Dr. Rajiv Lal

Professor

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Biography

Rajiv Lal is the Stanley Roth, Sr. Professor at Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on business strategies related to retailing and smart connected products. With a rich background in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Administration from Carnegie-Mellon University, Lal's academic career spans several prominent institutions. He has served as a professor at Stanford University and has held multiple visiting professorships at INSEAD, among others. His research focuses on the dynamics of retail competition and the implications of technology in retailing, particularly regarding smart connected products and their economic impacts. Lal has authored and co-authored numerous articles in leading academic journals as well as several influential case studies that have shaped the understanding of modern retail strategies. His contributions to the field of marketing and economics include topics such as pricing strategies, store loyalty, and the effects of the Internet on traditional retail frameworks. Lal's leadership extends to various consultancy projects for Fortune 500 companies, integrating academic insights with practical industry challenges, which has made him a thought leader in retail management and consumer behavior studies.

Research Interests

Experience

Stanley Roth, Sr. Professor

— Present

Harvard Business School • Cambridge, MA

Leads research and instruction on retail strategies and market dynamics.

Awards

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TIMS College of Marketing Award for the Best Article in Management Science and Marketing Science

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John D.C. Award

Requirements for Harvard Business School

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
GMAT
GRE General
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative and analytical background
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample (Optional/Recommended)
Specialization Notes

The PhD in Business Administration is the primary doctoral degree encompassing various areas of study including Business Economics, Accounting, and Strategy.