PhD program structure

Our PhD in management program consists of course work, a summer research project, a comprehensive exam, a thesis proposal and a thesis.

Courses
In the first two years, students complete a program of courses in research methods, focusing their studies on their area of specialization. The curriculum is normally designed jointly with the supervisor.

All students are required to take the following courses:

  • PHIL 6015 – Theory of Knowledge
  • BUSI 9901 – Approaches to Management Research

One research methods course:

  • BUSI 9902 – Modelling Methods in Management Research
  • BUSI 9903 – Quantitative Methods in Management Research
  • BUSI 9904 – Qualitative Methods in Management Research

Waivers will not be granted for previously completed coursework at either the undergraduate or master’s levels.

Operations and information management

In this specialization, students must also complete FOUR of the following courses:

  • BUSI 9910 – Optimization
  • BUSI 9911 – Data and Process Models in Information Systems Development
  • BUSI 9912 – Probabilistic Models
  • BUSI 9913 – Human-Computer Interaction and Decision Support Systems
  • BUSI 9914 – Supply Chain: Models and Management
  • BUSI 9915 – Electronic Commerce
  • BUSI 9917 – Special Topics in Operations Management
  • BUSI 9918 – Special Topics in Information Management
  • Plus TWO graduates course subject to the approval of the PhD program director and the student’s supervisor.

Organizational behaviour and human resources management

Students in this specialization must also complete the following courses::

  • BUSI 9920 – Foundations in Organizational Behaviour
  • BUSI 9921 – Foundations in Human Resources Management
  • BUSI 9924 – Current Issues in Organizational Behaviour
  • BUSI 9925 – Current Issues in Human Resources Management
  • Two of:
    • BUSI 9923 – Foundations in Organizational Theory
    • BUSI 9927 – Current Issues in Organizational Theory
    • BUSI 9928-9939 – Special Topics in Organizational Behaviour/Human Resources Management*
  • Plus ONE graduate course subject to the approval of the PhD program director and the student’s supervisor.

General Management

Students in the general management specialization must also complete:

  • BUSI 9923 – Foundations in Organizational Theory
  • BUSI 9927 – Current Issues in Organizational Theory
  • Plus FOUR graduate courses subject to the approval of the PhD program director and the student’s supervisor.

Summer research project
During the first summer of the program, students will complete a research project under the supervision of a faculty member in their chosen area of specialization. Projects will then be presented in a research seminar during the second year of the program.

Comprehensive exam
By the end of the seventh semester of the program, students will take a written comprehensive exam.

PhD thesis
All students must submit a thesis proposal by the end of the eighth semester in the program that lays out a program of research that will make an independent and original research contribution. This will be followed by an oral presentation of the proposal. On acceptance, students will complete the research plans outlined in the proposal