Executive PhD PhD

The "Projects & Papers" route is an alternative structure for a PhD dissertation, where the research is presented through a series of interconnected projects and/or papers, each contributing to the overall research theme. Here's how such a dissertation might be structured:

1. Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the entire dissertation. It should explain the broader context of the research topic, providing necessary background information, clearly articulates the research problem and specific research questions the dissertation aims to address, and outlines the objectives of the research and its significance, emphasizing the contribution to the field of management.

2. Literature Review: This chapter provides a brief overview of the existing literature related to the three case studies or papers. It discusses relevant theories and models that underpin the research in the case studies, summarizes and critiques existing empirical research, identifying gaps and areas needing further investigation covered in the three projects and develops a conceptual framework that ties together the individual projects or papers.

3. Methodology: The methodology chapter outlines the research design and methods used across the projects or papers. It includes overview of research design that describes the overall research design and the rationale for choosing specific methodologies, overview of data collection methods, and overview of data analysis techniques. Any ethical considerations and how they were managed throughout the research process may also be included here.

4. Papers or Projects: Each subsequent chapter is a standalone paper or project that addresses a specific aspect of the overarching research problem. Typically, each paper includes the following sections:

Paper/Project/case study 1: [Title]

• Abstract: A brief summary of the paper.
• Introduction: Introduction to the specific study, linking it to the overall research theme.
• Literature Review: Focused review of literature relevant to this paper. This includes case background, i.e., provides detailed background information on the case, including the organization, industry context, and key stakeholders.
• Methodology: Detailed description of the methods used in this specific study. This includes the case description, i.e., describes the events, processes, or phenomena being studied, using rich, qualitative (or quantitative/mixed methods) data.
• Results/Discussion: Presentation of the findings and interpretation of the findings, linking back to the broader research questions. Also, analyses the case considering the research questions and theoretical framework. Discusses key findings and insights, linking them to the broader research context.
• Implications for Practice: Explores the practical implications of the case study findings for managers, organizations, and policymakers.
• Conclusion: Summary of key points and implications.

Paper/Project 2: [Title]

• Follows the same structure as Paper/Project 1.

(Continue with as many papers or projects as needed)

5. Impact: The impact chapter emphasizes the broader implications and significance of the research. It discusses how the research contributes to academic knowledge and future research directions in management, may outline the practical applications of the findings for managers, organizations, and policymakers, or highlight any potential influence on management practices, organizational policies, or public policy. It can also aim to describe how the research engages with and benefits various stakeholders, including businesses, communities, and industry practitioners.

6. ‘Wrapper’ / Integration and Discussion: This chapter synthesizes the findings from all the papers or projects, including the case study, highlighting their collective contributions to the research problem. It includes:

• Synthesis of Findings: Integrates the key findings from each paper or project, discussing how they collectively advance knowledge in the field.
• Theoretical Contributions: Explores the contributions to theoretical frameworks and models.
• Practical Implications: Discusses the practical applications of the research for management practice, policy, or industry.
• Limitations and Future Research: Identifies limitations of the research and suggests directions for future studies.

7. Conclusion: The conclusion chapter succinctly summarizes the research and its outcomes. It recapitulates the main findings of the study, emphasizes the contributions to theory, practice, and policy and offers concluding remarks and reflections on the research journey.

Our NBS PhD Programme offers a bespoke Doctoral Training Course that offer unique opportunities to engage in specialised doctoral level training and development to help you advance in your area of interest and topic. You will have the opportunity to grow and develop as a researcher in an inclusive and supportive environment and receive feedback from peers and subject experts during your doctoral journey.

In year 1 of study, you can expect to be taught a range of foundational topics such as introduction to academic research, undertaking literature review, how to design a research project, what is a theoretical framework and understanding research philosophy. In subsequent years of study, you will engage more deeply with research methodologies and techniques, understanding impact, research ethics and critical thinking.

The taught workshops are complimented by a range of hybrid research workshops that run all through the academic year to provide additional and complimentary support and learning opportunities. Candidates can also take advantage of a range of online doctoral workshops run by the NTU Doctoral School and open to all PGR candidates registered with NTU.

Introductory workshops: Term 1

• Introduction to what is a doctorate and undertaking a PhD
• Introduction to Critical Thinking and Academic Writing
• Introduction to Theory Building
• Introduction to Literature Review
• Introduction to Research Philosophy
• Introduction to Research Paradigms
• Introduction to Research Design and Methodology

Introductory workshops: Term 2

• Introduction to Qualitative Research (data collection and data analysis approaches)
• Introduction to Quantitative Research (data collection and data analysis approaches)
• Introduction to Mixed Methods
• Introduction to Research Ethics and Data Management

Advanced workshops: Term 3

• Qualitative Research Methods (e.g., Discourse Analysis / Conversation Analysis / Ethnography / Auto-Ethnography / Storytelling Methods / Psycho-Social Approaches)
• Quantitative Research Methods (e.g., Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Research Design Survey Advanced, Structural Equation Modelling, Behavioural Economics, Classic Linear Regression)
• Advanced Statistics and Research Software tools (e.g., Introduction to Econometrics, Introduction to STATA and Quantitative Tools, Introduction to NVivo).