MCI successfully launches Executive PhD in Management

High-level doctoral program for managers and executives gets off to a good start: decision makers from around the globe gain from the innovative combination of academic rigor and practical relevance

Last weekend MCI successfully kicked off its unique Executive PhD Program in Management – offered in cooperation with the University of Antwerp and Antwerp Management School –The international participants of the program met for the first time at the Entrepreneurial School® to complete the first module of this innovative doctoral program. With their diverse and impressive professional backgrounds, they have come from across Europe, the United States, and Central America. "It is great to be part of such an innovative and novel type of doctoral program,” the participants unanimously agree: “The Executive PhD Program in Management allows us to integrate studies into our life and career plans without having to compromise. In addition, it provides a perfect combination of scientific research and practical relevance."

The program was designed to meet the requirements of professional decision makers and to make their expertise available to research: "The practical relevance of scientific research and traditional doctoral programs is usually limited. The internationally-oriented Executive PhD Program in Management, however, integrates international academic standards with economic relevance," as MCI Rector Andreas Altmann explains. The four-year program – taught entirely in English – is  offered in tight collaboration with the University of Antwerp and the Antwerp Management School. It includes classes both in Innsbruck and Antwerp. "As part of the program, we help participants develop the methodological skills and knowledge required for writing a doctoral dissertation. In addition, we support the students with professional coaching and mentoring in the development of research projects as well as in the process of writing their theses," Bernd Ebersberger, academic director of the program, adds.

The Executive PhD Program targets executives and managers seeking to apply state of the art scientific knowledge to complex business problems. This exclusive program combines academic methodology and intellectual inspiration with applicability at the highest level. On the basis of relevant problems in their specific domains, managers and executives alike develop research questions, conduct academic research, write a dissertation, and successfully defend their dissertation at the University of Antwerp.

The participants are particularly interested in research in international management, intercultural management, innovation management, human resources, corporate strategy, and the field of mergers and acquisitions.

Susanne Herzog, head of MCI Executive Education, is delighted with the successful start of the program:“Although the exclusive Executive PhD Program in Management is new to the market, we have been able to attract a group of highly qualified participants.. Numerous requests from all over the world have been received for the upcoming year. The diversity of our first doctoral candidates is particularly interesting and enriching. They indeed bring the most varied personal, professional, and cultural experience as well as competence to the program.”

This new doctoral program thus represents a perfect addition to the academic programs offered by MCI, and rounds off the comprehensive range of MCI study offers in the field of research, (further) education, and technology transfer.

Further information:
Executive PhD in Management
MCI Executive Education overview

Press contact
Mag.(FH) Ulrike Fuchs
+43 512 2070-1527
ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu