Atul Arun Pathak

Atul Arun Pathak
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Atul Arun Pathak
Atul Arun Pathak
atulpathak@iimnagpur.ac.in
Area Academic Affiliation Qualification
Strategy and entrepreneurship Faculty FPM IIM Ahmedabad, PGDM IIM Calcutta, BE Mechanical
  • Overview
  • Research & Publications
  • Teaching
  • Training and Consulting
  • Administration

Dr. Pathak is a faculty in the Strategy and Entrepreneurship area at IIM Nagpur. He has over 20 years of international work experience across industry and academia.

Dr. Pathak teaches various foundational and advanced courses on Strategic Management, International Business, Design Thinking, Innovation, International HRM, and Management Consulting in the MBA, Executive MBA and PhD programs at leading Indian institutes.

Dr. Pathak has designed and delivered executive education programmes and consultancy assignments for a number of corporate and public-sector organizations such as HPCL, IOCL, Coal India Ltd., Bosch Ltd., Western Coalfields Ltd., NLC Ltd., Titan Ltd., Tata Steel, Power Grid Ltd., NLC India Ltd., Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Ltd.  (MECL), Manganese Ore India Ltd. (MOIL), Ultratech Cement, Maharashtra State Skill Development Society, Canara Bank, NTPC Ltd., Balmer-Lawrie Ltd., Birla White, ZIM Labs, Transrail Lighting, Ratnasagar Publishing, Reliance Industries, Kirloskar, Amdocs, ThoughtWorks Technologies, Transrail Lighting, and Wadeshwar Group.

Dr. Pathak’s research has been published as papers and cases in various international journals. He has received best-paper awards when presenting his research at various international and national conferences. Dr. Pathak was awarded the Best Thesis award at IIM Ahmedabad for his doctoral research. He was also awarded the Chaudhary Padmanabhan Pant award and merit scholarship for his scholastic achievements at IIMA.

Prior to joining academia, Dr. Pathak has wide ranging international work experience in the Banking, Information Technology, and Consulting industries across multiple geographies (UK, South Africa, Singapore and India). He has vast experience in strategic planning, project management, business analysis and key-client relationship management. He has taken up various responsibilities that have added value to organizations such as Barclays UK, Nedcor Bank South Africa, ThoughtWorks Technologies, ABN AMRO Bank and Tata Motors.

Research Interest:

Dynamic Capabilities, Strategy as Practice (SAP), Internationalization, Public Policy, ESG, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Customer Engagement

Journal Articles:

  • Pathak A.A. & Kaushik K, (2024). "Driving consumer engagement for digital payment brands: Content strategy on Instagram," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969698924001176  [ABDC 'A']
  • Soni L.M., Pathak A.A., & Kaushik K, (2023). "Garud Survey: A Case of Improving Safety and Transparency in Mining Operations Using Drone Technology," Communications of the Association for Information Systems, https://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol53/iss1/35/  [ABDC 'A']
  • Gawande A & Pathak A.A. (2023). "Uncovering the geographical skew in CSR spending in India and opportunities for impactful allocations", Development in Practice, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09614524.2023.2229073
  • ShabbirHusain, R.V., Pathak, A.A., Chandrasekaran, S. and Annamalai, B. (2023), "The power of words: driving online consumer engagement in Fintech", International Journal of Bank Marketing. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBM-11-2022-0519 [ABDC 'A']
  • Annamalai, B., Chandrasekaran, S., & Pathak, A. A. (2023). Driving citizen engagement through Twitter: The case of COVID‐19 vaccination drive in India. Journal of Public Affairs, e2858. https://doi.org/10.1002/pa.2858 [ABDC 'B']
  • Pathak, A.A., Chandrasekaran, S., & Annamalai, B. (2022). Analysis of Motor Vehicle Accidents: Comparison Between Before and During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Maharashtra, India. Transportation Research Record. https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981221089936  [ABDC 'B']
  • Annamalai, B., Yoshida, M., Varshney, S., Pathak, A.A., Venugopal, P. (2021) "Social media content strategy for sport clubs to drive fan engagement", Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Volume 62, ISSN 0969-6989, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2021.102648. [ABDC 'A']
  • Purkayastha, A., Pattnaik, C., and Pathak, A.A., (2021) "Agency conflict in diversified business groups and performance of affiliated firms in India: Contingent effect of external constraint and internal governance", European Management Journal, ISSN 0263-2373, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2021.05.004. [ABDC 'B']
  • Pani, S.K. and Pathak, A.A. (2021), "Managing plastic packaging waste in emerging economies: The case of EPR in India", Journal of Environmental Management, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112405 [ABDC 'A']
  • Biju, R. and Pathak, A.A. (2020), "Helping women intrapreneurial leaders flourish: appreciating emotional labor", Development and Learning in Organizations, 35(2), pp.11-14, https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-02-2020-0049 [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A., & Kandathil, G. (2019). Strategizing in small informal retailers in India: Home delivery as a strategic practice. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 37, 851-877,     https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-019-09662-4 [ABDC 'A']
  • Pathak, A. A., & Singhal, M. (2017). Fiamchi: Fishing in Troubled Waters. Asian Case Research Journal, 21(01), 149-174. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A., & Varshney, S. (2017). Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India: The case of Avika. The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 18(1), 65-72. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2017). Enabling lifelong learning: the key to agility at ThoughtWorks India. Human Resource Management International Digest, 25(1), 4-6. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2016). Tata Motors’ successful cross-border acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover: key take-aways. Strategic Direction, 32(9), 15-18. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2016). Seller side HR perspectives during M&A deals: The journey from “intent” to “deal fruition”. Strategic Direction, 32(6), 19-22. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A., &Purkayastha, A. (2016). More women on Indian boards: moving beyond mere regulations and tokenism. Strategic Direction, 32(3), 13-15. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2015). Zen room enhances the workplace for NobelTek’s women employees: … and helps the company to retain valuable female talent. Human Resource Management International Digest, 23(7), 15-17. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2015). Unbundling services: the route to profitability for airlines in India. Strategic Direction, 31(8), 4-6. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A., Bathini, D. R., &Kandathil, G. M. (2015). The ban on working from home makes sense for Yahoo: It needs the innovation and speed of delivery that come from office-based employees. Human Resource Management International Digest, 23(3), 12-14. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2015). Survival lessons from a dying Kingfisher: What not to do in the airlines industry in India. Strategic Direction, 31(8), 13-16. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2015). Effective knowledge management boosts virtual teams: When the relevant ICT is in place, it’s over to HR managers to make them work. Human Resource Management International Digest, 23(3), 26-28. [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. A. (2015). Thought works for ThoughtWorks: Recruitment process ensures that company gets the people it wants. Human Resource Management International Digest, 23(2), 5-8 [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. (2012). Understanding Michael Porter: The Essential Guide to Competition and Strategy. [Review of the book Understanding Michael Porter: The Essential Guide to Competition and Strategy, by J Magretta]. Vikalpa: The Journal For Decision Makers, 37(2), 153-155. (Book Review) [ABDC 'C']
  • Pathak, A. (2014). The Wide Lens - A new strategy for innovation.[ Review of the book The Wide Lens - A new strategy for innovation, by Ron Adner]. Vikalpa: The Journal For Decision Makers, (Jan-Mar 2014 issue) (Book Review) [ABDC 'C']

Teaching Cases:

  • Atul Arun Pathak and Madumitha R, "Shikshaa Public School: Options for Growth" Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B21M045 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, May, 28, 2021), 12pg.
  • Aashish Argade and Atul Arun Pathak, "BharatAgri: Strategy of an Indian Agritech Startup" Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B20M151 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, August, 28, 2020), 11pg.
  •  Atul Arun Pathak, Shabana Chandrasekaran, Balamurugan Annamalai, and Atanu Ghosh , "Salt n Soap: Online Retailing of Food and Groceries" Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B20M152 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, August, 28, 2020), 11pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak, Saroj Kumar Pani and Anish Agarwal, "CampusHash: Evolving Business Model of an Entrepreneurial Venture" Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B19M098 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, September, 04, 2019), 10pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Sushmita Srivastava, "IndCo: Challenges of Designing and Implementing Customized Training" Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B18C016 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, June, 15, 2018), 9pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Sunil Kumar Sarangi, “YourStory: Strategically Communicating Entrepreneurial Journeys”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B17M143 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, September 22, 2017), 12pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Shabbir Husain R.V., “Udaipur Times: Strategy of a Hyperlocal News Website”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B17M125 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, August 15, 2017), 12pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Harshit Kumar Agarwal, “Madras Tyre House: Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management”, The Case Centre Product No. 617-0077-1 (Wellesley MA, USA: thecasecentre.org, November 29, 2017), 9pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Rahul Shukla, “Natkhat Preschool”, The Case Centre Product No. 317-0168-1 (Wellesley MA, USA: thecasecentre.org, June 08, 2017), 9pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Manish Goyal, “What's Next After an MBA?”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B17M034 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, February 23, 2017), 12pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Kshamta Sharma, “Rajwant Engineering: Survival or Ethical Values?”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B16C029 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, October 05, 2016), 10pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Gyanesh Mishra, “Moonka Auto: Growth Strategies Of A Honda Dealership”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B16M154 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, September 20, 2016), 14pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Gyanesh Mishra, “Moonka Auto: Recruiting Salespeople”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B16A033 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, August 19, 2016), 11pg.
  • Dharma Raju Bathini and Atul Arun Pathak, “Tata Consultancy Services: Protecting a Corporate Reputation”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B16M172 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, October 21, 2016), 13pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak and Sanjeev Varshney, “Treks `n Rapids: Adventure Sports Tourism in India”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B15M103 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, November 17, 2015), 15pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak, “Flatpebble.com: Online Services Marketplace”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B15M073 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, July 24, 2015), 12pg.
  • Atul Arun Pathak, “Wadeshwar Restaurants: Strategies for Growth”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B14M146 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, December 19, 2014), 12pg.
  • Varsha Verma, Atul Arun Pathak, Dharma Raju Bathini and Arun Pereira, “EnterAll InfoSec Solutions: Growing an Ethical Hacking Business”, Ivey Publishing Product No. 9B14M152 (London, ON, Canada: Ivey Publishing, December 16, 2014), 11pg.

Conference Papers and Proceedings:

  • Purkayastha, A., & Pathak, A. A.(2018,) Performance of diversified business group affiliated firms in India: An Agency view. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2018, No. 1). Academy of Management.
  • Pathak, A. A., & Purkayastha, A. (2016, January). Performance Implications of Diversified Business Groups: Think Global and Own Local Strategy. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2016, No. 1, p. 12507). Academy of Management.
  • Pathak, A. A., & Purkayastha, A. (2017, April). Performance of diversified business group affiliated firms in India: An agency perspective. Presented at Academy of International Business – India Chapter conference, Pune, India, April 2017
  • Pathak, A. A., & Kandathil, G. (2014, January). Exploring Strategizing of Kirana Shop keepers: The Case of Indian Retail Industry. In Academy of Management Proceedings (Vol. 2014, No. 1, p. 15753). Academy of Management.
  • Pathak, A. A., (2013) “Effect of organizational risk taking propensity on dynamic capabilities: An emerging markets perspective”. Presented at the SMS Special Conference held at ISB Mohali during 17-19 December, 2013.
  • Pathak, A. A., (2013) “Effect of organizational risk orientation and change disposition on dynamic capabilities: An emerging markets perspective”. Presented at the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Indian Academy of Management (IAM), 2013 held at IIMA during 12-14 December, 2013.
  • Pathak, A. A., (2013) “A strategy-as-practice approach to understanding the strategies of small, informally organised retail grocery shops in India”. Presented at the 3rd Biennial Conference of the Indian Academy of Management (IAM), 2013 held at IIMA during 12-14 December, 2013.
  • Pathak, A. A., (2013) "The role of dynamic managerial capabilities in the creation of a firm’s dynamic capabilities”. Presented at the 6th IIM Ahmedabad Doctoral Colloquium held at IIM Ahmedabad during 07-09 January, 2013. (Won the best paper award).
  • Pathak, A. A., (2013) “The Role of Organizational Risk Orientation as a Determinant of Dynamic Capabilities: A Study in the Information Technology Industry”. Presented at the 7th IIM Ahmedabad Doctoral Colloquium held at IIM Ahmedabad during 09-11 December, 2013. (Won the best paper award).

Working Papers:

  • Pathak, A. A. (2014). Impact of interconnectedness of organizations on agility: A multi-theoretical perspective (No. WP2014-03-03). Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.
  • Pathak, A. A., &Kandathil, G. (2014). Strategizing in Indian Informal Business Settings: A Case Study of Kirana Shops in India (No. WP2014-03-04). Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Research and Publication Department.

Dr. Pathak's teaching interest broadly covers Competitive Strategy, Corporate Strategy, Management Consulting, International Business and Innovation. He teaches/ has taught the following courses at IIM Nagpur and other organizations

  1. Introduction to strategy (MBA Core course: IIM Nagpur)
  2. Strategic management (MBA Core course: IIM Nagpur, Exec MBA IIM Nagpur, XLRI Jamshedpur, National Institute of Design Ahmedabad)
  3. Capstone Business Simulation (MBA elective: IIM Nagpur, Exec MBA IIM Nagpur,)
  4. International Business (MBA elective: IIM Nagpur, Exec MBA IIM Nagpur,)
  5. Management Consulting (MBA elective: IIM Nagpur, XLRI - Business management, HRM)
  6. Theories of International Business (PhD course: IIM Nagpur)
  7. Case Teaching & Writing (PhD and Exec PhD course: IIM Nagpur)
  8. Foundations of management consulting practice (MBA elective: XLRI - GMP, PGDM-PT)
  9. Competitive advantage and strategic management (Core course: XLRI - Entrepreneurs of CEM program)
  10. Family business management (Core course: XLRI - Entrepreneurs of CEM program)
  11. Creativity for entrepreneurship excellence (IPDCEM program at Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Ahmedabad)
  12. International marketing (MBA elective: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Ahmedabad)
  13. Strategy formulation & implementation (MBA Core course: SIBM Pune and Muscat)
  14. Strategic business planning (MBA: SIBM Pune)
  15. Business policy and group strategies (MBA: SIBM Pune)
  16. Sector, industry and company analysis (MBA: SIBM Pune)
  17. Cases in strategic management (MBA: SIBM Pune)

At IIM Nagpur, Dr. Pathak was the founding Chairperson, Executive Education Programs (2018-2023).

Dr. Pathak effectively leverages his research in strategy and his vast industry work-experience towards designing and delivering executive education programs for mid and senior level participants from a variety of Indian and MNC organizations. His ability to understand client requirements and design innovative programs has been widely appreciated by client organizations and program participants. Throughout his career, he has engaged with a wide range of organizations as a strategy consultant addressing complex and highly challenging problems.

Selected client-organizations (Training and consultancy assignments):

  • Bosch Ltd.
  • Titan Ltd.
  • HPCL
  • Coal India Ltd.
  • Western Coalfields Ltd.
  • NLC India Ltd.
  • Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra
  • Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
  • Tata Steel
  • Power Grid Ltd.
  • Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL)
  • Manganese Ore India Ltd. (MOIL)
  • Ultratech Cement
  • Canara Bank
  • NTPC Ltd.
  • Balmer-Lawrie Ltd.
  • Birla White
  • ZIM Labs
  • Transrail Lighting
  • Ratnasagar Publishing
  • Reliance Industries
  • Kirloskar
  • Amdocs
  • ThoughtWorks Technologies
  • Wadeshwar Group
  • Rasayani Biotech
  • Pringoo

IIM Nagpur:

  • Member, Career Development Services (Placements)

Previous (selected responsibilities)

  • Chairperson, Executive Education Programmes (IIM Nagpur)
  • Chairperson, Information and Communication Technology Facilities (IIM Nagpur)
  • Chairperson, Campus Design Committee (IIM Nagpur)
  • Member, Placements Committee (XLRI)
  • Member, Corporate Programs Committee (XLRI)
  • Member, Scholarship and Medals Committee (XLRI)
  • Member, Entrepreneurship CEM Program Review Committee (XLRI)
  • Industry representative member: Board of Studies (Statutory apex body) at SIBM Pune
  • Member, FPM Executive Council of IIM Ahmedabad