“TƏSDİQ EDİRƏM”
ADNSU-nun rektoru, professor
___________ Mustafa Babanlı
“ ” 2017-ci il
Title of the Program
PhD Program in Business Administration
Title of the Program (in Azerbaijani)
Müəssisələrin təşkili və İdarəedilməsi üzrə PhD Proqramı (Management)
Highest Academic Tier
PhD
Language
Program is taught in English
Academic degree awarded
Title in (in Azerbaijani): Müəssisələrin təşkili və İdarəedilməsi üzrə PhD elmi
dərəcəsi (Management)
Title in English: PhD in Business Administration
Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University
Business Administration Program
PhD Program
PhD Program Approval Date
PhD Program in Management is approved Academic Council of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry
University on 29.03.2017 (Protocol №07).
2
Aim of the PhD Program
In line with the mission of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, the Program is aimed to
provide research-focused teaching experience to its students and train highly qualified PhDs that
possess competitive knowledge for local and international markets and share values of democracy and
high professional ethics. The Program strives to generate new knowledge and meet educational and
training requirements set in this field by the contemporary society.
The Program was developed in partnership with Georgia State University J. Mack Robinson College
of Business (Atlanta, USA).
Aim of the PhD Program at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University is to equip students with
theoretical basis in the field, to develop skills necessary for academic learning and research and to give
them necessary knowledge. As the part of the program, students will not only gain theoretical
knowledge, but also skills for successful continuation of their career in scientific research and
academic fields. Graduates will be able to apply contemporary research methods to generate new
knowledge and use the best available teaching methods to educate others, in line with the
contemporary standards in academia to improve control over current challenges. Education received as
a part of the program, will be a sound foundation for a success in future professional development for
doctorate students and will enable them to synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge.
Doctorate students will be able to apply and to test their theoretical knowledge in number of scientific
projects as a part of the seminars. Key to success of this program is to provide doctorate students with
experience on how to combine theoretical and practical knowledge. Namely, doctorate students will be
able to start research activities in different directions, demonstrate their professionalism, and gain
experience in relationships in a business environment. This is an initial step for successful start of
scientific or academic career.
Outcomes/Prospects of PhD Program
Graduates
Graduates of PhD program in business administration will possess in-depth and systematic knowledge
and relevant skills in business administration field.
Doctorate students will develop the following competences and general skills, as well as skills and
knowledge related to specific subjects:
I. Knowledge and Understanding
Evidence-based contemporary knowledge that allows revisiting and improving current status of
knowledge, or applying innovative methods (in line with requirements for peer-reviewed
manuscripts); understand new frameworks that emerge after revisiting and renewing current
knowledge.
1. Critical appraisal of scientific literature
2. Capacity to analyze business institutions
3. Study origins of managerial theory and its development
PhD Program Description
3
II. Practical Application of Knowledge
Plan, implement and supervise innovative research studies; develop innovative research, analytical
methods and approaches that are oriented to create new knowledge and can be published in
international peer-reviewed journals.
1. Knowledge and ability to collect data and to use innovative analytical methods
2. Skills to conduct research independently
3. Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them
4. Conduct scientific research relevant to the field of study
5. Apply managerial concepts to business practice.
III. Analytical Skills
Critical appraisal, analysis and synthesis of new, complex and controversial ideas and approaches that
create a basis for development of new methodologies; independently identify right and effective
solutions for problems.
1. Data analysis and synthesis skills
2. Strategic planning and decision-making skills
3. Cognitive skills
4. Skills to synthesis different theories in the field.
IV. Communication Skills
Present and link new information with existing knowledge clearly and argumentatively; participate in
thematic discussion with local or international scientific communities.
1. Be a part of a research team
2. Teaching and pedagogical skills
3. Leadership skills
4. Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations.
V. Learning Skills
Readiness to develop new ideas and processes based on contemporary achievements and knowledge
for teaching, work and research.
1. Study and use innovative methods for data collection and analysis
2. Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts
3. Skills to conduct large-scale business studies
4. Study, critically apprise and use models in the field of management in research activities.
VI. Values
Study and develop innovative approaches for establishing values
1. Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote ethical standards and apply them at their
scientific work.
2. Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote social corporate responsibility principles and
apply them at their scientific work.
PhD Program Standards
Standards for PhD program in Business Administration are the following:
Taught program is in line with the program objectives and study outcomes framework;
Teaching methodology and organization of teaching process, as well as student evaluation on
study material is adequate;
Students’ achievements and personalized approach;
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Educational resources are available.
Admission Requirements *
Masters Degree Diploma from the university;
At least average 3.7 GPA from Master’s program;
Successful interview with Admission Committee of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry
University;
Motivation letter;
Proof of English language proficiency (if such proof/certificate is not presenting, applicant will
have to undergo an exam).
Prospects for Employment
After completion of the program, graduates have an employment prospects in the following industries:
Educational institutions
Scientific research institutions
Analytical research center
Management consulting firms
Analytical, research and forecasting department in public and private sectors;
Top managerial positions in companies.
Program Volume in Credit Hours
PhD in Business Administration program consists of 180 ECTS credits. Optimal duration of the
program is 4 years. Maximum duration is 5 years. Teaching process is structured around semesters:
fall and spring semester.
1 ECTS credit equals to 25 hours of academic work that includes contact hours for doctorate students
(lections, seminars, examinations, etc.), as well as time they spent working independently.
Academic year is built on semester principle. The first (Fall) and the second (Spring) semester
includes 15-15 calendar weeks. Accordingly, the school year is scheduled for 30 weeks.
PhD Program in Business Administration includes taught component (50 ECTS credits). Students can
choose from four elective courses, equals to 24 credits. They should take at least two elective courses,
equals to 12 credits. First two subjects should be seminars and the following two – methodology.
Student can choose one out of available two seminar topics and at least one methodological subject out
of available; seminar on final exam (15 ECTS credits); teaching assistantship (15 ECTS credits) and
research components (100 ECTS credits).
After duration of PhD program in is over, student who were not able to complete the whole program
will have a right to continue studies for additional semesters (not more then 2) and he/she will
maintain student’s status during this period.
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Student Evaluation and Grading System
Students will be graded with a 100-score system. Total score consists of shares of scores according to
teaching and learning methods employed. Student’s accomplishments are evaluated based on the
following criteria:
Evaluation of independent work;
Weekly Evaluation;
Mid-term Evaluation;
Final Exam.
Students are evaluated based on their verbal and written performance (test, case discussion, open
questions, essays, etc.), group or individual work and presentation skills.
Scores in the grading system are distributed according to the following chart:
Students are graded with 100-score system
The following grades will be considered satisfactory:
(A) - Excellent – maximum score: 91.00–100.00
(B) – Very Good - maximum score: 81.00 – 90.00
(C) - Good - maximum score: 71.00 – 80.00
(D) - Satisfactory - maximum score: 61.00 – 70.00
(E) - Sufficient - maximum score: 51.00 – 60.00
The following evaluation will be considered unsatisfactory:
(FX) - Insufficient – 41.00-50.00 of maximum score that means that student needs to put more
work to pass the subject and is given an additional time for independent work and one more
chance to take final exam.
(F) - Fail – 40.00 or lower of maximum score that means that student’s accomplishment of the
course is fully unsatisfactory and he/she had failed to complete the course.
Teaching methods and forms employed to achieve
study objectives
Lecture Seminar Analysis of scientific publications
Independent work PhD dissertation
Different teaching methods are employed during the teaching process to address all aspects of topics
covered. Those include verbal methods, textbook methods, writing, discussion/debates, explanations,
problem-based learning, deductive teaching, analytical and synthesis methods and others. Those
teaching methods complement each other during the teaching process. Course syllabus provides
detailed information about teaching methods used.
Other Resources Available for the
Program
Relations with international institutions:
Georgia State University, USA;
University of Siegen, Siegen;
Near East University, North Cyprus;
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TOBB Economics and Technology University, Turkey;
BISC – Berkeley Initiative in Soft Computing, USA.
Library and Study Resources
MBA Program Library (2000 units);
Electronic Library;
Internet (Wi-Fi coverage on the whole campus);
Computer center;
Study area;
Auditoriums;
IT platforms to support research activities.
Academic Plan Attached not available
Program’s Hourly Plan Attached not available
Description of Courses Attached not available
Competency Framework for each Subject Attached not available
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PhD Program Academic Plan
(Modules, subjects and credits)
# Subject Credits Status Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
I II III IV V VI VII VIII
Seminars
1
Teaching Methods 2 Required 3
2
Academic Writing 6
Required 3
3
Organizational Behavior 6
Required 3
4
Decision Analysis 6
Required 3
5
Leadership 6
Elective 3
6
Strategic Management 6 Elective 3
Methodological Subjects
7
Statistical Theory 6
Required 3
8
IT for Management
Support 6 Required
3
9
Quantitative and
Qualitative Research
Methods 6 Elective 3
10
Operations Research 6 Elective 3
11 Data Analysis 6 Required 3
Teaching and Assistantship
12 Teaching and
Assistantship 15 Required 3 3 3 3 3 3
Final Exam
13 Preparatory Seminar for
Final Exam 15 Required 15
Thesis
14 Submission and approval
of dissertation proposal 30 Required
30
15 Submission and defense of
dissertation 70 Required 70
180
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PhD Program Hourly Plan
№ Subject
EC
TS
C
redit
s/hour
Lec
ture
/Sem
inar
Exam
inat
ion/T
ext(
mid
ter
m,
final
)
Pra
ctic
um
Hom
ework
and
Pre
senta
tion
Indep
enden
t w
ork
, in
cl.
pre
par
atio
n f
or
exam
s
Cla
ss h
our
1. Teaching Methods 2/50 15 6 3 3 23 27
2. Academic Writing 6/150 27 6 9 9 99 51
3. Organizational Behavior 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
4. Decision Analysis 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
5. Leadership 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
6. Strategic management 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
7. Statistical theory 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
8. IT for Management Support 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
9. Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Methods 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
10. Operations Research 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
11. Data Analysis 6/150 42 6 3 3 96 54
12. Teaching and Assistantship 15/375 0 0 270 0 105
13. Preparatory Seminar for Final Exam 15/375 5 10 0 0 360
14. Submission and approval of dissertation
proposal 30/750 5 3 0 0 742
15. Submission and defense of dissertation 70/1750 5 3 0 0 1742
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Overview of Courses Taught as a part of PhD Program
Subject Title Teaching Methods
ECTS credits 2 ECTS credits
Prerequisites None
Term I
Brief Description of the Course
Teaching methodology course provides practical instructions to PhD students to help them
master academic teaching methods and the art of working with the audience.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Knowledge and ability to collect data and to use innovative analytical methods;
Teaching and pedagogical skills;
Leadership skills;
Cognitive skills;
Apply management concepts to business practice.
Subject Title Academic writing
ECTS credits 6 ECTS credits
Prerequisites None
Term I
Brief Description of the Course
Good academic writing style is essential for every student to complete PhD program. It enables
them to write scientific articles and present results of their research using different academic
styles. The course also helps students to develop their writing skills for reports, presentations,
thesis, articles and books.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Critical appraisal of scientific literature;
Data analysis and synthesis skills.
10
Subject Title Organizational Behavior
ECTS credits 6 ECTS credits
Prerequisites None
Term II
Brief Description of the Course
Objective of the seminar in organizational behavior is to train theoretician/analyst, researcher or
practitioner who possesses skills to understand effective organizational behavior and further
develop it. The course covers micro and macro environment in organizations; values, attitudes
and behavior of individuals, groups and macro units within organization.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Critical appraisal of scientific literature
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Capacity to analyze business institutions
Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them
Study, critically apprise and used in research activities models in the field of
management
Skills to synthesize different theories in the field
Study origins of managerial theory and its development
Subject Title Decision Analysis
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term III
Brief Description of the Course
The objective of the course is to introduce students the basic principles of solving real-world
decision making problems, help them understand decision objectives, analyze decision
environment, choose decision criteria, and study behavior of a decision maker.
Learning Outcomes
1. Critical appraisal of scientific literature
2. Skills to synthesize different theories in the field Analyzing a management decision
situation and defining alternatives, states of nature, payoffs and outcomes
3. Choosing the appropriate utility model for solving the formulated problem.
4. Solve the formulated problem and interpret the results
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Subject Title Leadership
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credit
Prerequisites None
Term III
Brief Description of the Course
The course covers individual behavior in an organization with leadership aspects. The first part
of the course covers topics such as importance of effective leadership and ability to influence
necessary changes in the society and organization. It covers topics such as variety of
organizational behavior, individual attitudes, motivation/incentives, individual differences,
culture, ethics, power, conflict resolution and others. All the above-mentioned topics and other
key topics in management will be taught using evidence-based education methods and evidence-
based empirical research, as well as based on an existing knowledge in psychology and
management. Learning process is further supported by reviewing specific cases and identifying
general concepts as this is suggested by research/evidence-based thinking and helps managers to
solve work-related challenges.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Leadership skills
Skills to synthesize different theories in the field
Apply management concepts to business practice
Subject Title Strategic Management
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term IV
Brief Description of the Course
Course introduces students with complex aspects of organization’s strategic development.
Tactical and strategic decision in organizational management will be reviewed. The primary
focus areas of the seminar are different strategic management models, strategic advantages and
core corporate values as a source of strategic advantage.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Critical appraisal of scientific literature
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Capacity to analyze business institutions
Strategic planning and decision-making skills
Study and critically apprise models in the field of management and apply them in
research work
Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote social corporate reasonability principles
and apply them at their scientific work
Study origins of managerial theory and its development
12
Subject Title Statistical Theory
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term I
Brief Description of the Course
Aim of the course is to prepare students to conceptually understand results of real-life research
data analysis. It will focus on key concepts and use of computerized data processing/analysis
software. The course will also help students to identify appropriate statistical models for a
research topic.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Knowledge and ability to collect data and to use innovative analytical methods
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Subject Title IT for Management Support
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term II
Brief Description of the Course
This course will introduce students with modern information technologies and how to use them
to support management in business organizations. The course emphasizes how rapid advances in
hardware and software technology may impact strategy, structures and processes of an
organization. Particular attention is paid to the search, acquisition, processing, interpretation and
use of information. The course explores approaches for developing information systems for
support of management and decision making in organizations.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course, students will have the following skills:
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Skills to analyze processes in organizations and how they can be leveraged or redesigned
using emerging technologies;
Determine the costs and benefits associated with the development of information
systems.
Describe, and critical evaluate the state of current management information system
Redesign information system on the basis of new information technologies
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Subject Title Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term III
Brief Description of the Course
The course is devoted to the theory and application of research methods to solving problems
in the field of management. The main focus is on understanding and applying of appropriate
quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The themes cover philosophical
frameworks for quantitative and qualitative research and their differences, research design, data
collection methods, data analysis, research ethics, and current issues in qualitative research.
During the course, research project of each student will be reviewed and methodological
issues will be discussed further.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Skills to conduct research independently
Data analysis and synthesis skills
Be a part of a research team
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them
Skills to conduct large-scale business studies
Knowledge and ability to collect data and use innovative analytical methods Study and
critically apprise models in the field of management and apply them in research work
Conduct scientific research relevant to the field of study
14
Subject Title Data Analysis
ECTS credits 6 ECTS Credit
Prerequisites None
Term IV
Brief Description of the Course
This course will introduce PhD students with quantitative methods for data collection and
analysis. After completion of the course, students should be able to conduct high-quality
quantitative studies independently. It will focus on use of computerized data analysis software to
process data with respect of complex organizational characteristics and provide tools to
argument and generalize study results.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Critical appraisal of scientific literature
Data analysis and synthesis skills
Be a part of a research team
Skills to conduct research independently
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them
Skills to conduct large-scale business studies
Study and critically apprise models in the field of management and apply them in
research work
Conduct scientific research relevant to the field of study
Subject Title Teaching and Assistantship
ECTS credits 15 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term III-VIII
Brief Description of the Seminar
PhD students enhance their knowledge in teaching methods in the first semester of the first
academic year. Starting from the first semester of the second academic year to the second
semester of the fourth academic year students teach at the university and provide assistance to
their professor in the selected subject. Overall, each PhD Student teaches 6 courses in II-IV
academic years and this includes at least 45 hours teaching in each subject.
Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Teaching and pedagogical skills
Leadership skills
15
Subject Title Submission and approval of dissertation proposal
ECTS credits 15 ECTS credits
Prerequisites None
Term VI
Brief Description of the Paper
In spring semester of the third academic year PhD students have a preliminary discussion of
their dissertation proposal. For this, PhD student should provide comprehensive theoretical
analysis of the study topic, present objectives of the study and its potential results. This proposal
should also reflect detailed work plan for the study and its timeline. After approval of
dissertation proposal, student has one more year to complete his/her dissertation and defend it.
Dissertation proposal is evaluated based on the criteria defined in the Charter on Dissertation of
Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.
Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Leadership skills
Skills to conduct research independently
Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them
Strategic planning and decision-making skills
Study and critically apprise models in the field of management and apply them in
research work
Skills to synthesize different theories in the field
Subject Title Preparatory Seminar for Final Exam
ECTS credits 30 ECTS Credits
Prerequisites None
Term V
Brief Description of the Seminar
In the beginning of third academic year PhD students should take a final exam. 10 topics will be
selected from the covered material and PhD students will be tested orally on those topics. On the
examination day, student will be given 10 hours to prepare for the questions. Students receive
only two type of evaluation for the final exam: pass or failure.
Outcomes
After completion of the course students will have the following skills:
Critical appraisal of scientific literature
Leadership skills
Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations
Capacity to analyze business institutions
Cognitive skills
Skills to synthesize different theories in the field
16
Subject Title Dissertation
ECTS credits 70 ECTS credits
Prerequisites None
Term VII-VIII
Brief Description of the Thesis
By the end of the 4th year, PhD student should defend his/her dissertation. Dissertation defense is
done through a student’s presentation of his/her work to the Dissertation Board. Duration of this
session is agreed mutually by the Board and the student. Dissertation should be a complete piece
of academic work that reflects objectives and values of the researcher about the topic of study
and demonstrates clear scientific analysis. Dissertations are evaluated in accordance with a
Charter on Dissertations of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.
Outcomes
After completing a dissertation, student acquires the following skills:
Knowledge and ability to collect data and use innovative analytical methods
Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote ethical standards and apply them at their
scientific work
Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts
Leadership skills
Skills to conduct research independently
Skills to conduct large-scale business studies
Conduct scientific research relevant to the field of study
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Competency Framework for Subjects
№
Subje
ct C
ode
Subject
Knowledge
and
Understandi
ng
Practical Application
of Knowledge Analytical Skills
Communication
Skills
Learning
Skills Values
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
1.
Teaching
Methods x x x x x
2.
Academic
Writing x x
3.
Organizational
Behavior x x x x x x x
4.
Decision
Analysis x x x x x x x
5.
Leadership x x x
6.
Strategic Management x x x x x x x
7.
Statistical
Theory x x
8.
IT for
Management
Support
x x x x
9.
Quantitative and
Qualitative
Research Methods
x x x x x x x
10. Operations
Research x x x
11. Data Analysis
x x x x x x x x x
12. Teaching and
Assistantship x x
13.
Preparatory
Seminar for
Final Exam
x x x x x x
14.
Submission and
approval of
dissertation
proposal
x x x x x x
15.
Submission and
defense of
dissertation
x x x x x x x
BA Proqramlarının direktoru, professor R.Ə.Əliyev