This course introduces students to the field of research. It examines the research process in depth and introduces doctoral candidates to the various aspects of doing scientific research, providing practical advice and insight in the field. Topics covered include hypothesis formulation and theory construction, data collection techniques, ethical issues in research, and research design.

Upon completion, participants will be able to distinguish amongst the different types of research, be aware of the tools used and their relative roles and reliability. Participants review the steps to be undertaken in the research design, writing, and in publishing the results. This is a very practical course aimed to guide participants through the work that lies ahead.

The Research Methodology and Design II course is divided in two parts, which will provide doctoral candidates with a solid foundation and valid framework to accomplish their research goals.

The first part of the course examines qualitative research and behavioral research. Topics covered include: criteria for valid and reliable research; advantages and disadvantages of different research strategies; electronic and paper tools for searching literature; research methods – observational, survey and experimental; general writing techniques and writing style; data analysis; and data presentation.

The second part of the course examines the fields of quantitative and econometric research. Topics covered include: scientific methods, cognitive guidelines, quantification and standardization in survey research and reconciling practical and scientific requirements for creating valid and unbiased surveys. It also examines research tools and applied econometrics. Topics include: regression analysis, estimation procedures, hypothesis testing, time series modeling, and forecasting.

The course permits learners to distinguish between the different methods of collecting data, analyzing data and the research techniques to be used for optimum results. A wide range of concepts and methods for observing, interviewing, recording and analyzing field data is covered, exposing the learner to quantitative and qualitative methods, and the ethical considerations in qualitative research practice. Furthermore the course provides a solid understanding of statistical tools used in empirical analysis enabling participants to develop solid analytical skills. Additional emphasis is placed on the process of rigorous formulation of research questions and design.

This course is an advanced study of strategy and it explores and applies established models and methods of Strategic Opportunity Management. Within its purview are the key components of building successful Blue Ocean strategies and sustainable growth models, the creation of organizational structures directed towards opportunity management, growth and value creation. Learners examine a wide range of implementation strategies and test these in various contexts and risk environments.

This course examines the ongoing convergence of corporate and market laws in relation to the universal issues in doing international business ethically. Learners review corporate governance mechanisms, methods of expropriating investors and the current reforms of ensuring corporate control and diminishing of the level of corporate abuse. Topics covered include comparative corporate governance; the contemporary corporate governance theories including market, political, cultural, and historical approaches; economics of corporate governance; governance standards; and future developments.The module will examine the ongoing convergence of corporate and market laws in relation to the universal issues in ethically doing international business. We will review corporate governance mechanisms, methods of expropriating investors and the current reforms of ensuring corporate control and diminishing of the level of corporate abuse. Topics covered include comparative corporate governance, the contemporary corporate governance theories, including market, political, cultural, and historical approaches; economics of corporate governance, governance standards, and future developments.

This course examines the elements of project development and management in a dynamically evolving society and business environment. Topics covered include: project initiation, project management tools and techniques, progress and performance measurement, and evaluation. Learners examine the impact of projects on organizational strategy, company structures, conflict management, risk evaluation and exit strategies. Learners also explore the entrepreneurial process for a new venture establishment and development, and the critical issues and practical problems associated with a new venture.

This course explores contemporary issues in strategic management, focusing on the functions of senior management, external and internal policy formulation and strategic planning. Learners examine the tasks involved in the creation of strategy in complex and rapidly changing environments, different methods of creating value and analyzing, and evaluating company strategy. Change and its strategic consequences on an organization are explored. Learners also examine the process of managers controlling and directing changes initiated elsewhere or initiated by them. Topics covered include: the structural, human, political and symbolic impediments to strategic change in organizations; methods of imagining and envisioning change; process and implementation; types of organizational change; inter- and intra-firm tactics; programs; and attitudes that facilitate successful implementation of a strategic change program.

This course reviews the history and current development of the field, exploring the relationship between traditional business and the new economy. It introduces the concepts and terminology of modern e-business approaches and deals with aspects in marketing, web technologies, security, legal issues, and search engines. Learners focus on the business aspects and explore electronic data interchange, electronic markets and internet commerce. This course also deals with issues aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of companies such as emerging business models, globalization and internationalization.