Programs Director’s Message
Professor Kwaku Atuahene-Gima
Program Director, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree Programs
NiBS, while still quite young, has already established a stellar international reputation as a world-class university, with demonstrated excellence in a number of essential doctoral disciplines. Our faculty, with diverse backgrounds in Marketing, Finance, Innovation, Management, Leadership, Human Resource Management (HRM), Organizational Behavior, Economics, and Entrepreneurship among others is recognized as an outstanding body of scholars.This unique and timely program is possible because we do not have the traditional mindset of playing ‘god’ with thesis supervision – a common ‘migraine’ and ‘night-mare’ for doctoral students. One key aspect of a PhD is developing a lifelong bond between the thesis supervisor and the student. At NiBS, students work hand-in-hand with their supervisors to produce world-class research.Â
Above all, students receive utmost support from thesis supervisors who are always available to help. NiBS also offers candidates the tools and knowledge required to make vital contributions to their fields of study. As a PhD student at NiBS, your research will advance knowledge in your chosen field.
We look forward to seeing you in the program!
Best wishes.
The Executive Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration is designed to cultivate distinguished scholar-practitioners and academic leaders equipped with rigorous theoretical grounding, advanced research capability, and the publication proficiency required to shape contemporary business thought and practice.
The program prepares candidates to advance scholarship and teaching across key domains including Leadership, Management, Marketing, Finance, and Strategy & Innovation, with a particular emphasis on contributing to management knowledge and policy development in Africa and emerging markets.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Demonstrate deep expertise in a defined field of specialization within business and management.
- Identify, conceptualize, and address complex and high-impact research problems using advanced analytical frameworks.
- Apply rigorous qualitative and quantitative methodologies to conduct original scholarly inquiry.
- Produce research suitable for publication in internationally peer-reviewed academic and practitioner journals.
- Contribute meaningfully to theoretical advancement, empirical knowledge, and management practice.
- Design and deliver tertiary-level instruction grounded in evidence-based pedagogy.
- Complete and defend a doctoral thesis that advances new theoretical and applied knowledge in the discipline.
Program Structure
- Total Credits - 85
- Duration: 3–4 Years
The program is delivered in two integrated stages:
Stage I: Pre-Thesis (Year 1)
The Pre-Thesis Stage establishes the intellectual and methodological foundation required for advanced doctoral work. Candidates develop deep theoretical understanding within their primary discipline and acquire mastery of contemporary research methods and analytical techniques.
Delivery combines executive-style on-campus residencies with structured online engagement, including:
- Faculty-led seminars and tutorials
- Doctoral colloquia
- Collaborative research assignments
- Academic networking sessions
Between on-campus classes, candidates remain fully engaged through structured virtual learning, guided research preparation, and milestone-based progress reviews. This stage ensures readiness for doctoral candidacy and successful transition to independent research.
Six foundational courses provide advanced grounding in key disciplines of Business Administration. In accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, candidates may receive credit transfer for relevant prior coursework. Courses include:
- Managing Organizations
- Business Economics
- Accounting for Decision-Making
- Marketing Management
- Managing Operations
- Managerial Finance
Research Methods
Five advanced methodology courses equip candidates with the technical and analytical expertise required for rigorous doctoral research.
Candidates develop the capacity to:
- Critically evaluate academic and business research
- Design methodologically sound research projects
- Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative techniques
- Conduct statistical and empirical analysis
- Translate research findings into scholarly publications
Courses include:
- Scientific Inquiry and Theory Development
- Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
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Stage II: Thesis (Years 2–3)
The Thesis Stage is centred on the design, execution, and defence of an original doctoral research project.
Under close faculty supervision, candidates:
- Refine and defend a doctoral research proposal
- Conduct independent, high-level scholarly research
- Participate in advanced doctoral seminars
- Present research for peer and faculty critique
- Prepare manuscripts for academic publication
A hallmark of this stage is the structured mentorship model. Each candidate works closely with an assigned supervisor who provides guidance on research design, publication strategy, and academic career development. Regular progress reviews ensure timely completion of all doctoral milestones.
Research Specialization
Candidates complete three doctoral seminars within their chosen specialization, supported by supervised intensive reading and research development.
Specialization Areas:
- Strategy & Innovation
- Finance
- Strategic Management
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
Each specialization develops advanced disciplinary mastery, research leadership capability, and tertiary teaching competence.
Strategy & Innovation
- Innovation Management Theory
- Strategic Management Research
- Special Topics in Strategy & Innovation
Finance
- Corporate Finance Theory
- Financial Accounting Research
- Special Topics in Finance
Strategic Management
- Management Theory
- Organizational Behavior Researc
- Special Topics in Management
Marketing
- Marketing Theory
- Marketing Strategy Research
- Special Topics in Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Leadership Theory
- Corporate Governance & Ethics
- Special Topics in Leadership
Organizational Leadership
- Leadership Theory
- Corporate Governance & Ethics
- Special Topics in Leadership
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive examination prior to advancing to doctoral candidacy.
The examination assesses mastery of:
- Core disciplinary knowledge
- Research methodologies
- Specialization coursework
The comprehensive examination is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Research Proposal & Defence
The Proposal Defence consists of:
Written Proposal
A 15–20-page scholarly document including:
- Research background and context
- Problem statement
- Research objectives
- Literature synthesis
- Methodology
- Expected contributions
- Timeline and key references
The proposal must be submitted to the examination panel at least two weeks prior to the defence.
Oral Defence
A formal one-hour presentation to the Ph.D. Thesis Examination Committee, including:
- 30-minute research presentation
- Scholarly questioning and evaluation
Successful defence confirms readiness for full thesis research.
Doctoral Thesis
The doctoral thesis represents the culminating scholarly contribution of the program.
Candidates design, conduct, and defend an original research project that advances theoretical and empirical knowledge in Business Administration.
Research is undertaken under the supervision of a designated advisor and presented in formal academic forums prior to final defence.
Teaching & Publishing Seminars
These seminars strengthen academic leadership and publication readiness.
- Teaching Seminar & Practicum
- Academic Writing & Publishing Seminar
Candidates gain supervised teaching experience and develop manuscripts for submission to high-impact academic and practitioner journals.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the Executive Ph.D. program is highly selective.
Applicants must possess:
A Master’s or MPhil degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Strategy, Leadership, Public Administration, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, or related fields).
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Applicants holding professional accounting qualifications (e.g., ICAG, ACCA, CIMA) alongside a non-research MBA/EMBA/MA/MSc may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- A completed application form.
- A doctoral research proposal and successful proposal defence.
- Successful performance in an admissions interview.
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- Official certified academic transcripts.
International applicants must:
- Present qualifications recognized and evaluated for equivalence by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
- Demonstrate proficiency in English if from a non-English-speaking country.
This Ph.D. is designed for accomplished professionals and aspiring academics committed to shaping the future of business scholarship, leadership, and policy.
Duration:
Full Time: 3 – 4 years
Part-Time: 4 – 5 years
Specializations:
Marketing
The Marketing specialization is designed to provide students with advanced research knowledge in the marketing strategy domain, including its theoretical foundations, methods, and future research directions. It is designed to expose Doctoral students to cutting-edge research in marketing models in order to help them to define and advance their research interests.
This course is delivered through lectures and seminar presentations, term assignments, Interactive group work, and self-study. This program is designed to develop scholars who advance marketing theory and practice through innovative research.
Key objectives include building expertise in research methodologies, critical thinking, and academic publishing. Graduates are prepared for faculty roles at leading business schools and research institutions.
Program Objectives
- To provide in-depth discussions on some important topics in marketing by experts in their respective areas
- To equip students with the tools and methodologies required for conducting research in ray marketing
- To provide students with profound knowledge of in-depth theoretical linkages among marketing strategies, organizational dynamics, critical data, and the general marketing ecosystem to complete a thesis.
Finance
A PhD in Finance is particularly significant for emerging economies. It contributes to building a robust academic foundation, fostering innovation, and addressing the unique financial challenges faced by these countries. Through advanced research, candidates can explore solutions tailored to developing economies’ context, such as improving financial inclusion, enhancing corporate governance, and fostering sustainable economic growth. By preparing thought leaders in finance, the program supports the development of local expertise and contributes to the long-term socioeconomic progress of emerging economies.
The PhD program offered by NiBS University is designed to enhance the quality of business education, equipping candidates with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue academic careers in universities and polytechnics. This program prepares graduates to serve as fulltime faculty members, with research and teaching as their primary focus. It emphasizes the development of new theories, the application of diverse research methodologies, and the publication of scholarly work.
Strategy & Innovation
This academic doctorate program is designed for those seeking to push the boundaries of innovation and strategic knowledge development and application in challenging traditional business models. It calls for revision and advancement based on dynamics in business, management, leadership, and technology.
Program Objectives
- Develop substantive knowledge in strategy and innovation.
- Master the analytical and methodological skills required to evaluate and conduct research in strategy and innovation.
- Design and conduct original research in strategy and innovation.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of their research clearly and effectively.
- Demonstrate an understanding and concern for the high ethical standards in strategy and innovation research, teaching, and service.
- Demonstrate the ability to teach tertiary-level courses in strategy and innovation.
Strategic Management
This elective concerns foundational and contemporary theories and research that are used to explain the ways in which humans behave in organizations and the formal and informal structures in place in organizations that impact those behaviors.
Program Objectives
- To review and critically evaluate contemporary issues in the context of current research in
management and organization. - To analyze how organizations address and manage change, the impact of change on people
management and the role of leadership in that process. - To critically discuss and assess the choices organizations make in respect of their management of
individuals and teams in the organization. - To evaluate how theories and models of management are put into practice by organizations and
the ethical dimensions of why and how they do this. - To demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the contribution of principles-led,
evidence-based decision-making to organizational behaviors and outcomes
Organizational Leadership
This academic doctorate program aims to cultivate the leadership needed to inspire teams, manage change, transform organizational culture, and command effective followership based on dynamics in organizational behavior.
Program Objectives
- Develop substantive knowledge in leadership.
- Master the analytical and methodological skills required to evaluate and conduct research in leadership.
- Design and conduct original research in leadership.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of their research in a clear and effective manner.
- Demonstrate an understanding and concern for the high ethical standards in leadership research, teaching, and service.
- Demonstrate the ability to teach tertiary-level courses in leadership.
Duration & Courses
Year 1
- Foundation courses
- Research Methodology Courses
Years 2 & 3
- Specialization Research Courses & Seminars
- Research Proposal & Defence
- Academic Writing & Publishing
- Teaching Seminar & Practicum
- Doctoral Thesis Project & Defence
Department Contacts
Dr. Joshua Amuzu
Program Coordinator
Richard Ntim Frimpong
Program Advisor
Ebenezer Anderson Okai
Program Advisor
Overview of the Department
We are committed to providing rigorous and comprehensive education that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and strategic insights required to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Our faculty members are accomplished scholars and practitioners who bring a wealth of expertise across the fields of strategic management, marketing, leadership, and organizational behavior
We are committed to providing a rigorous and comprehensive education that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and strategic insights required to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Our faculty members are accomplished scholars and practitioners, bringing a wealth of expertise in a variety of management and organizational topics, including marketing, leadership, strategic management, and organizational behavior.
Mission and Vision:
- Our mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of scholars, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to drive change, cultivate the habits of critical thinking, creative problem solving, innovation, and lifelong learning
- By fostering a collaborative, dynamic, and supportive academic environment, the Department of Management and Organization prepares individuals to become effective leaders who can drive change, improve organizational performance, and contribute meaningfully to the global economy.
- We are excited to continue building upon our legacy of excellence and innovation, shaping the future of management and organization education and research.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Research Excellence: Our department encourages and supports cutting-edge research that addresses both theoretical and practical issues in management and organization. Our scholars regularly contribute to leading academic journals and provide insights into contemporary challenges faced by businesses and organizations worldwide.
- Academic Programs: We offer a diverse range of graduate programs, including:
- PhD in Marketing
- PhD in Strategic Management
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
- Master of Service Design Management & Leadership (MSDML)
These programs are designed to develop future leaders, scholars, and industry experts who can drive innovation and organizational success in an increasingly complex and globalized business environment.
- Part-Time Block Modular Course Delivery
- Delivery over a few days (2-4) every 2 or 3 months
- Creative Thesis Supervision System
- Face-to-Face On-Campus Classes
- LIVE face to face Digital Channel Classes, where necessary
- 3 years completion period
- Several Doctoral Seminars
- Enrolment – April/May and September/October
Locations : Accra and Lagos
List of Programs
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