A session on “The FPM Journey: From Coursework to Thesis Defense” was conducted by Dr. Himanshu Goel, an alumnus of JIMS Rohini. The session focused on the different stages of the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM), from coursework and research to thesis writing and the final thesis defense.
During the session, Sir explained that coursework forms the foundation of the FPM journey. It covers different disciplines and helps scholars develop research and teaching skills. The coursework generally continues for one to two years and includes comprehensive examinations, term papers, methodology training, and seminar presentations.
He discussed the importance of identifying the right research problem through extensive literature reviews and field studies. This helps scholars identify gaps in existing knowledge and develop relevant research questions. Sir highlighted that a good PhD thesis should address an important problem relevant to both academia and practice and should align with the scholar’s long-term career goals.
The session also covered guidance and mentorship. An Advisory Committee is formed by the end of the first year to guide the research and monitor progress. Regular meetings provide constructive feedback, while supervisors from different research groups offer diverse perspectives.
Sir further explained the Candidacy Examination and Thesis Seminar as important milestones. The Candidacy Examination assesses the scholar’s readiness for independent doctoral research and involves presenting a detailed thesis proposal. The Thesis Seminar allows scholars to present their research progress, receive feedback, and improve their research direction before moving towards thesis writing.
The thesis writing phase includes the introduction, methods, data chapters, and conclusion. Sir emphasised that the thesis should present original research and follow institutional formatting and ethical standards. He also discussed the preparation required for the thesis defense, including early submission of the thesis, a clear presentation, and preparation for questions from the examination committee.
The session concluded with the Thesis Defense, where the scholar presents the research and responds to questions from the examination committee. After successful completion, the final thesis is submitted and the scholar proceeds towards graduation. Sir also highlighted that the FPM journey, although challenging, helps scholars develop as researchers and thought leaders and opens opportunities in academics, consulting, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Overall, the session provided a clear understanding of the different stages of the FPM journey and offered useful insights into the academic and research path from coursework to thesis defense.