Ayan Chatterjee’s academic journey is a compelling narrative of curiosity, innovation, and an enduring commitment to societal impact. From his roots in mathematics and computer applications to pioneering research in behavioural operations and decision theory, Ayan’s path reflects the possibilities that open when interdisciplinary thinking meets real-world relevance. As a doctoral scholar (Fellow Programme in Management – 2018) at SPJIMR, he exemplifies how academic rigour and social purpose can go hand in hand.
From classrooms to cutting-edge research
Before embarking on his doctoral journey at SPJIMR, Ayan held degrees in Mathematics (B.Sc. Hons.) and a Master’s in Computer Applications. These academic foundations were complemented by professional experiences as a Research Assistant at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.
Through this early role, Ayan built a strong sense of how analytics, operations, and people intersect, a perspective that continues to shape his work today.
Finding a calling in behavioural operations
Ayan’s research is driven by a deep-seated question: why do consumers make seemingly irrational choices, and what can we learn from that? His work focuses on Behavioural Operations and Decision Theory, and he’s particularly interested in modelling regular irrationality in consumer purchase decisions using advanced tools like Quantum Decision Theory and Multi-Criteria Decision Making.
His doctoral research, based in SPJIMR’s Operations Management specialisation, tackles real-world problems with academic rigour. For Ayan, research isn’t just about publishing papers; it’s about bridging the gap between theory and practice. As he says, “My research activities are driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society. I want to develop a model and framework that will equally benefit both academics and practitioners.”
A curriculum that challenges and inspires
Reflecting on his experience in the doctoral programme, Ayan describes his experience using three evocative words: collegial, analytical, and rigour. To him, ‘collegial’ signifies the academic foundation and institutional support that SPJIMR offers. Analytical’ reflects a commitment to go beyond mere description by investigating the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of phenomena, a perspective developed with faculty and peers. And the ‘rigour’ represents the transformation of his identity, from a curious student to a critical thinker and academic contributor.
What began as a simple website search for doctoral programmes turned out to be far more than he expected. SPJIMR not only shaped his academic path but also became a nurturing space where he could challenge himself intellectually while staying grounded in purpose and passion.
The curriculum at SPJIMR is structured in two key phases: coursework and doctoral dissertation. During coursework, Ayan explored foundational concepts in management, analytical tools for research, and broad-spectrum seminar courses. What stood out most for him was not just the programme content but how SPJIMR faculty mentored scholars on how to communicate their research clearly and persuasively, an often underrated but essential academic skill.
Working across disciplines, solving real problems
Ayan believes that the future of management research lies in interdisciplinarity. ‘Management research in the 21st century must be interdisciplinary,’ he notes, highlighting how blending disciplines unlocks new ways of solving complex challenges.
At SPJIMR, he’s found the infrastructure to support this vision. The institution has provision to access the real-world datasets from various parts including family managed businesses and social sector. His research, including papers published in Global Business Review and Management and Labour Studies, addresses the industry issues such as green freight transportation and recovering supply chain disruption.
Accolades and visibility in the academic world
Ayan’s growing influence in the research community is evident in his multiple publications. His work has been featured at prestigious platforms such as the AMA Winter Conference and the POMS India International Conference.
The human side of scholarship
At the heart of Ayan’s story is a belief that research must remain relevant and human. His efforts speak to a future of operations management that is not just about optimisation but about understanding behaviour, ethics, and social context.
A mentor’s reflection
Prof. Debmallya Chatterjee, Chairperson, PGDM Online and Professor of
Operations at SPJIMR shares his reflections on Ayan’s journey.
Back in 2018, Prof. Sheila Roy and Prof. Snehal Shah, who were leading the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at SPJIMR, approached Prof. Chatterjee with a request: “A boy from Howrah, West Bengal, has applied to the FPM programme. His name is Ayan Chatterjee. He seems a little nervous for some reason. Could you speak with him once?”
That marked Prof. Chatterjee’s first introduction to Ayan. After clearing the entrance exam and interview, Ayan joined the 2018 FPM batch at SPJIMR and chose Prof. Chatterjee as his guide. Time passed, and Ayan steadily grew as a researcher and matured as an individual.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. While the campus hostels emptied, one FPM student stayed behind — Ayan. He remained alone in the hostels during the lockdown, fully focused on his research. Whenever his parents enquired about his well-being, he would say, “The safest place on earth is the SPJIMR hostel!”
Ayan eventually defended his FPM thesis successfully, and for Prof. Chatterjee, seeing his mentee obtain a doctoral degree brought immense joy and fulfilment. Witnessing Ayan grow into a capable researcher provided even greater satisfaction. Prof. Chatterjee had always believed in Ayan’s potential as a scholar and felt confident that he would go on to have a remarkable career and would continue to touch the lives of future scholars.
Takeaways from a purpose-driven research journey
Ayan Chatterjee’s academic path shows that meaningful research is not confined to the ivory tower. It can — and should — speak to real people, real problems, and real change. His journey from the classrooms to the research halls at SPJIMR reminds us of that excellence in scholarship comes from a fusion of methodical expertise, interdisciplinary curiosity, and social conscience.
For aspiring researchers and professionals alike, Ayan’s journey is a testament to what can happen when you blend intellect with intention. As he continues to dive deeper into behavioural operations and decision-making, his work stands to influence not just academia, but the way we understand choice, decision systems, and improve lives.
The Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) at SPJIMR is a doctoral programme approved by AICTE and recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as equivalent to a Ph.D. degree. To learn more about FPM, click here.
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