phd topics in management

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PhD Program

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.

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PhD in Management Program

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.

Why Get a PhD in Management?

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.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

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.

Business Simulation Lab

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

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

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.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

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.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

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:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Hear from Our Community

“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

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

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.

Strategy & Business Economics

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.

Management & Organizations

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.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

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.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

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.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

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

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

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.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ 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

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

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.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

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 .

Karan Girotra

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 .

Kaitlin Woolley

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

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

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.

Foundational Management Coursework

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.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

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.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

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

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

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.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

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.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

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

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

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.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

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.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

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.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

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 does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

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.

Start the Application Process Today

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.]

How To Choose A Topic For PhD Research In Management

Tom Baldwin - Jan 23, 2024

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.

Key TakeAway

• Passion and Relevance: Choose a research topic aligned with your passion, ensuring it addresses current management issues.
• Feasibility and Scope: Define a realistic scope for focused and in-depth research within constraints.
• Consultation is Key: Engage with advisors and peers for insights and refinement of ideas
• Diverse Research Topics: Explore diverse management topics, from human resources to innovation and cultural sensitivity, offering opportunities for impactful research.

Table of Contents

Creating a simple guide for developing topic for phd research in 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.

1. Identify Your Passion and Interest

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. 

2. Relevance to Current Issues

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.

3. Feasibility and Scope

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.

4. Consultation with Advisors and Peers

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.

List of 13+ Excellent 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.

The Impact of Remote Work on Human Resource Management Practices

Examine how the widespread adoption of remote work influences traditional human resource management practices. Consider the challenges and opportunities presented by virtual work environments.

2. Strategic Entrepreneurship and Businesses Led by Women

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.

The Role of Gender in Shaping Entrepreneurial Strategies

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.

3. Innovation and Technology Management

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.

Managing Innovation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Investigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating artificial intelligence into innovation processes. Explore how organizations can effectively manage AI-driven innovation.

4. Sustainable Development and Resource Management

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.

The Role of Leadership in Fostering Sustainable Business Practices

Examine how leadership practices influence the adoption of sustainable business practices. Analyze the impact of environmentally conscious leadership on organizational culture and performance.

5. Entrepreneurship with a Social Impact

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.

Social Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Positive Change

Investigate the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges. Analyze successful social enterprises and their strategies for creating positive and lasting change.

6. Global Enterprises and Their Management

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.

Navigating Challenges in International Business Management

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.

7. Strategies Tailored to Cultural Sensitivity on a Global Scale

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.

The Role of Cultural Sensitivity in Effective Leadership

 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.

8. Customization On A Mass Scale in Business

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.

Balancing Customization And Efficiency In Business Operations 

Investigate the challenges and opportunities of balancing customization with operational efficiency. Explore technological solutions and organizational frameworks that enable efficient customization.

9. Finance And Accounting In Management

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.

Accounting Practices And Decision-Making In Modern Businesses

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.

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10. Behavior Within Organizations

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.

The Impact Of Leadership Styles On Employee Performance

Investigate the relationship between different leadership styles and employee performance. Analyze how leadership behaviors and approaches contribute to organizational success.

11. Integration within Supply Chain Management

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.

Technology And Innovation In Supply Chain Integration 

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.

12. Strategic Decision-Making In High-Velocity Contexts

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.

Strategic Adaptability In High-Velocity Markets

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.

13. Competitive Advantage In Interconnected Firms

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.

Network-Based Competitive Strategies In The Digital Economy 

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.

14. Holistic Approaches To Business Planning

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.

Holistic Business Models For Long-Term Success

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.

15. Perceptions Of Organizational Fairness In The Context Of Cultural Differences

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.

Fairness and Employee Satisfaction 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.

16. Imitation Strategies In Business

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.

The Fine Line Between Imitation And Innovation In Business

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.

Q1: How Long Does It Typically Take To Develop A PhD Research Topic In Management?

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.

Q2: Can I Change My Research Topic After Starting My PhD?

 Yes, it’s possible to change your research topic, but it’s essential to discuss this with your advisors to ensure a smooth transition.

Q3: How Can I Ensure My Research Topic Is Relevant To The Industry?

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.

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Areas of Research

• Students & Placements
• [email protected]
• (517) 353-5415

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.

Specializations

Organizational behavior.

For students interested in specializing in  organizational behavior , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:

• Conflict and negotiation
• Decision making
• International organization behavior
• Mood and emotion
• Organizational justice
• Power and status
• Proactive behavior
• Stress and well-being
• Team decision-making and performance

Strategic Management

For students interested in specializing in  strategic management , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:

• Competitive dynamics
• Executive compensation and corporate governance
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Organizational learning and change
• Resources and capabilities
• Risk taking and risk management
• Strategic decision making

Human Resource Management

For students interested in specializing in  human resource management , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:

• Career development
• International human resource management
• Job analysis and design
• Organizational socialization

Publications

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.

Arrfelt, M. , Wiseman, R.M., McNamara, G., Hult, G. T. M. (2015). Examining a key corporate role: the influence of capital allocation competency on business unit performance.  Strategic Management Journal , 36, 1017-1034. Firth, B. , Hollenbeck, J.R., Ilgen, D.R.,  Barnes, C.M. , and  Miles, J.  (2015). Same page, different books. Extending representational gaps theory to enhance performance in multiteam systems.  Academy of Management Journal , 58, 813-835. Johnson, R. E., King, D. D.,  Lin, S.-H. , Scott, B. A., Jackson Walker, E. M., & Wang, M. (2017). Regulatory focus trickle-down: How leader regulatory focus shapes follower regulatory focus and behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes , 140, 29-45. Kolev, K. , Wiseman, R.M., Gomez-Mejia, L.R. (2017). Do CEOs ever lose? Fairness perspective on the allocation of residuals between CEOs and shareholders.  Journal of Management,  Vol. 43 No. 2, 610-637. Koopman, J. ,  Lanaj, K. , & Scott, B. A. (2016). Integrating the bright and dark sides of OCB. A daily investigation of the benefits and costs of helping others.  Academy of Management Journal , 59, 414-435. Lanaj, K.  and Hollenbeck, J.R. (2015). Leadership over emergence in self-managing teams. The role of gender and countervailing biases.  Academy of Management Journal , 58, 1476-1494. Lanaj, K. , Johnson, R. E., &  Lee, S.  (2016). Benefits of transformational behavior for leaders: A daily investigation of leader behavior and need fulfillment.  Journal of Applied Psychology , 101.2, 237-251. Mannor, M. , Shamsie, J., & Conlon, D.E. (2016). Does experience help or hinder top managers? Working with different types of resources in Hollywood.  Strategic Management Journal , 37, 1330-1340. Matta, F.K. , Scott, B. A., Colquitt, J. A.,  Koopman, J. , &  Passantino, L.  (2017). Is consistently fair better than sporadically fair? An investigation of justice variability and stress. Academy of Management Journal , 60, 743-770. Rosen, C. C.,  Koopman, J. , Gabriel-Rossetti, A. S., & Johnson, R. E. (2016). Who strikes back? A daily investigation of when and why incivility begets incivility.  Journal of Applied Psychology,  101.11, 1620-1634 . Schaubroeck, J. M.,  Peng, A. C. , & Hannah, S. T. (2016). The role of peer respect in linking abusive supervision to follower outcomes: Dual moderation of group potency.  Journal of Applied Psychology , 101.2, 267-278. Wowak, A.,  Mannor, M. ,  Arrfelt, M. , & McNamara, G. (2016). Earthquake or glacier? How CEO charisma manifests in firm strategy over time.  Strategic Management Journal . 37, 586-603.

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• W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University

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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.

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Ph.D. in Strategic Management

Program information.

The doctoral program in strategic management prepares students for success in research universities as faculty members specializing in strategic management. Research in strategic management concerns how firms and organizations gain competitive advantage over rival firms or organizations. The field emphasizes a blend of knowledge about economics, sociology and psychology to understand firm strategy and strategic decision-making.

Important sub-fields within the discipline include research on developing firm resources, competitive interactions, relational governance, strategic decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship and organizational learning. The field is increasingly focusing on research issues within the context of globalization and international business.  

Application deadlines

Priority: December 15, 2023

Final: January 10, 2024

• Application requirements

Doctoral students work closely with faculty to gain research expertise in the various functions and activities carried out as part of SM with a focus on developing firm resources, competitive interactions, relational governance, strategic decision-making, innovation, entrepreneurship, and organizational learning.

Part of our mission is to develop effective teachers. To that end, all doctoral students are required to teach at least two sections as independent instructors. The school and university prepare and reward doctoral students for excellence in teaching through various programs and awards.

Program details

Strategic management core courses.

A graduate course in economics: BE 701: Business Economics OR BE 917: Advanced Managerial Economics OR ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics

Note: BE 917: Business Economics, is preferred.  Students coming into the program directly from an undergraduate degree may consider substituting BE 701: Business Economics, or ECON 700: Survey of Microeconomics. In the event a student has taken a graduate economics course prior to enrolling as a KU doctoral student, she/he may waive the requirement and substitute either an elective doctoral content course or a statistics/research methods course for this requirement.

MGMT 905: Management Research Methods

MGMT 916: Major Management Theories

MGMT 956: Seminar in Strategic Management I

MGMT 957: Seminar in Strategic Management II

MGMT 950: Seminar in Human Resource Management I OR      MGMT 951: Seminar in Human Resource Management II

MGMT 953: Seminar in Organizational Behavior I OR      MGMT 954: Seminar in Organizational Behavior II

MGMT 998: Independent Study

MGMT 958: Special Topics in Strategic Management (offered and required when there are 3 or more students in years 1 & 2 of the program)

Statistics/Research Methods Courses

At least four courses with advisor approval

At least two or more courses with advisor approval

More information:

View a detailed list of courses in the Academic Catalog .

Requirements

Area of concentration.

Most students typically will select the specific area to which they are admitted (strategic management) as their concentration. However, an aspirant, with the assistance of his or her faculty advisor and the area faculty, may propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that is a combination of the traditional business disciplines.

An aspirant may also propose an interdisciplinary area of concentration that includes emphases such as international business, law and economics. 

Research methodology

For successful qualifier assessment, the student’s program of study should include adequate preparation in research methodology.

• Comprehensive exams
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation defense

Some students can complete the program in four years.

Program faculty

• Edmund P. Learned Professor
• Management and Entrepreneurship academic area

• Assistant Professor

• Frank T. Stockton Professor

• William & Judy Docking Professor of Strategy

Strategic management doctoral students

• Ph.D. Candidate

• Ph.D. Student

• How it works

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100s of Free Management Dissertation Topics and Titles

Published by Grace Graffin at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

Introduction

The subject of management involves an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of business management, such as employee management, risk management, organisational behaviour, and many more.

When choosing a topic for your management dissertation, make sure to consider diverse topics that explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of management.

We understand that getting a dissertation topic approved can be extremely challenging as academic supervisors require students to research a unique case.

This is where our team of writers comes into play. Our writers can up with exciting and manageable management dissertation topics to help get the juices flowing in your head so you can write your dissertation on a unique and engaging topic.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for here.

How to Select the Best Management Dissertation Topic?

A dissertation topic must be selected based on research interests, availability of data, time limitations, and the research’s scope and significance. The following management dissertation topics are carefully shortlisted while considering all these parameters. Please review these topics and let us know if you have any queries.

Also Read: Operations Management Dissertation Topics

• International Development Dissertation Topics
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• Business Intelligence Dissertation Topics
• Business Information Technology Dissertation Topics
• International Business Dissertation Topics
• Business Management Dissertation Topics
• Business Psychology Dissertation Topics
• Business Law Dissertation Topics
• Project Management Dissertation Topics
• Business Dissertation Topics
• HRM Dissertation Topics
• Operations Management Dissertation Topics

2024 Management Research Topics

Topic 1: an evaluation of organizational change management- why do people tend to oppose change.

Research Aim: The research will aim to assess the structure of organizational change management and to find the reasons why people resist or oppose the changes in an organization. There are many reasons through which change in organization’s management becomes important but some employees’ does not accept that changes. There are many reasons why people resist changes on organization. In certain circumstances, resistance to change might be beneficial. Resistance to change is, in fact, a crucial feedback mechanism that must not be neglected.

Topic 2: Investigating the effectiveness of customer relationship management in airlines

Research Aim: The research will aim to study the efficiency of CRM in airlines. Customer relationship management has evolved into a critical technique used by every corporation to better its operations and obtain a competitive advantage over competitors. Customer relationship management has evolved into a key priority for airline firms and an integral part of airline businesses’ corporate strategy to distinguish themselves from rivals in the eyes of the consumer. The goal of facility organisations, such as airlines, is to provide services that attract and maintain satisfied, loyal customers who promote the airline.

Topic 3: How does leadership affect employees’ productivity? A case of IT firms

Research Aim: This research will focus on leadership positions in IT organisations with the goal of increasing staff productivity and performance. Leadership is essential for increasing employee retention, career drive, and efficiency. Most companies’ progress is accelerated by effective leadership. As a result, it is critical to organisational success. Employee performance, on the other hand, is a critical pillar of every firm, and companies must examine the variables that contribute to great performance. Leadership is based on confidence, which is based on skill, sincerity, ethics, transparency, reactivity, empathy, and kindness.

Topic 4: The effect of organisation advancement tools on business performance

Research Aim: The research will aim to find the effect of organization advancement on business performance. Organizational tools are objects that assist you in organising your workspace, resources, and tasks in order to make your workday more effective. Physical instruments, planners, and software platforms are examples of what they can be. Organization advancement tools are a great source to improve your business performance as they help you in managing your daily tasks and workforce.

Topic 5: The importance of leadership and social skills in new entrepreneurs: An investigative study

Research Aim: The research will aim to investigate the importance of leadership and social skills in new entrepreneurs. Developing talent, introducing innovative goods and services, delivering efficiency, and gaining market share all benefit from improved leadership qualities. If you wish to stay small, you might be able to get away with not growing your leaders. Otherwise, it will restrict your progress. Social skills enable entrepreneurs to interact with customers more effectively, resulting in more agreements and more profitability.

Covid-19 Management Research Topics

Crisis management during covd-19.

Research Aim: This study will identify crisis management aspects during COVD-19, including its challenges and solutions.

Business management during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will review business executives’ challenges in various scale industries and how they are recovering from the loss. How far did they succeed?

Hospital and medicine management during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will highlight the role of hospital management during COVID-19, the challenges they came across, and the ways to overcome those challenges.

Educational management during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will address the issues faced by students and educational institutes. How are they trying to overcome the challenges of imparting education during the coronavirus pandemics?

Maternal health care management during COVID-19

Research Aim: The lockdown situation has been an issue of concern for the patients, including pregnant women. This study will address the role of Maternal health care management during COVID-19.

Management Dissertation Topics for 2023

Topic 1: analyzing the traditions and trends in public administration and management in post-wwii europe.

Research Aim: The purpose of the research will be to analyze the characteristics of cultural and national communities that have influenced public administration and management in the 1970s and 1980s in Europe. The study will be carried out using a systematic literature review.

Topic 2: The Impact of Gender-inclusive Gatekeeping and Predecessors Influence on the Success of Female CEOs

Research Aim: The purpose of the research will explore how local organisational agents and contexts can help women leaders overcome barriers and achieve success at higher levels in corporate firms. The study will focus on CEO succession events and predecessor CEOS factors and their influence on women post-succession. The research design will be developed qualitatively.

Topic 3: Analysing the Impact of Daily Psychological Power on Organisational Leaders

Research Aim: The research will use quantitative techniques to analyze power-holders relational and interdependent work contexts. The study will examine the effect of daily psychological power using the factors of abusive behaviour and perceived incivility.

Topic 4: Examining the Impact of Cultural Diversity on Interaction Process and Performance

Research Aim: Using quantitative techniques, the research will analyse the interaction process and performance factors in two groups of employees in the services industry – homogenous and culturally diverse. The effectiveness in operation and arrangements will be examined.

Topic 5: Analyzing the Impact of ‘Voice’ and ‘Silence’ on Destructive Leadership

Research Aim: The research will examine the limited and biased view of silence in management literature. The study will also analyse the impact of silence in an organisation in terms of a functional value using quantitative research techniques. Furthermore, how silence in organisations can be used as a strategic response will be discussed.

Topic 6: Examining the Relationship between Productivity, Management Practices, and Employee Ability in the UK Setting

Research Aim: Using quantitative techniques, the study will analyse a relationship between productivity, management practices, and employee ability using data from management practices surveys and employees’ longitudinal earnings records.

Topic 7: Analysing the Factors that Impact International Differences in Gender Pay Gap

Research Aim: The research will use quantitative techniques to analyse microdata from various countries between 1980 and 2010. The study will use the factors of wage structures, net supply, wage compression, collective bargaining coverage, and unionised wage setting to identify the lower gender pay gap internationally.

Topic 8: The Impact of Psychosocial Hazards on Workplace Risk Management

Research Aim: The study will investigate workplace risk management practices in industry sectors with a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and mental health disorders (MHDs) and the extent to which they may rise from psychosocial hazards. The research will be conducted using qualitative research techniques.

Strategic Management and Organisational Behavior Dissertation Topics

Strategic management and organisational behaviour can be described as the actions a firm takes to achieve its business objectives primarily derived from competitive markets’ dynamic behaviour. Following are some interesting dissertation topics under this field of study;

Topic 1: The Impact of Organisational Goals on Organisation Behavior

Research Aim: The primary focus of this research will be to combine factors from the theory of action, phases and self-determination theory to develop a motivational model that will explain the relationship between organisational goals setting process that lead to organisational behaviour. The research will be conducted using mixed methods of research techniques.

Topic 2: Integrating the Principles of Strategic Human Capital and Strategic Human Resource Management to Improve Organisational Performance

Topic 3: comparing the impact of family and non-family firm goals on strategy, family and organisational behavior.

Research Aim: This research will analyse the differences between family and non-family business goals and their impact on how businesses develop strategies. Also, the research will assess how these developed strategies would affect family and organisational behaviour. This research will use quantitative research techniques.

Topic 4: Analyzing the Effect of Strategy, Innovation, Networks and Complexity on Organisational Adaptability – The Mediating Effect of Leadership

Research Aim: The current study will use empirical analysis to examine the effects of strategy, innovation, networks, and complexity of organisational adaptability using leadership as a mediation factor.

Topic 5: Examining the Effect of Appointment of a Racial Minority Female CEO on White Male Top Manager Intrapsychic and Behavioral Responses

Research Aim: This research will examine white male managers’ behavioural responses to a female racial minority CEO’s appointment. The behaviour that the research will analyse is the amount of help that the white male top manager provides to their fellow executives. The research will be conducted using quantitative techniques.

Topic 6: Analysis of the Effectiveness of an Affect-Based Model to Portray Recipients Responses to Organisational Change Events

Research Aim: The study will use the Affect-Based Model developed by Oreg et al. (2016) to analyse if it is useful in documenting and portraying the recipient responses to organisational change events. The research will use factors of valence and activation to assess the effectiveness of the model. The study will be conducted using quantitative techniques.

Topic 7: Evaluating the Relationship between the personality of a CEO and Employee Motivation

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between a CEO’s personality and employee motivation. The core of this study will be to assess whether a CEO’s character possesses the power to influence employee motivation or not. Case studies from various companies will be used in this study.

Topic 8: Assessing the Role of Managers in Bringing and Implementing Technological Change in an Organisation

Research Aim: This research will focus on how managers implement technological change in their organisations. Change management is challenging as not all employees are open to accepting change. This research will focus on various ways through which managers successfully implement technological change in their companies.

Topic 9: An Analysis of Organisational Change Management: Why Employees Resist Change?

Research Aim: This research will focus on why employees resist change in organisations, i.e., why employees dislike change. Different causes and factors will be discussed in this study, and the research will conclude why employees do not wholeheartedly accept the change.

Knowledge Management Dissertation Topics

The importance of knowledge management for organisations can’t be understated because this aspect of management enhances the workforce’s capabilities and overall productivity. It leads to a competitive advantage and provides the basis for differentiating an organisation from its competitors. Some interesting dissertation topics under this field are;

Topic 1: Examining the Impact of Enterprise Social Networking Systems (ESNS) on Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning

Research Aim: The research will investigate the effect of ESNS on knowledge management processes and organisational learning. The research will use knowledge creation and sharing to play the mediating role in analysing the proposed relationship. The proposed study will use empirical research methods.

Topic 2: A Review of Knowledge Management Research

Research Aim: The research paper will use a systematic literature review technique for the proposed study. The research will review the last twenty years of knowledge management literature to assess the presence of bias in explaining knowledge integration over research by exploring knowledge differentiation processes.

Topic 3: The Impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on Innovation and Knowledge Management Capacity

Research Aim: The purpose of this research will be to investigate the plausible relationship between knowledge management systems, open innovation, knowledge management capacity, and innovation capacity in firms. The research will be conducted using empirical techniques to draw reliable conclusions.

Topic 4: The Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management on MNC and their Subsidiaries Performance

Research Aim: The research will develop a model to test the possibility of a relationship between strategic knowledge management (SKM) processes and organisation performance compared between multinational companies and their subsidiaries. The research will also analyse the impact of relational context on knowledge creation and transfer.

Topic 5: Analyzing the Relationship between Knowledge Management Practices and Knowledge Worker Performance - The Mediating Role of Organisational Commitment

Research Aim: The study will analyse the role of knowledge management practices to address the issues of insufficient organisational commitment and knowledge workers’ performance in the UK’s public sectors. The proposed study will use quantitative research techniques to fulfil its aim and objectives.

Topic 6: The Relationship between Knowledge Management Processes and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Private Business Schools in the UK

Research Aim: The proposed research will explore the impact of knowledge management processes on sustainable completive advantages by using knowledge-based view (KBV) and resource-based view (RBV) as mediators in the relationship. The research will be conducted using quantitative techniques of data collection (i.e. questionnaire) and analysis (i.e. structural equation modelling).

Topic 7: The Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management on Manufacturing Firm’s Performance

Research Aim: The purpose of the study will be to empirically investigate the relationship between the availability and use of IT solutions for strategic knowledge management and a manufacturing firm’s performance, which will be measured in unit production. The research will use the resource-based view and the knowledge-based theory to develop a conceptual framework to analyze this relationship’s effect.

Topic 8: Evaluating how Knowledge Management Impacts Company Performance: A Case Study of Sainsbury

Research Aim: This research will discuss the basic concepts of knowledge management. The study will also discuss the impact knowledge management has on a company’s performance, i.e. how it helps companies achieve their goals. The main focus of this research work will be on Sainsbury’s knowledge management framework.

Topic 9: Knowledge Management as a Core Competency? Evaluating the Application and Benefits of Knowledge Management

Research Aim: This research will uncover how companies utilise knowledge management as their core competency and how it benefits their business operations. This study’s main focus will be on applying the various concepts of knowledge management and their implication for businesses.

Topic 10: Exploring the Managerial Concerns and Issues in Knowledge Management and Their Impact on Organisations

Research Aim: This research will explore the managerial concerns and issues related to knowledge management. The study will also focus on assessing the impact of these issues on businesses and how they can influence day-to-day operations. This will be an evidence-based study where evidence from different companies and various situations will be evaluated.

Leadership and Management Information System Dissertation Topics

Leadership drives the organisational agenda and is regarded as one of the most influential factors in streamlining organisations’ processes. Good leadership results in better performance of any organisation because it gives direction to the business activities under the market conditions and requirements.

Similarly, management information systems are pivotal to any organisation’s success and successfully implementing them can benefit the organisation in many ways. Following are some dissertation topics under the subject of leadership and management information systems;

Topic 1: The Role of Information Systems (IS) in Enterprise Architecture and its Impact on Business Performance

Research Aim: This study will examine the relationship between IS Enterprise Architecture and business performance using technical alignment and IS capabilities mediators. This research will be conducted using quantitative techniques to fulfil its aim.

Topic 2: Exploring The Relationship between Ethical Leadership and Employee Knowledge Sharing

Research Aim: This research will use social learning theories and self-determination to investigate the relationship between ethical learning and employee knowledge sharing. The study will be conducted using empirical research techniques.

Topic 3: Analysing the Impact of Relationship Leadership and Social Alignment on Information Security Systems Effectiveness in Private Organisations

Research Aim: This research will use social capital theory as its theoretical foundation to explore the impact of relational leadership on social alignment between business and IT executives. The relational model will study the factors of integrated knowledge, information security system effectiveness, and organisational performance. This research will use empirical techniques.

Topic 4: Examining the Relationship between Operating Room (OR) Leadership and Operating Staff Performance

Research Aim: This research will analyse the relationship between Operating Room leadership and operating staff performance. This will be done using emotional intelligence and collaboration variables to assess staff performance, using recovery numbers. The relationship will also be examined through the mediating role of leadership principles. The data will be collected and assessed using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 5: The Role of Transformational Leadership as a Mediating Variable in the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model.

Research Aim: The research will use the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model to analyse if productivity software implemented in an organisation can improve its performance. However, the research will also evaluate the model and propose modifications to include transformational leadership as a mediating factor in the information success model. The research will be quantitative in nature.

Topic 6: Assessing the Role of Leadership in an Organisation to Help Adopt Advanced Technological Systems

Research Aim: This research will assess the role of leadership in an organisation to help companies realise the importance of innovative, technologically advanced systems. Many companies today are still naive to the ever more important role of technology. Thus this research will aim to help companies adopt innovative technological systems through leadership. The research will be evidence-based in nature.

Topic 7: Evaluating How Changing Business Leadership Impacts Technological Organisational Performance

Research Aim: Changing leadership in organisations can prove a disaster if not handled properly. The transition process is extremely challenging, and companies should have the capability to handle this phase. This research will explore how their decision to change leadership impacts technological and organisational performance and how to optimise the process. This research will be quantitative in nature.

Topic 8: Can Information Systems in Organisations Be Considered a Competitive Advantage?

Research Aim: Information systems, if implemented successfully, benefit organisations immensely. The impact that an information system has and its results help companies stay ahead of their competitors. This research will assess how companies can turn their information systems into a competitive advantage, and most importantly, whether they or not information systems should be considered a competitive advantage.

Topic 9: Understanding the Leadership Challenges of Implementing and Managing an Advanced Information System in an Organisation

Research Aim: This research will help explain the challenges that managers and the entire leadership of an organisation face when implementing an advanced information system. Bringing a change in a company is challenging, and throw in a technology to implement, the process becomes even more challenging. This study will explore in detail all related challenges through quantitative research.

Topic 10: Do all Business Processes in an Organisation need Information System Management?

Research Aim: It is often argued that not all business processes require information systems. However, when talking about today’s world and the technological advancements taking place, it is recommended that business processes in organisations adopt the technology. This research will be a comparative analysis of whether companies are successful and profitable with information systems or without them.

Also Read: Business Dissertation Topics

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Organisational Culture and International Business Dissertation Topics

Organisational culture shapes the work ethics and helps in defining the professional image of organisations. Organisational culture plays a huge role in international business.

Organisations that adopt the country’s culture they are operating in are known to run their operations more successfully. The following topics are related to organisational culture and international business and help students choose an appropriate topic according to their interests.

Topic 1: The Impact of Organisational Culture of Collaborative Networks Influence on IT Governance Performance in Large Enterprises

Research Aim: This research will explore the influence of collaborative networks’ organisational culture on IT governance performance. The study will use a case study to analyse multinationals as they have a wide working network. The purpose of the research will be to determine whether or not organisational culture helps businesses effectively use IT in business operations. The research will be conducted using mixed methods research.

Topic 2: Analysing the Relationship between Supervisor’s Job insecurity and Subordinates’ Work Engagement

Research Aim: The purpose of this research is two-fold. The research will analyse the relationship between the supervisor’s job insecurity and subordinates’ work engagement using a mediator and a moderator. The research will first examine the mediating role of subordinate’s pro-social voice between supervisor job insecurity and subordinates’ work engagement. Next, the research will examine the moderating role of organisational culture between the supervisor’s job insecurity and sub-ordinates pro-social voice. The research will be conducted through quantitative techniques.

Topic 3: Analysing the Impact of Individual Perception of Organisational Culture on the Learning Transfer Environment

Research Aim: The research will be conducted empirically to assess the relationship between culture (as perceived by employees) and the work environment based learning factors (i.e. learning transfer environment [LTE]) in the organisation). LTE is measured using feedback and coaching factors that received resistance or openness to chance, personal outcomes, and supervisor and peer support.

Topic 4: The Role of Organisational Culture on the Development of Psychological Distress in the Workplace

Research Aim: The purpose of the study will be to analyse how organisational culture may cause the symptoms of psychological distress in the workforce. The study will use corporate culture and work organisation conditions as base factors to relate them to employees’ psychological distress. The research will be conducted using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 5: Analysing the Role of Leadership and Organisational Culture

Research Aim: The research will examine the relationship between organisational culture, leadership and employee outcomes. The paper will focus on the mediator of leadership processes and their impact on the relationship between culture and employee outcomes. The study will be conducted using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 6: The Role and Relationships among Strategic Orientations, Cultural Intelligence, International Diversification and Performance of Organisations

Research Aim: The research will aim to understand the drivers of the international expansion of globalised firms. The research will explore the relationship between strategic orientations and cultural intelligence as drivers and international diversification and firm performance. Strategic orientations used in the study include international market orientation (IMO) and entrepreneurial orientation (IEO). The study will be conducted using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 7: Dynamics of Corruption Culture Distance to Core Values

Research Aim: The research will examine how corporate bribery is impacted by cultural distance between multinational enterprises (MNEs) in their home and host countries. The research will also analyse the organisational distance to core value between MNE’s entry into the host country and its headquarters. The research will use empirical data collection and analysis techniques.

Topic 8: Examining Organisational Export Performance by International Business Competencies

Research Aim: The study aims to explore the relationship between international business competencies and export performance. The research will also analyse export performance by singular analysis or combined analysis of the competencies. The research will be conducted using empirical data.

Topic 9: Does Organisational Culture Influence the Leadership Type that a Company Should Adopt?

Research Aim: This research will argue whether companies should hire leaders concerning their culture or not. Organisational culture and leadership are interconnected. Thus companies that do not operate according to their culture struggle to grow exponentially. This research will aim to focus on the possible relationship between leadership and organisational culture. The research will be evidence-based.

Topic 10: Organisational Culture and International Business Competition: Are they Interrelated?

Research Aim: Organisational culture plays a huge role in making a company competitive internationally. When a business’s culture is motivating to all employees and identifies the right culture for its employees, there is every likelihood of rapid growth for both the company and the employees. The research will explore how the two concepts are interrelated.

Important Notes:

As a management student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing management theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The management field is vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like operations management , business , business administration , MBA , human resource management and more. That is why creating a management dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field is imperative.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best management dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and adds to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample management dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Management Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths while identifying research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is establishing the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : Make sure to complete this by your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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To find management dissertation topics:

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• Consult academic journals and experts.

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Digital Commons @ USF > Muma College of Business > Management > Theses and Dissertations

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Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

For Love or Money: Investor Motivations in Equity-Based Crowdfunding , Jason C. Cherubini

The Great Resignation: An Exploration of Strategies to Combat School Bus Driver Shortages in the Post-COVID-19 Era , James E. Cole Jr.

An Empirical Analysis of Sentiment and Confidence Regarding Interest Rates in Disclosures of Public Firms in the U.S. Fintech Sector , James J. Farley

Motivations for Planning: Uncovering the Inhibitors to the Adoption of Comprehensive Financial Planning for Business Owners , Daniel R. Gilham

An Examination of Reward-Based Crowdfunding Performance and Success , Matthew Alan Grace

All Quiet on The Digital Front: The Unseen Psychological Impacts on Cybersecurity First Responders , Tammie R. Hollis

Commitment to Change Dimensions: The Influence of Innovative Work Behavior and Organizational Environments , Michael Holmes

Turmoil in the Workforce: Introduction of the Nomadic Employee , Catrina Hopkins

Attention-Grabbing Tactics on Social Media , Arjun Kadian

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Building a Mentor-Mentee Maturity Model , Leroy A. Alexander

Do Auditors Respond to Changes in Clients’ Analyst Coverage? Evidence from a Natural Experiment , Mohammad Alkhamees

Designing a Messaging Strategy to Improve Information Security Policy Compliance , Federico Giovannetti

Are all pictures worth 1,000 words? An Investigation of Fit Between Graph Type and Performance on Accounting Data Analytics Tasks , Shawn Paul Granitto

An Enterprise Risk Management Framework to Design Pro-Ethical AI Solutions , Quintin P. McGrath

Deceptive Appeals and Cognitive Influences Used in Fraudulent Scheme Sales Pitches , Rafael J. Toledo

Using Online Reviews to Identify How Hotels Can Satisfy Travelers With Pets While Making Money , Sonia Weinhaus

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The IS Social Continuance Model: Using Conversational Agents to Support Co-creation , Naif Alawi

The Use of Data Analytic Visualizations to Inform the Audit Risk Assessment: The Impact of Initial Visualization Form and Documentation Focus , Rebecca N. Baaske (Becca)

Identification of Entrepreneurial Competencies in I-Corps Site Teams at the University of South Florida , Mark A. Giddarie

Understanding Nonprofit Boards: An Exploratory Study of the Governance Practices of Regional Nonprofits , Susan Ryan Goodman

Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Support Community , Andrew J. Hafer

Who to Choose? Rating Broker Best Practices in the Medicare Advantage Industry , Darwin R. Hale

Bridging the Innovatino Gap at SOCOM , Gregory J. Ingram

Improving Environmental Protection: One Imagined Touch at a Time , Luke Ingalls Liska

Residential Curbside Recycle Context Analysis , Ntchanang Mpafe

Fighting Mass Diffusion of Fake News on Social Media , Abdallah Musmar

Managing Incomplete Data in the Patient Discharge Summary to Support Correct Hospital Reimbursements , Fadi Naser Eddin

GAO Bid Protests by Small Business: Analysis of Perceived and Reported Outcomes in Federal Contracting , David M. Snyder

Engagement and Meaningfulness as Determinants of Employee Retention: A Longitudinal Case Study , Calvin Williams

Public Budgeting as Moral Dilemma , Ben Wroblewski

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Improving Engagement: The Moderating Effect of Leadership Style on the Relationship Between Psychological Capital and Employee Engagement , Scott Beatrice

Physician Self-Efficacy and Risk-Taking Attitudes as Determinants of Upcoding and Downcoding Errors: An Empirical Investigation , Samantha J. Champagnie

Digital Identity: A Human-Centered Risk Awareness Study , Toufic N. Chebib

Clarifying the Relationship of Design Thinking to the Military Decision-Making Process , Thomas S. Fisher

Essays on the Disposition Effect , Matthew Henriksson

Analysis of Malicious Behavior on Social Media Platforms Using Agent-Based Modeling , Agnieszka Anna Onuchowska

Who Rises to the Top: An Investigation of the Essential Skills Necessary for Partners of Non-Big 4 Public Accounting Firms , Amanda K. Thompson-Abbott

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Financial and Nonfinancial Performance Measures That Drive Utility Abandonments and Transfers in the State of Florida , Daniel Acheampong

Locating a New Collegiate Entrepreneurship Program, a Framework for a University Campus , Douglas H. Carter

Understanding Employee Engagement: An Examination of Millennial Employees and Perceived Human Resource Management Practices , Danielle J. Clark

The Potential Impact Radius of a Natural Gas Transmission Line and Real Estate Valuations: A Behavioral Analysis , Charles M. Hilterbrand Jr.

Introducing a Mobile Health Care Platform in an Underserved Rural Population: Reducing Assimilations Gaps on Adoption and Use via Nudges , Joseph Hodges

Controlling Turnover in an Inside Sales Organization: What are the Contributing Factors , Dennis H. Kimerer

An Emergent Theory of Executive Leadership Selection: Leveraging Grounded Theory to Study the U.S. Military's Special Forces Assessment and Selection Process , Darryl J. Lavender

Essays on Migration Flows and Finance , Suin Lee

The Underutilized Tool of Project Management - Emotional Intelligence , Gerald C. Lowe

Increasing the Supply of the Missing Middle Housing Types in Walkable Urban Core Neighborhoods: Risk, Risk Reduction and Capital , Shrimatee Ojah Maharaj

Playing Darts in the Dark: How are Chamber of Commerce Leaders Aligned for Greater Effectiveness? , Robert J. Rohrlack Jr.

Are Transfer Pricing Disclosures Related to Tax Reporting Transparency? The Impact of Auditor-Provided Transfer Pricing Services , Stephanie Y. Walton

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Price Transparency in the United States Healthcare System , Gurlivleen (Minnie) Ahuja

How to Build a Climate of Quality in a Small to Medium Enterprise: An Action Research Project , Desmond M. Bishop III

Banking on Blockchain: A Grounded Theory Study of the Innovation Evaluation Process , Priya D. Dozier

Enhancing the Design of a Cybersecurity Risk Management Solution for Communities of Trust , James E. Fulford Jr.

An Examination of the Progressive and Regressive Factors that Business Owners Consider When Choosing Whether or Not to Implement an Exit Strategy , David C. Pickard

The Relationship between Ambient Lighting Color and Hotel Bar Customer Purchase Behavior and Satisfaction , Kunal Shah

The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) Industry and the Business Impacts of the Evolution of the Federal Regulatory Environment , Darren W. Spencer

Intercultural Communication Between International Military Organizations; How Do You Turn a ‘No’ Into a ‘Yes’? , Douglas A. Straka

Essential Leadership Skills for Frontline Managers in a Multicultural Organization , Janelle Ward

Moffitt Cancer Center: Leadership, Culture and Transformation , W. James Wilson

Two Essays on String of Earnings Benchmarks , Yiyang Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Multi-Step Tokenization of Automated Clearing House Payment Transactions , Privin Alexander

The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Investment and Disclosure on Cooperation in Business Collaborations , Sukari Farrington

What Factors during the Genesis of a Startup are Causal to Survival? , Gilbert T. Gonzalez

The Great Recession of 2007 and the Housing Market Crash: Why Did So Many Builders Fail? , Mohamad Ali Hasbini

The Effect of Expanded Audit Report Disclosures on Users’ Confidence in the Audit and the Financial Statements , Peter Kipp

An Examination of Innovation Idea Selection Factors in Large Organizations , Troy A. Montgomery

Essays on Sales Coaching , Carlin A. Nguyen

Vital Signs of U.S. Osteopathic Medical Residency Programs Pivoting to Single Accreditation Standards , Timothy S. Novak

Leaders Who Learn: The Intersection of Behavioral Science, Adult Learning and Leadership , Natalya I. Sabga

Toward a Systemic Model for Governance and Strategic Management: Evaluating Stakeholder Theory Versus Shareholder Theory Approaches , James A. Stikeleather

A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Cognitive Awareness Training on Transaction Processing Accuracy: An Introduction to the ACE Theoretical Construct , John Townsend

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Effect of Presentation Format on Investor Judgments and Decisions: Does the Effect Differ for Varying Task Demands? , Kevin Agnew

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Multi-Task Setting Involving Simple and Complex Tasks: An Exploratory Study of Employee Motivation , Maia Jivkova Farkas

Essays on Mergers and Acquisitions , Marcin Krolikowski

Do Social Biases Impede Auditor Reliance on Specialists? Toward a Theory of Social Similarity , Rina Maxine Limor

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Psychological Distance: The Relation Between Construals, Mindsets, and Professional Skepticism , Jason Rasso

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Combining Natural Language Processing and Statistical Text Mining: A Study of Specialized Versus Common Languages , Jay Jarman

An Empirical Investigation of Decision Aids to Improve Auditor Effectiveness in Analytical Review , Robert N. Marley

The Effects of Item Complexity and the Method Used to Present a Complex Item on the Face of a Financial Statement on Nonprofessional Investors` Judgments , Linda Gale Ragland

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Two Essays on Information Ambiguity and Informed Traders’ Trade-Size Choice , Ziwei Xu

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Two Essays on the Conflict of Interests within the Financial Services Industry-- Financial Industry Consolidation: The Motivations and Consequences of the Financial Services Modernization Act (FSMA) and “Down but Not Out” Mutual Fund Manager Turnover within Fund Families , Lonnie Lashawn Bryant

Two Essays on Multiple Directorships , Chia-wei Chen

Two Essays on Financial Condition of Firms , Sanjay Kudrimoti

A Study of Cross-Border Takeovers: Examining the Impact of National Culture on Internalization Benefits, and the Implications of Early Versus Late-Mover Status for Bidders and Their Rivals , Tanja Steigner

Two Essays on Corporate Governance⎯Are Local Directors Better Monitors, and Directors Incentives and Earnings Management , Hong Wan

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Role of Ethnic Compatibility in Attitude Formation: Marketing to America’s Diverse Consumers , Cynthia Rodriguez Cano

Two Essays on Venture Capital: What Drives the Underpricing of Venture CapitalBacked IPOs and Do Venture Capitalists Provide Anything More than Money? , Donald Flagg

Two essays on market efficiency: Tests of idiosyncratic risk: informed trading versus noise and arbitrage risk, and agency costs and the underlying causes of mispricing: information asymmetry versus conflict of interests , Jung Chul Park

The impact of management's tone on the perception of management's credibility in forecasting , Robert D. Slater

Uncertainty in the information supply chain: Integrating multiple health care data sources , Monica Chiarini Tremblay

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Adolescent alcohol use and educational outcomes , Wesley A. Austin

Certificate of need regulation in the nursing home industry: Has it outlived its usefulness? , Barbara J. Caldwell

The impacts of the handoffs on software development: A cost estimation model , Michael Jay Douglas

Using emergent outcome controls to manage dynamic software development , Michael Loyd Harris

The information technology professional's psychological contract viewed through their employment arrangement and the relationship to organizational behaviors , Sandra Kay Newton

The causal effect of alcohol consumption on employment status , Chanvuth Sangchai

The effect of transportation subsidies on urban sprawl , Qing Su

The effects of in-group bias and decision aids on auditors' evidence evaluation , Eileen Zalkin Taylor

The single market and pharmaceutical industry in the European Union: Is there any evidence of price convergence? , Aysegul Timur

A structural approach to the study of intra-organizational coalitions , Dean T. Walsh

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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.

• Accounting standards-setting
• Analyst forecasts
• Corporate financial reporting issues
• Initial Public offerings
• Internal control
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Securities regulation in international capital markets
• Taxes and business decisions
• Asset pricing models
• Corporate management behavior
• Risk management
• Corporate governance
• Financial distress and default
• Credit risk
• International finance
• Macro finance
• Real options
• Institutional investors
• Mutual funds
• Hedge funds
• Market efficiency
• Cost of capital
• Bank competition
• Culture and finance
• Environmental impacts on real estate value
• Capital structure
• Dividend policy
• Insurance markets
• Healthcare finance
• Teams in organizations
• Empowerment and empowering leadership
• Social networks
• Multi-level theory
• Strategic entrepreneurship
• Corporate alliance and networks
• Learning process
• Creativity and innovation
• Strategic human resource management
• International expansion
• Long-term decision making
• Big data anlytics, Branding in developed and emerging markets
• Cross-cultural research
• Cognitive computing applications
• Consumer search and decision  making
• Consumer social networks and social media
• Creativity, identity and emotions
• Digital marketing and analytics
• Digital strategies for customer relationship management
• E-commerce and online retailing
• Global citizenship and consumer behavior
• International marketing
• Interpersonal social networks and social capital
• Marketing-finance interface
• Mobile and digital marketing
• Sales management and innovation
• Product design
• Social interaction and peer effects
• Quality and innovation

Operations & Information Management

• Auction theory and applications
• Database design and security
• Database management
• Distributed computing and client/server technology
• Electronic commerce
• Economics of information and information systems
• Healthcare information systems
• Management of technology
• Manufacturing systems, planning and strategy
• Supply chain management
• Telecommunication and network modeling and analysis
• Applications of operations research and other optimization techniques to areas such as product design, production scheduling, and facility location

• How to Choose a PhD Research Topic
• Finding a PhD

Introduction

Whilst there are plenty of resources available to help prospective PhD students find doctoral programmes, deciding on a research topic is a process students often find more difficult.

Some advertised PhD programmes have predefined titles, so the exact topic is decided already. Generally, these programmes exist mainly in STEM, though other fields also have them. Funded projects are more likely to have defined titles, and structured aims and objectives.

Self funded projects, and those in fields such as arts and humanities, are less likely to have defined titles. The flexibility of topic selection means more scope exists for applicants to propose research ideas and suit the topic of research to their interests.

A middle ground also exists where Universities advertise funded PhD programmes in subjects without a defined scope, for example: “PhD Studentship in Biomechanics”. The applicant can then liaise with the project supervisor to choose a particular title such as “A study of fatigue and impact resistance of biodegradable knee implants”.

If a predefined programme is not right for you, then you need to propose your own research topic. There are several factors to consider when choosing a good research topic, which will be outlined in this article.

How to Choose a Research Topic

Our first piece of advice is to PhD candidates is to stop thinking about ‘finding’ a research topic, as it is unlikely that you will. Instead, think about developing a research topic (from research and conversations with advisors).

Consider several ideas and critically appraise them:

• You must be able to explain to others why your chosen topic is worth studying.
• You must be genuinely interested in the subject area.
• You must be competent and equipped to answer the research question.
• You must set achievable and measurable aims and objectives.
• You need to be able to achieve your objectives within a given timeframe.
• Your research question must be original and contribute to the field of study.

We have outlined the key considerations you should use when developing possible topics. We explore these below:

Focus on your interests and career aspirations

It is important to choose a topic of research that you are genuinely interested in. The decision you make will shape the rest of your career. Remember, a full-time programme lasts 3-4 years, and there will be unforeseen challenges during this time. If you are not passionate about the study, you will struggle to find motivation during these difficult periods.

You should also look to your academic and professional background. If there are any modules you undertook as part of your Undergraduate/Master degree that you particularly enjoyed or excelled in? These could form part of your PhD research topic. Similarly, if you have professional work experience, this could lead to you asking questions which can only be answered through research.

When deciding on a PhD research topic you should always consider your long-term career aspirations. For example, as a physicist, if you wish to become an astrophysicist, a research project studying black holes would be more relevant to you than a research project studying nuclear fission.

Read dissertations and published journals

Reading dissertations and published journals is a great way to identify potential PhD topics. When reviewing existing research ask yourself:

• What has been done and what do existing results show?
• What did previous projects involve (e.g. lab-work or fieldwork)?
• How often are papers published in the field?
• Are your research ideas original?
• Is there value in your research question?
• Could I expand on or put my own spin on this research?

Reading dissertations will also give you an insight into the practical aspects of doctoral study, such as what methodology the author used, how much data analysis was required and how was information presented.

You can also think of this process as a miniature literature review . You are searching for gaps in knowledge and developing a PhD project to address them. Focus on recent publications (e.g. in the last five years). In particular, the literature review of recent publications will give an excellent summary of the state of existing knowledge, and what research questions remain unanswered.

If you have the opportunity to attend an academic conference, go for it! This is often an excellent way to find out current theories in the industry and the research direction. This knowledge could reveal a possible research idea or topic for further study.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Discuss research topic ideas with a PhD supervisor

Discuss your research topic ideas with a supervisor. This could be your current undergraduate/masters supervisor, or potential supervisors of advertised PhD programmes at different institutions. Come to these meetings prepared with initial PhD topic ideas, and your findings from reading published journals. PhD supervisors will be more receptive to your ideas if you can demonstrate you have thought about them and are committed to your research.

You should discuss your research interests, what you have found through reading publications, and what you are proposing to research. Supervisors who have expertise in your chosen field will have insight into the gaps in knowledge that exist, what is being done to address them, and if there is any overlap between your proposed research ideas and ongoing research projects.

Talking to an expert in the field can shape your research topic to something more tangible, which has clear aims and objectives. It can also find potential shortfalls of your PhD ideas.

It is important to remember, however, that although it is good to develop your research topic based on feedback, you should not let the supervisor decide a topic for you. An interesting topic for a supervisor may not be interesting to you, and a supervisor is more likely to advise on a topic title which lends itself to a career in academia.

Another tip is to talk to a PhD student or researcher who is involved in a similar research project. Alternatively, you can usually find a relevant research group within your University to talk to. They can explain in more detail their experiences and suggest what your PhD programme could involve with respect to daily routines and challenges.

Look at advertised PhD Programmes

Use our Search tool , or look on University PhD listing pages to identify advertised PhD programmes for ideas.

• What kind of PhD research topics are available?
• Are these similar to your ideas?
• Are you interested in any of these topics?
• What do these programmes entail?

The popularity of similar PhD programmes to your proposed topic is a good indicator that universities see value in the research area. The final bullet point is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from looking at advertised listings. Review what similar programmes involve, and whether this is something you would like to do. If so, a similar research topic would allow you to do this.

Writing a Research Proposal

As part of the PhD application process , you may be asked to summarise your proposed research topic in a research proposal. This is a document which summarises your intended research and will include the title of your proposed project, an Abstract, Background and Rationale, Research Aims and Objectives, Research Methodology, Timetable, and a Bibliography. If you are required to submit this document then read our guidance on how to write a research proposal for your PhD application.

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RESEARCH AT THE LEADING EDGE

Doctoral Studies in Information Systems & Management

Ph.D. Studies in Information Systems & Management

The doctoral program in Information Systems & Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College prepares students with a deep understanding of the technical and organizational aspects of information systems.

At Heinz, we live and work at the critical nexus of information technology and public policy. Our Ph.D. in Information Systems & Management was created to train scholars to conduct innovative research that cuts across disciplines in order to address significant challenges in IT theory, strategy, management, and design as it relates to business and policy settings. 

Heinz College Ph.D. students enjoy close partnerships with faculty as they explore the complex and exciting interconnectedness of information systems, public policy, and management. Upon graduating, our Ph.D.s receive desirable placements at academic institutions, government agencies, and consulting firms.

KEY RESEARCH AREAS

Doctoral students take on a broad range of topics and problems, but some key areas of strength at Heinz College include:

As technology enables most content to be digitized, it is also upending business models, competition, and policy needs. From electronic health records, to streaming music and videos, to online social networks, digitization is rapidly affecting every part of the user experience, generating new jobs, and displacing old ones. Our faculty is working on a variety of projects under this broad umbrella. Some major projects are examining the role of social networks, online piracy, digital distribution, impact of mobile, the role of online education, and so on. Faculty and students use variety of methods like field experiments, analytical and structural models to study these questions.

Michael D. Smith and Rahul Telang are world recognized experts on the media industry and copyright policies who also head the IDEA research center.

Beibei Li is an expert on social media, mobile marketing, and understanding individuals’ online and offline decision making. 

Pedro Ferreira works on how people use technology in media and education, and is an expert on running randomized experiments.

Ramayya Krishnan  applies operations research tools to a variety of problems in this domain.

Our world-renowned faculty extensively works with both private firms and policy makers.  

We have multiple research centers like  IDEA ,  LARC , and  iLab  which collect large quantities of data to examine these issues.

Growth of big data has offered opportunities for development and application of novel statistical and computational methods for solving societal problems such as crime, policing, fraud detection, health care and more. To be able to use this data requires cutting edge work on developing new methods and machine learning algorithms. Heinz College has some of the top faculty who work at the intersection of machine learning and public policy.

Some key faculty members working in this space are Leman Akoglu , George Chen , Jeremy Weiss , and David Choi . Each of them is working on problems that intersect the need to use Machine Learning method to solve critical societal problems.

We also offer a joint degree in Machine Learning and Public Policy.

Data security and privacy has increasingly become a complex issue that goes beyond mere technology. Faculty at Heinz College are working on understanding users’ security and privacy decisions using economics, behavioral economics, and data analytics frameworks. This leading edge research is at the forefront of designing better tools and better regulations.

Alessandro Acquisti is an expert on economics of privacy and has done path-breaking work in this space.

Rahul Telang ’s work illustrates that firms may not do enough to protect user data, and highlights how we should design our policies.

Leman Akoglu uses large-scale data to understand our security and privacy vulnerabilities.

This group also works closely with faculty from CyLab , an interdisciplinary research center. This work is highly influential, widely cited, and extensively funded.

This group's research is motivated by information technology's important role in improving health care for patients, hospitals, and doctors. Technology is extensively used in detecting outbreaks, in providing superior quality of care at lower costs, and in prevention of medical errors.

Rema Padman studies IT adoption in hospitals and physical practices. 

Rahul Telang studies the role of electronic health records.

Martin Gaynor is a world-renowned expert on health policy and examines how technology can help improve policy outcomes.

Amelia Haviland examines the role of insurance policies and how they affect patient welfare.

As in other domains, our work on health care and IT is highly influential and has led to significant publications and extensive funding.

Ph.D. Curriculum

The pre-dissertation stage of the Ph.D. in Information Systems & Management is structured around two sets of requirements: coursework and preliminary papers.

Coursework is designed to build methodological skills, modeling competence, and substantive depth.

Preliminary papers illustrate your ability to produce effective research that exhibits your readiness to begin the dissertation.

• A three-semester   Ph.D. Seminar Series   focusing on the research process
• Two semesters of   Advanced Electives offering depth in specialized fields
• Quantitative Methods Cluster   of courses in statistics, econometrics, and machine learning
• Two semesters of coursework in   Social and Policy Sciences
• Concentration Area Requirement , combining research and courses to support your research agenda and long-term professional objectives
• Two semester-long  Technology Classes

Admission to candidacy means that all requirements of the Ph.D. program preliminary to the dissertation have been fulfilled. In addition to satisfying all coursework requirements, you must also meet the following research requirements:

• First- and second-year Research Papers meeting current Ph.D. requirements
• Dissertation focused on Information Systems topic as per judgment of Ph.D. committee

While fulfilling these requirements, you'll work closely with the faculty to develop individualized programs of study and research that meet your goals.

Smart. Open. Grounded. Inventive. Read our Ideas Made to Matter.

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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.

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Ideas Made to Matter

New leadership and management thinking from MIT experts

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May 20, 2024

Organizational leadership doesn’t take a summer vacation. But you should.

Bring a book with you, though. Here are 10 from MIT experts on worker productivity, human and machine capabilities, and more.

Leadership and management insights

Disciplined entrepreneurship: 24 steps to a successful startup, expanded & updated.

The managing director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship delves into the importance of knowing your customer, scaling your business , and more. ( Bill Aulet )

Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines

A computer scientist examines the “ power shadows ” lurking in the datasets used to train artificial intelligence. ( Joy Buolamwini )

Disciplined Entrepreneurship Startup Tactics

The executive director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship offers strategies for startup founders , including how to transition from design to development. ( Paul Cheek )

Wiring the Winning Organization: Liberating Our Collective Greatness Through Slowification, Simplification, and Amplification

Organizations succeed when they design their processes, routines, and procedures to encourage employees to problem-solve and contribute to a common purpose. ( Gene Kim and Steven J. Spear )

From Intention to Impact: A Practical Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This book offers a framework for organizations that want to contribute to racial justice, engage in social inclusion, and create equal access to opportunity . ( Malia C. Lazu )

The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset That Drives Extraordinary Results

The geek way of management delivers excellent performance while offering employees a work environment that features high levels of autonomy and empowerment. ( Andrew McAfee )

Red Helicopter: Lead Change With Kindness (Plus a Little Math)

A former high school teacher turned investor weaves together topics like behavioral science, economics, and corporate law, with the values of humanity. ( James Rhee )

The Heart and the Chip: Our Bright Future With Robots

This book examines how humans (“hearts”) and robots (“chips”) can work together for powerful new applications and capabilities. ( Daniela Rus and Gregory Mone)

The Case for Good Jobs: How Great Companies Bring Dignity, Pay, and Meaning to Everyone’s Work

A good jobs system prioritizes customers and is designed to maximize employees’ productivity, motivation, and contributions. ( Zeynep Ton )

Data Is Everybody’s Business: The Fundamentals of Data Monetization

A new book from MIT CISR researchers explains how to decontextualize data and prepare data assets that can be reused for many purposes. ( Barbara H. Wixom, Cynthia M. Beath, and Leslie Owens )

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Collaborative digital platform ecosystems

Carolina Costabile, Department of Strategy and Management, NHH.

PhD Defense: Carolina Costabile Collaborative digital platform ecosystems

On Monday 24 June 2024 Carolina Costabile will hold a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defend her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH. Title of the thesis: «Collaborative digital platform ecosystems: A governance perspective - A literature review combined with insights from the Norwegian aquaculture industry».

Advances in Motion

• Gene and Cell Therapy
• Neurodegenerative Disease
• Neuroscience

Novel AAV Capsid, Truncated ChAT Promoter Address Challenges in Intracranial Gene Therapy

Journal Published on May 20, 2024

Originally published on Molecular Therapy: Methods & Clinical Development

Key findings

• The striatum plays a major role in movement and cognition, and transduction of striatal neurons is needed in gene therapies that target neurodegenerative diseases
• This study addressed two problems with intra-striatal injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors: limited diffusion from the injection site and inefficient, nonspecific transgene expression in cholinergic neurons
• Compared with the conventionally used AAV9, a novel engineered AAV capsid, AAV-S, showed greater transduction throughout the striatum after direct injection into mice
• Combining AAV9 with a truncated human choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) promoter provided a seven-fold higher specificity of transduction of cholinergic neurons than the CAG promoter and a three-fold increase in the efficiency of transduction
• The AAV-delivered ChAT promoter construct should be immediately useful to the neuroscience field, and the findings support further development of the AAV-S capsid for transduction of brain

Loss of striatal neuron circuits in the striatum is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Intracranial gene therapy is still investigational in the U.S., but the European Medicines Agency has approved Upstaza, a one-time gene therapy for severe aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency that's injected directly into the striatum.

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Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are currently the most efficient option for intracranial gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Massachusetts General Hospital researchers are working to increase AAV diffusion throughout the brain and increase transgene expression in cholinergic neurons, which regulate the activity of the most abundant striatal neurons and fine-tune a variety of brain functions.

Miguel C. Santoscoy, PhD , a research fellow in the  Department of Neurology  and Molecular Neurogenetics Unit at Mass General, Casey A. Maguire, PhD , a gene delivery expert and associate investigator in the  Mass General Research Institute , and colleagues report two improvements to AAV-based intracranial gene therapy in  Molecular Therapy: Methods & Clinical Development .

Comparison of AAV9 and AAV-S

In an earlier study, also published in  Molecular Therapy: Methods & Clinical Development , Dr. Maguire and other colleagues engineered AAV-S, a derivative of AAV9 that showed much greater transduction of the brain than AAV9 after intra-cortical and intra-hippocampal injection. In this study, AAV-S transduced a greater area of striatum than AAV9 after direct intra-striatal injection in C57BL/6 mice.

Intra-striatal gene therapy in humans presently requires multiple burr holes and multiple injections to produce sufficient "coverage" of transduced cells in the striatum. A capsid that spreads a greater distance in the striatum would be highly desirable to reduce the number of injections and the potential for related complications.

AAV9 With ChAT Promoter

In an unpublished study, the researchers observed that after intracranial injection of AAV vectors using the broadly active CAG promoter, relatively few of the cells transduced were cholinergic neurons. To address that problem, the team engineered an AAV9 plasmid that contains a truncated human choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) promoter.

Intra-striatal injection into mice showed:

• Specificity (number of transduced cholinergic neurons out of all transduced neurons)—64% for AAV9-ChAT vs. 8.9% for AAV-CAG (P=0.01)
• Efficiency (number of transduced cholinergic neurons out of all cholinergic neurons)—42% vs. 14.2% (P=0.0551)

There were slight increases in the specificity and efficiency of cholinergic neuron transduction with AAV9-ChAT compared with AAV-S–ChAT, but the differences weren't statistically significant.

Immediate Utility

For applications in which broad transduction of striatal neurons is desired, the AAV-S capsid with the CAG promoter may be immediately useful. In applications in which high specificity and efficiency for striatal cholinergic neurons is desired, the AAV9 capsid and ChAT promoter may be the better choice.

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Molecular Therapy: Methods & Clinical Development

Journal Article Published: June 8, 2023

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