Earning a PhD in Business Management

Conferred with the PhD in Business Management by the Chancellor of UMS, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin

(March 16): Earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, which carries the distinguished title of “Doctor,” had been my ambition ever since I completed my Master’s degree in Economics at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, USA, several decades ago. My plan was to pursue my PhD immediately, but the untimely passing of my father forced me to put that dream on hold. As the years went by, life took its course, and my ambition was pushed to the back burner until the urge to achieve it resurfaced several years ago.

Determined to finally make it happen, I enrolled at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). However, the journey was anything but easy. Having been away from academia for decades and still managing a full-time career, I faced significant challenges. Yet, having shared my ambition with family and friends, turning back was no longer an option. What would they think if I gave up? Over time, I came to realise that completing a PhD was not as daunting as it seemed, as long as I maintained discipline, managed my time wisely, and sought help when needed.

While the Covid-19 pandemic brought hardship to all, it presented an unexpected silver lining for me. Amid the disruptions, I found the focus, determination, and ample time to press forward with my studies. And in the final days of the pandemic, what once felt like a distant dream finally became reality; I was awarded my doctorate.

If you are an aspiring PhD candidate, this article may serve as a valuable guide, offering insights into the key steps to successfully completing a PhD in Business Management. Beyond the key steps, please consider the words of encouragement that sustained me throughout my own journey.

Pursuing a PhD in Business Management is a rigorous yet rewarding journey that demands dedication, perseverance, and strategic planning. It is the highest academic qualification one can attain, opening doors to opportunities in academia, research, and industry leadership. However, the process can feel overwhelming owing to the rigorous academic requirements and the expectation of producing original research.

Before embarking on this journey, it is essential to grasp key terminologies in the field, particularly in data analysis. Concepts such as Data Analysis Methods, Measurement Models, Internal Consistency, Indicator Reliability, Convergent and Discriminant Validity, Cross Loading, Structural Model Path Coefficients, Bootstrapping, and Predictive Relevance (Q²) are fundamental. Additionally, proficiency in statistical tools such as the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is invaluable. A strong command of these key terminologies and tools, coupled with hands-on experience, significantly enhances one’s ability to conduct research, analyse data, and engage in meaningful discussions with supervisors and peers.

A PhD in Business Management typically takes three to five years for full-time candidates and five to seven years for part-timers. I did mine part-time. The process involves completing a research methodology course, developing and defending a research proposal, conducting research, writing the thesis, and defending the findings before a panel of experts. But more than just earning a title, a PhD signifies a commitment to deepening expertise, contributing to knowledge, and leaving a lasting impact on business practices. Every PhD holder once faced similar tasks, but perseverance ultimately carried each through.

One of the most critical early steps is selecting the right university and supervisor. Institutions with strong research programmes and faculty members whose expertise aligns with one’s interests provide a solid foundation for success. A good supervisor serves as both a mentor and a guide, offering valuable feedback and encouragement throughout the journey. It is advisable to research university rankings, faculty publications, and available resources before making a decision. Connecting with potential supervisors to discuss research interests and seeking insights from current PhD candidates about the institution’s research culture can also be invaluable. A supportive supervisor can make all the difference, providing both intellectual challenges and motivation when the journey becomes difficult. I was fortunate to be guided by a supervisor and co-supervisor who were both resourceful and immensely helpful.

Defining a research topic is another crucial step and often one of the most challenging. A strong topic should be original, relevant, and contribute to existing knowledge in business management. It should also align with personal passion and long-term career aspirations. Identifying gaps in existing literature, considering practical business implications, and assessing the feasibility of data collection are key to refining a research focus. As research is an evolving process, being flexible and open to feedback from supervisors and peers is essential.

Choosing a topic that genuinely interests one is vital for staying committed in the long run. In my case, I was fascinated by people’s buying behaviour toward unit trust investments and how factors such as gender, age, education, and socioeconomic status influence their decisions. To deepen my understanding, I explored established theories and examined their limitations. When I identified gaps, I introduced additional variables to provide a more comprehensive explanation of behavioural outcomes. This exercise led to the development of a conceptual framework that guided my study.

At UMS, PhD candidates must first register for and pass a research methodology course, which serves as an essential transition from being a student to becoming a researcher. Although challenging, this course lays the groundwork for future research. After completing it, the next step is writing and defending a research proposal, which outlines the research questions, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions to the field. A well-structured proposal should include a clear introduction, a thorough literature review, a detailed methodology section, and a discussion of potential contributions. Once completed, it must be defended before a committee whose feedback helps refine and strengthen the study. While this stage can be nerve-wracking, approaching it with a positive and constructive mindset ensures a more robust research foundation.

With an approved proposal, candidates move on to the research and data collection phase which may involve surveys, interviews, case studies, or statistical analysis. From the outset, it is crucial to have confidence in one’s ability to gather the necessary data, typically through sampling. In my case, I sampled the general population, a challenging but manageable task. A fellow PhD candidate, however, chose to survey CEOs of large corporations, which proved to be an impractical approach. Most CEOs delegated the survey to their assistants, resulting in unusable responses, including outliers and straight-line answers. This part of the study highlights the importance of carefully considering the feasibility of data collection methods.

Research requires careful planning, organisation, and adaptability, as unexpected challenges are inevitable.

Keeping detailed records and setting realistic milestones can help maintain momentum. Although this phase is time-consuming, it is the core of the PhD process and demands both focus and perseverance.

Following data collection, the next major hurdle is writing the thesis, often perceived as the most daunting part of the journey. Breaking the writing process into manageable sections – introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion – makes it more approachable. Setting daily or weekly writing goals, seeking regular feedback, and understanding that the first draft need not be perfect are key strategies for success. Writing can sometimes feel isolating, but each completed page brings candidates closer to their ultimate goals.

The final stage is defending the thesis before a panel of experts. At UMS, this panel typically consists of two internal examiners and one external examiner. Defending the thesis gives the candidate the opportunity to showcase years of research and demonstrate expertise. Proper preparation, including anticipating potential questions, practising responses, and presenting confidently, can make a significant difference. While feedback from the panel may require revisions, the defence marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

During the course of study, candidates at UMS must also fulfill two additional requirements for graduation.

First, they must publish research papers related to their studies, with at least one appearing in a Scopus, WoS, or ERA-indexed journal and another in a MyCite-indexed journal or higher. Second, they must present their research at an academic conference.

Earning a PhD in Business Management is not easy, but perseverance makes it possible. Self-doubt, setbacks, and exhaustion are part of the process, yet every PhD candidate has faced these challenges and emerged stronger. It is important to remember that being accepted into a PhD programme is proof of one’s capability to succeed. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress, and every contribution to knowledge is valuable.

The journey, although demanding, is temporary, while the achievement of earning a PhD lasts a lifetime.

Surrounding oneself with a strong support system, including family, friends, mentors, and fellow researchers, helps sustain motivation. Celebrating small victories along the way and maintaining self-belief can make all the difference.

After earning my PhD, I did not return to academia. However, my PhD has significantly benefited my investment and human resource skill training consultancy, as clients now place greater confidence in me as their investment consultant and trainer. More importantly, obtaining my PhD has allowed me to fulfill a lifelong ambition; an achievement I consider my greatest to date.

Footnote
Dr Richard A. Gontusan is a Human Resource Skill Training and Investment Consultant. He may be reached for further guidance on earning a PhD in Business Management. His views expressed in this article are not necessarily the views of The Borneo Post.

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