Student Guide
The curriculum 2024-2026 applies to students who have started their studies 1.8.2024-31.7.2026.
Aalto Doctoral Programme in Business, Economics and Finance provides doctoral students with comprehensive research training in a unique multidisciplinary environment, characterized by a longstanding commitment to research excellence and courageous, low-hierarchy culture with empowered students. The programme equips its graduates for successful international careers in the world of higher education and academic research.
The programme is designed for highly motivated and ambitious aspiring business, economics and finance scholars who have excellent analytical, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills and who are willing to serve as the future leaders in the world of higher education and academic research.
The program prepares its graduates for thriving international careers, primarily within the realms of higher education and academic research, while also opening doors to opportunities beyond academia.
The graduates of the doctoral programme will demonstrate:
After successfully completing the required modules, the doctoral student will be able to:
After successfully completing the required modules, the doctoral student will be able to:
After successfully defending their thesis, the doctoral student will demonstrate the ability to:
• plan, carry out and report on their research and manage their research data in accordance with established standards of academic research.
• proficiently search for, apply, analyse, synthesize, and critically evaluate existing knowledge; formulate research questions; and employ research methods to create new scientific knowledge.
• independently carry out research that generates novel insights and theoretical advancements in their own field of research.
• make syntheses and critical assessments required for addressing and resolving complex problems in the realms of research, innovation, and societal challenges.
General research studies equip students with the necessary skills for conducting research, applying research findings, and understanding the principles of responsible research conduct. These studies may also encompass the development of transferable skills.
Completing the required Research field studies and the doctoral thesis help students gain comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of their chose field of research and develops their skills in effectively communicating and disseminating their research findings.
If the student does not want to finish the doctoral degree, the licentiate degree can be completed as an intermediate degree. The licentiate degree consists of an approved licentiate thesis and the same 60 ECTS of studies as for the doctoral degree.
Applies to majors: Accounting, Business law, Entrepreneurship, Information Systems Science, International Business, Logistics, Marketing, Management Science, Organisational Communication, Organisation and management
*No credits are granted for the completion of the doctoral thesis or licentiate thesis.
*No credits are granted for the completion of the doctoral thesis or licentiate thesis.
You can find course descriptions in Sisu. In your study plan, choose the course and click the course code or search courses by code or name. Learning environments are found in MyCourses through search or after registration in "My own courses".
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory course, 2 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses You can also include quantitative or qualitative methods courses from e.g. KATAJA or EDEN/EIASM networks instead of the below listed options. More information: https://www.kataja.eu/ and https://www.eiasm.net/eden/introduction. |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
| Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) | |||
| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| LC-L1011 | Open Science for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1020 | Theory of Science D* | 1 | any |
| Science communication and presenting doctoral research | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| LC-7110 | Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen tohtoriopiskelijoille V D | 3 | IV-V |
| LC-L1017 | Asiantuntijaesittämisen valmennus tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1018 | Tutkimusraportoinnin tekstiretriitit tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1019 | Tutkimustiedon yleistajuistaminen D | 5 | V |
| BIZ-L2010 | Presenting research at a conference I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2011 | Presenting research at a conference II D** | 1-3 | any |
| Scientific community and working life skills | |||
| LC-L1012 | Business Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1013 | Career Course for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1014 | Interactive Leadership Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1015 | Project Management for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1016 | Writing Research Grant Applications for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | I-II and III-V |
| BIZ-L2040 | University practices I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2041 | University practices II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2020 | Academic advising I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2021 | Academic advising II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2030 | Teaching at higher education D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2050 | Reviewing a scientific manuscript D** | 1-3 | any |
* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses (6 ECTS) | |||
| ABL-L1001 | Research seminar in Accounting I D | 3 | I-V/1st year |
|
Elective courses To be agreed with the supervising professor, a selection of relevant courses taken from e.g. KATAJA or EDEN/EIASM networks. See more: https://www.kataja.eu/ and https://www.eiasm.net/eden/introduction. The KATAJA course Research Traditions in Accounting, 6 ECTS, organised every other year, is especially recommended. |
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| ABL-L1002 | Research seminar in Accounting II D | 3 | I-V/2nd year |
| BIZ-L2060 | Literature I D* | 1-6 | any |
| BIZ-L2061 | Literature II D* | 1-6 | any |
| ABL-L1101 | Working paper D I* | 1-6 | any |
| ABL-L1102 | Working paper D II* | 1-6 | any |
* These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe.
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Accounting. Head of doctoral studies in Accounting: Professor Lasse Niemi ([email protected]).
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 8 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| ABL-L2000 | Principles of Legal research for Doctoral Students D | 6 | III |
| Choose one of the following courses (3 ECTS) | |||
| LC-L1017 | Asiantuntijaesittämisen valmennus tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| Choose one of the following courses (3 ECTS) | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-7110 | Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen tohtoriopiskelijoille V D | 3 | IV-V |
| LC-L1018 | Tutkimusraportoinnin tekstiretriitit tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
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Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) Examples of recommended courses |
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| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| LC-L1011 | Open Science for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1020 | Theory of Science D* | 1 | any |
| Scientific community and working life skills | |||
| LC-L1012 | Business Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1013 | Career Course for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1014 | Interactive Leadership Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1015 | Project Management for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1016 | Writing Research Grant Applications for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | I-II and III-V |
| BIZ-L2040 | University practices I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2041 | University practices II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2020 | Academic advising I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2021 | Academic advising II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2030 | Teaching at higher education D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2050 | Reviewing a scientific manuscript D** | 1-3 | any |
* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory course, 3 ECTS | |||
| ABL-L2001 | Yritysjuridiikan tohtoriseminaari D | 3 | I-V |
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Elective courses (To be agreed with the Head of doctoral studies) You can also include international courses that would benefit your studies. Suitability and credits to be discussed. |
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| Field specific studies | |||
| ABL-L2100 | Vero-oikeuden lukupiiri D | 6 | any |
| ABL-L2101 | Kilpailuoikeuden lukupiiri D | 6 | any |
| ABL-L2102 | Yksityisoikeuden lukupiiri D | 6 | any |
| ABL-L2103 | Yritysjuridiikan työpaperi I D | 6 | any |
| ABL-L2104 | Yritysjuridiikan työpaperi II D | 6 | any |
| Disseminating research results | |||
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-L1019 | Tutkimustiedon yleistajuistaminen D | 5 | V |
| BIZ-L2010 | Presenting research at a conference I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2011 | Presenting research at a conference II D** | 1-3 | any |
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the Head of doctoral studies and completed in the agreed timeframe.
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Accounting. Head of doctoral studies in Business Law: Assistant Professor Moritz Scherleitner ([email protected]).
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory course, 2 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
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Choose at least 46 ECTS Students who have already completed these or corresponding courses as part of their Master’s degree must complete must contact the Head of doctoral studies for planning their course selection. |
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| ECON-L2100 | Advanced Microeconomics 1 D* | 5 | I |
| ECON-L2200 | Advanced Microeconomics 2 D | 5 | II |
| ECON-L2300 | Advanced Microeconomics 3 D | 5 | III |
| ECON-L2400 | Advanced Microeconomics 4 D | 5 | IV |
| ECON-L3100 | Advanced Macroeconomics 1 D* | 5 | I |
| ECON-L3200 | Advanced Macroeconomics 2 D* | 5 | II |
| ECON-L3300 | Advanced Macroeconomics 3 D* | 5 | III |
| ECON-L3400 | Advanced Macroeconomics 4 D* | 5 | IV |
| ECON-L4100 | Advanced Econometrics 1 D* | 5 | I |
| ECON-L4200 | Advanced Econometrics 2 D* | 5 | II |
| ECON-L4300 | Advanced Econometrics 3 D* | 5 | III |
| ECON-L4400 | Advanced Econometrics 4 D | 5 | IV |
| 31L20012 | Second year research paper seminar** | 6 | all |
* Courses offered by Helsinki Graduate School of Economics, Helsinki GSE. More information: https://www.helsinkigse.fi/courses/.
** The Second year research paper seminar is arranged throughout the whole academic year. Credits for the fourth year research paper seminar can be included in General research studies as study drafts > custom course credit.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the Head of doctoral studies) You can also include here e.g.
|
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| BIZ-LV004 | Topics in Quantitative Macroeconomics | 5 | |
| ECON-L1300 | Empirical Industrial Organization I: Static models | 6 |
25-26 III -IV |
| ECON-L1350 | Empirical Industrial Organization II: Topics | 6 | 24-25 III-IV |
| ECON-L5000 | Topics In Game Theory D | 6 | |
| ECON-L6000 | Urban and Regional Economics | 6 | V |
| ECON-L6210 | Structural Econometrics D | 5 | II |
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Economics. Head of doctoral studies in Economics: Associate Professor Kristiina Huttunen ([email protected])
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses (38 ECTS) | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral Students | 2 | II or IV |
| FIN-L1000 | Academic Writing and Paper Presentation Clinic* | 2 | II |
| 28L30111 | Theoretical Asset Pricing* | 6 | I-II |
| 28L30211 | Empirical Asset Pricing* | 6 | V |
| 28L30311 | Theoretical Corporate Finance* | 6 | III-IV |
| 28L40122 | Empirical Corporate Finance* | 6 | V |
| ECON-L4100 | Advanced Econometrics 1D** | 5 | I |
| ECON-L4200 | Advanced Econometrics 2 D** | 5 | II |
| Choose 2 of the following courses in Advanced Microeconomics: | |||
| ECON-L2100 | Advanced Microeconomics 1 D** | 5 | I |
| ECON-L2200 | Advanced Microeconomics 2 D** | 5 | II |
| ECON-L2300 | Advanced Microeconomics 3 D** | 5 | III |
| ECON-L2400 | Advanced Microeconomics 4 D** | 5 | IV |
* A GSF course. Information on course requirements and schedule can be found on the GSF page, http://gsf.aalto.fi/studies.html
** A Helsinki GSE course. More information on Helsinki GSE page, https://www.helsinkigse.fi/
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Elective courses (to be agreed with the Head of doctoral studies) | |||
| 28L40222 | Special Course in Finance* | 3-6 | Summer |
| FIN-L2000 | Special Course in Finance II* | 3-6 | Summer |
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Other suitable courses in finance, economics, research methods and other related disciplines organized by the Aalto University School of Business, GSF, Helsinki GSE, FDPE, NFN and other universities, including collaborative networks that the School of Business is involved with. The courses or summer schools students plan to include in this section must be agreed on in advance with the director of the GSF (Head of doctoral studies in Finance). The Graduate School of Finance (GSF): http://gsf.aalto.fi Nordic Finance Network in Finance (NFN): http://nfn.aalto.fi Helsinki Graduate School of Finance / Finnish Doctoral Programme in Economics Finnish Doctoral Program in Business Studies: http://www.kataja.eu |
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* This is a GSF special course in Finance on annually changing topics. Some of the special courses are shorter (3 ECTS) and others longer (6 ECTS). Additional information on course requirements, schedule, prerequisites, course outlines, reading lists etc. can be found on the GSF page, http://gsf.aalto.fi/studies.html.
Contact
Teaching for the major in Finance is organized within the Graduate School of Finance (GSF). Further Information: GSF director, Head of doctoral studies in Finance Mikko Leppämäki ([email protected])
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year | |
| Compulsory courses, 8 ECTS | ||||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV | |
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV | |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses You can also include a quantitative or qualitative methods course of similar scope from KATAJA or EIASM instead of the below listed options. More information: https://www.kataja.eu and https://www.eiasm.net. |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 | |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV | |
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) |
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| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV | |
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV | |
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III | |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II | |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V | |
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV | |
| 21L53609 | Paper Development Workshop: Qualitative Research | 6 | III | |
| MNGT-L1000 | Reading Circle in Organizational Studies I | 3 | I | |
| MNGT-L1001 | Reading Circle in Organizational Studies II | 6 | I | |
| MNGT1-L2000 | Sustainability, Organizations and Society | 6 | III-V | |
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 30 ECTS | |||
| MNGT-L2001 | Foundations of Doctoral Research in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/1st year |
| 21L11109 | Perspectives on Organization D | 6 | I-II/1st year |
| MNGT-L2002 | Crafting Research Plans and Funding Proposals in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/1st year |
| MNGT-L2003 | Advanced Research Design and Data Collection in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/2nd year |
| MNGT-L2004 | Mastering Paper Writing and Theorizing in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/2nd year |
| MNGT3-L0003 | Entrepreneurship Perspectives D | 6 | III-IV/1st-2nd year |
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MNGT3-L1001 MNGT3-L1002 MNGT3-L1003 MNGT3-L1004 |
Research Progress Seminar in Entrepreneurship Studies I D Research Progress Seminar in Entrepreneurship Studies II D Research Progress Seminar in Entrepreneurship Studies III D esearch Progress Seminar in Entrepreneurship Studies IV D |
1 1 2 2 |
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 |
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Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) It is recommended that you include at least one advanced entrepreneurship research course as an elective, following the mandatory course ‘Entrepreneurship Perspectives’. You can select these courses from various options, such as those offered by Aalto University School of Business, other units at Aalto University, or partner universities and networks. If applicable, you can also choose elective courses listed under the General Studies. Your selection should always be made in consultation with your supervising professor. For example: NORSI courses, more information: NORSI - Nordic Research School in Innovation and Entrepreneurship KATAJA courses, more information: https://www.kataja.eu/ GRAMO Doctoral tutorial, more information: http://www.kataja.eu/courses/tutorials IEASM/EDEN courses, more information: https://www.eiasm.net Contact The major is offered by the Department of Management Studies. Head of doctoral studies in Entrepreneurship: Professor Myrto Chliova ([email protected] |
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| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 8 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses You can also include a qualitative or quantitative methods course from KATAJA instead of the below listed options. More information: https://www.kataja.eu/. Instructions for credit transfer (aalto.fi) |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) You can include e.g. courses from the Aalto University School of Business, other units at Aalto University or from partner universities and networks in your elective studies as agreed with your supervising professor. For example: KATAJA courses, more information: https://www.kataja.eu/ |
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| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
|
Compulsory courses, 38 ECTS Compulsory courses include 23-24 ECTS of courses offered at Aalto University and 15 ECTS of courses offered through the Nordic Research School of International Business, NORD-IB. More information: https://www.nord-ib.fek.uu.se. |
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| MNGT-L2001 | Foundations of Doctoral Research in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/1st year |
| MNGT-L2002 | Crafting Research Plans and Funding Proposals in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/1st year |
| MNGT-L2003 | Advanced Research Design and Data Collection in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/2nd year |
| MNGT-L2004 | Mastering Paper Writing and Theorizing in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/2nd year |
|
MNGT2-L1001 MNGT2-L1003 MNGT2-L1003 MNGT2-L1004 |
Research Progress Seminar in International Business I D Research Progress Seminar in International Business II D Research Progress Seminar in International Business III D esearch Progress Seminar in International Business IV D |
2 2 1 1 |
Years 1 Years 2 Year 3 Year 4 |
| Nord-IB | 15 | 1st - 3rd year | |
| Course offered by another Aalto School or another Department at Aalto BIZ. | 5-6 | ||
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) You can include e.g. courses from the Aalto University School of Business, other units at Aalto University or from partner universities and networks in your elective studies as agreed with your supervising professor. For example: KATAJA courses, more information: https://www.kataja.eu/ GRAMO Doctoral tutorial, more information: http://www.kataja.eu/courses/tutorials IEASM/EDEN courses, more information: https://www.eiasm.net Instructions for credit transfer (aalto.fi) Also other paper development workshops or doctoral workshops can be included. |
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| 21L53609 | Paper Development Workshop: Qualitative Research | 6 | III |
|
26L30511 |
Learning to See: A Course in Ethnography and Discourse Analysis | 6 | V |
| 21L11109 | Perspectives on Organization D | 6 | I-II/1st year |
| MNGT3-L0003 | Entrepreneurship Perspectives D | 6 | III-IV/1st-2nd year |
| MNGT1-L2000 | Sustainability, Organizations and Society | 6 | III-V |
| MNGT-L1000 | Reading Circle in Organizational Studies I | 3 | I-V |
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Management Studies. Head of doctoral studies in International Business: Assistant Professor Iiris Saittakari ([email protected])
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses (8 ECTS) | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses You can also include equivalent course(s) offered by other universities, or by graduate schools (e.g. KATAJA) and networks in Finland and abroad. |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses (6 ECTS) You can also include equivalent course(s) offered by other universities, or by graduate schools (e.g. KATAJA) and networks in Finland and abroad. |
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| 21L53609 | Paper Development Workshop: Qualitative research | 6 | III-V |
| Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) | |||
| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| LC-L1011 | Open Science for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1020 | Theory of Science D* | 1 | any |
| Science communication and presenting doctoral research | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| LC-7110 | Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen tohtoriopiskelijoille V D | 3 | IV-V |
| LC-L1017 | Asiantuntijaesittämisen valmennus tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1018 | Tutkimusraportoinnin tekstiretriitit tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1019 | Tutkimustiedon yleistajuistaminen D | 5 | V |
| BIZ-L2010 | Presenting research at a conference I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2011 | Presenting research at a conference II D** | 1-3 | any |
| Scientific community and working life skills | |||
| LC-L1012 | Business Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1013 | Career Course for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1014 | Interactive Leadership Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1015 | Project Management for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1016 | Writing Research Grant Applications for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | I-II and III-V |
| BIZ-L2040 | University practices I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2041 | University practices II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2020 | Academic advising I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2021 | Academic advising II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2030 | Teaching at higher education D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2050 | Reviewing a scientific manuscript D** | 1-3 | any |
* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses (22 ECTS) | |||
| ISM2-L1001 | Research Seminar in Information Systems Science I D | 2 | 1/2 |
| ISM2-L1002 | Research Seminar in Information Systems Science II D | 2 | 2/3 |
| ISM2-L1003 | Research Seminar in Information Systems Science III D | 2 | 4 |
| ISM2-L2001 | Scientific reading and writing in ISS | 6 | Year 1 period:I-IV |
| ISM2-L2000 | Research Methods in ISS | 10 | |
| Choose at least one of the following courses (6 ECTS) | |||
| 37E44000 | Critical Issues in Information Systems Research | 6 | V |
| ISM-E2222 | Current Topics in Digital Business | 6 | V |
|
Elective courses Elective courses can consist of any advanced ISS courses, national or international ISS seminars, book exams, working papers and other publications. Students require confirmation on the study content from their supervising professor. See more details from MyCourses at https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=3795 |
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Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Information and Service Managements. Head of doctoral studies in Information Systems Science: Professor Virpi Kristiina Tuunainen (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi).
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory course, 2 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) | |||
| ISM3-L2000 | Logistics’ Reading Seminar D | 6 | I-V |
| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| LC-L1011 | Open Science for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1020 | Theory of Science D* | 1 | any |
| Science communication and presenting doctoral research | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| LC-7110 | Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen tohtoriopiskelijoille V D | 3 | IV-V |
| LC-L1017 | Asiantuntijaesittämisen valmennus tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1018 | Tutkimusraportoinnin tekstiretriitit tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1019 | Tutkimustiedon yleistajuistaminen D | 5 | V |
| BIZ-L2010 | Presenting research at a conference I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2011 | Presenting research at a conference II D** | 1-3 | any |
| Scientific community and working life skills | |||
| LC-L1012 | Business Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1013 | Career Course for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1014 | Interactive Leadership Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1015 | Project Management for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1016 | Writing Research Grant Applications for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | I-II and III-V |
| BIZ-L2040 | University practices I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2041 | University practices II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2020 | Academic advising I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2021 | Academic advising II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2030 | Teaching at higher education D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2050 | Reviewing a scientific manuscript D** | 1-3 | any |
* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory course, 1 ECTS | |||
| ISM3-L1001 | Research Seminar in Logistics D | 1 | I-V |
| Choose at least two of the following graduate-level courses in logistics, min. 12 ECTS | |||
| 35E03000 | Sustainable Supply Chains | 6 | I |
| 35E02000 | Procurement and Strategic Sourcing | 6 | I |
| ISM-E3003 | Operations and Supply Chain Analytics | 6 | II |
| ISM-E3004 | Revenue Management and Demand Analytics | 6 | IV |
| 35E00400 | Coordination of Supply Chains | 6 | V |
| 35E00550 | Quality and Performance Management | 6 | III |
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) KATAJA’s Graduate School of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (L&SCM) Doctoral students can take KATAJA courses as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. More information: https://www.kataja.eu/ IEASM/EDEN courses Doctoral students can take IEASM/EDEN courses as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. More information: https://www.eiasm.net |
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| Independent studies, choose max. 2 | |||
| BIZ-L2060 | Literature I D* | 1-6 | any |
| BIZ-L2061 | Literature II D* | 1-6 | any |
| ISM3-L2001 | Working paper in Logistics D* | 1-6 | any |
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the Head of doctoral studies and completed in the agreed timeframe.
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Information and Service Management. Head of doctoral studies in Logistics: Professor Markku Kuula (firstname.lastname@aalto.fi)
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory course, 2 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
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Elective courses (choose 16-22 ECTS) (To be agreed with the supervising professor) |
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Methods and methodology Doctoral students include any relevant KATAJA method courses as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. More information: https://www.kataja.eu. Recommended course: Experimental Methods in Marketing, 3-6 ECTS |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
| MARK-L4000 | Measurement Modelling and Structural Equation Modelling with LISREL in Marketing D | 3-6 | |
| MARK-L4001 | Historical Approaches to Business Research D | 3-6 | IV, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| LC-L1011 | Open Science for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1020 | Theory of Science D* | 1 | any |
| Science communication and presenting doctoral research | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| LC-7110 | Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen tohtoriopiskelijoille V D | 3 | IV-V |
| LC-L1017 | Asiantuntijaesittämisen valmennus tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1018 | Tutkimusraportoinnin tekstiretriitit tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1019 | Tutkimustiedon yleistajuistaminen D | 5 | V |
| BIZ-L2010 | Presenting research at a conference I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2011 | Presenting research at a conference II D** | 1-3 | any |
| Scientific community and working life skills | |||
| LC-L1012 | Business Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1013 | Career Course for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1014 | Interactive Leadership Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1015 | Project Management for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1016 | Writing Research Grant Applications for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | I-II and III-V |
| BIZ-L2040 | University practices I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2041 | University practices II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2020 | Academic advising I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2021 | Academic advising II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2030 | Teaching at higher education D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2050 | Reviewing a scientific manuscript D** | 1-3 | any |
* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 12 ECTS | |||
| 23L30211 | Research Traditions in Marketing: Independent Learning Course | 6 | any |
| MARK-L2001 | Philosophical Underpinnings in Marketing and Consumer Research D | 6 | 2024 no teaching, 2025-26 III-V |
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Elective courses, 21-27 ECTS KATAJA courses Students can also include courses from the network of Finnish business schools KATAJA. Recommended courses: Digital Marketing and Social Media, 3 ECTS & Marketing Research in the Sharing Economy: Platform Businesses, Blockchain, and the Metaverse, 3 ECTS. Students are also recommended to take field specific doctoral courses by DENIM (organized by the national network KATAJA). More information at http://www.kataja.eu. |
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| MARK-L3000 | New Product Development and Innovation Strategy: Creativity, Innovation, and Marketing D | 6 | Summer 24-25 |
| MARK-L2003 | Marketing History D* | 6 | any |
| 23L30511 | Methodological Approaches to Marketing: Independent Learning Course* | 6 | any |
| 23L50811 | Canonical reading in social science for management and marketing* | 6-8 | any |
* These are independent studies, to be agreed with the Head of doctoral studies and the supervising professor and to be completed in the agreed timeframe.
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Marketing. Head of doctoral studies in Marketing: Professor [email protected]
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 4 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| ISM1-L1001 | Management Science Brown Bag Seminar D | 1 | I-V |
| LC-L1016 | Writing Research Grant Applications for Doctoral Students | 1 | any |
| Choose one of the following courses (3 ECTS) | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-7110 | Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen tohtoriopiskelijoille V D | 3 | IV-V |
| LC-L1018 | Tutkimusraportoinnin tekstiretriitit tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) | |||
| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| LC-L1011 | Open Science for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1020 | Theory of Science D* | 1 | any |
| Science communication and presenting doctoral research | |||
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| LC-L1017 | Asiantuntijaesittämisen valmennus tohtoriopiskelijoille D | 3 | I |
| LC-L1019 | Tutkimustiedon yleistajuistaminen D | 5 | V |
| BIZ-L2010 | Presenting research at a conference I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2011 | Presenting research at a conference II D** | 1-3 | any |
| Scientific community and working life skills | |||
| LC-L1012 | Business Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1013 | Career Course for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1014 | Interactive Leadership Skills for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| LC-L1015 | Project Management for Doctoral Students D* | 1 | any |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | |
| BIZ-L2040 | University practices I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2041 | University practices II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2020 | Academic advising I D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2021 | Academic advising II D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2030 | Teaching at higher education D** | 1-3 | any |
| BIZ-L2050 | Reviewing a scientific manuscript D** | 1-3 | any |
* These are independent online courses, to be completed at findocnet.fi. Registration by email to [email protected]. More information at aalto.fi.
** These are independent studies, to be agreed with the supervising professor and completed in the agreed timeframe.
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
|
Mathematical optimization – Choose at least one of the following courses (5 ECTS) Other relevant courses in mathematical optimization can also be included here instead, as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. |
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| MS-E2121 | Linear Optimization | 5 | III-IV |
| MS-E2145 | Combinatorial Optimization | 5 | |
| MS-E2148 | Dynamic Optimization | 5 | III |
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Statistics and stochastics – Choose at least one of the following courses (5 ECTS) Other relevant courses in statistics and stochastics can also be included here instead, as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. |
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| 30E00400 | Simulation D | 6 | I |
| MS-E2112 | Multivariate Statistical Analysis | 5 | III-IV |
| CS-E5710 | Bayesian Data Analysis | 5 | I-II |
| MS-E1600 | Probability Theory | 5 | I |
| MS-E1604 | Brownian Motion and Stochastic Analysis | 5 | IV |
| MS-E2150 | Discrete event simulation D | 5 | |
| MS-E2155 | System dynamics simulation D | 5 | |
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Decision Theory and Analysis – Choose at least one of the following courses (5 ECTS) Other relevant courses in decision theory and analysis can also be included here instead, as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. |
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| ISM-E1004 | Business Analytics 2, | 6 | III |
| ISM-E1006 | Decision Analytics for Consulting | 6 | IV |
| MS-E2135 | Decision Analysis | 5 | I-II |
| MS-E2117 | Riskianlyysi | 5 | III-IV |
| ECON-L5000 | Topics In Game Theory D | 5 | |
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Machine learning – Choose at least one of the following courses (5 ECTS) Other relevant courses in machine learning can also be included here instead, as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. |
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| 30E03500 | Capstone: Data Science for Business II D | 6 | II |
| CS-E4075 | Special Course in Machine Learning, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence D | 5 | |
| CS-E4715 | Supervised Machine Learning D | 5 | |
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Elective courses You can choose more courses from the above categories. Also other courses from other universities / other schools at Aalto can be included, as agreed with the Head of doctoral studies. |
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Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Information and Service Management. Head of doctoral studies in Management Science: Professor Pekka Malo ([email protected]).
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 8 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses You can also include a quantitative or qualitative methods course of similar scope from KATAJA or EIASM instead of the below listed options. More information: https://www.kataja.eu and https://www.eiasm.net |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) You can include e.g. courses from the Aalto University School of Business, other units at Aalto University or from partner universities and networks in your elective studies as agreed with your supervising professor. For example: KATAJA courses, more information: https://www.kataja.eu/ Also other paper development workshops or doctoral workshops can be included. |
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| 21L53609 | Paper Development Workshop: Qualitative Research | 6 | III-V |
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| PED-9011 | A! Peda Intro | 5 | I-II and III-V |
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 24 ECTS | |||
| MNGT-L2001 | Foundations of Doctoral Research in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/1st year |
| 21L11109 | Perspectives on Organization D | 6 | I-II/1st year |
| MNGT-L2002 | Crafting Research Plans and Funding Proposals in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/1st year |
| MNGT-L2003 | Advanced Research Design and Data Collection in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/2nd year |
| MNGT-L2004 | Mastering Paper Writing and Theorizing in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/2nd year |
| MNGT4-L1001 | Research Progress Seminar in Organizational Communication I D | 2 | year 1-2 |
| MNGT4-L1002 | Research Progress Seminar in Organizational Communication II D | 2 | Year 2-3 |
| MNGT4-L1003 | Research Progress Seminar in Organizational Communication III D | 2 | Year 4 |
| Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) | |||
| 75L20012 | Paper Development Project* | 6 | any |
| 75L20013 | Research traditions in organizational communication* | 6 | any |
| 75L20014 | Methodological approaches to corporate and organizational communication* | 6 | any |
| 75L20015 | International Doctoral Colloquium* | 6 | any |
| 26L30511 | Learning to See: A Course in Ethnography and Discourse Analysis | 6 | V |
| MNGT1-L2000 | Sustainability, Organizations and Society | 6 | III-V |
* These are independent studies, to be agreed with the teacher of the course and completed in the agreed timeframe.
Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Management Studies. Head of doctoral studies in Organizational Communication: Assistant Professor Paula Koskinen Sandberg ([email protected])
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 8 ECTS | |||
| LC-L1000 | Research Ethics for Doctoral students D | 2 | II or IV |
| MNGT-L2200 | Philosophy of Social Science | 6 | IV |
|
Choose at least one of the following courses You can also include a qualitative or quantitative methods courses from KATAJA instead of the below listed options. More information: https://www.kataja.eu/. Instructions for credit transfer (aalto.fi) |
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| MNGT4-L7000 | Qualitative Research in Management Studies | 6 | III, no teaching in 2024-2025 |
| TU-L0022 | Statistical Research Methods D | 5-8 | III-IV |
| Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) | |||
| Responsible conduct of research | |||
| LC-1333 | Navigate your doctoral studies while learning about equity, diversity, and inclusion D | 3 | IV |
| Science communication and presenting doctoral research | |||
| LCB-1350 | Writing Doctoral Research for Business & Management (w) | 3 | IV |
| LC-1335 | Preparing for the Doctoral Defense (o) | 1 | III |
| LC-1336 | Popularize your Research (o,w) | 1-3 | II |
| LC-1330 | Presenting Doctoral Research (o) | 3 | IV or V |
| Code | Course name | ECTS | Period/year |
| Compulsory courses, 24 ECTS | |||
| MNGT-L2001 | Foundations of Doctoral Research in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/1st year |
| 21L11109 | Perspectives on Organization D | 6 | I-II/1st year |
| MNGT-L2002 | Crafting Research Plans and Funding Proposals in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/1st year |
| MNGT-L2003 | Advanced Research Design and Data Collection in Management Studies D | 3 | I-II/2nd year |
| MNGT-L2004 | Mastering Paper Writing and Theorizing in Management Studies D | 3 | III-IV/2nd year |
|
MNGT1-L1001 MNGT1-L1002 MNGT1-L1003 MNGT1-L1004 |
Research Progress Seminar in Organization and Management I D Research Progress Seminar in Organization and Management IID Research Progress Seminar in Organization and Management III D Research Progress Seminar in Organization and Management IV D |
1cr1 2 2 |
year1 year2 year3 year4 |
|
Elective courses (To be agreed with the supervising professor) |
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| 21L53609 | Paper Development Workshop: Qualitative Research | 6 | III-IV |
| MNGT1-L2000 | Sustainability, Organizations and Society | 6 | III-V |
| MNGT-L1000 | Reading Circle in Organizational Studies I | 3 | On demand |
| MNGT-L1001 | Reading Circle in Organizational Studies II | 6 | On demand |
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You can also include e.g. courses from the Aalto University School of Business, other units at Aalto University or from partner universities and networks in your elective studies as agreed with your supervising professor. For example: KATAJA courses, more information: https://www.kataja.eu/ GRAMO Doctoral tutorial, more information: http://www.kataja.eu/courses/tutorials IEASM/EDEN courses, more information: https://www.eiasm.net Also other paper development workshops or doctoral workshops can be included. |
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Contact
The major is offered by the Department of Management Studies. Head of doctoral studies in Organization and Management: Assistant Professor Samuli Patala ([email protected])
Find courses for doctoral students & information about individual studies and credit transfer.
Doctoral students plan their studies and research by using the five parts of the DPSP.