1 ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS The Regulations for the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences apply for the PhD education. The regulations concern the objectives of, responsibility for, admission to, and implementation and completion of the PhD education, including collaboration on PhD education with another degree-conferring institution. For all references in the text, these Regulations apply. PROGRAMME OF STUDY The PhD programme in Economics and Business at NBMU School of Economics and Business. The programme consists of the following programme options: Economics Business MAIN OBJECTIVES The PhD programme in Economics and Business shall qualify candidates for research of international standard within all the department s subject areas, and for other work where there are high demands on scientific insight and analytical thinking. Students must learn to work in accordance with recognised principles of academic and research ethics. The objective of the PhD education is to give candidates knowledge, skills and expertise in line with the Norwegian qualifications framework. The PhD programme consists of two programme options. A joint description is provided for the two options, and they are differentiated by the topic selected for the thesis. The options are broadly defined. PLACE IN THE NORWEGIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK Level 8, philosophiae doctor (PhD) DEGREE ON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAMME OF STUDY PhD SCOPE The PhD programme has a nominal duration of three years full-time study. The programme consists of the required coursework and a thesis. The required coursework must contain a minimum of 45 credits (ECTS). It is a prerequisite that all courses are taken at accredited educational institutions in Norway or abroad. The education plan must be approved by the research and research education committee at NMBU School of Economics and Business. The committee can require up to 15 extra credits at the master s degree level prior to approval of the education plan. OWNER AND CONTACT DETAILS NMBU School of Economics and Business Research education secretary/ PhD contact person: Lise Thoen, lise.thoen@nmbu.no Head of research education: Frode Alfnes, frode.alfnes@nmbu.no
2 COLLABORATION WITH OTHER INSTITUTIONS The PhD programme in Economics and Business is a doctoral programme that will educate independent researchers of international calibre in conjunction with national and international research communities. There is a high level of collaboration between the various institutions awarding a PhD in economics-related subjects, and PhD students at NMBU s School of Economics and Business are encouraged to consider taking courses at other institutions in Norway and abroad. A large proportion of the PhD students at the School of Economics and Business take courses at other Scandinavian universities. SOCIETAL RELEVANCE The PhD programme is a doctoral programme that will educate candidates with expertise in economics and/or business. This is based on a broad definition of economics and business, including economics and business economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, organisation, management and strategy, and subgroups of these areas. PhD candidates will meet society s current and future needs for expertise in economics and business combined with excellent analytical insight. The programme will qualify candidates for posts at academic institutions, for positions within advisory services and analysis in the public and private sectors, and for work in large national and international organisations that demands greater competence than that offered by a master s degree. The PhD programme is a doctoral programme that will enable candidates to carry out research and investigation tasks at a high academic level. PhD candidates must be able to elucidate economic interactions and to clarify the consequences of various policy alternatives as well as of corporate decisions. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING See sections 5 and 6. Admission as a PhD candidate, is contingent on the applicant having an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year Norwegian course of study, where 120 credits are at master s degree level. The applicant must have achieved learning outcomes corresponding to the descriptions given in the Norwegian qualifications framework s second cycle. The applicant must have a strong academic background from previous studies. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and the department has formal authority to admit candidates. An application for admission must be submitted to the department on the standard form, and must be granted at the latest three months after the start date. The application must contain: Certified diplomas from the education on which admission will be based Documentation of written and oral English skills A simplified project description (as an appendix) An account of the necessary infrastructure A request to use a language other than English or Norwegian in the thesis, if relevant A proposal for a principal supervisor and co-supervisor(s) A list of sources of funding The decision on admission is based on an overall assessment of the application. A prerequisite for admission is that the applicant s academic background fulfils the criteria in section 5-1 of the Regulations. The admission letter will specify the supervisors appointed, and the duration of the contract will be stipulated with a start date and an end date. As a main rule the start date is set at 1 August every year. Admission may be made conditional upon: Funding, admission capacity, supplementary education and satisfaction of infrastructure requirements. Agreement being reached on any intellectual property rights issues when the contract is signed (see section 6.1).
3 NMBU's regulations regarding admission to the PhD programme shall apply (section 5). Applicants must have completed a relevant master's degree or the equivalent, and have grades from among the best half of their student population. Foreign applicants must document approved competence in written and oral English (see section 5.2). Admission as a PhD student is contingent on the documentation of full funding of salary for at least three years, and necessary funds to run the project in accordance with the project budget and for the required coursework. LEARNING OUTCOMES KNOWLEDGE On completion of the PhD programme, the new doctor is expected to: Have in-depth knowledge in the chosen subject area and be at the forefront of knowledge within their specific area of research. Have in-depth knowledge about scientific theories and methods associated with the field. Be able to assess and analyse different theories, methods and processes in research and academic development projects also from an international perspective. Be able to contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories and methods in the field. SKILLS On completion of the PhD programme, the new doctor is expected to: Be able to formulate research issues, and to plan and conduct research and academic development work of high international calibre within the subject area. Be able to handle complex scientific questions and to challenge established knowledge and practice in the field. Be able to contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories and methods within their subject area, master relevant social science and statistical methods and be able to assess the utility and limitations of different methods. Be able to handle complexity, create an overview and synthesise scientific information. Be able to perform critical assessments and give constructive criticism on scientific work in their field. GENERAL COMPETENCE On completion of the PhD programme, the new doctor is expected to: Be able to conduct their research with professional and ethical integrity, and to identify new relevant ethical issues. Be able to participate in complex interdisciplinary tasks and projects. Be able to disseminate research and development work through recognised national and international channels, and to participate in scientific debates in international forums. Be able to disseminate their research findings to the authorities and public administration, to companies and organisations, and to the general public through contact with the media. Be able to teach students within their subject area or field of specialisation. Be able to place own research in broad academic and societal contexts. Be able to assess the need for and, if required, stimulate innovation in the field.
4 LEARNING ACTIVITIES MEANS OF ACQUIRING THE KNOWLEDGE The required coursework of at least 45 academic credits, which offers comprehensive in-depth competence. Reading and keeping updated on literature within their field of specialisation. Completing an independent work of research of international standard. MEANS OF ACQUIRING THE SKILLS Participating in planning and shaping the PhD project in detail and, if applicable, participating in the planning of new project applications. Supervision and own research, where the PhD candidate actively benefits from the competence of the supervisory team. Developing his/her own international academic network Attending courses on research methods and writing when relevant. Working on publications, submissions to journals and handling comments from referees. Working on the thesis. Participating in peer review of scientific manuscripts, giving feedback on colleagues' manuscripts. Attending seminars where other PhD students' and researchers' ideas and results are discussed. MEANS OF ACHIEVING GENERAL COMPETENCE Taking a course on research ethics and philosophy of science with a scope of at least 5 credits. Supervision and own research. Working on publications and the thesis. The trial lecture. The trial lecture requires familiarisation with a specified topic quickly, time management, searching for / selecting / evaluating / processing information, and giving an oral presentation of this topic. Presenting own research findings at national and international scientific conferences. Giving lectures at conferences and scientific meetings. Giving interviews on radio and TV, in newspapers or other journals. REQUIRED COURSEWORK PhD candidates shall apply for approval of their PhD education plan as soon as possible after admission and at the latest within six months. The required coursework must contain at least 45 credits (ECTS). It is a prerequisite that all courses are taken at accredited educational institutions in Norway and abroad. The programme description must be approved by the research education and research committee at the School of Economics and Business. The committee must ensure that the courses are relevant and as a whole offer a cohesive education at an adequate level. The committee may require up to 15 extra credits at the master s degree level before the programme description is approved. The required coursework must include a compulsory course in research ethics and philosophy of science of a scope of at least 5 credits: PHI401or the equivalent. The required coursework must be seen in the context of the research plan, so that the PhD programme of study as a whole gives the student adequate academic breadth, depth, and internal academic context. The required coursework is adapted to the PhD candidate s individual specialisation in the subject area, based on the student s master s degree qualifications. There are therefore no courses that are formally compulsory. Students are free to take courses in the order that best suits their timeline of activities in agreement with their supervisors.
5 EVALUATION OF LEARNING OUTCOMES The degree of philosophiae doctor (PhD) is conferred on the basis of: Approved completion of the required coursework An approved doctoral thesis An approved trial lecture on a specified topic An approved public defence of the doctoral thesis (disputation) See section 12. ACADEMIC CONTENT AND STRUCTURE The PhD programme in Economics and Business is based at NMBU School of Economics and Business. The programme is based on the general description of the PhD education at NMBU, and is regulated by the Regulations for the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. The programme has a nominal duration of three years. The programme consists of required coursework and a thesis. The course package must contain a minimum of 45 credits and is put together in collaboration with the candidate, the supervisor and the department (the research committee), depending on the subject area of the thesis and the candidate s background and needs. The coursework must provide knowledge about the forefront of research in the field, i.e. ongoing research and unanswered questions. Courses both at NMBU and other higher education institutions may be included in the degree. Students are also encouraged to spend one to two semesters at recognised universities abroad if possible. The thesis usually consists of 3-4 articles, and the candidate must demonstrate through the choice of analysis methods and research issues that he/she is capable of conducting independent research work of high quality. Publishing findings in prestigious international journals is an important goal. PhD students must submit annual progress reports on a standard form by 1 st of February every year. Deviations from the plan must be explained. The requirement of a progress report is set out in section 9.1. PhD students and supervisors share responsibility for progress. All PhD candidates must attend three regular seminars at the Department (see section 9.1): an introductory seminar after approximately 6 months, a midway assessment seminar after approximately 1.5 2 years and a final seminar approximately 6 months before submitting the doctoral thesis. The midway assessment seminar must be carried out in accordance with section 9.2. The seminars are considered to be part of the required coursework and quality assurance of the PhD programme, and will give the students useful feedback for the work ahead. Research schools: The PhD education in Economics at NMBU School of Economics and Business is affiliated with the National Research School in Business Economics and Administration. This is a joint collaboration among the participating institutions to enhance the quality of the PhD education in economics-related subjects. Most Norwegian higher education institutions in the field of economics take part. PhD courses are offered as well as study groups and seminars, and an annual conference. The following subject areas are covered: economics, accounting, finance, operations analysis, marketing and international business, strategy and management. An overview of courses, enrolment (for PhD students) and activities is regularly updated at www.nhh.no/nfb In addition, the universities that offer PhD programmes in economics work in close collaboration, and students have wide access to courses offered at other universities in Norway.
6 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The research community at NMBU School of Economics and Business has a large international research network, plays an active role in international research communities in its field and focuses on a range of international societal issues such as climate, the environment, development, and international commodities markets. A large proportion of the PhD students at NMBU School of Economics and Business school come from other countries. RESEARCH COMMUNITY LINKED TO THE PROGRAMME OF STUDY Principal supervisors for PhD candidates are appointed from among the department s associate professors and professors. Other researchers with relevant competence in the field may be appointed as co-supervisors, also from other national or international institutions. The principal supervisors must have positions at the associate professor level or above. All supervisors must have a doctoral degree or equivalent academic competence. NMBU School of Economics and Business does not as yet require formal supervisor competence, but all (recent) associate professors and professors who are permanent employees must have completed pedagogical training. RESEARCH WORK IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAMME OF STUDY The research work shall be an independent, scientific work that meets international standards and is of high academic quality (section 10 of the PhD Regulations). The work will be planned and carried out in cooperation with the supervisors and any external partners. A realistic milestone plan must be drawn up, so that the work can be completed, and the thesis submitted by the end of the contract period. The principal supervisor has general responsibility for ensuring that the plan is realistic. The progress of the research work must be reported in the annual progress report. FORMS OF EVALUATION The required coursework is evaluated using different forms of evaluation such as an oral or written examination, submitting assignments or a term paper. The content of the doctoral work and the required coursework must be approved by the research and research education committee and the committee monitors progress by means of the annual progress reports and the compulsory seminars (introductory seminar, midway assessment seminar and final seminar). Other input to learning outcomes does not need to be evaluated, but the principal supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the objectives are met through relevant measures, academic discussions and steps towards dissemination work within the time frame of the doctoral work. THESIS AND PUBLIC DEFENCE The thesis shall be an independent, scientific work that fulfils international standards and is of high academic quality in terms of the formulation of research questions, the specification of concepts, the methodological, theoretical and empirical basis, documentation, the use of literature and the form of presentation. The thesis shall contribute to the development of new knowledge and must be of such quality as to qualify for publication as a part of the scientific literature in the field (section 10). The doctoral thesis must consist of at least three to four academic articles that can be published in scientific journals. One or more of the articles should be published or accepted for publication before submitting the thesis, but this often is not realistic within a three-year period. However, the articles must at minimum be of the same standard as a manuscript that is submitted to a journal for the first time. The PhD candidate must be the lead author of at least three of the articles. An exception may be made to this rule in the case of articles written by several PhD students. An introductory chapter must also be written, equal to about one work month, in which
7 the PhD candidate displays scientific insight and the ability to synthesise scientific findings and discussions from different articles. The PhD candidate shall write this section on his/her own. The thesis must also be written and submitted in accordance with sections 10 and 13.1, and uthorship declarations must be enclosed for each scientific article. The public defence will begin with a trial lecture on a topic that is assigned to the PhD candidate 10 working days in advance. The lecture must last 45 minutes, and be of a standard that corresponds to a lecture for master's degree students in the subject. The PhD candidate will then present his/her thesis and two external opponents will critically review the thesis, and assess the candidate's responses. The evaluation and the work of the evaluation committee must comply with the rules in sections 12 and 15. SUPPORT FUNCTIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE NMBU School of Economics and Business has its own head of research education, appointed from among the department s permanent academic staff. He/she chairs the research education and research committee, which deals with applications for admission, programme descriptions and proposals for evaluation committees, and is responsible for monitoring the quality of and progress of the candidate's PhD education. The department s research education secretary, who is also secretary of the research and research education committee, carries out the day-to-day administrative functions in relation to PhD students and advises them on practical and formal matters. The School of Economics and Business offers PhD students office space in specially allocated PhD offices, with several students normally sharing an office. EXCHANGES NMBU facilitates national and international exchanges. Part of the doctoral work or doctoral courses may be taken at other Norwegian or foreign academic institutions when it can be incorporated into the plans, and funding has been secured. ACCESSIBILITY General information about universal design and special arrangements at NMBU: http://www.nmbu.no/lmu. WORDING OF THE DIPLOMA The PhD programme in Economics and Business is based at NMBU School of Economics and Business, which has a broad subject profile and extensive research activity within economics-related subjects. The PhD programme will qualify candidates for research of international standard within the school s subject areas and for other work in society where high requirements are placed on scientific insight and analytical thinking, in accordance with recognised principles of academic and research ethics. The objective of the PhD education is to give candidates knowledge, skills and expertise in line with the Norwegian qualifications framework. The PhD candidate will complete an education that offers deeper and broader competence, based on a relevant master's degree, and will carry out an independent work of research that will lead to a scientific thesis of high academic quality. The candidate must learn critical thinking skills, how to disseminate knowledge, and academic collaboration. The programme is based on the general description of the PhD education at NMBU, and is regulated by the Regulations for the Degree of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.