The Centre for Development Policy and Management (CDPM) is a unique research and teaching centre at IIM Udaipur with a mandate to conduct cutting edge development-oriented research which is grounded in theory and has strong policy implications. The CDPM aims to create synergetic linkages between development studies and management. Within IIMU, it brings useful insights from the fields of development studies and public policy and makes the management curriculum rich and holistic. It also substantiates the management programme by drawing upon the vision, focus, and objectives of various management fields and developing plans, methods, and processes to integrate them. In turn, it applies relevant management knowledge in analyzing developmental initiatives and social transformation projects of the state, private corporations, non-profit agencies, international development organizations and social entrepreneurs. The CDPM consists of faculty comprising interdisciplinary team drawn from different areas within IIMU, proficient in mixed methods research, holistic education, and professional consultancy.
The CDPM envisages to fill a major void in management education and research in India arising due to the underutilization of development-oriented research crucial in solving real-world problems in one of the world’s fastest growing economies and rapidly transforming societies. The problems are related (but not restricted) to sustainable development, climate change, green economy, agricultural transformation and food security, labour migration, livelihoods, gender, education, indigenous knowledge, and ancient wisdom. In doing so, the centre works upon the paradigms of progressive change and critical approaches to development and management studies.
The CDPM aspires to become a home for academics, policymakers, practitioners, and thinkers engaged in research and teaching at the cusp of development studies and management. To achieve this, CDPM will forge strategic collaborations with global and national development think tanks, governmental departments, world-leading universities and institutions, multilateral development agencies, philanthrocapitalists and CSR units.
In line with its vision, the CDPM has identified three key areas for research, consultancy, and training in the short to medium term. These are:
