PhD Business Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop applied and highly specialised competencies and practical skills in the acquisition, interpretation, comprehension and application of business management principles. This qualification also intends to make original contributions to the field. Through the doctoral thesis, in which the qualification culminates, a qualifying student would show evidence of independent and original scientific work. The thesis would constitute a decided contribution to knowledge of and insight into the subject discipline as well as the field of research. Qualifying students would also display competence in the application of related research methodology, and the proper written and/or oral communication of the research process and findings. The student should be able to reflect on his/her research decisions and applications, to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of business management.

Admission Requirements

RULES OF ACCESS (TRADITIONAL FORMAT)

A student who is in possession of a Master’s qualification in Business or Strategic Management or Masters in Business Administration (MBA) (on NQF level 9), with a minimum of 65% or higher may apply for admission to this format. The student must have completed a module in Research Methodology (on NQF level 8 or 9) undertaken as part of a postgraduate qualification with an average of 60% or higher. Student number constraints may limit the number of intake for the next year and necessitates a selection process consisting of selection interviews and a research proposal exercise. Finalisation of registration for the programme (and /or continued registration) is subject to the applicants complying with School/departmental specific requirements. Such requirements usually include preparatory work leading up to a research proposal that is approved by the School/department. Possible examples or preparatory work are pre-reading, literature reviews, concept development and successful completion of short courses aimed and and/or knowledge developments. Candidates may also be required to successfully defend their research proposals at special School/departmental session. The Dean of the College of Business and Economics may refuse a student admission to the Doctoral qualification if he or she is of the opinion that the student’s academic background is insufficient for the proposed studies.

RULES OF ACCESS (ARTICLE-BASED FORMAT)

A student who is in possession of a Master’s qualification in Business or Strategic Management or Masters in Business Management (MBA) (on NQF level 9) with a minimum of 75% or higher may apply for admission to this format. However, if the average is between 70% and 75% and the student is still considered to be able to conduct research involving a collection of articles then a motivation needs to be provided by the School/Department’s Higher Degrees Committee. In addition, the student must have completed a module of Research Methodology (on NQF level 8 or 9) as part of a postgraduate qualification with an average of 60% or higher.  Student number constraints may limit the number of intake for the next year and necessitates a selection process consisting of selection interviews and a research proposal exercise. Finalisation of registration for the programme (and /or continued registration) is subject to the applicants complying with School/departmental specific requirement. Such requirements usually include preparatory work leading up to a research proposal that is approved by the School/department. Possible examples or preparatory work are pre-reading, literature reviews, concept development and successful completion of short courses aimed and and/or knowledge developments. Candidates may also be required to successfully defend their research proposals at special School/departmental session. The Dean of the College of Business and Economics may refuse a student admission to the Doctoral qualification if he or she is of the opinion that the students’ academic background is insufficient for the proposed studies.

More Information