According to the National Qualifications framework, the Doctorate Degree (General) provides training for an academic career and requires a candidate to undertake research that culminates in a thesis. Furthermore, the research that is produced should be of a publishable standard, thereby demonstrating an original contribution to the body of knowledge. This implies that there is no assessed course-work component, although course work may be included to facilitate the completion of the degree.
In keeping with its essence, the Business School offers a PhD programme that seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge related to “Leadership for Sustainability”. Topics currently being focused upon include leadership development, responsible strategic decision making, leadership identity, the triple helix, the entrepreneurial university the entrepreneurial ecosystem [incubators and accelerators].
At Rhodes Business School we do not have a DBA programme.
The PhD programme
Duration: At a minimum, a full time PhD candidate is registered academically for two years and a part time candidate for three years. Usually the degree takes longer than this minimum period to complete, and more realistically requires registration for five years to complete the degree which consists of 360 credits or 3 600 notional hours. This amounts to spending an average of almost 15 hours a week for 50 weeks of the year, over a five year period.
The PhD week: The PhD candidate is required to demonstrate an ability to conduct independent research of a publishable standard. This can prove to be a tough and lonely journey. Consequently, the Business school requires candidates to attend compulsory PhD weeks, twice a year [usually in March and August], as a means of offering support and building a network with other PhD candidates. The main purpose of this week is for PhD candidates to meet with their supervisor and fellow PhD candidates and to receive further guidance on their research progress. There is time allocated for lectures on research methods sustainability and leadership; one-on-one supervision; independent study; and to visit the library. Candidates are also expected to make presentations in this week related to their own research progress. Individuals who may be eligible to register as PhD candidates in the near future are also invited to attend this week and to deliver short presentations of their ideas.
Publishing: An effective way to embark upon the PhD journey is to publish intermittently, before handing the thesis in for examination. This provides smaller milestones along the way, and allows the candidate to receive peer feedback, which assists in appraising the potential contribution of the PhD topic. The Business School does not only encourage this practice of publishing once a PhD candidate is registered, but also encourages PhD applicants to co-author conference and/or journal publications with a prospective supervisor prior to registration. This collaborative experience is invaluable in exposing applicants to the rigours of academic research, provides some insight into the demands of the PhD, and allows the applicant and supervisor to work together prior to formally committing to the demands of a PhD.
Last Modified: Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:46:21 SAST