Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University

Business Administration Program

PhD Program

Title of the ProgramPhD Program in Business Administration (Marketing)

Title of the Program (in Azerbaijani)Iqtisadi fəaliyyət növləri üzrə PhD Proqramı (Marketing)

Highest Academic TierPhD

LanguageProgram is taught in English

Academic degree awarded \Title in (in Azerbaijani): Iqtisadi fəaliyyət növləri üzrə PhD elmi dərəcəsi (Marketing)Title in English: PhD in Business Administration(Marketing)

PhD Program Approval Date

PhD Program in Business Administration is approved by the Decree …. “On Approval of Academic Programs” of … of the Rector and Academic Council of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.

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PhD Program Description

Aim of the PhD ProgramIn line with the mission of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, the Program is aimed to provide research-focused teaching experience to its students and train highly qualified PhDs that possess competitive knowledge for local and international markets and share values of democracy and high professional ethics. The Program strives to generate new knowledge and meet educational and training requirements set in this field by the contemporary society.

The Program was developed in partnership with Georgia State University J. Mack Robinson College of Business (Atlanta, USA).

Aim of the PhD Program at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University is to equip students with theoretical basis in the field, to develop skills necessary for academic learning and research and to give them necessary knowledge. As the part of the program, students will not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also skills for successful continuation of their career in scientific research and academic fields. Graduates will be able to apply contemporary research methods to generate new knowledge and use the best available teaching methods to educate others, in line with the contemporary standards in academia to improve control over current challenges. Education received as a part of the program, will be a sound foundation for a success in future professional development for doctorate students and will enable them to synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge.

Doctorate students will be able to apply and to test their theoretical knowledge in number of scientific projects as a part of the seminars. Key to success of this program is to provide doctorate students with experience on how to combine theoretical and practical knowledge. Namely, doctorate students will be able to start research activities in different directions, demonstrate their professionalism, and gain experience in relationships in a business environment. This is an initial step for successful start of scientific or academic career.

Outcomes/Prospects of PhD Program GraduatesGraduates of PhD program in business administration will possess in-depth and systematic knowledge and relevant skills in business administration field.Doctorate students will develop the following competences and general skills, as well as skills and knowledge related to specific subjects:

I. Knowledge and UnderstandingEvidence-based contemporary knowledge that allows revisiting and improving current status of knowledge, or applying innovative methods (in line with requirements for peer-reviewed manuscripts); understand new frameworks that emerge after revisiting and renewing current knowledge.

1. Critical appraisal of scientific literature2. Capacity to analyze business institutions3. Study origins of managerial theory and its development

II. Practical Application of KnowledgePlan, implement and supervise innovative research studies; develop innovative research, analytical

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methods and approaches that are oriented to create new knowledge and can be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

1. Knowledge and ability to collect data and to use innovative analytical methods2. Skills to conduct research independently3. Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them4. Conduct scientific research relevant to the field of study5. Apply managerial concepts to business practice.

III. Analytical SkillsCritical appraisal, analysis and synthesis of new, complex and controversial ideas and approaches that create a basis for development of new methodologies; independently identify right and effective solutions for problems.

1. Data analysis and synthesis skills2. Strategic planning and decision-making skills3. Cognitive skills4. Skills to synthesis different theories in the field.

IV. Communication SkillsPresent and link new information with existing knowledge clearly and argumentatively; participate in thematic discussion with local or international scientific communities.

1. Be a part of a research team2. Teaching and pedagogical skills3. Leadership skills4. Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations.

V. Learning SkillsReadiness to develop new ideas and processes based on contemporary achievements and knowledge for teaching, work and research.

1. Study and use innovative methods for data collection and analysis2. Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts3. Skills to conduct large-scale business studies4. Study, critically apprise and use models in the field of management in research activities.

VI. ValuesStudy and develop innovative approaches for establishing values

1. Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote ethical standards and apply them at their scientific work.

2. Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote social corporate responsibility principles and apply them at their scientific work.

PhD Program StandardsStandards for PhD program in Business Administration are the following:

Taught program is in line with the program objectives and study outcomes framework; Teaching methodology and organization of teaching process, as well as student evaluation on

study material is adequate; Students’ achievements and personalized approach; Educational resources are available.

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Admission Requirements * Masters Degree Diploma from the university; At least average 3.7 GPA from Master’s program; Successful interview with Admission Committee of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry

University; Motivation letter; Proof of English language proficiency (if such proof/certificate is not presenting, applicant will

have to undergo an exam).

Prospects for EmploymentAfter completion of the program, graduates have an employment prospects in the following industries:

Educational institutions Scientific research institutions Analytical research center Management consulting firms Analytical, research and forecasting department in public and private sectors; Top managerial positions in companies.

Program Volume in Credit HoursPhD in Business Administration program consists of 180 ECTS credits. Optimal duration of the program is 4 years. Maximum duration is 5 years. Teaching process is structured around semesters: fall and spring semester.

1 ECTS credit equals to 25 hours of academic work that includes contact hours for doctorate students (lections, seminars, examinations, etc.), as well as time they spent working independently.

Academic year is built on semester principle. The first (Fall) and the second (Spring) semester includes 15-15 calendar weeks. Accordingly, the school year is scheduled for 30 weeks.

PhD Program in Business Administration includes taught component (50 ECTS credits). Students can choose from four elective courses, each equals to 24 credits. They should take at least two elective courses, each equals to 12 credits. First two subjects should be seminars and the following two – methodology. Student can choose one out of available two seminar topics and at least one methodological subject out of available; seminar on final exam (15 ECTS credits); teaching assistantship (15 ECTS credits) and research components (100 ECTS credits).

After duration of PhD program in is over, student who were not able to complete the whole program will have a right to continue studies for additional semesters (not more then 2) and he/she will maintain student’s status during this period.

Student Evaluation and Grading System

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Students will be graded with a 100-score system. Total score consists of shares of scores according to teaching and learning methods employed. Student’s accomplishments are evaluated based on the following criteria:

Evaluation of independent work; Weekly Evaluation; Mid-term Evaluation; Final Exam.

Students are evaluated based on their verbal and written performance (test, case discussion, open questions, essays, etc.), group or individual work and presentation skills.

Scores in the grading system are distributed according to the following chart:Students are graded with 100-score system

The following grades will be considered satisfactory: (A) - Excellent – maximum score: 91.00–100.00 (B) – Very Good - maximum score: 81.00 – 90.00 (C) - Good - maximum score: 71.00 – 80.00 (D) - Satisfactory - maximum score: 61.00 – 70.00 (E) - Sufficient - maximum score: 51.00 – 60.00

The following evaluation will be considered unsatisfactory: (FX) - Insufficient – 41.00-50.00 of maximum score that means that student needs to put more

work to pass the subject and is given an additional time for independent work and one more chance to take final exam.

(F) - Fail – 40.00 or lower of maximum score that means that student’s accomplishment of the course is fully unsatisfactory and he/she had failed to complete the course.

Teaching methods and forms employed to achieve study objectives

Lecture Seminar Analysis of scientific publications Independent work PhD dissertation

Different teaching methods are employed during the teaching process to address all aspects of topics covered. Those include verbal methods, textbook methods, writing, discussion/debates, explanations, problem-based learning, deductive teaching, analytical and synthesis methods and others. Those teaching methods complement each other during the teaching process. Course syllabus provides detailed information about teaching methods used.

Other Resources Available for the ProgramRelations with international institutions: Georgia State University, USA; University of Siegen, Siegen; Near East University, North Cyprus;  TOBB Economics and Technology University, Turkey; BISC – Berkeley Initiative in Soft Computing, USA.

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Library and Study Resources

MBA Program Library (2000 units); Electronic Library: Internet (wifi coverage on the whole campus); Computer center; Study area; Auditoriums; IT platforms to support research activities.

Academic Plan Attached not availableProgram’s Hourly Plan Attached not available

Description of Courses Attached not availableCompetency Framework for each Subject Attached not available

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PhD Program Academic Plan(Modules, subjects and credits)

# Subject Credits Status

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

I II III IV V VI VII

VIII

Seminars

1 Teaching Methods2 Require

d 2

2 Academic Writing 6 Required 6

3 Organizational Behavior 6 Required

6

4 Decision Analysis 6 Required5 Sociological Theory:

Seminar 6Elective

6

6 Microeconomic Theory 6 Required 6

Methodological Subjects

7 Marketing theory 6 Required 6

8 Theory of Consumer Behavior 6

Elective6

9 Marketing modelling 6 Required

610

Behavioral decision making 6 Elective 6

11

Behavioral research in Marketing 6 Require

d 6

Teaching and Assistantship

12

Teaching and Assistantship 15 Require

d 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 5

Final Exam

13

Preparatory Seminar for Final Exam 15 Require

d 15

Thesis

14

Submission and approval of dissertation proposal 30

Required 30

15

Submission and defense of dissertation

70 Required

70

180 14

12

14.5

14.5

17.5

32.5

75

PhD Program Hourly Plan

№ Subject

ECTS

Cre

dits

/hou

r

Lect

ure/

Sem

inar

Exam

inat

ion/

Text

Prac

ticum

Hom

ewor

k an

d Pr

esen

tatio

n

Inde

pend

ent w

ork,

incl

. pr

epar

atio

n fo

r exa

ms

1. Teaching Methods 2/50 15 0 3 3 29

2. Academic Writing 6/150 27 0 9 9 105

3. Organizational Behavior 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

4. Decision Analysis 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

5. Theory of Consumer behavior 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

6. Microeconomic Theory 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

7. Marketing theory 6/150 36 6 0 3 105

8. Statistical theory 6/150 36 6 0 3 105

9. Marketing modelling 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

10. Behavioral decision making 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

11. Behavioral research in Marketing 6/150 42 0 0 3 105

12. Teaching and Assistantship 15/375 0 0 270 0 105

13. Preparatory Seminar for Final Exam 15/375 5 10 0 0 360

14.Submission and approval of dissertation proposal 30/750 5 3 0 0 742

15. Submission and defense of dissertation 70/1750 5 3 0 0 1742

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Overview of Courses Taught as a part of PhD Program

Subject Title Teaching MethodsECTS credits 2 ECTS creditsPrerequisites NoneTerm I

Brief Description of the Course

Teaching methodology course provides practical instructions to PhD students to help them master academic teaching methods and the art of working with the audience.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Knowledge and ability to collect data and to use innovative analytical methods; Teaching and pedagogical skills; Leadership skills; Cognitive skills; Apply management concepts to business practice.

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Subject Title Academic writingECTS credits 6 ECTS creditsPrerequisites NoneTerm I

Brief Description of the Course

Good academic writing style is essential for every student to complete PhD program. It enables them to write scientific articles and present results of their research using different academic styles. The course also helps students to develop their writing skills for reports, presentations, thesis, articles and books.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Critical appraisal of scientific literature; Data analysis and synthesis skills.

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Subject Title Organizational BehaviorECTS credits 6 ECTS creditsPrerequisites NoneTerm II

Brief Description of the Course

Objective of the seminar in organizational behavior is to train theoretician/analyst, researcher or practitioner who possesses skills to understand effective organizational behavior and further develop it. The course covers micro and macro environment in organizations; values, attitudes and behavior of individuals, groups and macro units within organization.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Critical appraisal of scientific literature Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations Capacity to analyze business institutions Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them Study, critically apprise and used in research activities models in the field of

management Skills to synthesize different theories in the field Study origins of managerial theory and its development

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Subject Title Decision AnalysisECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm III

Brief Description of the CourseThe objective of the course is to introduce students the basic principles of solving real-world

decision making problems, help them understand decision objectives, analyze decision environment, choose decision criteria, and study behavior of a decision maker.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critical appraisal of scientific literature2. Skills to synthesize different theories in the field Analyzing a management decision

situation and defining alternatives, states of nature, payoffs and outcomes3. Choosing the appropriate utility model for solving the formulated problem.4. Solve the formulated problem and interpret the results

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Subject Title Theory of Consumer BehaviourECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditPrerequisites NoneTerm III

Brief Description of the CourseIn depth investigation on theoretical background information in multidisciplinary areas for the analysis of consumer/marketing problems, on the merits and demerits of diverse viewpoints on consumer policies and on the evolution and measurement of comprehensive consumer behavior models. Current consumer issues including consumer protection, "green" consumers, healthcare, societal impacts of marketing operations, and ethical considerations.

Learning Outcomes- To equip students with abilities to conceptualize, design and

implement original consumer behavior research.- To expose students to research in key substantive and methodological

issues in the area of consumer behavior.- To familiarize students with findings in the area.- To enable students to identify opportunities to advance theories and

innovate methodologies

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Subject Title Microeconomic Theory

ECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm IV

Brief Description of the CourseThis course provides new Ph.D. students with basic knowledge in microeconomic theory. In particular, the course focuses on essential concepts and necessary analytical tools for the study of consumer and firm decision making, both in singleplayer and multi-player (strategic) environments. We will also consider how uncertainty and concern for future payoffs impact economic agents’ decision making.

Learning OutcomesOn completion of this course, you will be able to1. understand classic results in microeconomics,2. formalize economic problems using simple but rigorous models,3. find solutions for formal economic models, and4. apply equilibrium concepts of game theory to various economic problems.

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Subject Title Statistical TheoryECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm I

Brief Description of the Course

Aim of the course is to prepare students to conceptually understand results of real-life research data analysis. It will focus on key concepts and use of computerized data processing/analysis software. The course will also help students to identify appropriate statistical models for a research topic.

Learning Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Knowledge and ability to collect data and to use innovative analytical methods Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations

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Subject Title Marketing theory

ECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm II

Brief Description of the CourseThis course is designed to provide PhD students with a strong theoretical background in order to understand the functioning of instruments, activities, models, and decisions of marketing. Knowledge of these theories can then be used in order to describe, explain and predict customer buying behavior. Gaining a profound understanding of theories and models of psychology, sociology, micro-economics and behavioral science as they pertain to marketing and consumer behavior will develop and facilitate the PhD students' ability to conduct sound academic research and help them to derive hypotheses for their own research projects.

Learning Outcomes- Explore some of the historic roots and the development of marketing thought.- Learn about the role of explanation, prediction, generalization, laws, and theories in marketing.- Understand how world views and philosophies of science influence approaches to conceptualizing and conducting research in marketing.- Provide opportunity to exercise and extend scholarly analytical skills in order to facilitate students’ ability to conduct sound academic research.- Identify and explore a potential substantive theoretical contribution to the marketing literature and present these in class.

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Subject Title Marketing modelling

ECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm III

Brief Description of the Course• Modeling aggregate diffusions: new product diffusion.• Modeling network effects: advertising, word-of-mouth and peer effects.• Modeling consumer behavior and pricing effects: prospect theory, mental accounting and price partitioning.• Modeling opinion dynamics: the evolution of products’ evaluation.• Modeling consumers’ decisions at the retailers: RFID data and consumers’ baskets.• Methods: estimating aggregate diffusions, time-series analysis, field experiments, estimating consumers’ decisions, computer simulations and agent-based models.

Learning Outcomes• Why modeling in marketing.• Which kind of modeling is appropriate for which marketing phenomenon.• How to build simple marketing models.• How to estimate marketing models.• How modeling is used in order to link micro behaviors (consumers) and macro outcomes (marketing dynamics).

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Subject Title Behavioral decision making

ECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditPrerequisites NoneTerm IV

Brief Description of the CourseThis course will provide a research overview of the field of behavioral decision making. Students will learn how to construct systematic views on ensemble of behavioral determinants, including psychological biases as attitudes to risk and uncertainty, social norms and other mental factors, which compose a whole state of a decision maker as a basis for real-life choices. The key issue of the course is to study natural dependence of a decision maker behavior on objective conditions on the formal basis of a space of combined states of nature and a decision maker.

Learning Outcomes1) obtain exposure to selective aspects of the decision making and negotiation literature2) gain an understanding of central concepts in decision making and negotiation3) develop expertise in a domain of interest4) explore new research ideas5) improve your scholarly writing skills6) gain experience reviewing papers7) gain experience revising manuscripts

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Subject Title Behavioural research in Marketing

ECTS credits 6 ECTS CreditPrerequisites NoneTerm IV

Brief Description of the CourseThis Doctoral-level course covers current research in Marketing that draws on fundamental research from social and cognitive psychology or other relevant source disciplines. Alternate offerings of the course cover either research on consumer attitudes and information processing, or research on consumer choice and behavioral decision-making, among other related topics.

Learning Outcomes- Skill to conceptualise and analyse, design and implement various findings of

behavioral research in marketing- To expose students to research in key theoretical and practical issues

in the area of consumer behavior and behavioral decision making.- To familiarize students with findings in the area.- To enable students to identify opportunities to advance theories and

innovate methodologies

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Subject Title Teaching and AssistantshipECTS credits 15 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm III-VIII

Brief Description of the Seminar

PhD students enhance their knowledge in teaching methods in the first semester of the first academic year. Starting from the first semester of the second academic year to the second semester of the fourth academic year students teach at the university and provide assistance to their professor in the selected subject. Overall, each PhD Student teaches 6 courses in II-IV academic years and this includes at least 45 hours teaching in each subject.

Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Teaching and pedagogical skills Leadership skills

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Subject Title Preparatory Seminar for Final ExamECTS credits 30 ECTS CreditsPrerequisites NoneTerm V

Brief Description of the Seminar

In the beginning of third academic year PhD students should take a final exam. 10 topics will be selected from the covered material and PhD students will be tested orally on those topics. On the examination day, student will be given 10 hours to prepare for the questions. Students receive only two type of evaluation for the final exam: pass or failure.

Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Critical appraisal of scientific literature Leadership skills Skills for appraisal of scientific works and formulation of relevant recommendations Capacity to analyze business institutions Cognitive skills Skills to synthesize different theories in the field

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Subject Title Submission and approval of dissertation proposalECTS credits 15 ECTS creditsPrerequisites NoneTerm VI

Brief Description of the Paper

In spring semester of the third academic year PhD students have a preliminary discussion of their dissertation proposal. For this, PhD student should provide comprehensive theoretical analysis of the study topic, present objectives of the study and its potential results. This proposal should also reflect detailed workplan for the study and its timeline. After approval of dissertation proposal, student has one more year to complete his/her dissertation and defend it. Dissertation proposal is evaluated based on the criteria defined in the Charter on Dissertation of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.

Outcomes

After completion of the course students will have the following skills:

Leadership skills Skills to conduct research independently Determine connection among organizational behavior variables and analyze them Strategic planning and decision-making skills Study and critically apprise models in the field of management and apply them in

research work Skills to synthesize different theories in the field

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Subject Title DissertationECTS credits 70 ECTS creditsPrerequisites NoneTerm VII-VIII

Brief Description of the Thesis

By the end of the 4th year, PhD student should defend his/her dissertation. Dissertation defense is done through a student’s presentation of his/her work to the Dissertation Board. Duration of this session is agreed mutually by the Board and the student. Dissertation should be a complete piece of academic work that reflects objectives and values of the researcher about the topic of study and demonstrates clear scientific analysis. Dissertations are evaluated in accordance with a Charter on Dissertations of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University.

Outcomes

After completing a dissertation, student acquires the following skills:

Knowledge and ability to collect data and use innovative analytical methods Skills to internalize, study, teach and promote ethical standards and apply them at their

scientific work Prepare and publish scientific manuscripts Leadership skills Skills to conduct research independently Skills to conduct large-scale business studies Conduct scientific research relevant to the field of study

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Competency Framework for Subjects

№

Subj

ect C

ode

Subject

Knowledge and

Understanding

Practical Application of Knowledge Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Learning Skills Values

1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2

1. Teaching Methods x x x x x

2. Academic Writing x x

3. Organizational Behavior x x x x x x x

4. Decision Analysis x x x x x x x

5. Theory of Consumer Behaviour

x x x

6. Microeconomic Theory x x x x x x x

7. Marketing theory x x

8. Statistical theory x x x x

9. Marketing models x x x x x x x

10.Behavioral decision making x x x

11.Behavioural research in Marketing

x x x x x x x x x

12.Teaching and Assistantship x x

13.Preparatory Seminar for Final Exam

x x x x x x

14.

Submission and approval of dissertation proposal

x x x x x x

15.Submission and defense of dissertation

x x x x x x x

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