International Business and Strategy PhD

Program Overview

It offers original and business-relevant research opportunities, fostering critical thinking, intellectual capacity, and creativity. The program attracts postgraduate research students from around the globe, providing a dynamic research environment with internationally renowned faculty, dedicated support, and outstanding facilities. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue successful careers in academia, business, or government.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The International Business and Strategy PhD program focuses on critical developments in international business and organizations' strategic responses. It offers the opportunity for original and business-relevant research, fostering critical thinking, intellectual capacity, and creativity. The program attracts postgraduate research students from around the globe, providing a dynamic research environment with internationally renowned faculty, dedicated support, and outstanding facilities. Henley Business School has a long-standing reputation for excellence in teaching and research in International Business, continuously shaping the research agenda in the field, including International Business History and International Human Resource Management. High-quality teaching encompasses a broad range of programs that focus on crucial developments in international business and organizations' strategic responses to these developments.

Objectives:

• Conduct original and business-relevant research in International Business and Strategy
• Develop critical thinking, intellectual capacity, and creativity
• Benefit from a dynamic research environment with internationally renowned faculty, dedicated support, and outstanding facilities
• Gain a deeper understanding of the key challenges and opportunities in international business
• Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct high-quality research
• Prepare for a successful career in academia, business, or government

Outline:

Program Content:

The program delves into critical developments in international business and organizations' strategic responses to these developments. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Theories of the Multinational Enterprise (MNE)
• International Business Strategy
• International Human Resource Management
• International Business History
• Global Value Chains
• Emerging Markets
• Innovation and Technology
• Corporate Social Responsibility

Structure:

The program is typically completed over three years and consists of the following components:

• Year 1:
• Attend and complete required PhD/Masters level courses in Research Methods and other relevant courses.
• Attend short courses for the Reading Researcher Development Programme.
• Attend the Preparing to Teach training program.
• Participate in weekly research seminars.
• Hold regular meetings with supervisors.
• Year 2 and 3:
• Continue working on the PhD dissertation, drafting the remaining chapters/papers.
• Hold regular meetings with supervisors.
• Attend selected short courses for the Reading Researcher Development Programme.
• Participate in weekly research seminars.
• Contribute to Business School and Departmental teaching/research activities and events.

Individual Modules:

The program includes a range of modules, each with its own specific focus. Some key modules include:

• Advanced Finance Theory with Empirical Applications (Autumn): Provides students with the foundations of theoretical asset pricing and the relevant skills for performing empirical tests.
• Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (Autumn): Introduces students to qualitative research methodologies in social science, particularly in business and management studies.
• Introduction to Thesis Literature Review (Autumn): equips students with the skills and resources to research, prepare, and write a literature review for their thesis.
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (Autumn and Spring): Deepens students' understanding of qualitative research methodologies in business, organizational, social, and management studies.

Schedule:

The program typically follows a three-year structure with specific course schedules for each year. The exact schedule may vary depending on individual module choices and research progress.

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the specific modules and research components. Some typical assessment methods include:

• Coursework: Essays, presentations, group projects, and exams.
• Research Proposal: A substantive research proposal outlining the research topic, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Dissertation: An in-depth research project on a chosen topic, culminating in a written dissertation.
• Viva examination: An oral examination defending the dissertation research.

Teaching:

The program emphasizes a student-centered approach to learning, utilizing a variety of teaching methods to deliver the curriculum. These methods include:

• Lectures: Expert faculty members deliver lectures on key topics and concepts.
• Seminars: Students engage in active discussions, debates, and presentations on research findings and theoretical frameworks.
• Workshops: Interactive sessions focus on developing specific research skills and methodologies.
• Individual supervision: Regular meetings with supervisors provide personalized guidance, support, and feedback on research progress.

Faculty:

The program boasts a team of internationally renowned faculty members with expertise in various areas of International Business and Strategy. Some notable faculty include:

• Professor Mark Casson: Professor of Economics, specializing in Theories of MNE and Economic analysis of supply chains.
• Professor Davide Castellani: Head of International Business and Strategy Department, focusing on Firms' internationalisation choices, innovation, and economic performances.
• Professor Peder Greve: Associate Professor in International Business, researching Executive careers, turnover and pay.
• Professor Rajneesh Narula: Director of the Dunning Centre for International Business, specializing in The role of MNEs in development, innovation, and industrial policy.
• Professor Alain Verbeke: Professor of International Business, focusing on Internalization theory and its applications.
• Professor Chris Brewster: Professor of International Human Resources Management, specializing in International and comparative human resource management.
• Dr Washika Haak-Saheem: Associate Professor in Human Resource Management, focusing on International Human Resource Management, Expatriation, Migration, Social Status, Diversity & Inclusion.

Careers:

The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue successful careers in various fields, including:

• Academia: Faculty positions at universities or research institutions
• Large multinational companies: Management or leadership roles in areas such as international business strategy, marketing, finance, or human resources.
• Leading consulting firms: Consulting roles in international business strategy, market research, or organizational development.
• Governmental and Non-governmental organizations: Policy analysis, research, or program management roles in international development, trade, or human rights.

Other:

• Double PhD opportunities: Students can pursue double PhD degrees in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano (Italy) or Copenhagen Business School (Denmark).
• Henley International Business Masterclasses: Intensive courses offered on current debates and conceptual issues in International Business, providing broader learning opportunities.
• Research centers: The program leverages research centers such as the John H. Dunning Centre for International Business and the Centre for International Business History to drive research in the field.