PhD in Management: Orientation Session

Sept. 2011Elric Honoré

Bing Tate

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PhD in Management:A current student’s perspective

• YOU Manage the PhD in Management

– i.e YOU:– are given a standard map (i.e. library/e-journals access) and compass (i.e.

research methods training… E&U, CQDA etc)– explore new grounds (i.e. journals / seminars / data collection / etc)– report back (i.e. supervision, YOUR seminars, YOUR papers)

– Basically, you are on a personal journey, with pros & cons:

• Some Cons:– Getting lost physically/intellectually; losing focus, losing time… – Isolation– PhD theses need to conform to specific institutional norms/rhetoric/forms etc

• Some Pros:– Learning (loads), honing down a specific subject area, developing skills…– Self-mastery: outgrowing pet theories, procrastination, avoidance etc etc– PhDs are v. creative (possibly the most creative piece of research)

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3 PhD Journey Stereotypes -A

The DAVID COULTHARD approach:

Upsides:

– Shortest road from A to B (however arguable)– Focus, determination, personal fame (e.g. best lap time)

Downsides:

– Neglecting personal development (e.g. oft-neglected ‘soft’ Skills)– Overlooking the importance of networks (i.e academic, social, personal)– ‘Little chef’ approach to lifestyle

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3 PhD Journey Stereotypes -B

The DR. LIVINGSTONE approach:

Upsides:

– Develop several sidetracks (and Facebook posts/albums/likes)

Downsides:

– Start at A, find C,D, θ etc and never get to B

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• 3 stereotypical PhDs– The Dr LIVINGSTONE:

• Upsides:– Develop several sidetracks (and Facebook posts/albums/likes)

• Downsides:– Start at A, find C,D, θ etc and never get to B

– The J.K. ROWLING:• Upsides:

– Plan one’s lifework strategically, cultivate audience & network, have fun• Downsides:

– Too much wealth, nothing much left to do, Harry Potter.

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DSUEBS: 3 aims

i. Promoting a vibrant academic ethos

ii. Building a wide network

iii. Empower and nurture the MRes/DPhil/PhD student community

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DS@UEBS Programme

{insert DSUEBS overview programme}

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More than just Survival

• Maximise PhD learning outcome– Career Development Planning (CDP)

– Build and develop extra curriculum

. Expand network

. Participate in academic/research led events internally externally

. Update knowledge

• PhD-Life Balance– Effective time management (study, work and other commitment)

– Communicate & de-stress

– Maintain physical & mental health

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Manage your own PhD life

• Guidance questions – Why PhD in Management?

– What is your expected outcome?

– How to make it happen?

• YOU Manage the PhD in Management– Take initiative (opportunities do not come to you automatically)

– Plan ahead

– Strategic planning (long term goal and short term target)

– Work in collaboration

– Knowledge sharing (your fellow PhDs are not your competitors or enemies) e.g. upcoming Innovative Learning Week February 2012.