Ph.d.-program ved Handelshøyskolen

Admission to the PhD program is biannual in cohorts. Call for applications will be announced here: http://www.uia.no/en/vacancies3.

If you have external funding, admission can be granted outside the biannual admission. University fees are normally NOK 250.000,- annually. A fully funded project is an absolute requirement for acceptance to a PhD-programme at UiA. An application that cannot provide evidence of secured financial funding for a three year period will be refused without assessment of the application. Possible sources of external funding:

* by agreement with your regular employer

* the Research Council of Norway under the Industrial PhD scheme or the Public sector PhD scheme

* other national or international scholarships

The University of Agder does not accept private financial support (own saved money, funding by spouse/family, etc.) as a basis for admission to the PhD programme.

The candidates should have at least a master¿s degree, normally including a master thesis, from an academic institution with good reputation, preferable in Economics, Finance, Business administration, management, marketing, International Business or a related business discipline (300 ECTS credits), obtained at least with honours (B or better). We look for applicants with strong motivation that are willing to engage the necessary scientific rigor required for high quality research. Moreover, a strong qualification in applied research methods is an advantage. Fluency in written and oral English is a prerequisite.

With the application, the interested candidates should submit a short (approx. 4 pages) dissertation proposal. This proposal needs to be within the research area of International Management - broadly defined. The proposal should fit the research competencies and interest of available supervisors. UiA emphasizes close collaboration between supervisors and PhD students. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to study the research background of the potential supervisors and may also get in touch with them to discuss research proposals. When applying for the programme, the following documentation should be submitted:

> a letter of motivation including suggested supervisor from UiA

> a full resume/curriculum (including transcripts of grades)

> an approx. four-page research project

> academic references

> the Master thesis and other relevant scientific publications written in English

All candidates are interviewed before admission and additional documentation, including GMAT, TOEFL etc., may be requested. Depending candidates¿ academic background intake into the programme might be conditioned that candidates follow some master courses. Final decision on intake is the discretion of UiA.

To qualify for the programme candidates should normally:

• have a master’s degree, including a master thesis, from an academic institution with good reputation, preferably in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Innovation Studies, Management, Marketing, Development Management, International Business or a related business or management discipline (300 ECTS credits), obtained at least with honours (B or better). Generally, at least 90 ECTS credits must be core subjects from business studies
• Be fluent in written and oral English
• have strong qualifications in applied research methods, and preferably have experience from studying abroad
• have a research proposal fitting the research interest of one of our professors at the School of Business and Law (https://www.uia.no/kk/tlf?search=&dep=46&fag=)

Applicants should include a letter of motivation including suggested supervisor, a CV and transcripts of grades (the transcripts should be translated if not in English, and include conversions to Norwegian grading scale and ECTS system), an approx. four-page research project proposal, list of relevant scientific publications including a resume of the master thesis, academic references as well as results from tests like GMAT/GRE/TOEFL etc. with their applications.

Admission to the program is normally biannual in cohorts, but fully funded students may be accepted outside cohorts. For more information on admission, please see our supplementary regulations.

Most of the coursework is based in active participation and interaction in the courses. Normally, the final assessment is done in form of a paper or an analysis. In the course Survey of statistical methods there is also a portfolio assessment and a home exam.

The programme offers a PhD education within all fields of business research, broadly defined. The overall purpose of the programme is to give the PhD candidates a thorough theoretical and methodological background, along with the experience of completing a substantial piece of original scientific work (the PhD thesis). The programme is demanding, implying strong focus and full-time efforts. A focus area at the School of Business and Law is International Business where the PhD programme offers a separate specialization.

The programme consists of three main components: coursework component, writing of a PhD thesis, and a public defense.

Coursework

A thesis consists of coursework and writing of a dissertation. The coursework consists of mandatory and elective courses making up a minimum of 30 ECTS credits (students often end up taking more courses). The course-package for each student is defined in coordination between the student, the supervisor and the programme director and is approved by the PhD committee

The coursework is divided into two main areas: theory courses and methods courses:

• Theory courses are intended to give the students a thorough grounding in the main literature of his/her research area and to get an overview of major theories applied in the field. At the School of Business and Law we also offer a unique course titled “Theory of Knowledge and Core theories in Management” which covers theory of science, research ethics and a dive into some of the main theories typically applied in management research.

• The purpose of the methods courses is to provide students with a solid methodological foundation and an insight into what constitutes science. All candidates should take at least 10 ECTS of method courses covering quantitative methods and qualitative methods. It is often needed that students take additional method courses covering the specific methods applied in their dissertations.

Candidates in the programme is therefore required to do coursework as outlined in the following list:

Theory courses:

• IN-618 Theory of Knowledge and Core theories in Management 7,5 ECTS

Methodology courses:

• No code Kick-start your PhD 0 ECTS
• ME-612 Survey of Statistical Methods 5 ECTS
• ME-613 Qualitative Research Methods 5 ECTS

For those taking the specialization in International Business the following course is required:

• IN-620 International Business 7,5 ECTS

In addition to courses mentioned in the table the School of Business and Law frequently organizes other PhD courses fitting the needs of enrolled candidates. The candidates should also take a minimum of 2,5 ECTS credits in an elective course from UiA or another recognized institution within their field so the coursework component is a minimum 30 ECTS. Throughout the coursework it is emphasized to provide the students with knowledge on how to publish academic research in their fields. The PhD programme also offer a specific course in “Writing and Publishing Business Research” where the aim is to guide participants through all steps when writing up one of their first papers. A directed reading course may also be offered to some students if needed.

The elective courses that are offered at the School of Business and Law (by demand) is outlined in the following list:

• ME-621 Writing and publishing academic research 5 ECTS
• ME-632 Structural Equation Modelling in R 5 ECTS
• ME-633 Bibliometric literature analysis 5 ECTS
• ME-635 Reading course 5 ECTS
• ME-637 Panel data analysis using STATA 5 ECTS

Students involved in research in Innovation and Entrepreneurship are normally enrolled at the Nordic Research School in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (www.norsi.no) where The School of Business and Law is a member.

Most coursework should be finished by the end of the first year of studies. The courses enable students to write the thesis, as well as develop strong research skills. Approvals of PhD courses are normally Pass/Fail on course papers where Pass must be equivalent to the letter grade B or better. Some PhD courses are assessed with written exams.

The dissertation

The aim is to finish the dissertation within three years. Students start working on their dissertations immediately after admission. Collaboration between the student and the supervisor(s) is close and normally most of the research is co-authored with the supervisor(s) or other researchers. Nevertheless, the main key for a completed dissertation is the student’s own efforts and dedication. The dissertation is primarily the project of the student himself/herself and ability to work independently is required.

A dissertation normally consists of three to four papers whereof at least one is authored by the student alone. The importance of publishing in high ranked International peer-reviewed journals is stressed and students are encouraged to get their papers published even though the review process can be time consuming. All papers need to be of publishable quality to be included in the thesis.

During the dissertation process students are encouraged to build their own research networks, to have longer stays with other academic institutions and to participate at international research conferences. To enable this, and to learn about accessing research funding, students are expected to apply for funding from external and internal parties.

Progression

Students are expected to take active part in daily life at the School of Business and Law and are responsible for documenting that progress is being made according to expectations. By the end of year one students should normally have finished all coursework as well as their first working paper. In case the dissertation cannot be finished within 36 months the student has to apply to the PhD committee at the School of Business and Law to remain in the programme, as per our supplementary regulations.

Defense of thesis

When finishing the dissertation, the thesis is evaluated by a committee consisting of two external and one internal member. If the evaluation committee find the thesis worthy to be defended, the School of Business and Law organizes a public defense where the candidate is examined by the external evaluators.

International orientation and cotutelle agreements

The School of Business and Law has a strong focus on Internationalization. It is expected that all candidates participate at international academic conferences, aim at publishing in internationally recognized journals, as well as being visiting scholars for at least 2-3 month at other international business schools in the supervisors’ networks.

Moreover, an increasing number of PhD-candidates are organized in cotutelles, including joint supervision in partnership with other international Business Schools and Universities. Cotutelle-candidates are appointed supervisor, they take courses and normally spend at least one year at each institution. The candidates receive their PhD titles and diplomas from each of the institutions.

You may read more about cotutelles here: https://www.uia.no/en/research/phd-programmes/cotutelle.

Director of PhD program: Professor Tobias Otterbring

Administrative PhD coordinator: Gunvor Guttormsen

The coursework component
The coursework component consists of a minimum of 30 ECTS credits. For those following the specialisation in International Management, the minimum is 45 ECTS credits. All candidates must take a minimum of 15 ECTS credits in research methodology which should include courses in Theory/Philosophy of Science, Qualitative methods and Quantitative methods.

UiA is a member of the National Research School in Business Economics and Administration (http://nfb.nhh.no/Home.aspx) and the Norwegian Research School in Innovation (www.ntnu.edu/nb/web/innovation). Candidates may take courses at the research schools as well as at other prestigious national and international universities. In general, the coursework component is tailored for each candidate and will be approved at admission. Any later changes must be approved by the PhD committee. When needed, the PhD committee may also approve reading courses specifically designed for the candidate. Most coursework should be finished within the first six months of the PhD programme and all coursework should normally be finished within the two first years.

Generally, candidates take courses in two main areas: Theory courses to get a thorough grounding in the main theories and literature relevant for the candidate¿s PhD thesis and methodology courses to provide the candidate with a solid methodological foundation and an insight into what constitutes science. Providing the candidates with knowledge on how to publish academic research in their fields is emphasized throughout the programme.

The PhD thesis
The programme emphasizes strong collaboration between supervisor(s) and the PhD candidate. Nevertheless, the PhD thesis is primarily the project of the candidate, and the ability to work independently is required.

The PhD thesis may consist of a monograph or a number of research papers related to each other. Candidates are encouraged to write paper-based PhD theses where some of the papers are co-authored with supervisors or other academics. A paper-based PhD thesis normally consists of three to five papers, at least one single-authored. The importance of publishing in high-ranked international peer-reviewed journals is stressed, and candidates are encouraged to publish papers while in the programme. To be included in the PhD thesis the papers need to be of publishable quality. A paper-based PhD thesis includes an introductory chapter binding the papers in the PhD thesis together.

Progression
The aim is to finish the dissertation and submit it for evaluation within three years. Progression is closely monitored according to an established system of milestones and progress reports. Candidates who do not make sufficient and steady progress may at any time be screened out from the program by the PhD committee. In case the dissertation cannot be finished within three years the candidate can apply for an extension of up to 12 months from the Program Director. Additional extensions can only be granted by the PhD committee. The maximum time to finish a dissertation is normally five years. Time for maternity leaves, sick leaves or other pre-agreed leaves come in addition to the mentioned time limits.

After submitting the thesis to the faculty, the Dean will appoint an evaluation committee consisting of two external and one internal member. If approved by the evaluation committee, the public defense of the dissertation will normally take place approximately 6 months after the submission of the thesis. At the day of the public defense, the candidate is also obliged to give a public lecture on a topic decided by the evaluation committee.