Overview The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is designed to meet the development needs of business leaders, experienced managers and professionals who wish to pursue advanced studies and research in an area of significance to business administration. The PhD involves initial coursework subjects and thesis research which develop the capacity of candidates to analyze, critique, synthesize and to develop knowledge. The Bulacan State University (BSU) PhD is unique in the sense that it is conducted bilingually, and the candidates may opt to write their thesis and attend the oral defense in either Chinese or in English but candidates must prepare an English version as the main submission and if need be, hire an English interpreter during oval defense (at the candidate s own expenses). The PhD degree can be completed overseas. Course Aims The aim of the PhD program is to enhance candidates capacity, through advanced coursework and research, to become aware of the relationship between research and their professional activities in business administration. Throughout the program, PhD candidates are expected to make a distinct contribution to knowledge of business administration whether by original investigation, review or criticism. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to promote the extension of knowledge and research to serve and develop new and better practices in business administration. Recognition of BSU Degree All BSU undergraduate and postgraduate programs are duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Republic of the Philippines. PhD is a prestigious and respectable academic award. On completion of the degree, graduates will be entitled to use the title Dr before their names. Course Structure The PhD degree is built on a 60-credit point structure comprising two components, i.e. coursework and thesis research. 1
Coursework Requirement The coursework component comprises 48 credit points which are made up of core courses, major courses and electives. Candidates with an insufficient background in research methods and / or theoretical knowledge in the core fields of study are required to undertake initial coursework subjects. Candidates with appropriate prior learning history may apply for exemption from part of the courses. Thesis The doctoral thesis research and development will be undertaken after the coursework subjects have been completed. The thesis counts as 12 credit points. The thesis subject requires candidates to prepare a substantial research thesis of 20,000-25,000 words. The thesis is expected to present original research of a theoretical or applied nature and constitutes a substantial original contribution to knowledge. Framework The BSU PhD degree requires 60 credit points of study, of which 48 credit points to be completed from coursework, the remaining 12 credit points to be completed by undertaking a thesis / dissertation research. Semester 1-6 16 coursework subjects PhD Candidate Semester 7-10 Thesis/Dissertation Research and Defense Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration 2
Thesis Oral Examination The assessment for the PhD degree is based on satisfactory completion of prescribed coursework and doctoral thesis/ dissertation. Assessment of coursework is through assignments on a continuous basis OR examination, e.g. through the thesis research proposal which is required to be submitted on completion of the coursework component. Upon submission of the thesis/dissertation, the candidate shall be required to present himself/herself for a thesis/dissertation examination normally to take place in Hong Kong, conducted by the Thesis Defense Panel appointed by the University. The candidate shall be required to complete satisfactorily the oral examination in order to satisfy the requirements for the PhD degree. Theses examination will be arranged after a minimum of two years of study period. Language of Study This being a bilingual program, candidates may choose to write their thesis/dissertation in the Chinese language. Those who write their thesis/dissertation in Chinese are required: - to submit together with an English version of the thesis; - to assign an interpreter at the thesis examination session at his/her own cost. Period of Study The standard duration for a candidate to complete the PhD degree is years (6 semesters). The maximum time allowed for a candidate to complete the PhD Degree is 5 years (10 semesters). A candidate who wishes to extend candidature must seek permission from the University. Thereafter, the PhD Award will be granted upon successful completion of both the coursework components and thesis examination of the PhD Degree. Mode of Study The PhD will be delivered by a flexible distance mode which is implemented through distance learning and self-directed study. Distance learning materials include study guides, prescribed textbooks or reference books, readings and/or e- learning materials provided by the University Cyber Campus. On top of distance-learning, offshore doctoral students will be provided with the following supports to facilitate their studies: Intensive Seminars Intensive seminars and workshops will be organized for core subjects to provide a forum for open discussions and interchange of ideas within the class. The seminar and workshop for each core subject normally last for two days to be held on Sundays from 9am to 5pm, led by guest speakers and University adjunct professors drawn from local academics and business leaders. PhD thesis oral examinations in progress
Study Group Meetings Out-of-timetable meetings will be organized for candidates working in common interest group. The meetings will provide a forum for group members to enhance critical thinking, analysis and synthesis with peers. Supervision Doctoral candidates who have completed their coursework will be allocated a supervisor to support their thesis/ dissertation work. Supervision will be provided from the University using a range of communication technology such as e-mail. Thesis supervisors include home academic staff and local academics or professionals appointed by the University. Library Supports Through arrangements of the local agency, BSU doctoral students can have access to local libraries for research requirements, library resources and supports. Students will be informed of details of library arrangement upon registration. Coursework Curriculum The coursework component comprises 16 modules of core courses, major courses and electives. Code Core Courses (4 Modules, 12 Credits) Credit BA00 Philosophical Foundations of Business Administration BA01 Statistics for Research BA02 Dissertation Seminar BA05 Research Designs and Methodology BA00 BA01 BA02 BA05 (12 BA10 BA11 BA12 BA1 BA14 BA15 BA16 BA24 BA25 BA20 BA27 BA28 Major and Elective Module (12 Modules, 6 Credits in Total) BA10 BA11 BA12 BA1 BA14 BA15 BA16 BA24 BA25 BA20 BA27 BA28 Marketing Management Organization Theory Development Economics Human Resource Development Financial Management Corporate Planning Productions / Operations Management Management Information and Control System Risk Management Computer Operations Judgment and Decision Making Business Strategy Core + Major + Elective 6 ) 48 All Major and Elective Modules are delivered in elearning mode and its availability is subject to Univesity confirmation. Total 48 4
Organizing Institutions The PhD in Business Administration offshore course is offered by the Bulacan State University in association with the Hong Kong Management Association. About the Bulacan State University Bulacan State University (BSU), just celebrating a century of quality education, is a state-funded institution of higher learning. The University was established in 1904 and converted into a leading modern university in 199. BSU s main campus is situated in the historic City of Malolos, 6 kms north of Manila. The University has four other campuses strategically located throughout the historic province of Bulacan. With a total enrolment of approximately 18,000, BSU is the biggest in the region. The university is proud to have nurtured a culture of excellence that has become synonymous with relevant education, quality research, and community extension programs that provide higher education, research and development opportunities to thousands of people in Engineering, Architecture, Education, Arts and Science, Information Technology, Management and Commerce, Medicine, Law and Public Administration. BSU has been identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as one of the higher education institutions in the Philippines leading in the various disciplines as Centers for Excellence/Development. These institutions demonstrate the highest level of standards in instruction, research and extension services at the program level. BSU is included in the List of Recognized Philippines universities in China s Ministry of Education s Website on Foreign Education (website: www.jsj.edu.cn) For information on BSU: www.bulsu.edu.ph About the Hong Kong Management Association The Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) is a non-profit-making incorporated body established in 1960. Over the past 49 years, the Association, with a mission to train and develop human resources, has been actively taking part in training tens of thousands of management personnel and professionals, thereby raising the standard of management and improving its quality in Hong Kong. The Chairman of the HKMA is currently Dr Dennis Sun, BBS, JP, Chairman of Fuji Photo Products Co Ltd. The immediate past Chairman of the HKMA is Dr the Hon David K P Li, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Bank of East Asia. Approximately 2,500 integrated and well-balanced courses are offered by the Association and attended by more than 50, 000 participants annually. As part of HKMA s deep commitment to providing opportunities to local executives and professionals for continuing development, the Association, in partnership with a number of prestigious overseas tertiary institutions, offers a series of programs leading to Bachelor s, Master s and Doctoral Degrees in various area of studies. The Program Local Secretariat at the HKMA will take care of overall organization of the program, and will work with students to answer their questions as well as help solve their problems, throughout the learning process. For further information on HKMA: www.hkma.org.hk 5
Semester Pattern The Academic Year of the University is divided into two semesters of about 16 weeks each: January semester (January - June) July semester (July - December) Tuition and Other Fees Please refer to the attached ENROLMENT INFORMATION FOR NEW APPLICANTS. Admission Requirements To qualify for admission to the Doctoral program, applicants must be a holder of a Bachelor s degree and a postgraduate degree in any discipline. Applicants may be required to provide evidence of written language competence, English or Chinese, that matches academic writing requirements of the Doctoral degree. All applications will be considered by, and admission decisions will be made at the discretion of the University. How to Apply To apply for a place in the BSU PhD Business Administration program, an application must be completed and lodged with the Hong Kong Management Association. Applications are assessed by and admission decisions are made at the discretion of the Bulacan State University. For details, please refer to attached APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR NEW APPLICANTS. Enquiries For enquiries, please contact Ms Christine Choy (Tel:2774 8517) or Ms Karen Chan (Tel:2774 8565) of the PhD Local Secretariat. For enquires about application procedures, please contact HKMA Customer Service Department on 2774 8500. Enquiries may also be addressed to email: karenchan@hkma.org.hk or fax:265 1000. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead. 6 PHDB-2014-1