/-
II Up-to 3 years ₹ 60,000/- (Per year)
III Year 4 ₹ 65,000/-
IV Year 5 ₹ 70,000/-
V Extended Year 6 ₹ 75,000/-
VI Extended Year 7 ₹ 80,000/-

A Scholarship of 50% in fees will be offered to the serving or retired personnel from the Indian Army/Navy/Air Force (after providing the required evidence). However, they will have to pay the other fees namely the Application fee, SBUP-PET fee, Course Work fee, Course Work Exam fee, and thesis examination fees.

Details regarding fees for N.R.I.s (Non-Resident Indians) and international students

Sl. no. Details regarding fees to be paid Fee amount (USD)
I Security Deposit (Refundable after awarding of Ph.D.) $ 500
II Up-to 3 years $ 2,500 (Per year)
III Year 4 $ 2,750
IV Year 5 $ 3,000
V Extended Year 6 $ 3,250
VI Extended Year 7 $ 3,500

The research scholars of the Ph.D. program have to pay the fees annually. However, Ph.D. candidates will have to pay ₹ 25,000/- as the examination fee at the time of submitting the thesis. For NRIs and international students, the examination fee at the time of submitting the thesis will be USD 2,000. This will include the cost of the evaluation, viva voce examination cum open defence, and the award of the degree for the Ph.D. program.