Receiving my admission offer for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at SP Jain School of Global Management in April 2018 marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Over the next five years, culminating in December 2022, I experienced a profound evolution—not just academically, but professionally and personally. The program reshaped my strategic thinking, leadership style, and global outlook.
The offer in April 2018 was followed by orientation and onboarding into a rigorous yet flexible academic journey. Balancing executive responsibilities with doctoral studies was a challenge I embraced with enthusiasm.
These years were marked by intensive coursework in global business strategy, innovation, and leadership. I began formulating my research interests around scalable product development and industry-academia collaboration.
The global disruption brought by COVID-19 tested our resilience. SP Jain Global’s agile shift to online learning ensured continuity. This period also sharpened my focus on digital transformation and adaptive leadership.
I actively engaged with industry leaders and academic mentors to refine my dissertation. My work on modular cable harness testing systems gained traction, aligning academic rigor with real-world impact.
Successfully defending my dissertation titled “Sustainability in New Product Development: A Benefit Management Perspective” was a proud moment. The culmination of years of effort, collaboration, and introspection, it marked the beginning of a new phase of thought leadership.
One of the most enriching aspects of the DBA program was the opportunity to learn from a truly global faculty. SP Jain Global’s multi-city model brought together academic experts from campuses in Mumbai , Dubai, Sydney, and Singapore, each offering unique perspectives shaped by their regional business environments.
The classroom was a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and experiences. Our cohort comprised professionals from six different nationalities, each bringing unique industry insights and cultural perspectives. This diversity enriched discussions, fostered global collaboration, and helped us challenge conventional thinking.
What made the experience truly dynamic was the breadth of professional backgrounds represented. Beyond engineering and technology, my peers came from:
This rich mix of domains added a multitude of learnings to every group discussion, case study, and collaborative project. Whether we were debating sustainability frameworks, benefit realisation models, or strategic innovation, the cross-industry perspectives brought depth and nuance to our understanding.
The friendships and professional networks built during this time continue to be a source of inspiration and support, and the diversity of thought remains one of the most valuable aspects of the DBA journey.
The DBA journey served as a catalyst for a significant career transformation. The strategic insights and research acumen I developed translated directly into impactful initiatives at work. I led the conceptualisation and development of a configurable, scalable cable harness tester—an innovation that bridged engineering precision with commercial viability. This project not only demonstrated the practical application of my doctoral research but also positioned me as a thought leader within my organisation. I was entrusted with greater responsibilities, including leading cross-functional teams and driving product strategy. My contributions were recognised with authoritative credibility, earning me the role of Vice President and a seat at strategic decision-making forums.
The DBA credential from SP Jain Global became a mark of distinction—enhancing my professional brand and opening doors to high-level industry collaborations, academic panels, and mentorship opportunities.
The DBA journey taught me the art of balance—managing executive duties while pursuing academic excellence required discipline and support from family, colleagues, and faculty.
SP Jain Global’s emphasis on practical, industry-relevant research helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice. My dissertation wasn’t just an academic exercise—it became a blueprint for scalable innovation.
Interacting with peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds broadened my worldview. It reinforced the importance of contextualising global strategies to local realities.
The mentorship I received and the community I became part of were invaluable. The collaborative spirit of SP Jain Global continues to inspire me in my professional engagements.
The DBA program at SP Jain Global is not just a degree—it’s a journey of transformation. If you're seeking to elevate your strategic thinking, contribute meaningfully to your industry, and grow as a global leader, this program offers the perfect platform.
Dr Rakesh Kumar completed his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from SP Jain Global in 2022. Dr Kumar is the Vice President (R&D and Program Management) at Rossell Techsys Limited, Bengaluru.
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