The International Doctorate in Business (IDB) Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

The International Doctorate in Business (IDB) curriculum is designed to guide experienced business professionals through a rigorous and purposeful academic journey. Grounded in philosophical, methodological, and practical foundations, the program equips students to engage critically with complex business phenomena and contribute to impactful research. Delivered through a hybrid model and structured across three key stages—from foundational coursework to dissertation—each course is thoughtfully curated to build the analytical, reflective, and research capacities necessary for scholarly and professional excellence. This curriculum reflects FEB UGM’s commitment to academic quality, international relevance, and practical impact.

Year 1

Objective: Build students’ confidence in academic discourse and equip them with the tools to conduct valid, measurable, and business-relevant scientific research.

Philosophy of Science (3 SKS)
This course provides a strong philosophical foundation for the IDB academic journey. Students will learn how science is constructed, validated, and applied in the business world. By exploring fundamental questions such as “What is knowledge?” and “How do we know what we know?”, students will understand the relationship between theory and practice and how to develop a critical scientific perspective. This course also emphasizes the importance of reflection in scientific research to build strong arguments.
Seminar in Organization Theory (3 SKS)
This course examines fundamental theories on how organizations function, develop, and adapt in complex environments. Key topics include organizational structure, culture, power, and change, with a focus on their impact on business performance and sustainability. As part of the IDB program, this seminar integrates theoretical perspectives with practical applications, helping students analyse and solve organizational challenges in a global context. Through discussions, case studies, and research, students will develop critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills. The interactive format encourages knowledge exchange, preparing students to lead and drive organizational success in diverse business settings.
Research Methodology (3 SKS)
Research methodology is a critical part of any scientific research. An appropriate methodology is required to answer research questions and ensure the validity and reliability of the research. This course aims to introduce students to methodologies used in business research. It covers essential aspects of research designs, research strategies, data collection methods, and data analysis methods. This course is specifically designed to help IDB students conduct research in their own organisations, providing fundamental concepts in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Contemporary methodologies and ethical research practices will also be discussed in this course. Class discussions will be based on a combination of textbooks and suggested methodological papers.
Systematic Literature Review (3 SKS)
This course is designed to equip students with the skills and methodologies to conduct a comprehensive, systematic review of the existing literature in their field of study. The focus is on developing a structured approach to literature review that enhances the reliability, relevance, and rigor of research findings.
Research Methods Workshop (3 SKS)
Research Methods Workshop is a hands-on, practice-oriented continuation of the Research Methodology course. Building on students’ prior understanding of research design and methodological foundations, this workshop focuses on the practical application of qualitative research methods to organizational contexts. Across twelve interactive sessions, students will gain guided experience in planning and conducting interviews, focus groups, and observations, as well as analysing organizational documents. Emphasis is placed on developing core competencies in qualitative data analysis—including coding, categorisation, and thematic interpretation—while maintaining high standards of research ethics, reflexivity, and rigor. By engaging in exercises, mini-projects, and presentations, students will learn to craft analytic narratives, write methodology chapters, and present findings that bridge theory and practice. By the end of the course, students will be able to independently conduct qualitative research in their own organizations and contribute scholarly insights that are both academically robust and managerially relevant.
Academic Writing (3 SKS)
This course is designed to equip doctoral students with the advanced academic writing skills necessary for success in scholarly practice and publication. Emphasizing clarity, coherence, and critical thinking, the course guides students through the process of developing academic arguments, structuring practice-oriented research problems, and adhering to disciplinary conventions in scholarly writing. Students will engage in analyzing and producing a range of academic genres, including literature reviews, research proposals, conference abstracts, journal articles, and dissertation chapters. The course includes intensive practice in writing, revising, and editing, with an emphasis on developing a scholarly voice and responding to feedback. Ethical considerations in academic writing, including plagiarism, citations, and authorship, will also be addressed. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce polished, publication-ready academic texts and demonstrate increased confidence and competence in scholarly communication.
Topical Seminars: Theories (3 SKS)
This course examines key theories and practical issues in organizational studies, focusing on how organizations evolve, adapt, and perform across various contexts. Students will analyse contemporary research on topics such as organizational design, leadership, innovation, and change management. Through case studies, presentations, and discussions, students will critically evaluate theoretical frameworks, identify gaps in existing research, and connect concepts to real-world business challenges. The seminar helps students develop a clear research focus by linking academic insights with practical organizational issues, preparing them to address complex management problems in their careers.
Topical Seminars: Research Design (3 SKS)
This course provides a structured platform for doctoral students to develop a rigorous research design for their dissertation study. Building on foundations from prior courses (e.g., Research Methodology and Topical Seminars: Theories), this seminar guides students in refining their research focus, defining key research problems, and exploring theoretical perspectives relevant to their individual topics. The emphasis is on connecting the “core elements” of high-quality research – an interesting research question, a well-articulated theoretical framework, and an appropriate, rigorous design – in an internally consistent manner. Through critical discussions, case analyses of exemplary studies, and collaborative feedback, students learn to construct conceptual models and select methodologies that align their research questions, theory, and methods. Each student will apply the concepts to their own research proposal, creating a personalized, inquiry-driven learning experience. By the end of the course, students will have a refined research framework for their dissertation, with clear alignment between the problem, method, and theory, and an understanding of how their study will contribute to management theory and practice.

Year 2

Objective:

Enhance students’ research expertise through the development of a structured framework, data analysis, and international academic engagement.
Strengthen research design, earn global micro-credentials, and defend the final research proposal for a robust and impactful dissertation.

Initial Research Proposal (3 SKS)
This non-course activity guides students in developing a structured and well-founded research plan. Students will formulate clear research questions, establish theoretical foundations, and select appropriate methodologies. Through faculty mentorship and peer discussions, students will refine their proposals to ensure theoretical rigor, methodological soundness, and practical relevance.
Initial Data Collection and Analysis (3 SKS)
Students will conduct preliminary data collection using appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods. Emphasis is placed on selecting data sources, ensuring reliability and validity, and applying suitable analytical techniques. Students will interpret initial findings and refine their research direction based on emerging insights, preparing them for the next phase of their study.
International Micro-Credentials (3 SKS)
Students enroll in internationally recognized certification programs relevant to their research or professional interests. Potential certifications include sustainable business practices, global reporting standards, or industry-specific competencies. These credentials enhance their expertise and expand career opportunities.
Final Research Proposal and Defense (3 SKS)
At this stage, students refine their research proposal by integrating feedback from faculty advisors and peers. They present their proposal before a faculty panel, demonstrating the clarity, feasibility, and methodological rigor of their planned study. The Research Proposal Defense is a critical milestone that allows students to articulate their research objectives, theoretical foundations, methodology, and expected contributions. This non-course activity provides an opportunity to receive constructive feedback and make necessary refinements before proceeding. A successful defense signifies the faculty’s approval for students to advance into full-scale data collection and dissertation development, ensuring their research is well-structured and impactful.

Year 3 & 4

Objective: Codify practices and present research findings while preparing students to contribute to the academic and business world by completing a doctoral essay.

International Conference (6 SKS)
The International Conference is a culminating activity that provides students with the opportunity to present their research findings to an international academic audience. Through participation in a reputable conference abroad, students share their work, receive valuable feedback, and engage with scholars from diverse backgrounds. This experience not only hones their presentation skills but also broadens their professional network and situates their research within the global academic community.
Final Defense (18 SKS)
The Final Defense is a formal milestone that marks the culmination of the doctoral program, during which students present and defend their completed research before a panel of experts. This final evaluation assesses the rigor, originality, and contributions of the doctoral essay, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the research process. Successful completion of the defense signifies that the student’s work meets the standards of scholarly excellence and makes a meaningful contribution to their field.

Disclaimer | Site Map