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Doctor of Philosophy (Business Administration)
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is a three-year research-intensive doctoral program designed to produce globally competitive scholars, researchers, and practitioners.
Introduction
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is a three-year research-intensive doctoral program designed to produce globally competitive scholars, researchers, and practitioners. The program equips candidates with advanced theoretical foundations, rigorous research skills, and analytical tools necessary to address complex business, management, and organizational challenges.
This PhD responds to the pressing need for high-level expertise in business administration to support Somalia’s socio-economic transformation, the Horn of Africa’s integration, and broader global competitiveness. It positions graduates to make impactful contributions to academia, industry, policy, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Program Objectives
The PhD in Business Administration aims to:
- Develop highly qualified scholars capable of advancing theory and practice in business administration and management.
- Foster research that addresses Somalia’s developmental priorities, fragile-state challenges, and global business dynamics.
- Strengthen institutional and organizational capacity in entrepreneurship, finance, governance, and strategic management.
- Promote innovation, sustainable business practices, and entrepreneurial solutions in fragile and emerging economies.
- Position SIMAD University as a hub for cutting-edge business research and doctoral-level training in the Horn of Africa.
Rationale and Justification
Somalia and the wider region face challenges of limited institutional capacity, fragile markets, governance gaps, and constrained entrepreneurship ecosystems. There is a scarcity of doctoral-level training in business administration that can generate knowledge and innovative solutions tailored to fragile contexts. Establishing this PhD program addresses these gaps by:
- Building a cadre of business scholars and professionals capable of advancing Somalia’s economic transformation.
- Linking research to practice by producing evidence that informs both scholarly debates and business decision-making.
- Enhancing Somalia’s contribution to regional integration under the East African Community (EAC), African Union (AU), and global economic institutions.
- Aligning with Somalia’s National Development Plan (NDP-9) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Graduate Profile
Graduates of this program will be:
- Academics capable of publishing in Scopus- or Web of Science–indexed journals and contributing to global debates in management and business studies.
- Researchers skilled in designing, conducting, and supervising high-quality, policy-relevant business research.
- Leaders and strategists able to guide organizations through change, innovation, and sustainable growth.
- Entrepreneurial thinkers who can create ventures, support SMEs, and enhance ecosystems in fragile and emerging economies.
- Policy advisors contributing evidence-based recommendations to governments, development partners, and private-sector actors.
Doctoral Program Timeline and Graduation Requirements
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is a structured research-intensive program that integrates coursework, examinations, dissertation research, and scholarly engagement. To ensure academic excellence and timely completion, the following timeline and graduation requirements apply.
Graduation Requirements
To be awarded the PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Coursework
- Successful completion of all prescribed courses (minimum 29 CU).
- Maintenance of a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Examinations & Colloquia
- Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination.
- Active participation in Doctoral Colloquia, seminars, and progress jury meetings.
- Dissertation
- Approval of a dissertation proposal by the Doctoral Committee.
- Completion of original, independent research that makes a significant contribution to international relations and diplomacy.
- Final dissertation must be approved by both internal and external examiners and defended publicly.
- Language Proficiency Requirement
- All PhD candidates must demonstrate adequate English proficiency (language of instruction).
- Accepted tests and minimum scores:
- Cambridge Linguaskill: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall band
- TOEFL iBT: 72
- Publications & Dissemination
- Publication of at least two (2) scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent databases.
- Presentation of research findings at least one regional or international academic conference.
- Ethical & Professional Standards
- Adherence to the highest standards of academic integrity and research ethics, including compliance with SIMAD’s Research Ethics Committee protocols.
- Demonstration of professional conduct in teaching, supervision, and/or policy engagement activities related to the program.
- Clearance & Certification
- Obtain financial and School clearance from SIMAD University.
- Recommendation for graduation by the Doctoral Committee and approval by the University Senate.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is a three-year research-intensive doctoral program designed to produce globally competitive scholars, researchers, and practitioners. The program equips candidates with advanced theoretical foundations, rigorous research skills, and analytical tools necessary to address complex business, management, and organizational challenges.
This PhD responds to the pressing need for high-level expertise in business administration to support Somalia’s socio-economic transformation, the Horn of Africa’s integration, and broader global competitiveness. It positions graduates to make impactful contributions to academia, industry, policy, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Program Structure
Code | Course | Credit Unit |
EMA 9101 | Philosophy Methods | 4 |
EMA 9101 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 |
EMA 9101 | Academic Writing and Critique | 3 |
| Political Economy & Development in Fragile States | 3 |
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| 3 |
Electives | ||
| Entrepreneurship & Innovation | 3 |
| Social entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Digital entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystems | 3 |
| Entrepreneurship & Society |
|
| Entrepreneurial Finance |
|
| Strategic Entrepreneurship |
|
| Strategic Management & Leadership |
|
| Dynamic Capabilities & Strategic Agility |
|
| Institutional Development & Governance |
|
| Leadership and Change Management |
|
| Strategy Implementation in Fragile States |
|
|
|
|
| Finance |
|
| Financial Econometrics |
|
| Corporate Finance Theory |
|
| Banking & Financial Intermediation |
|
| Islamic Finance |
|
| Digital Finance |
|
| Behavioral Finance |
|
|
|
|
| Human Resource Management & Organizational Behavior |
|
| Theories of Human Resource Management |
|
| Organizational Behavior & Psychology |
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| Leadership & Emotional Intelligence |
|
| Organizational Culture, Change & Development |
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| Strategic HRM |
|
|
|
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| Marketing |
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| Theories of Marketing & Consumer Behavior |
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| Digital Marketing & E-commerce Ecosystems |
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| Big Data, AI & Marketing Analytics |
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| Mobile & Social Media Marketing in Emerging Markets |
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| Digital Branding |
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| Online Retail Strategy |
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Applicants must satisfy the following:
- A master’s degree in business administration, Management, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or a related field from a recognized university.
- A strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent). Exceptional applicants with significant professional achievements may also be considered.
- Submission of a concept note (2,500 words) clearly outlining the intended research problem, objectives, theoretical framework, and methodology.
- Certified copies of transcripts and degree certificates.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic, professional, and research experience.
- Coursework Completion
- Students are required to complete all core and elective courses within the first two semesters of enrollment (minimum 29 credit units).
- Students are encouraged to select a research topic or area of interest early in the program to facilitate timely progression.
- Qualification/Comprehensive Examination
- The Qualification Examination should ideally be completed by the end of Semester Three.
- If a student is unable to pass or complete the exam in Semester Three, it may be conducted in Semester Four.
- The examination will assess mastery of theories of international relations, research methodologies, and the student’s area of specialization.
- Research Proposal
- By the end of Semester Four, students are required to present and defend their research proposal before the Doctoral Committee.
- Upon approval, students will proceed to full dissertation research under the guidance of their supervisor.
- Research Progress & Monitoring
- Students must regularly present their research progress to a doctoral committee chaired by their supervisor.
- At the end of each semester, candidates will submit a progress report detailing achievements, challenges, and plans for the next phase.
- Students must successfully participate in at least three out of five progress doctoral committee meetings during their candidature.
- Dissertation & Defense
- Upon completing research, students will submit their dissertation for examinations by internal and external examiners.
- A public oral defense (viva voce) before the SIMAD University Doctoral Jury is required for final approval.
- Application Fees 100
- 1250 USD per Semester for Six Semesters
- Administrative Fees 500 USD
- Graduation Fees 400 USD