~AMC's highly recommended PhD program~

Overview of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration is designed to meet the development needs of business leaders experienced managers and professionals who wish to pursue advanced studies and research in an area of significance to business administration.

PhD involves initial coursework subjects and Dissertation which develop the capacity of candidates to analyze, critique, synthesize and to develop knowledge. It can be completed overseas.

PhD offshore course is manages by the Register and Program Director (International Programs), directly appointed by the Tarlac State University. The program is operated in different locations by local agencies.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration - Course Aims

The aims of PhD program is to enhance candidates? capacity, through advanced coursework and research, to become aware of the relationship between research and their professional activities in business administration.

Throughout the program, PhD candidates are expected to make distinct contribution to knowledge of business administration whether by original investigation, review or criticism.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to promote the extension of knowledge and research to serve and develop new and better practices in business administration.

Recognition of TSU Degree

All TSU undergraduate and postgraduate programs are duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Republic of the Philippines and duly accredited by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP), and thereby recognized world-wide, AACCUP is a full member of International Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

TSU is included in the list of Universities in the Online Information Database of the International Association of Universities (IAU), which is a INESCO-bases worldwide association of university.

PhD is prestigious and respectable academic award. On completion of the degree, graduates will be entitled to use the title ?Dr? before their names.

PhD Course Structure

PhD Degree is built on a 60-credit structure comprising two components, i.e., coursework and Dissertation.

1. Coursework requirement

The coursework component comprises 48 credit points which is made up of core courses, major courses and electives.

Candidates with an insufficient background in research methods and/or theoretical knowledge in the core fields of study may be required to undertake initial coursework subjects. Candidates with appropriate prior learning history and/or relevant work and life experience may apply for exemption form all or part of the major course courses and electives.

2. Dissertation

The Doctoral Dissertation will be undertaken after the coursework subjects have been completed. The Dissertation counts as credits points.

The Dissertation subject requires candidates to prepare a research in the field of Business Administration which will consist of 20,000 ? 25,000 words.

• Dissertation Oral Examination

The Assessment for PhD degree is based on satisfactory completion of prescribed coursework and a Dissertation.

There are no examinations for individual coursework subjects. Assessment of coursework is through assignments on a continuous basis.

Upon submission of the Dissertation, the candidates shall be required to present his/her paper for a Dissertation oral examination, normally to take place on campus in the Philippines or any other place to be arranged. The oral examination will be conducted by the Dissertation Panel appointed by the University. The candidates shall be required to complete satisfactorily the oral examination in order to satisfy the requirements for PhD degree.

3. Language of Study

Though the program is conducted in English, candidates may choose to write their dissertation in the Chinese language, but are required to:

• submit an abstract in English together with the dissertation;

• assign and interpreter at the dissertation oral examination session at his/her own cost, if the student choose to present the paper in Chinese.

Completion Time

The standard duration for a candidate to complete PhD degree is 3 years. The minimum time allowed for a candidate to complete PhD Degree is 2 years, should he or she have been granted block exemption from the coursework requirements.

The maximum time allowed for a candidate to complete PhD Degree is 5 years. A candidate who wishes to extend candidature must seek permission from the Program Director.

Mode of Study

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration course will be delivered by a distance mode which is implemented through compulsory lectures, optional tutorials and study group discussion. Study materials include study guides, prescribed textbooks and reference books, reading and/or e-learning materials provided by the University.

On top of distance-learning Hong Kong Students will be provided with the following supports to facilitate their studies.

1. Lectures

Actual classroom lectures will be provided to students to be lead by professors drawn from local academics and business leaders. This will provide students a forum for open discussions and interchanges of ideas within the class.

2. Tutorials

International between a small group of students and the tutor will also be provided to give the students a chance to discuss and share their personal ideas and interest with their professor regarding the subject specialization of their choice.

3. Study Group Discussions

Out of timetable meetings will be organized for candidates working in a common interest group. The group discussions will provide a forum for group members to enhance critical thinking, analysis and synthesis with peers. Career Professionals will be invited to share their knowledge and experience in their field of profession.

4. Dissertation Supervisors

Students who have completed their coursework will be allocated a Supervisor to support their dissertation work. Direct supervision will be provided the Dissertation Supervisors in the preparation of their Dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration - Coursework Curriculum

The coursework curriculum for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration includes a total of 16 subjects, divided into 4 core course, 8 major and 4 elective course.

Exemption from Coursework

TSU provides the opportunity for candidates to apply for credit exemption on prior learning, that includes previous study from recognized institutions. The University does not normally allow exemption from the four core subjects, but can be granted a maximum exemption of 12 subjects from the major and elective subjects.

Forms of Exemption

1. Block exemption

Exemption granted under predetermined arrangement for postgraduate or professional qualifications. For example, candidates who possess and MBA or other business/management related postgraduate degrees or relevant professional qualifications, e.g. ACCA HKICPA (or HKSA), CPA or CICPA are eligible to apply for credit exemption from all of the major and elective subject.

2. Direct subject exemption

Exemption is granted where there is on-to-one, equivalent-level correspondence between the applicant?s prior learning and TSU subjects.

3. Indirect subject exemption

Exemption granted where the prior learning of the candidate is judged to be relevant to the course at the appropriate level but may not directly correspond to specific course subjects. Indirect exemption is usually granted towards meeting the major and elective requirement of the program.

Application for Exemption

Applications for exemption will normally only be considered at the time of admission. A second or later application got exemption must be made in writing to the Program Director, must set the circumstances which prevented an initial application or the change circumstances which justify a second or a third application.

Applicants are required to complete the enclosed ?Application for Credit Transfer? and lodge with the Tarlac State University Hong Kong Office or course local agency together with copies of supporting Testimonials, e.g. certificates or transcripts or other evidence of prior learning used for exemption purpose.

All applications for exemption will be judged by the University on a case by case basis.

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission to this program, applicants must be a holder of a Master?s Degree preferably in Business Administration or any Business related degree from a recognized institution, or Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from a recognized institution with 5 years managerial/supervisory experience.

Applications should demonstrate English Language Competency in an interview.

All applications will be considered by, and admission decisions will be made at the discretion of the University.