Ram Natarajan

Ram Natarajan is an Associate Professor of Accounting at the Jonsson School of Management (JSOM), University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas). His research focuses on managerial accounting, efficiency analysis, executive compensation, and the application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) in evaluating organizational performance. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (1992), a Post-graduate diploma from the Indian Institute of Management (1982), and a BTech from the Indian Institute of Technology (1980).

His research interests include contracting mechanisms, performance evaluation, productivity growth, and the impact of managerial incentives on organizational outcomes. Notable areas of study involve the effectiveness of SG&A expenditure in creating long-term value, the role of clawback provisions in corporate governance, and the use of DEA for statistical hypothesis testing in productivity analysis.

He has been recognized with the Arthur Andersen Junior Faculty Teaching and Research Fellowship (1997-98) and was a nominee for the Chancellor’s Council Outstanding Teaching Award at UT Dallas (2000-01). His work bridges accounting, operations research, and economics, addressing practical issues in managerial decision-making and organizational efficiency.

• Education:
  • PhD, University of Pennsylvania, 1992
  • Post-graduate diploma, Indian Institute of Management, India, 1982
  • BTech, Indian Institute of Technology, India, 1980

His articles often explore the intersection of accounting practices and organizational performance, with recent trends emphasizing DEA methodologies, incentive contracts, and the valuation of intangible assets. His research has been published in leading journals and has contributed to both academic discourse and practical managerial strategies.

• Awards:
  • Nominee, Chancellor’s Council Outstanding Teaching Award, UT Dallas (2000-01)
  • Arthur Andersen Junior Faculty Teaching and Research Fellowship (1997-98)

Prof. Natarajan’s work also involves collaborations with professional organizations like the American Accounting Association and INFORMS. His teaching includes courses such as Managerial Accounting (ACCT 6202) and Analytical Research in Accounting and Economics (ACCT 7333), reflecting his commitment to both research and pedagogy.