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The School of Business encourages and fosters a rich research-oriented environment for faculty and doctoral candidates. Students can choose from a variety of topics reflecting the varied research interests of our faculty. The Ph.D. Program is intended to prepare students to conduct original research; i.e., to explain phenomena previously not well understood and then to test proposed explanations empirically.
Wharton’s PhD program in Management is flexible and interdisciplinary, applying social science disciplines and research methods to management problems. It offers specializations in strategy, international business, organizational behavior and theory, and human resource management.
The faculty has a broad range of interests ranging from the behavior of individuals and groups to organizational strategy. Major areas of faculty research currently include: human resources and competitiveness; foreign strategic investments and international cooperative relationships; organizational learning and adaptation; technology adoption, diffusion, and transfer within and across organizations; and new venture formation, growth, and corporate entrepreneurship.
Each student draws on the faculty’s diverse expertise and varied interests to develop a program uniquely suited to his or her interests. The program encourages students to gain research experience by working closely with faculty on a variety of projects. Recent placements include the Harvard Business School, INSEAD, New York University, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, University of Michigan and the University of Texas.
Doctoral Programs Resources
Management PhD Guidelines and Requirements
A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.
Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.
Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.
This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.
With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.
As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.
In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well.
The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.
The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.
Discover More About BSL
The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:
Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.
Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.
Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.
The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
PhD in Management
Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City
Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study
“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23
When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.
Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.
Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.
Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.
Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.
Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.
Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.
The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.
Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management—and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment.
MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS
After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.
“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar
When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders.
Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.
Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:
Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .
Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .
Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .
EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY
As you pursue your PhD in business management, you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.
Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.
As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.
During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.
VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS
Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.
Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.
Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.
Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.
The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission.
Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.
The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.
253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201
Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office
Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management.
Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.
Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?
We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.
You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.
We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.
You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.
Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.
Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.
Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent.
Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that:
Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.
Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]
Boston University
Boston University’s PhD in Business Administration & Management program trains scholars to develop and test management theories that contribute to management education and practice. Students acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their major area of specialization as well as solid grounding in a minor (for example, a social science discipline such as sociology, economics, or political science) that broadens their foundation. Students also gain theoretical and practical knowledge of advanced research skills, essential for publishing in leading academic journals.
The PhD in Business Administration & Management program ensures that students develop an appreciation of the role of their research domain in managerial and organizational contexts and can translate their learning from scholarly research into effective teaching. Our faculty, which has earned worldwide recognition for its scholarly and applied research, is the school’s major resource for doctoral education. Their commitment to advancing management knowledge through research published in top journals, and improving the quality of teaching, enables them to effectively mentor doctoral students, who, in close collaboration with faculty, are part of the intellectual capital of the school.
The PhD curriculum has the following learning goals. Students will:
After matriculation into the PhD program, a candidate for the degree must register for and satisfactorily complete a minimum of 64 graduate-level units at Boston University. More courses may be needed, depending on departmental requirements.
The curriculum provides the graduate with a combination of major and minor foci which incorporates both the depth and breadth of knowledge and research skills required to contribute to management research. It creates the capacity for learning and innovation in the face of rapid changes in the social, economic, technical, and political contexts of management. The curriculum has the following specific learning goals:
Students must:
The minimum course requirement is 16 courses (64 units).
Research Methodology & Methods Core | 5 | 20 |
Major area | 5 | 20 |
Minor area | 5 | 20 |
DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research | 1 | 4 |
Course choices must be approved by the department liaison prior to registration each term. The department liaison must also approve whether courses will be accepted as meeting the requirements for classification as major, minor, or research methodology courses. In the fall of the first year, all students are automatically registered for DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research. All students must take a noncredit teaching intensive prior to the start of their third year.
Candidates are required to complete five courses in research methods and design. Students, with the advice and approval of department liaisons, will choose these courses. Courses may be taken at the Questrom School of Business or may be selected from appropriate courses offered in other disciplines at the University.
At least two of the five research methodology courses must be taken from the following list of approved Methods Core courses:
Students must acquire advanced knowledge of literature and theory in their area of specialization (the major). Such competence is gained by coursework, participation in seminars, and independent study. Candidates must complete five doctoral courses in the major area and pass a qualifying examination at the end of their coursework.
Students are encouraged to choose a minor that draws on one or more of the social sciences that management theories draw on: for example, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science. Minor area courses may be selected from doctoral-level courses, including independent studies, from any department at the Questrom School of Business (other than the major area), or from other graduate departments at the University. The five-course minor may also be custom-designed as an interdisciplinary conceptual area with the advice and consent of the department liaison. For example, a student may define the minor as “human behavior” and take five doctoral-level courses in psychology, anthropology, and sociology to meet the requirement.
All students are required to take QST DS 906 Philosophy and Science of Research.
Note that this information may change at any time. Read the full terms of use .
Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Faculty-student collaboration on research is the cornerstone of the Ph.D. in Management program. Doctoral students have the opportunity to work with some of the top researchers who have expertise in a variety of areas encompassed by organizational behavior, strategic management and human resource management.
Organizational behavior.
For students interested in specializing in organizational behavior , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:
For students interested in specializing in strategic management , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:
For students interested in specializing in human resource management , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:
Below are some recent publications that have resulted from collaborations between faculty and doctoral students, with current Ph.D. students’ and graduates’ names in bold.
Mah, J. , Kolev, K. , McNamara, G., Pan, L. , & Devers, C. (In press). Women in the C-Suite: A Review of Predictors, Experiences, and Outcomes. Academy of Management Annals. Matusik, J. G. , Mitchell, R. L. , Hays, N. A., Fath, S., Hollenbeck, J. R. (2022). The highs and lows of hierarchy in multiteam systems. Academy of Management Journal, 65(5), 1571-1592 Li, Y., Koopmann, J., Lanaj, K. , & Hollenbeck, J.R. (2022). An integration-and-learning perspective on gender diversity in self-managing teams: The roles of learning goal orientation and shared leadership. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107, 1628-1639. Guo, A. , Heidl, R. Hollenbeck, J.R., Howe, M.D. and Yu, A. (2022). When discretionary boundary relationships cease becoming discretionary: The impact of closed ties on informal leadership perceptions. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107, 598-917. Lennard, A. C. , Matta, F. K. , Lin, S. , Koopman, J. , & Johnson, R. E. (2022). The dynamism of daily justice: A person-environment fit perspective on the situated value of justice. Organization Science, 33, 1523-1553. Matusik, J. G. , Ferris, D. L., & Johnson, R. E. (2022). The PCMT model of organizational support: An integrative review and reconciliation of the organizational support literature. Journal of Applied Psychology, 107, 329-345. Lee, H. W. , Hays, N. A., & Johnson, R. E. (2021). To thine own (empowered) self be true: Aligning social hierarchy motivation and leader behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology, 106(7), 1033-1048 Scott, B. A., Lennard, A. C. , Mitchell, R. , & Johnson, R. E. (2020). Emotions naturally and laboriously expressed: Antecedents, consequences, and the role of valence. Personnel Psychology, 73: 587-613. Scott, B. A., Awasty, N. , Johnson, R. E., Matta, F. K. , & Hollenbeck, J. R. (2020). Origins and destinations, distances and directions: Accounting for the journey in the emotion regulation process. Academy of Management Review, 45: 423-446. Gamache, D. , McNamara, G., Graffin, S., Haleblian, J., Kiley, J., & Devers, C. (2019). Impression offsetting as an early warning signal of low CEO confidence in acquisitions. Academy of Management Journal. 62: 1307-1332. Gamache, D. & McNamara, G. (2019). Responding to bad press: How CEO temporal focus influences the sensitivity to negative media coverage of acquisitions. Academy of Management Journal. 62: 918-943.
After working in the corporate world for five years, Michigan State University was a new beginning for me both personally and professionally. I realize now the strong foundation that Michigan State provided for me to have a bright career as a professor. As a new professor, I feel fully prepared to face the challenges of research, teaching and earning tenure due to my mentoring and education at Michigan State. Michigan State takes the preparation and mentoring of its doctoral students seriously and continues to produce leading scholars in the field on a consistent basis. The network of successful Michigan State alumni is second to none, and one in which you can join as well!
Although earning a Ph.D. was extremely intense and intellectually challenging, the culture of Michigan State also made it very fun as well. Over my five years at Michigan State, I developed life-long friendships with both faculty and students. Due to the collegial atmosphere, I always felt extremely supported by the faculty and fellow students at Michigan State as I worked through classes, research projects and the dissertation process. I am certain you will have as many Spartans cheering for your success as I had (and still have) cheering for me.
There is no doubt that I made a great decision when I chose to earn my Ph.D. at Michigan State, and I certainly have no regrets. Go Green! Go White!
Dr. Nahrhang’s current research interests focus on leadership processes and their development over time, leadership in teams, and team processes and performance.
From fast company, featuring christy zhou koval, get connected with broad:.
Academic experience, student life.
When you study at the undergraduate level, you are introduced to a field and gradually become aware of its unexpected nuances and complexities. At the doctoral level, you acquire an intellectual framework that allows you to embrace and accommodate that complexity as you strive to make sense of the world. As you progress, your novel insights help others make sense of the world as well. When that occurs, you are contributing to knowledge. Doctoral study is rigorous and immersive—but it is rewarding.
In the Kellogg PhD program, you will master an academic discipline—economics, psychology, sociology, operations research, or data science—and apply that mastery to real world problems facing managers and policy makers. This discipline-based approach prepares you to challenge conventional wisdom with new ideas, models, and empirical findings that have enduring impact on businesses, organizations, and communities. After leaving Kellogg, you can look forward to a career leading and inspiring others through teaching and research.
Collaborative, supportive research environment, the kellogg difference.
Students focus in one of the core disciplines of management, developing in-depth knowledge and pursuing their own research interests: Accounting , Finance , Marketing , Operations , or Organizations and Management .
Application for admission to the Doctoral Program in Management is made through the Yale Graduate School.
Students take foundational PhD-level courses in their areas of specialization, and then choose from a course list that spans the university, drawing from some of the best academic departments in the world.
The program's small size allows senior faculty to take an active role in preparing each student for the job search.
The journey of pursuing a PhD in Management is both an exhilarating and challenging endeavour. One of the critical milestones in this academic pursuit is choosing the right research topic. A well-crafted PhD research topic lays the foundation for a successful and impactful doctoral journey. In this guide on “Topic For PhD Research In Management,” we will provide insights into developing PhD research topics in project management and present a list of 13+ excellent topics in the broader field of management.
Before diving into the list of specific research topics, let’s establish a simple guide for developing a Ph.D. research topic in project management.
PhD journey is an exhilarating yet challenging endeavour, and choosing a topic that aligns with your passion and interest is crucial for its longevity. If you find yourself struggling to find a PhD topic, take a moment to reflect on what aspects of management truly captivate your curiosity. Whether it’s unravelling the intricacies of human resources, exploring the dynamics of entrepreneurship, or delving into the nuances of strategic decision-making, selecting a topic that resonates with you will not only pique your interest but also keep you motivated throughout the extensive research process.
Choosing a PhD research topic that addresses the current challenges and issues in the field of management is crucial for producing impactful and relevant research. Staying informed about the latest developments, trends, and emerging paradigms ensures that the research is not only academically rigorous but also has the potential to influence and shape the industry’s future. Exploring trending PhD topics allows researchers to delve into areas that are actively shaping the management landscape, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discourse and advancements in the field.
While it’s tempting to aim for the stars, it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within the constraints of time, resources, and data availability. Clearly define the scope of your research to stay calm. A well-defined scope helps you stay focused and enables a more in-depth exploration of your chosen subject.
Your advisors and peers can be invaluable resources during the topic selection process. Engage in meaningful discussions with them to gain insights into potential research areas. Their experiences and perspectives can help you refine your ideas and identify aspects of your chosen topic that you may have yet to consider.
Now, armed with this guide, let’s delve into specific PhD research topics in the field of management.
1. management of human resources, exploring innovative approaches to employee motivation and engagement.
Investigate novel methods to enhance employee motivation and engagement, considering factors such as remote work, flexible schedules, and recognition programs.
Examine how the widespread adoption of remote work influences traditional human resource management practices. Consider the challenges and opportunities presented by virtual work environments.
Analyzing success factors for women-led businesses in a competitive landscape.
Identify the key success factors that contribute to the growth and sustainability of businesses led by women. Explore challenges unique to women entrepreneurs and strategies for overcoming them.
Investigate how gender influences entrepreneurial strategies, decision-making processes, and the overall success of businesses. Address gender-related biases and their impact on entrepreneurial endeavours.
Examining the relationship between technological innovation and organizational performance.
Explore how technological innovation contributes to organizational performance. Analyze the adoption of emerging technologies and their implications for business success.
Investigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating artificial intelligence into innovation processes. Explore how organizations can effectively manage AI-driven innovation.
Integrating sustainable practices in supply chain management.
Assess the integration of sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly sourcing and reduced carbon footprint, into supply chain management. Explore the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable resource management.
Examine how leadership practices influence the adoption of sustainable business practices. Analyze the impact of environmentally conscious leadership on organizational culture and performance.
Evaluating the social impact of entrepreneurial ventures.
Assess the social impact of entrepreneurial ventures beyond economic indicators. Explore how businesses can contribute to social welfare, community development, and sustainable practices.
Investigate the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges. Analyze successful social enterprises and their strategies for creating positive and lasting change.
Cross-cultural management strategies in global enterprises.
Explore effective strategies for managing cross-cultural teams and operations in global enterprises. Analyze the impact of cultural diversity on organizational performance and success.
Examine challenges specific to international business management, such as cultural differences, legal complexities, and geopolitical factors. Develop strategies for overcoming these challenges and fostering global success.
Developing cultural intelligence in global management.
Investigate the concept of cultural intelligence and its role in global management. Explore how leaders can enhance their cultural sensitivity to build successful international relationships.
Analyze how cultural sensitivity contributes to effective leadership in diverse organizational settings. Explore case studies and examples of leaders who have successfully navigated cultural nuances.
Personalization strategies in mass production industries .
Explore how mass-production industries can incorporate personalization strategies to meet individual customer preferences. Analyze successful examples of businesses achieving mass customization.
Investigate the challenges and opportunities of balancing customization with operational efficiency. Explore technological solutions and organizational frameworks that enable efficient customization.
The integration of financial strategies in strategic management.
Explore how financial strategies are integrated into overall strategic management. Analyze the role of financial decision-making in shaping organizational goals and objectives.
Investigate the impact of accounting practices on decision-making in contemporary businesses. Analyze how financial information is used to inform strategic choices and resource allocation.
Understanding organizational behavior in the digital age.
Explore how advancements in technology and changes in the digital landscape influence organizational behavior. Analyze the implications of remote work, digital communication, and virtual collaboration on employee behavior.
Investigate the relationship between different leadership styles and employee performance. Analyze how leadership behaviors and approaches contribute to organizational success.
Optimizing integration strategies in supply chain management .
Explore strategies for optimizing integration within supply chain management. Analyze the role of technology, collaboration, and real-time data in enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Investigate the impact of technology and innovation on supply chain integration. Explore how emerging technologies, such as blockchain and IoT, transform traditional supply chain processes.
Decision-making in rapidly changing business environments.
Explore the challenges and opportunities of decision-making in high-velocity business environments. Analyze how organizations can adapt their decision-making processes to stay agile and responsive.
Investigate the concept of strategic adaptability and its relevance in high-velocity markets. Explore case studies of organizations that have successfully navigated rapid changes in their industries.
Leveraging interconnectedness for competitive advantage.
Explore how interconnectedness, facilitated by digital technologies, can be leveraged for competitive advantage. Analyze strategies for building and sustaining competitive advantages in a hyper-connected business landscape.
Investigate how businesses can develop and implement network-based competitive strategies in the digital economy. Explore the role of strategic partnerships, collaborations, and digital ecosystems.
Integrating sustainability and profitability in business planning.
Explore how businesses can integrate sustainability goals into their overall business planning. Analyze the economic and environmental benefits of adopting a holistic approach to business planning.
Investigate successful examples of businesses that have adopted holistic business models for long-term success. Analyze the key components of these models and their impact on organizational resilience.
Cultural variations in perceptions of organizational fairness.
Explore how cultural differences influence perceptions of organizational fairness. Analyze how organizational policies and practices can be adapted to ensure fairness across diverse cultural settings.
Investigate the relationship between organizational fairness and employee satisfaction in diverse cultural settings. Analyze strategies for promoting a fair and inclusive workplace culture.
Exploring the role of imitation in business strategy.
Investigate the strategic role of imitation in business. Analyze how businesses can effectively imitate successful strategies while maintaining innovation and differentiation.
Explore the delicate balance between imitation and innovation in business. Analyze case studies of companies that have successfully navigated this fine line to achieve sustained success.
The time it takes to develop a research topic varies, but it often takes several months. It involves exploring literature, discussions with advisors, and refining your interests.
Yes, it’s possible to change your research topic, but it’s essential to discuss this with your advisors to ensure a smooth transition.
Stay updated on industry trends, engage with professionals, and consider conducting interviews or surveys with industry experts to ensure relevance.
Choosing a Ph.D. research topic in management is a significant step that requires careful consideration. By following the guide provided and exploring the suggested research topics, you can pave the way for a successful and impactful doctoral journey. Remember, the key is to align your passion with the current needs of the field, ensuring that your research contributes meaningfully to the world of management.
Offered By: Department of Health Policy and Management
Onsite | Full-Time | 4–5 years
The PhD in Health Policy and Management is a full-time doctoral program that trains its students to conduct original investigator-initiated research through a combination of coursework and research mentoring. The curriculum includes core coursework that is common across the four concentrations and courses specific to each individual concentration. Applicants to the PhD in Health Policy and Management apply directly to one of four concentrations. All four options have the same deadline, structure, and funding.
This concentration is designed for students interested in conducting independent research on ethical issues in public health policy, research and practice such as domestic and international research ethics, learning health systems, emerging biomedical technologies, ethics and public health genetics, national and global food policy, access to care and health care priority setting. By the end of their training, students are equipped to function as independent researchers, conducting empirical research related to bioethics, public health and health policy, as well as prepared to provide practical and normative recommendations regarding ethics and public health policy.
View more program information about the Concentration in Bioethics and Health Policy.
This concentration is designed for students interested in preventing leading public health problems through the development, analysis, implementation and evaluation of public health policies. Students affiliated with this concentration employ an interdisciplinary approach to their research in areas such as environmental and occupational health policy, injury prevention and control, social policy, and health and the practice of prevention.
View more program information about the Concentration in Health and Public Policy .
This concentration prepares doctoral students for conducting innovative and rigorous research on the economics of health and healthcare. The curriculum stresses a solid grounding in applied modern microeconomic theory, quantitative methods, and econometrics applications. Students take courses through the Department of Economics in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
View more program information about the Concentration in Health Economics and Policy.
This concentration prepares doctoral students for conducting innovative and rigorous quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation in health services delivery. The curriculum includes exposure to a wide variety of research methods, content areas, and datasets. It also offers the opportunity for in-depth study in areas such as public health informatics, quality of care and patient-centered outcomes research, including a focus on older adults, and health care disparities.
View more program information about the Concentration in Health Services Research and Policy.
Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory .
Our graduates graduates pursue research careers in top-tier universities, research and policy-making organizations, the health care industry and government agencies. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.
For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. All concentrations follow the same admission process. Please see below for full details on the scope of each concentration.
PhD in Health Policy and Management – Bioethics and Health Policy
PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health and Public Policy
PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health Economics and Policy
PhD in Health Policy and Management – Health Services Research and Policy
For general information regarding tuition and fees, visit the Bloomberg School’s Tuition and Fees page.
Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.
Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU. These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need. View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .
Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]
Concentration Chairs: Robert Huckman and Amy Edmondson
The management track prepares students to do research on the organizational, managerial, and strategic issues facing health care providers, payers, and other players in the health care market. Students in this track will learn how theories and concepts from fields such as technology and operations management, organizational behavior, organizational economics, and competitive strategy can be applied to – and further developed for understanding – health care organizations. Students in this track should have a strong interest in pursuing research on such issues as the design and improvement of health care delivery processes, approaches for improving health care quality and productivity, the development and adoption of new medical technologies, financial incentives in health care, the new role of patients as consumers in health care, the appropriate ownership and organizational structure of hospitals and other health care providers, and the management of professional health care staffs. We expect students completing this track to find jobs in academic and research institutions that have an interest in the impact of management on health care. These institutions would include business schools, as well as medical schools, schools of public health, and schools of public policy.
The management track is co-administered by the Harvard PhD Program in Health Policy and by HBS Doctoral Programs , where it is referred to as Health Policy (Management).
Management Curriculum Guide
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Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.
A rigorous, hands-on program that prepares adaptive problem solvers for premier finance careers.
A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.
Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.
Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.
A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.
Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.
A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.
An interdisciplinary program that combines engineering, management, and design, leading to a master’s degree in engineering and management.
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This 20-month MBA program equips experienced executives to enhance their impact on their organizations and the world.
Non-degree programs for senior executives and high-potential managers.
A non-degree, customizable program for mid-career professionals.
Program overview.
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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.
Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.
Check out our event schedule, and learn when you can chat with us in person or online.
Visit this section to find important admissions deadlines, along with a link to our application.
Click here for answers to many of the most frequently asked questions.
PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous: MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.
PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.
Behavioral & policy sciences.
Economic Sociology
Institute for Work & Employment Research
Organization Studies
Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management
Accounting
Information Technology
System Dynamics
Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .
Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.
MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.
The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.
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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.
MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions
Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024.
More information on program requirements and application components
Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.
Funding Information
Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.
Discover your doctoral path.
An in-person event for prospective students with Boston-area management programs
During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.
We will be joining the DocNet consortium for an overview of business academia and a recruitment fair at University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.
Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar
Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.
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Profiles of our current students
MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.
Doctoral candidates on the current academic market
Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.
view recent placements
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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.
Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.
Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.
From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.
This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.
“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship
Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.
We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.
The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.
2024 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Gabriel Voelcker
Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program Doctoral Forum Videos
Ask a question or register your interest
Meet our faculty.
School of Business
The Department of Information Systems and Technology Management at the GW School of Business offers a Ph.D. in Business with an Information Systems and Technology Management (ISTM) Area of Focus. The ISTM doctoral program focuses on the research areas in information systems and technology management. The program is designed to explore diverse research topics in information systems, including digital transformation, IS economics, digital strategy, e-commerce, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging digital phenomena in today’s pervasively digitized businesses, and exploits them for business values. The proposed ISTM Ph.D. degree is intended to prepare students for successful research careers in the IS fields.
At the same time, the ISTM field itself is highly interdisciplinary encompassing various research areas and topics studying IS and IT, including economics, sociology, psychology, organization theory and behavior, strategic management and computer science. ISTM faculty members have been actively doing interdisciplinary research in IS economics, digital marketing, digital business strategy, and IS theories in psychology and organizations, and doing professional service as associative editors at top-tier journals such as MIS Quarterly and Information Systems Research. The ISTM Ph.D. concentration is intended to prepare students for successful research careers in the IS specialization as well as encouraging cross-disciplinary research inquiries.
The research phase begins as early as the first year, when students serve as research assistants, and continues throughout the doctoral program. Students should gradually become more involved in the design and execution of research and, by the end of the second year, have typically produced at least one paper suitable for publication, typically coauthored with a faculty member. The later years of the program are dedicated to original research and the creation of the dissertation.
ISTM faculty are dedicated to providing our students with leading edge information systems management, artificial intelligence, technology innovation courses, and research designed to make an impact in the business world.
Our top ranked research faculty’s broad, multidisciplinary approach to the study and research of information systems core concepts, trends and forecasts leverages information technology and exploits them for business values.
The ISTM department is ranked #24 world-wide in research productivity measured by the number of articles published in the top information systems journals such as Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly in the past three years, 2020-2022. The research and expertise of the faculty of the Information Systems and Technology Management Department spans a broad theoretical base, including information systems, engineering, computer science and healthcare.
Our faculty earned their doctoral degrees from renowned schools, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California (USC), University of Washington, Erasmus University, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the City University of New York (CUNY).
ISTM department faculty have published in top tier journals, and work closely with faculty and doctoral students all over the world, leading to co-authored published articles. Our faculty are active in the discipline with four faculty members serving as Associate Editors for two top information systems journals , Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly . They also serve as officers for academic divisions and track chairs for major conferences including the International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS), Conference on Information Systems and Technology (CIST), INFORMS, and the Americas Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS).
Dr. YoungKi Park is the lead professor for the ISTM doctoral program.
The program is designed to provide doctoral students with solid theoretical and methodological foundations to pursue the key topics of information and digital systems, virtual environments, digitization, and emerging digital technologies. The ISTM Ph.D. degree consists of fifteen courses (equivalent of forty-five credit hours) as part of the student's plan of study. These include:
Throughout the program, students become familiar with research methods and the literature of their major fields through research projects and directed readings. The completion of course work and qualifying examinations requires no more than two years.
Early student participation in research is strongly encouraged. The ISTM department hosts regular seminar series, which introduce students to cutting-edge research and provide a forum for faculty-student interaction. Students are encouraged to work with their counterparts at other schools and departments including the Marketing, Management, and Strategic Management & Public Policy Departments, as well as the university's Computer Sciences Department and the Milken School of Public Health, among others.
Students should take at least 15 (three-credits) courses to meet the required 45 credit hours for the PhD degree. The ISTM Ph.D. Program requires students to take a minimum of 45 credits during their program, including 27 credits in core courses, a 3-credit summer paper, and 15 credits in elective courses. Students should consult their Faculty Advisory Group about the required courses and electives for which they should register. All classes are required to be taken for letter grades. The program course requirements are provided below followed by an overview of the program structure.
Students choose four out of the five following ISTM seminar courses with the student’s faculty advisory group:
Students must also complete:
Students choose five of the following courses with the student’s faculty advisory group:
In addition to the above electives, students can — with ISTM doctoral program approval — register for relevant doctoral courses offered by the other GWU Departments or at the other universities which are part of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Note: Please refer to the course requirements section for core courses and elective courses.
Admission to the program is competitive. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent, representing a four-year course of study in an accredited college or university. Superior academic performance is expected, and a strong background and ability in mathematics are essential for successfully completing the program. The program is expected to be completed in four to five years.
Learn about admissions and the costs of pursuing a Ph.D. in ISTM, and explore various resources available to help finance your degree.
Learn More About Doctoral Program Admissions, Financial Aid, and How to Apply
Students in the program are expected to master graduate-level microeconomic theory and econometrics. In addition, they are expected to devote substantial time to mastering one additional complementary discipline, such as psychology, sociology, or political science, and developing expertise in research methodologies suited to their particular interests, such as qualitative analysis, designing effective fieldwork, and analysis of survey data.
Students in the Strategy doctoral program work closely with faculty in the Strategy Unit. In addition to the doctoral program in Strategy, the Strategy unit offers a program in Business Economics , which is designed to attract students interested in pursuing research using a purely economics-based methodology.
Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.
The program requires a minimum of 13 semester long doctoral courses. Students in the Strategy program complete courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.
Students in strategy begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. The dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.
Examples of thesis research include: the relationship between non-market experience and the use and outcome of patent strategies by pharmaceutical firms; the antecedents and consequences of corporate strategy decision-making, specifically focusing on divestitures and governance; the impact of religion on individual financial choices and institutional structures; innovation in emerging markets; and the causal effect of incentive policy reform, expatriates and social relationships on innovation.
“ Students in the program come from diverse backgrounds ranging from computer science to psychology. It's really fascinating how different our worlds views are! ”
Recent placement, innessa colaiacovo, 2024, f. christopher eaglin, 2022, j. yo-jud cheng, 2019, laura katsnelson, 2024, young hou, 2021, do yoon kim, 2019, nataliya langburd wright, 2023, hyunjin kim, 2020.
COMMENTS
Management is a dynamic field that overlaps with many other business areas and so we strongly encourage applicants interested in Management to also explore PhDs in Strategy, Technology and Operations Management and Organizational Behavior to see if those fields would be an appropriate fit for their research interests.
Looking for a DBA or PhD in business and management? Find out which fields of business research present most opportunities, according to course leaders.
Need interesting and manageable management dissertation topics or thesis? Here are the trending management dissertation titles for you.
The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) prepares students to effect powerful change rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomics theory, management, research methods, and statistics.
25 Best PhDs in Management Graduates with their Ph.D. in Management are primed for a career in the organizational and management research field. But with the majority of studies being held in a university setting, competition for placement can be fierce as graduates clamor for open university teaching positions. Even so, Salary.com does project a career growth for business professors of 18 ...
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The program is cross-disciplinary by building on the faculty and research in both management and strategy. Students receive a foundation in both management and strategic management and public policy with the ability to focus on developing a research competence in a chosen field of study.
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Faculty-student collaboration on research is the cornerstone of the Ph.D. in Management program. Doctoral students have the opportunity to work with some of the top researchers who have expertise in a variety of areas encompassed by organizational behavior, strategic management and human resource management.
Doctoral study is rigorous and immersive—but it is rewarding. In the Kellogg PhD program, you will master an academic discipline—economics, psychology, sociology, operations research, or data science—and apply that mastery to real world problems facing managers and policy makers. This discipline-based approach prepares you to challenge ...
Application for admission to the Doctoral Program in Management is made through the Yale Graduate School. Students take foundational PhD-level courses in their areas of specialization, and then choose from a course list that spans the university, drawing from some of the best academic departments in the world.
Find the list of all PHD Programs in Business & Management with our interactive Program search tool. Use the filters to list programs by subject, location, program type or study level.
A well-crafted PhD research topic lays the foundation for a successful and impactful doctoral journey. In this guide on "Topic For PhD Research In Management," we will provide insights into developing PhD research topics in project management and present a list of 13+ excellent topics in the broader field of management.
The PhD in Health Policy and Management is a full-time doctoral program that trains its students to conduct original investigator-initiated research through a combination of coursework and research mentoring. The curriculum includes core coursework that is common across the four concentrations and courses specific to each individual concentration.
The management track prepares students to do research on the organizational, managerial, and strategic issues facing health care providers, payers, and other players in the health care market.
PhD (Doctor Of Philosophy) in management is one of the highest academic degrees awarded in the study of management science. The degree was designed for those seeking academic research and teaching careers as faculty or professors in the study of management at business schools worldwide.
Students in the Technology & Operations Management are trained in various disciplinary areas including operations research, operations management, economics, engineering, and organizational behavior. Doctoral students' research addresses managerially-relevant problems, integrating discipline-based theory with rigorous research methods. Many faculty and doctoral students work in collaboration ...
PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science.
Learn about the Information Systems and Technology Management doctoral program at the George Washington University School of Business.
Strategy. The doctoral program in Strategy encourages students to pursue multi-disciplinary research that utilizes multiple methodologies—quantitative, as well as qualitative—to study how companies and industries around the world develop and sustain competitive advantage. Students in the program are expected to master graduate-level ...