Candidature Roadmap & Curriculum
A structured academic timeline guiding scholars from advanced research methodology coursework to peer-reviewed Scopus publications and external viva voce dissertation defense.
Key Candidature Milestones
Progression timeline for Full-Time (3–5 Years) and Part-Time (5–7 Years) doctoral researchers.
Foundation & Qualifying Phase
Completion of advanced doctoral methodology modules (quantitative, qualitative, and epistemological paradigms). Candidate presents draft concept note before the Faculty Doctoral Colloquium and sits for the Comprehensive Qualifying Examination.
Proposal Defense & Confirmation
Candidate develops the comprehensive research proposal (Chapters 1–3: Introduction, Systematic Literature Review, Detailed Methodology). Candidate undergoes institutional Ethical Review Committee (ERC) clearance and defends the proposal before a 3-member examination panel.
Empirical Fieldwork & Peer-Reviewed Publishing
Extensive primary/secondary data collection, econometric estimation, qualitative saturation, and hypothesis testing. Candidate presents intermediate findings at an international academic conference and satisfies the mandatory publication requirement.
Pre-Submission, External Review & Viva Voce
Full dissertation manuscript review by the supervisory committee, followed by a Faculty Pre-Submission Defense Seminar. The bound thesis is dispatched to two independent external examiners (including one foreign examiner). Culminates in the final Oral Defense (Viva Voce).
Mandatory Doctoral Coursework Modules (Year 1)
Total Coursework: 11 Credits + Research Thesis| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Instructional Mode | Assessment Structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS-DOC 8101 |
Epistemology & Philosophy of Management Science
Positivism, critical realism, social constructivism, and
ontological paradigms in management inquiry.
|
3 Credits | Seminar & Guided Readings | Critical Review Essay (40%) + Seminar Defense (60%) |
| MS-DOC 8102 |
Advanced Quantitative Methods & Econometrics
Panel data econometrics, PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, Monte Carlo
simulations, and endogeneity treatment.
|
3 Credits | Interactive Lab & Lectures | Empirical Modeling Project (50%) + Final Exam (50%) |
| MS-DOC 8103 |
Qualitative Research Paradigms & Mixed Methods
Grounded theory, narrative inquiry, phenomenological
analysis, case studies, and NVivo software.
|
3 Credits | Workshop & Colloquium | Qualitative Field Protocol (50%) + Synthesis Paper (50%) |
| MS-DOC 8104 |
Academic Writing, Ethics & Publication Strategies
Peer-review standards, bibliometrics, research
integrity, AI disclosures, and journal targeting.
|
2 Credits | Intensive Masterclasses | Target Journal Submission Proposal (100%) |
| MS-DOC 9000 |
Doctoral Research Dissertation & Oral Defense
80,000 – 100,000 word original empirical dissertation
evaluated by external examiners.
|
SLQF 12 | Supervised Independent Research | External Examiner Reports + Public Oral Viva Voce |