Doctoral studies at the IFB
Program overview
The research focus in the subprogramme General Management is on the strategies, structures, processes, and behaviors that affect the purpose and operations of organisations. Under this broad umbrella, the overarching aim is to address through rigorous scientific research questions that have important implications for managerial practice. The research in this field includes, among others, Boards and Governance, Corporate and Competitive Strategy, Strategy Processes and Strategic Decision-Making, International Business, Family Firms and Ownership, Organizational Leadership and Behavior, and Management of Stakeholders and Sustainability.
Doctoral students will become familiarised with existing theories of management research and the discipline’s most important research areas, as well as, on the methodological front, with quantitative and qualitative research methods and formal modelling. Interdisciplinary concepts will help to address important research questions in a sound way. This specialization area caters to graduates interested in focusing on strategic management, international business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with an eye towards preparing for an academic career in these fields. It offers the essential skills and knowledge needed to contribute to academic research and teaching in these areas, as well as to assume executive roles and drive innovation in a variety of business contexts.
The programme is divided into a coursework phase and a research phase. The purpose of the coursework phase is to deepen methodological skills, provide specialised knowledge and lay an important foundation for good, responsible, and sustainable scientific practice. Ph.D. students finalise the coursework phase by preparing and presenting a research proposal to their thesis committee.
The research phase is focused on the writing of the Ph.D. thesis and is accompanied by Ph.D. colloquia in order to discuss the research progress and to get new insights from colleagues and faculty members. The research phase is finalised by submitting the Ph.D. thesis and defending it in an oral examination.