Untitled

Many PhD students are nearing the end of their thesis writing; however, with chapters to write, paperwork to fill out, changes to make, and all of the other minor activities required to finish the thesis. The final months and putting years of study into a single, cohesive piece of work may be challenging, time-consuming and demanding assignments a PhD student has ever undertaken. Nevertheless, it can be a highly satisfying work since, unlike essays and other tasks, if you believe you have the skills participate in the Edamba doctoral thesis competition 2022. The EDAMBA award recognizes high-quality research and a researcher's ability to communicate its relevance and significance to scholarly audiences. More on that later below mentioned are seven essential tips to remember when finishing your PhD thesis:

1. Do not take a full-time job position.

Even if you're tempted, don't take a full-time job, but a part-time job could be advantageous from a different perspective. It can help you manage your time, offering you a breather from damaging periods of seclusion and allowing you to connect to the rest of the world.

2. Provide Answers to Unresolved Questions

Unanswered questions will always exist, so the advice here is don't try to dismiss or confuse them. Instead, look out for them and include them in your conclusion as topics that need further examination. If you try to ignore or avoid your thesis's unanswered concerns, it will indisputably raise concerns during your PhD viva.

3. Try to develop a writing method or routine that works for you.

This tip is highly beneficial if you're interested in the EDAMBA doctoral thesis competition. For most people to get into a writing flow, it is always better when their mind is at ease. Although it is advantageous if you have previously written or contributed to publications and articles, most PhD theses are composed of writing completed in the months, weeks, or even days leading up to the submission date. Consistency is crucial because writing is a personal experience, primarily because general recommendations do not work for others. Having your method and process of writing will save time and help you get your thoughts in form, and help researchers make an effort to determine your particular writing strategy.

4. Get ready for the Viva

While most people tend to think about the writing part of the thesis, they forget about the vivas; it is a vital element of the overall PhD program. Don't only concentrate on the thesis; the viva is also crucial, and examiners' philosophies might shift after a successful viva; you can always ask your supervisor to set up a mock viva.

5. Organisation

It's always vital to ask yourself, "Why do you want to create your thesis" its primary purpose. For the most part, breaking the process down into reasonable portions with self-imposed deadlines works well, and being organized is essential. It is because, in the end, everyone wants their thesis to be outstanding.

6. Time Management

Contrary to common assumption, you do not need to document your dissertation every day; doing so regularly is sufficient. Setting out time to concentrate on your dissertation is essential for PhD students, just as setting aside to do something you enjoy, such as painting or going to the gym. While it is critical to devote time to your dissertation, keep in mind that the quality of the work you create, not the number of hours you spend working on it, is what matters.

7. Take Time To Pause and Contemplate.

This is a self-explanatory tip because students most certainly get dragged into a stress spiral at some point throughout the course. However, students should remember to ensure they treat themselves well and do what they need to stay positive. It could be:

Going for a run

Working out

Cooking and baking,

Meeting with friends to have a drink,

Take time away from your thesis to watch a movie

It is helpful to keep reminding yourself to reflect and be mindful of everything you have already achieved.

Students who apply for Ph.D. positions might be too eager and have a skewed perception of the program. Yes, a doctoral degree may help you advance your knowledge and skills, but you must first determine whether you are qualified to pursue a Ph.D. and choose the right Ph.D. academy for you.

1. Seek information about Ph.D. programs

Based on the chosen undergraduate university, you may receive a certain degree of assistance in choosing a Ph.D. programme. Still, it is usually significantly less than when you enrol yourself into a college. Do not wait for a strategy to be laid out for you by your career centre or department. It is essential to seek it out from career centre counsellors, teachers, and the internet, particularly from graduates from your division who are enrolled in or have completed your preferred Ph.D. programme. In most cases, practical experiences will transcend second-hand information.

2. Get to know your supervisor

In the PhD community and others, it's essential to have an excellent open relationship with your supervisor. It is because they can help you make the most of your PhD and help you through tough times, and according to popular beliefs, it will be tough. Make sure you use the availability of resources well; your supervisors will advise you during your PhD time at the university; they will also guide you for the future - for your next step in your jobs.

3. Network

Networking doesn't mean looking for mentorship among professors; though that is important, we are talking about engaging with people within the PhD community. It will help if you network with dozens of people who have similar interests, you can network with individuals with:

People you can help

People who can help you

People who can tell you where your chosen field is headed

People who know where the work is/are

People who apply for money set the job requirements to spend that money

4. What You Study During Graduation Does Not Dictate Your Current Research

One of the significant misconceptions about a Ph.D. is that: "I will have to continue with XYZ because XYZ is what I've been working on for the past few years." Nevertheless, researchers fail to understand research your own, making it one of the best aspects of the Ph.D. program. For instance, you may be learning the conductivity of various battery designs, but that doesn't mean your Ph.D. project must revolve around similar lines. You may find that you value the alternative analysis and dedicate your Ph.D. to it. Conversely, you might dislike and turn to your previous study area. If you are fortunate enough, you might even uncover a specific topic that comprises both the subject you like and the subject you're discovering.

5. Learn To Accept Failure

Sometimes things won't go according to a set plan, which can be quite often. Nevertheless, no matter how confident and skilled a student is, sometimes experiments fail; it happens whether it is a mistake, an accident or a simple stroke of bad luck. Moreover, the only way to overcome a fear of failure is through exposure and the valuable lesson to accept and learn from them.

It is no secret that universities have produced plenty of PhDs in various fields in the last decade. This abundance has fundamentally changed how newly minted Ph.D. students perceive their careers to evolve in the future. Many Ph.D. researchers teach to earn money and gain valuable experience during their doctorate. Ph.D. teachers' primary responsibilities include conducting seminars, laboratory demonstrations, or supervision and marking assessments for undergraduates. This blog will describe what to expect from teaching as a Ph.D. researcher.

Is It A Compulsion To Teach During A Ph.D.?

Most universities in Europe offer opportunities for Ph.D. students to teach, but it is doubtful that this will include a compulsory part of your doctoral program. Instead, teaching is viewed more as a valuable extracurricular activity that gives doctoral candidates added weightage to their portfolios. Elsewhere globally, Ph.D. programs are more likely to include an obligatory teaching element, particularly in the USA. Ph.D. researchers usually entail some teaching responsibilities as they are treated as university employees in some places.

Teaching during a PhD

Teaching while pursuing a Ph.D. is an excellent way to grow your horizons as a doctoral candidate; it enables students to put their knowledge into practice in an unknown environment. Students definitely won't have to teach anyone until they are ready and will be provided with plenty of training and support before going ahead and teaching. For this reason, most Ph.D. teaching usually takes place from the second year onwards, so you'll already hold a year of doctoral experience by the time you take on additional responsibilities. As a Ph.D. researcher taking on the duties of a teacher, the responsibilities largely depend on your research specialism. So if your research specialism is in Art, Humanities or Social Sciences department, then you can anticipate to:

Assign tasks and reading materials for the following week's seminars

Lead undergraduate seminars and tutorials, allowing students to explore and discuss the assignment for a specific session

Provide grades and feedback for essays and other assignments.

Suppose you're working in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). In that case, your teaching responsibilities are more likely to be:

Laboratory-based

Demonstrate scientific methods and techniques for undergraduate and Master's students in a supervisory role.

Establishes clear objectives for all lessons, curricular units, and projects and communicates them to the students.

Regularly assess the accomplishments of students in a variety of ways.

It is unlikely you will be expected to give any lectures whatever your specialism.

Teaching opportunities for Ph.D. researchers

When you are trying to gain teaching experience, try and get some teaching in your department. If teaching isn't offered to PhDs, you can always request your supervisor if you can follow them for a few classes. Try to conduct one or two tutorials or give a lecture. If your university doesn't permit teaching, you could also ask neighboring universities if they seek someone to teach.

Attend training seminars hosted by your university as teaching opportunities usually are advertised within various doctorate departments. Universities may promote teaching opportunities in other departments you wish to be considered for, depending on your experience and research area. This process can differ across departments, so contacting your relevant teaching coordinator may be worth getting. There are prospects for Ph.D. researchers to participate in various teaching activities within the university, including leading seminars and tutorials and a laboratory demonstration.

A PhD in Management can help you achieve your professional and personal aspirations, regardless of whether you're considering a career in academia, attempting to advance in your present job, or looking to solve new management difficulties.

Although earning a PhD in management is not an easy task, the advantages of doing it can be significant. It is the greatest level of education that is available and is regarded as a sign of commitment and knowledge by companies.

Below can be regarded as the 5 benefits of doing PhD in Management -

Research

Research is the core component of a PhD. With all that motivation and training, one will become very good at it without a doubt. It would help one to:

Take on unanswered questions.

Identify the information that might be required to answer those questions.

Choose the best methodology to gather and analyze the data.

Having the capacity to present your results efficiently and effectively to a relevant audience.

Craft a business play that requires strong research skills in designing and development as well as the business’s marketing and operation.

It takes tremendous knowledge to identify a new market and audience. With a doctorate, you can train potential employees of the company on how to conduct outstanding research.

Public speaking

As a PhD scholar, you would need to present your ideas to a substantial knowledgeable audience where you would be questioned and critiqued on your decisions and the outcome of those decisions.

Throughout the course of their study, one may also have to communicate with a diverse group of people with differing levels of expertise and perspective. They will gain confidence in handling knowledge dissemination through this process, which will also improve their public and professional speaking abilities.

In business and management courses, it is important to teach students how to conduct themselves professionally in public. In a professional situation, this will assist many people in clearly expressing their ideas and opinions.

Become a better thinker

The best PhD in Management teaches you how to produce information instead of just encouraging you to consume it. You will develop new levels of critical thinking by moving past passive learning, which you may then apply in new and interesting ways in your field of study, organization, and profession.

Boost your salary and job expectations

It only seems fair that if you have a special set of skills, your pay should reflect that. PhD graduates often earn more money than people with master's degrees in all fields. Additionally, the knowledge you acquire while earning your degree may make you aware of opportunities you previously wouldn't have considered.

Adaptability

A PhD in Management will really put a person's adaptability and flexibility to the test because practically everyone will encounter difficult circumstances while working on their thesis. Adaptability is the key to being a successful professional and moving forward in the world of business and management. These skills, which PhD candidates naturally possess and that they have acquired rather than learnt, will be passed on to the employees and will significantly add to their skill set, which will be beneficial to both their professional and personal lives.

Therefore, PhD in Management graduates are more prepared for the business world than even holders of standard MBA degrees. PhDs possess valuable abilities such as resource allocation, time management, flexibility, data analysis, and result interpretation.

Starting a PhD is an incredibly daunting task. With PhD being the culmination of all your academic work, it is unlikely that you will complete the substantial, complex research project without encountering at least a few problems. It is necessary to understand most common PhD pressures and struggles before you begin a doctorate, so that you’re better equipped to deal with them in your own journey.

Below are some of the biggest and most common struggles that PhD students encounter during their doctorate journey:

1. Isolation

A PhD requires a significant increase in independence from what students may have experienced during their undergraduate or master's degrees. As a doctoral student, you should be able to set and achieve your own goals.

While this sense of freedom can be very exciting at first, once you get into the daily routine of a PhD, you may begin to feel isolated, especially if your research does not require much collaboration with others.

To help you fight loneliness and isolation, it is suggested that you meet other research students in a similar situation as you by participating in extracurricular activities like academic conferences and teaching or even by being a part of the institute's PhD community if any.

2. Overwork

PhD training commonly involves teaching, tutoring, and grading. You shouldn't let it stop you from conducting your research, though. It's completely acceptable to decline new tasks if you feel your workload is too heavy or that your boss is expecting too much of you. Although some pressure associated with a PhD is normal, it shouldn't have a negative effect on your mental health or cause depression and anxiety.

When you are nearing the end of your PhD, a workload that seemed manageable during your first two years may no longer be so. If your supervisor is requesting that you take on additional non-PhD work, let them know that while you welcome the chance to expand your experience and learn new skills, you don't wish your research work to suffer because of it.

3. Difficulties with Supervisor

Issues that develop between PhD students and their supervisors can also be a common problem. Most supervisor-supervisee relationships are constructive, successful, and advantageous to both parties. There's a good chance that your PhD advisor will be an expert mentor who is a specialist in their field.

Over the course of three years, some students may feel that they have to submit to the wishes of their senior and experienced supervisor when disagreements arise—and it is only natural. When such challenges arise, having a supportive network of PhD students around you can certainly help you navigate and boost your spirits up.

4. Loss of Motivation

It's difficult for anyone to maintain motivation throughout their whole PhD project. It is very common to become frustrated, bored, or dissatisfied with one's project. To complete a PhD, you must be dedicated, enthusiastic, and optimistic. Unless you find ways to keep things interesting, varied, realistic, and rewarding, your motivation will fluctuate like it does with everything else. It is important to keep in mind that you are pursuing your PhD primarily for personal gain. So, instead of waiting for someone to tell you what to do, take the initiative.

Consider taking a break for yourself when things aren't going well, and your motivation is low. It can sometimes be really beneficial to take a few days or even a week off from your project in order to recharge and approach it with new eyes.

It is unlikely that you will find all of the tasks necessary for a doctorate to be equally simple and interesting because they range so widely. Setting realistic goals and dividing up tasks into manageable pieces will be much simpler for you.

5. Work/life balance

At times, it may seem as though PhD students must constantly study, work long hours, and attend work every weekend. But such a cycle is not healthy in the long run. In order to perform at your best, you should also make time for your hobbies, friends, and family. Even though this may seem like a really obvious point to make, many students still experience the negative effects of having an incredibly unbalanced schedule.

For long-term success, students should always keep in mind how important scheduling time for interests outside of their PhD is. A stimulating and enjoyable lifestyle includes a healthy social life, regular exercise, and cultural pursuits.

No matter how challenging earning a Ph.D. may seem, know that it will give you access to a vast array of real-world career opportunities. Graduates can be assured that they have gained extensive knowledge in their field of study. It is a rare accomplishment that you should proudly accept.

Read more about the EDAMBA PhD Students Forum

Successful PhD programme directors must have in-depth knowledge of business management and industry technology, the capacity to envision the future, excellent communication skills, leadership qualities, and more.

They should be a master of the business and technical side of their chosen industry, including an understanding of each department within the institution and the challenges they face. Since a doctoral programme director is in charge of the entire operation, they must have the ability to conceptualize organizational strategy and accurately measure success.

The following are a few essential skillsets that every programme director should master:

1. Leadership skills

Leadership is an essential skill set for a person who is responsible for managing teams or even the entire institution. Programme directors require advanced skills in order to execute their jobs. They must possess procedural skills, which entails using tried and tested procedures to carry out the tasks assigned to them. They should have a strategic mindset and the ability to multitask.

Oversight is another skill that may be added to this, as a programme director typically oversees many projects and processes related to their work. While you are at it, you can further work to improve various aspects of leadership, such as delegation, people management, and coaching.

2. Managing your Stakeholders

A programme director will require to maintain an attitude of transparency and honesty regarding problems to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises for stakeholders. A good program director will steer and exert influence over the program's strategy to win support and inspire confidence from stakeholders, program boards, executive teams, and the programme team.

Naturally, collaboration is essential for success. Program directors are subordinated to program managers and answerable to stakeholders. While there are many effective ways to lead programs, encouraging collaboration is essential to making the most of your team and managing stakeholder expectations.

3. Information Analysis, Decision Making, and Innovation

A doctoral programme director with experience  would always require using their judgement to develop the programme strategy by assessing options while keeping a good grasp on the most important program risks and priorities. They will oversee the management of data from various parallel work streams and integrate it to create a comprehensive view of the problems as well as be able to think longer term and take a broad perspective when making decisions.

Innovation is also an important skillset required by programme directors. They don't necessarily need to invent anything new; instead, they should consider how to make organizational structures and systems more effective. To find solutions to these organizational issues, creativity and insight are required.

4. Communication skills

Communication is the most important skill that programme directors need to have. They must be able to understand how important it is to show our humanity and compassion while looking out for one another when everyone is having a hard time at some point during their doctoral journey. As leaders, programme directors must carry out their strategies, otherwise poor communication could lead to confusion, mistakes, and delays that directly impact the return on investment.

The need for precise, sympathetic communication that is timely, transparent, and true has never been greater. We need communication skills right now that are authentic, self-assured, empathic, provide substance, and remain current.

5. Commerciality

A doctoral programme director requires good forecasting skills to keep track of and manage programme costs, even if the uncertainty of the same is initially unknown. Having such a skill will help them anticipate and manage commercial implications of any programme issues that may emerge. They also need to be able to negotiate and finalize deals with various important suppliers. Lastly, they also must have experience in project and program management, including a variety of methodologies depending on their institution.

With increasing doctoral programmes, organizing a consortium on doctoral supervision is becoming an important necessity for many institutions to deliver management education at the doctoral level. This is when a skilled programme director could assist researchers in showing the relevance of the corporate world by acting with integrity, inspiring their team, connecting them with stakeholders, and delivering a successful, high-quality programme on time and within budget in a supportive environment. Thus, creating a space of exchange, communication, and training among actual and potential supervisors of institutions in their respective networks and beyond.

Read more about the EDAMBA-EIASM Consortium on Doctoral Supervision

Pursuing the highest level of education available demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning and growth. For experienced professionals, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) represents the pinnacle of academic achievement in the business world, as promoted by associations like EDAMBA, Belgium.

This advanced postgraduate degree offers numerous advantages that make the arduous journey worthwhile for leaders looking to amplify their expertise. The rigorous curriculum unlocks enhanced analytical capabilities, elevates professional credibility, and equips graduates to drive innovation in their niche field through original Global Doctorate of Business Administration (Global DBA) research.

In this blog, we'll explore what a Global DBA involves and why it has become an increasingly attractive proposition for ambitious executives across the globe.

What is a Doctor of Business Administration?

A DBA or Global DBA is the highest level academic qualification in the field of business and management. It sits above MBAs and Masters degrees as a ‘doctoral’ level program that focuses on developing research skills and producing an original dissertation contribution.

DBA programs are designed for senior professionals with extensive industry experience who want to become experts in a specialized business field through rigorous academic study. The research-intensive curriculum equips students with analytical proficiency to uncover new business insights.

Unlike a PhD, which is highly theoretical, a G-DBA emphasizes practical application of new knowledge to real organizations and scenarios. Graduates emerge as authoritative thought leaders ready to drive innovation.

What are the Advantages of a DBA?

Pursuing a high-level qualification like a DBA has many potential benefits for ambitious professionals seeking to boost their expertise and careers.

Some key advantages include:

If you're an ambitious leader seeking the ultimate business credential from an internationally recognized institution, exploring a Global Doctor of Business Administration could be a strategic move for your career.

Undertaking a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an intensive journey that requires dedication and preparation. Before beginning, it is essential to understand this advanced degree program and plan your course effectively.

Exploring the DBA curriculum and core subjects will provide the foundation to navigate this journey effectively. This knowledge will prepare you for the academic rigor and enable you to leverage the program to its fullest potential. Whether you aspire to high-level business leadership or a faculty role, a DBA under the guidance of EDAMBA, Belgium, can expand your thinking and unlock new career opportunities. 

What is a Doctor of Business Administration?

A DBA is the highest academic degree awarded in the field of business administration. It trains professionals to leverage their experience to conduct rigorous research and contribute new business insights. The program focuses on applying theory to solve real-world problems.

How Long Is the DBA Course?

The length of DBA or Global Doctorate of Business Administration (Global DBA) programs varies but often ranges from 3-4 years for part-time students. Some accelerated options condense the curriculum into 2 years. Programs typically require 60 to 90 credit hours of coursework and dissertation research. Flexible delivery like evening/weekend classes and online learning accommodate working professionals.

DBA: Exploring the Curriculum and Subjects

Now that we have a foundation, let's explore DBA’s curriculum and subjects.

DBA programs offer a wide range of subjects to provide a comprehensive understanding of business administration. These subjects include but are not limited to:

Accounting: Understanding and analyzing financial data is crucial in business. Accounting courses teach you how to make sense of financial statements, budgets, and economic trends.

Finance: Finance is the backbone of any business. Courses in this area cover topics such as investment analysis, risk management, and financial strategy.

Marketing: Successful business results depend on the efficacy of marketing strategies. DBA students study consumer behavior, market research, and marketing strategy to develop their skills in this vital area.

Management: Management courses focus on leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic management. They provide the knowledge needed to lead teams and organizations effectively.

Economics: Understanding economic principles and their impact on business decisions is integral to the DBA curriculum. This subject explores concepts like supply and demand, market structures, and macroeconomic trends.

Research Methods: To complete your doctoral dissertation, you'll need a strong foundation in research methods. This includes qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, and critical thinking

The Significance of Your DBA Journey

Your journey towards a Global Doctorate of Business Administration (G-DBA) is a profound investment in your future. It will prepare you with required knowledge and skills to drive innovation, lead organizations, and make a lasting impact in the global business landscape.

Exploring the curriculum and subjects will prepare you for the academic rigor of a G-DBA. Associations like ours, EDAMBA, Belgium for PhD in Management and PhD in Business Administration, and more, can help you earn this prestigious degree. We can provide valuable resources and support to enhance your DBA experience. Whether it's networking opportunities, access to research, or professional development we can be a valuable ally on your path to success.

In times when environmental concerns are paramount and sustainable practices are becoming central to every industry, pursuing a PhD in Sustainability has never been more pertinent or promising.

As the global community strives to address complex challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality, the role of sustainability professionals has taken center stage. A PhD in this subject not only equips you with advanced knowledge and skills to confront these issues but also offers you a chance to contribute meaningfully. EDAMBA, in Brussels, Belgium is such an organization committed to providing doctoral programs that recognizes the significance of sustainability.

This comprehensive guide is here to provide you with all the essential information you need on this exciting journey - from its feasibility to its worth and beyond.

Can You Get a PhD in Sustainability?

The field of sustainability has evolved significantly over the years. As you explore the possibilities, you might be wondering if you can indeed attain a PhD in this field. The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, many universities across the globe offer comprehensive doctoral programs in sustainability. These programs can equip you with the tools and insights needed to tackle complex environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Is a PhD in Sustainability Worth it?

While pursuing a PhD in Sustainability demands a significant commitment in terms of time and effort, the rewards are equally substantial, both on a personal and professional level.

Catapulting Change: If you're driven by the idea of shaping a sustainable future, a PhD in Sustainability arms you with the tools to make that dream a reality. Your research could influence policies, inspire businesses to adopt greener practices, or empower communities to embrace sustainable living.

Limitless Avenues: The world hungers for experts who can tackle sustainability challenges. This translates into a plethora of academic and research opportunities for PhD holders. You could find yourself as a university professor, a member of PhD Community, a researcher at a top-tier think tank, or even collaborating with international organizations championing sustainability.

Crossing Disciplinary Boundaries: Sustainability isn't confined to a single field; it intertwines with various disciplines. Pursuing a PhD in Sustainability lets you explore where science, policy, economics, and sociology converge. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches your learning but also broadens your career horizons.

Your Journey Awaits

If you're passionate about making a tangible difference, if you thrive in an environment of inquiry and collaboration, and if you're ready to embrace challenges with resilience, then a PhD in sustainability could be your calling. Explore the options, engage with EDAMBA’s diverse PhD community, doctoral programme directors, and envision the transformative impact you can create. With us you can prepare to be part of a global community working towards a sustainable world and much more.

Join us at the 2023 EDAMBA Annual Meeting on Sept 3-5, hosted by Corvinus University of Budapest. Explore 'Doctoral Programmes in the Service of Society' with keynotes on interdisciplinarity, business ethics, and sustainability.

Explore 'Doctoral Programmes in the Service of Society' with keynotes on interdisciplinarity, business ethics, and sustainability.

The Annual Meeting 2023 focus on three key areas:

1.Accreditation and quality enhancement

2.Impact on society and service to our community

3.Sustainability and green management