Business Studies (Research)

Brief outline of the programme
The research degree programme aims to provide students with an outstanding learning experience in a
supportive community of learning. The department is known nationally and internationally for excellence in
research and teaching and most of its staff are engaged in conducting their own research. Information on staff
research interests and achievements can be found on the Departmental web pages. As a PhD student with us
you will be a part of a vibrant active group of researchers of all ages and can enjoy your learning through PhD
student meetings, departmental research forums, marketing forums and other expert seminars organised by the
business school. This in in addition to University wide activity. Our students are expected to build their research
profile with support to present at conferences and to write journal articles. Our supervisory teams are multidisciplinary and all supervisors are active researchers in their subject field and / or in methodology.
https://www.chi.ac.uk/business-school
Dr Michel Leseure is the doctoral area co-ordinator in the business school and organises the PhD student
meetings. Michel has a generalist background across business disciplines but also different methodological
approaches. The business school hosts the Centre for Sustainable Business Research and all PhD students
are encouraged to contribute to the activities of the centre.

Aims of the Programme

a) the creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced
scholarship, or of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline and merit
publication;

b) a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront
of the academic discipline;

c) the general ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the generation of new
knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline, and to adjust the project
design in the light of unforeseen problems;

d) a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry
appropriate to the discipline.

The majority of subject specific intellectual and research skills are gained through the process of doing research
within the context of supervisory meetings and support. On occasion it may be helpful for a student to
undertake specific research skills training such as that taught as part of Masters programmes or as part of the
postgraduate research training programme coordinated by the Research Office. Your individual induction and
career planning will help you to plan your learning needs.

The PhD programme is delivered through a supervised research project. Each student will have a supervisory
team of at least two appropriately qualified academic staff, one of whom will be the Director of Studies. A
description of the responsibilities of the supervisory team can be found in the Code of Practice.

The award of MPhil or PhD is assessed through submission of a written thesis or equivalent for practice based
disciplines and an oral examination with a panel of examiners (viva voce). The viva is compulsory for PhD and
optional for MPhil.