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100s of Free Management Dissertation Topics and Titles

Published by Grace Graffin at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

Introduction

The subject of management involves an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of business management, such as employee management, risk management, organisational behaviour, and many more.

When choosing a topic for your management dissertation, make sure to consider diverse topics that explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of management.

We understand that getting a dissertation topic approved can be extremely challenging as academic supervisors require students to research a unique case.

This is where our team of writers comes into play. Our writers can up with exciting and manageable management dissertation topics to help get the juices flowing in your head so you can write your dissertation on a unique and engaging topic.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review  along with the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics for here.

How to Select the Best Management Dissertation Topic?

A dissertation topic must be selected based on research interests, availability of data, time limitations, and the research’s scope and significance. The following management dissertation topics are carefully shortlisted while considering all these parameters. Please review these topics and let us know if you have any queries.

Also Read: Operations Management Dissertation Topics

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• Operations Management Dissertation Topics

2024 Management Research Topics

Topic 1: an evaluation of organizational change management- why do people tend to oppose change.

Research Aim: The research will aim to assess the structure of organizational change management and to find the reasons why people resist or oppose the changes in an organization. There are many reasons through which change in organization’s management becomes important but some employees’ does not accept that changes. There are many reasons why people resist changes on organization. In certain circumstances, resistance to change might be beneficial. Resistance to change is, in fact, a crucial feedback mechanism that must not be neglected.

Topic 2: Investigating the effectiveness of customer relationship management in airlines

Research Aim: The research will aim to study the efficiency of CRM in airlines. Customer relationship management has evolved into a critical technique used by every corporation to better its operations and obtain a competitive advantage over competitors. Customer relationship management has evolved into a key priority for airline firms and an integral part of airline businesses’ corporate strategy to distinguish themselves from rivals in the eyes of the consumer. The goal of facility organisations, such as airlines, is to provide services that attract and maintain satisfied, loyal customers who promote the airline.

Topic 3: How does leadership affect employees’ productivity? A case of IT firms

Research Aim: This research will focus on leadership positions in IT organisations with the goal of increasing staff productivity and performance. Leadership is essential for increasing employee retention, career drive, and efficiency. Most companies’ progress is accelerated by effective leadership. As a result, it is critical to organisational success. Employee performance, on the other hand, is a critical pillar of every firm, and companies must examine the variables that contribute to great performance. Leadership is based on confidence, which is based on skill, sincerity, ethics, transparency, reactivity, empathy, and kindness.

Topic 4: The effect of organisation advancement tools on business performance

Research Aim: The research will aim to find the effect of organization advancement on business performance. Organizational tools are objects that assist you in organising your workspace, resources, and tasks in order to make your workday more effective. Physical instruments, planners, and software platforms are examples of what they can be. Organization advancement tools are a great source to improve your business performance as they help you in managing your daily tasks and workforce.

Topic 5: The importance of leadership and social skills in new entrepreneurs: An investigative study

Research Aim: The research will aim to investigate the importance of leadership and social skills in new entrepreneurs. Developing talent, introducing innovative goods and services, delivering efficiency, and gaining market share all benefit from improved leadership qualities. If you wish to stay small, you might be able to get away with not growing your leaders. Otherwise, it will restrict your progress. Social skills enable entrepreneurs to interact with customers more effectively, resulting in more agreements and more profitability.

Covid-19 Management Research Topics

Crisis management during covd-19.

Research Aim: This study will identify crisis management aspects during COVD-19, including its challenges and solutions.

Business management during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will review business executives’ challenges in various scale industries and how they are recovering from the loss. How far did they succeed?

Hospital and medicine management during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will highlight the role of hospital management during COVID-19, the challenges they came across, and the ways to overcome those challenges.

Educational management during COVID-19

Research Aim: This study will address the issues faced by students and educational institutes. How are they trying to overcome the challenges of imparting education during the coronavirus pandemics?

Maternal health care management during COVID-19

Research Aim: The lockdown situation has been an issue of concern for the patients, including pregnant women. This study will address the role of Maternal health care management during COVID-19.

Management Dissertation Topics for 2023

Topic 1: analyzing the traditions and trends in public administration and management in post-wwii europe.

Research Aim: The purpose of the research will be to analyze the characteristics of cultural and national communities that have influenced public administration and management in the 1970s and 1980s in Europe. The study will be carried out using a systematic literature review.

Topic 2: The Impact of Gender-inclusive Gatekeeping and Predecessors Influence on the Success of Female CEOs

Research Aim: The purpose of the research will explore how local organisational agents and contexts can help women leaders overcome barriers and achieve success at higher levels in corporate firms. The study will focus on CEO succession events and predecessor CEOS factors and their influence on women post-succession. The research design will be developed qualitatively.

Topic 3: Analysing the Impact of Daily Psychological Power on Organisational Leaders

Research Aim: The research will use quantitative techniques to analyze power-holders relational and interdependent work contexts. The study will examine the effect of daily psychological power using the factors of abusive behaviour and perceived incivility.

Topic 4: Examining the Impact of Cultural Diversity on Interaction Process and Performance

Research Aim: Using quantitative techniques, the research will analyse the interaction process and performance factors in two groups of employees in the services industry – homogenous and culturally diverse. The effectiveness in operation and arrangements will be examined.

Topic 5: Analyzing the Impact of ‘Voice’ and ‘Silence’ on Destructive Leadership

Research Aim: The research will examine the limited and biased view of silence in management literature. The study will also analyse the impact of silence in an organisation in terms of a functional value using quantitative research techniques. Furthermore, how silence in organisations can be used as a strategic response will be discussed.

Topic 6: Examining the Relationship between Productivity, Management Practices, and Employee Ability in the UK Setting

Research Aim: Using quantitative techniques, the study will analyse a relationship between productivity, management practices, and employee ability using data from management practices surveys and employees’ longitudinal earnings records.

Topic 7: Analysing the Factors that Impact International Differences in Gender Pay Gap

Research Aim: The research will use quantitative techniques to analyse microdata from various countries between 1980 and 2010. The study will use the factors of wage structures, net supply, wage compression, collective bargaining coverage, and unionised wage setting to identify the lower gender pay gap internationally.

Topic 8: The Impact of Psychosocial Hazards on Workplace Risk Management

Research Aim: The study will investigate workplace risk management practices in industry sectors with a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and mental health disorders (MHDs) and the extent to which they may rise from psychosocial hazards. The research will be conducted using qualitative research techniques.

Strategic Management and Organisational Behavior Dissertation Topics

Strategic management and organisational behaviour can be described as the actions a firm takes to achieve its business objectives primarily derived from competitive markets’ dynamic behaviour. Following are some interesting dissertation topics under this field of study;

Topic 1: The Impact of Organisational Goals on Organisation Behavior

Research Aim: The primary focus of this research will be to combine factors from the theory of action, phases and self-determination theory to develop a motivational model that will explain the relationship between organisational goals setting process that lead to organisational behaviour. The research will be conducted using mixed methods of research techniques.

Topic 2: Integrating the Principles of Strategic Human Capital and Strategic Human Resource Management to Improve Organisational Performance

Topic 3: comparing the impact of family and non-family firm goals on strategy, family and organisational behavior.

Research Aim: This research will analyse the differences between family and non-family business goals and their impact on how businesses develop strategies. Also, the research will assess how these developed strategies would affect family and organisational behaviour. This research will use quantitative research techniques.

Topic 4: Analyzing the Effect of Strategy, Innovation, Networks and Complexity on Organisational Adaptability – The Mediating Effect of Leadership

Research Aim: The current study will use empirical analysis to examine the effects of strategy, innovation, networks, and complexity of organisational adaptability using leadership as a mediation factor.

Topic 5: Examining the Effect of Appointment of a Racial Minority Female CEO on White Male Top Manager Intrapsychic and Behavioral Responses

Research Aim: This research will examine white male managers’ behavioural responses to a female racial minority CEO’s appointment. The behaviour that the research will analyse is the amount of help that the white male top manager provides to their fellow executives. The research will be conducted using quantitative techniques.

Topic 6: Analysis of the Effectiveness of an Affect-Based Model to Portray Recipients Responses to Organisational Change Events

Research Aim: The study will use the Affect-Based Model developed by Oreg et al. (2016) to analyse if it is useful in documenting and portraying the recipient responses to organisational change events. The research will use factors of valence and activation to assess the effectiveness of the model. The study will be conducted using quantitative techniques.

Topic 7: Evaluating the Relationship between the personality of a CEO and Employee Motivation

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between a CEO’s personality and employee motivation. The core of this study will be to assess whether a CEO’s character possesses the power to influence employee motivation or not. Case studies from various companies will be used in this study.

Topic 8: Assessing the Role of Managers in Bringing and Implementing Technological Change in an Organisation

Research Aim: This research will focus on how managers implement technological change in their organisations. Change management is challenging as not all employees are open to accepting change. This research will focus on various ways through which managers successfully implement technological change in their companies.

Topic 9: An Analysis of Organisational Change Management: Why Employees Resist Change?

Research Aim: This research will focus on why employees resist change in organisations, i.e., why employees dislike change. Different causes and factors will be discussed in this study, and the research will conclude why employees do not wholeheartedly accept the change.

Knowledge Management Dissertation Topics

The importance of knowledge management for organisations can’t be understated because this aspect of management enhances the workforce’s capabilities and overall productivity. It leads to a competitive advantage and provides the basis for differentiating an organisation from its competitors. Some interesting dissertation topics under this field are;

Topic 1: Examining the Impact of Enterprise Social Networking Systems (ESNS) on Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning

Research Aim: The research will investigate the effect of ESNS on knowledge management processes and organisational learning. The research will use knowledge creation and sharing to play the mediating role in analysing the proposed relationship. The proposed study will use empirical research methods.

Topic 2: A Review of Knowledge Management Research

Research Aim: The research paper will use a systematic literature review technique for the proposed study. The research will review the last twenty years of knowledge management literature to assess the presence of bias in explaining knowledge integration over research by exploring knowledge differentiation processes.

Topic 3: The Impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on Innovation and Knowledge Management Capacity

Research Aim: The purpose of this research will be to investigate the plausible relationship between knowledge management systems, open innovation, knowledge management capacity, and innovation capacity in firms. The research will be conducted using empirical techniques to draw reliable conclusions.

Topic 4: The Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management on MNC and their Subsidiaries Performance

Research Aim: The research will develop a model to test the possibility of a relationship between strategic knowledge management (SKM) processes and organisation performance compared between multinational companies and their subsidiaries. The research will also analyse the impact of relational context on knowledge creation and transfer.

Topic 5: Analyzing the Relationship between Knowledge Management Practices and Knowledge Worker Performance - The Mediating Role of Organisational Commitment

Research Aim: The study will analyse the role of knowledge management practices to address the issues of insufficient organisational commitment and knowledge workers’ performance in the UK’s public sectors. The proposed study will use quantitative research techniques to fulfil its aim and objectives.

Topic 6: The Relationship between Knowledge Management Processes and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Private Business Schools in the UK

Research Aim: The proposed research will explore the impact of knowledge management processes on sustainable completive advantages by using knowledge-based view (KBV) and resource-based view (RBV) as mediators in the relationship. The research will be conducted using quantitative techniques of data collection (i.e. questionnaire) and analysis (i.e. structural equation modelling).

Topic 7: The Impact of Strategic Knowledge Management on Manufacturing Firm’s Performance

Research Aim: The purpose of the study will be to empirically investigate the relationship between the availability and use of IT solutions for strategic knowledge management and a manufacturing firm’s performance, which will be measured in unit production. The research will use the resource-based view and the knowledge-based theory to develop a conceptual framework to analyze this relationship’s effect.

Topic 8: Evaluating how Knowledge Management Impacts Company Performance: A Case Study of Sainsbury

Research Aim: This research will discuss the basic concepts of knowledge management. The study will also discuss the impact knowledge management has on a company’s performance, i.e. how it helps companies achieve their goals. The main focus of this research work will be on Sainsbury’s knowledge management framework.

Topic 9: Knowledge Management as a Core Competency? Evaluating the Application and Benefits of Knowledge Management

Research Aim: This research will uncover how companies utilise knowledge management as their core competency and how it benefits their business operations. This study’s main focus will be on applying the various concepts of knowledge management and their implication for businesses.

Topic 10: Exploring the Managerial Concerns and Issues in Knowledge Management and Their Impact on Organisations

Research Aim: This research will explore the managerial concerns and issues related to knowledge management. The study will also focus on assessing the impact of these issues on businesses and how they can influence day-to-day operations. This will be an evidence-based study where evidence from different companies and various situations will be evaluated.

Leadership and Management Information System Dissertation Topics

Leadership drives the organisational agenda and is regarded as one of the most influential factors in streamlining organisations’ processes. Good leadership results in better performance of any organisation because it gives direction to the business activities under the market conditions and requirements.

Similarly, management information systems are pivotal to any organisation’s success and successfully implementing them can benefit the organisation in many ways. Following are some dissertation topics under the subject of leadership and management information systems;

Topic 1: The Role of Information Systems (IS) in Enterprise Architecture and its Impact on Business Performance

Research Aim: This study will examine the relationship between IS Enterprise Architecture and business performance using technical alignment and IS capabilities mediators. This research will be conducted using quantitative techniques to fulfil its aim.

Topic 2: Exploring The Relationship between Ethical Leadership and Employee Knowledge Sharing

Research Aim: This research will use social learning theories and self-determination to investigate the relationship between ethical learning and employee knowledge sharing. The study will be conducted using empirical research techniques.

Topic 3: Analysing the Impact of Relationship Leadership and Social Alignment on Information Security Systems Effectiveness in Private Organisations

Research Aim: This research will use social capital theory as its theoretical foundation to explore the impact of relational leadership on social alignment between business and IT executives. The relational model will study the factors of integrated knowledge, information security system effectiveness, and organisational performance. This research will use empirical techniques.

Topic 4: Examining the Relationship between Operating Room (OR) Leadership and Operating Staff Performance

Research Aim: This research will analyse the relationship between Operating Room leadership and operating staff performance. This will be done using emotional intelligence and collaboration variables to assess staff performance, using recovery numbers. The relationship will also be examined through the mediating role of leadership principles. The data will be collected and assessed using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 5: The Role of Transformational Leadership as a Mediating Variable in the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model.

Research Aim: The research will use the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model to analyse if productivity software implemented in an organisation can improve its performance. However, the research will also evaluate the model and propose modifications to include transformational leadership as a mediating factor in the information success model. The research will be quantitative in nature.

Topic 6: Assessing the Role of Leadership in an Organisation to Help Adopt Advanced Technological Systems

Research Aim: This research will assess the role of leadership in an organisation to help companies realise the importance of innovative, technologically advanced systems. Many companies today are still naive to the ever more important role of technology. Thus this research will aim to help companies adopt innovative technological systems through leadership. The research will be evidence-based in nature.

Topic 7: Evaluating How Changing Business Leadership Impacts Technological Organisational Performance

Research Aim: Changing leadership in organisations can prove a disaster if not handled properly. The transition process is extremely challenging, and companies should have the capability to handle this phase. This research will explore how their decision to change leadership impacts technological and organisational performance and how to optimise the process. This research will be quantitative in nature.

Topic 8: Can Information Systems in Organisations Be Considered a Competitive Advantage?

Research Aim: Information systems, if implemented successfully, benefit organisations immensely. The impact that an information system has and its results help companies stay ahead of their competitors. This research will assess how companies can turn their information systems into a competitive advantage, and most importantly, whether they or not information systems should be considered a competitive advantage.

Topic 9: Understanding the Leadership Challenges of Implementing and Managing an Advanced Information System in an Organisation

Research Aim: This research will help explain the challenges that managers and the entire leadership of an organisation face when implementing an advanced information system. Bringing a change in a company is challenging, and throw in a technology to implement, the process becomes even more challenging. This study will explore in detail all related challenges through quantitative research.

Topic 10: Do all Business Processes in an Organisation need Information System Management?

Research Aim: It is often argued that not all business processes require information systems. However, when talking about today’s world and the technological advancements taking place, it is recommended that business processes in organisations adopt the technology. This research will be a comparative analysis of whether companies are successful and profitable with information systems or without them.

Also Read: Business Dissertation Topics

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Organisational Culture and International Business Dissertation Topics

Organisational culture shapes the work ethics and helps in defining the professional image of organisations. Organisational culture plays a huge role in international business.

Organisations that adopt the country’s culture they are operating in are known to run their operations more successfully. The following topics are related to organisational culture and international business and help students choose an appropriate topic according to their interests.

Topic 1: The Impact of Organisational Culture of Collaborative Networks Influence on IT Governance Performance in Large Enterprises

Research Aim: This research will explore the influence of collaborative networks’ organisational culture on IT governance performance. The study will use a case study to analyse multinationals as they have a wide working network. The purpose of the research will be to determine whether or not organisational culture helps businesses effectively use IT in business operations. The research will be conducted using mixed methods research.

Topic 2: Analysing the Relationship between Supervisor’s Job insecurity and Subordinates’ Work Engagement

Research Aim: The purpose of this research is two-fold. The research will analyse the relationship between the supervisor’s job insecurity and subordinates’ work engagement using a mediator and a moderator. The research will first examine the mediating role of subordinate’s pro-social voice between supervisor job insecurity and subordinates’ work engagement. Next, the research will examine the moderating role of organisational culture between the supervisor’s job insecurity and sub-ordinates pro-social voice. The research will be conducted through quantitative techniques.

Topic 3: Analysing the Impact of Individual Perception of Organisational Culture on the Learning Transfer Environment

Research Aim: The research will be conducted empirically to assess the relationship between culture (as perceived by employees) and the work environment based learning factors (i.e. learning transfer environment [LTE]) in the organisation). LTE is measured using feedback and coaching factors that received resistance or openness to chance, personal outcomes, and supervisor and peer support.

Topic 4: The Role of Organisational Culture on the Development of Psychological Distress in the Workplace

Research Aim: The purpose of the study will be to analyse how organisational culture may cause the symptoms of psychological distress in the workforce. The study will use corporate culture and work organisation conditions as base factors to relate them to employees’ psychological distress. The research will be conducted using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 5: Analysing the Role of Leadership and Organisational Culture

Research Aim: The research will examine the relationship between organisational culture, leadership and employee outcomes. The paper will focus on the mediator of leadership processes and their impact on the relationship between culture and employee outcomes. The study will be conducted using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 6: The Role and Relationships among Strategic Orientations, Cultural Intelligence, International Diversification and Performance of Organisations

Research Aim: The research will aim to understand the drivers of the international expansion of globalised firms. The research will explore the relationship between strategic orientations and cultural intelligence as drivers and international diversification and firm performance. Strategic orientations used in the study include international market orientation (IMO) and entrepreneurial orientation (IEO). The study will be conducted using quantitative research techniques.

Topic 7: Dynamics of Corruption Culture Distance to Core Values

Research Aim: The research will examine how corporate bribery is impacted by cultural distance between multinational enterprises (MNEs) in their home and host countries. The research will also analyse the organisational distance to core value between MNE’s entry into the host country and its headquarters. The research will use empirical data collection and analysis techniques.

Topic 8: Examining Organisational Export Performance by International Business Competencies

Research Aim: The study aims to explore the relationship between international business competencies and export performance. The research will also analyse export performance by singular analysis or combined analysis of the competencies. The research will be conducted using empirical data.

Topic 9: Does Organisational Culture Influence the Leadership Type that a Company Should Adopt?

Research Aim: This research will argue whether companies should hire leaders concerning their culture or not. Organisational culture and leadership are interconnected. Thus companies that do not operate according to their culture struggle to grow exponentially. This research will aim to focus on the possible relationship between leadership and organisational culture. The research will be evidence-based.

Topic 10: Organisational Culture and International Business Competition: Are they Interrelated?

Research Aim: Organisational culture plays a huge role in making a company competitive internationally. When a business’s culture is motivating to all employees and identifies the right culture for its employees, there is every likelihood of rapid growth for both the company and the employees. The research will explore how the two concepts are interrelated.

Important Notes:

As a management student looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing management theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The management field is vast and interrelated to many other academic disciplines like operations management , business , business administration , MBA , human resource management and more. That is why creating a management dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field is imperative.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic based on your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in writing your dissertation , as you may end up in the cycle of rejection at the initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

Keeping our advice in mind while developing a research topic will allow you to pick one of the best management dissertation topics that fulfil your requirement of writing a research paper and adds to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Please look at some of our sample management dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure your Management Dissertation

A well-structured dissertation can help students to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review : This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature on the chosen research topic to address research questions . The purpose is to highlight and discuss the selected research area’s relative weaknesses and strengths while identifying research gaps. Break down the topic and key terms that can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology : The data collection and analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes research design , research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis : Findings of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include graphs, charts, and tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and Conclusion : The researcher presents his interpretation of results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is establishing the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regards to implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References : Make sure to complete this by your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices : Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find dissertation topics about management.

To find management dissertation topics:

• Research recent management challenges.
• Explore industry trends and innovations.
• Analyze organizational behavior or strategies.
• Examine cross-cultural management issues.
• Investigate sustainability and ethics.
• Consult academic journals and experts.

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Faculty-student collaboration on research is the cornerstone of the Ph.D. in Management program. Doctoral students have the opportunity to work with some of the top researchers who have expertise in a variety of areas encompassed by organizational behavior, strategic management and human resource management.

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Organizational behavior.

For students interested in specializing in  organizational behavior , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:

• Conflict and negotiation
• Decision making
• International organization behavior
• Mood and emotion
• Organizational justice
• Power and status
• Proactive behavior
• Stress and well-being
• Team decision-making and performance

Strategic Management

For students interested in specializing in  strategic management , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:

• Competitive dynamics
• Executive compensation and corporate governance
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Organizational learning and change
• Resources and capabilities
• Risk taking and risk management
• Strategic decision making

Human Resource Management

For students interested in specializing in  human resource management , our faculty have expertise in the following research areas, among others:

• Career development
• International human resource management
• Job analysis and design
• Organizational socialization

Publications

Below are some recent publications that have resulted from collaborations between faculty and doctoral students, with current Ph.D. students’ and graduates’ names in bold.

Arrfelt, M. , Wiseman, R.M., McNamara, G., Hult, G. T. M. (2015). Examining a key corporate role: the influence of capital allocation competency on business unit performance.  Strategic Management Journal , 36, 1017-1034. Firth, B. , Hollenbeck, J.R., Ilgen, D.R.,  Barnes, C.M. , and  Miles, J.  (2015). Same page, different books. Extending representational gaps theory to enhance performance in multiteam systems.  Academy of Management Journal , 58, 813-835. Johnson, R. E., King, D. D.,  Lin, S.-H. , Scott, B. A., Jackson Walker, E. M., & Wang, M. (2017). Regulatory focus trickle-down: How leader regulatory focus shapes follower regulatory focus and behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes , 140, 29-45. Kolev, K. , Wiseman, R.M., Gomez-Mejia, L.R. (2017). Do CEOs ever lose? Fairness perspective on the allocation of residuals between CEOs and shareholders.  Journal of Management,  Vol. 43 No. 2, 610-637. Koopman, J. ,  Lanaj, K. , & Scott, B. A. (2016). Integrating the bright and dark sides of OCB. A daily investigation of the benefits and costs of helping others.  Academy of Management Journal , 59, 414-435. Lanaj, K.  and Hollenbeck, J.R. (2015). Leadership over emergence in self-managing teams. The role of gender and countervailing biases.  Academy of Management Journal , 58, 1476-1494. Lanaj, K. , Johnson, R. E., &  Lee, S.  (2016). Benefits of transformational behavior for leaders: A daily investigation of leader behavior and need fulfillment.  Journal of Applied Psychology , 101.2, 237-251. Mannor, M. , Shamsie, J., & Conlon, D.E. (2016). Does experience help or hinder top managers? Working with different types of resources in Hollywood.  Strategic Management Journal , 37, 1330-1340. Matta, F.K. , Scott, B. A., Colquitt, J. A.,  Koopman, J. , &  Passantino, L.  (2017). Is consistently fair better than sporadically fair? An investigation of justice variability and stress. Academy of Management Journal , 60, 743-770. Rosen, C. C.,  Koopman, J. , Gabriel-Rossetti, A. S., & Johnson, R. E. (2016). Who strikes back? A daily investigation of when and why incivility begets incivility.  Journal of Applied Psychology,  101.11, 1620-1634 . Schaubroeck, J. M.,  Peng, A. C. , & Hannah, S. T. (2016). The role of peer respect in linking abusive supervision to follower outcomes: Dual moderation of group potency.  Journal of Applied Psychology , 101.2, 267-278. Wowak, A.,  Mannor, M. ,  Arrfelt, M. , & McNamara, G. (2016). Earthquake or glacier? How CEO charisma manifests in firm strategy over time.  Strategic Management Journal . 37, 586-603.

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Fully prepared

After working in the corporate world for five years, Michigan State University was a new beginning for me both personally and professionally. I realize now the strong foundation that Michigan State provided for me to have a bright career as a professor. As a new professor, I feel fully prepared to face the challenges of research, teaching and earning tenure due to my mentoring and education at Michigan State. Michigan State takes the preparation and mentoring of its doctoral students seriously and continues to produce leading scholars in the field on a consistent basis. The network of successful Michigan State alumni is second to none, and one in which you can join as well!

Although earning a Ph.D. was extremely intense and intellectually challenging, the culture of Michigan State also made it very fun as well. Over my five years at Michigan State, I developed life-long friendships with both faculty and students. Due to the collegial atmosphere, I always felt extremely supported by the faculty and fellow students at Michigan State as I worked through classes, research projects and the dissertation process. I am certain you will have as many Spartans cheering for your success as I had (and still have) cheering for me.

There is no doubt that I made a great decision when I chose to earn my Ph.D. at Michigan State, and I certainly have no regrets. Go Green! Go White!

Dr. Nahrhang’s current research interests focus on leadership processes and their development over time, leadership in teams, and team processes and performance.

Management @ Broad

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The School of Business encourages and fosters a rich research-oriented environment for faculty and doctoral candidates. Students can choose from a variety of topics reflecting the varied research interests of our faculty. The Ph.D. Program is intended to prepare students to conduct original research; i.e., to explain phenomena previously not well understood and then to test proposed explanations empirically.

• Accounting standards-setting
• Analyst forecasts
• Corporate financial reporting issues
• Initial Public offerings
• Internal control
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Securities regulation in international capital markets
• Taxes and business decisions
• Asset pricing models
• Corporate management behavior
• Risk management
• Corporate governance
• Financial distress and default
• Credit risk
• International finance
• Macro finance
• Real options
• Institutional investors
• Mutual funds
• Hedge funds
• Market efficiency
• Cost of capital
• Bank competition
• Culture and finance
• Environmental impacts on real estate value
• Capital structure
• Dividend policy
• Insurance markets
• Healthcare finance
• Teams in organizations
• Empowerment and empowering leadership
• Social networks
• Multi-level theory
• Strategic entrepreneurship
• Corporate alliance and networks
• Learning process
• Creativity and innovation
• Strategic human resource management
• International expansion
• Long-term decision making
• Big data anlytics, Branding in developed and emerging markets
• Cross-cultural research
• Cognitive computing applications
• Consumer search and decision  making
• Consumer social networks and social media
• Creativity, identity and emotions
• Digital marketing and analytics
• Digital strategies for customer relationship management
• E-commerce and online retailing
• Global citizenship and consumer behavior
• International marketing
• Interpersonal social networks and social capital
• Marketing-finance interface
• Mobile and digital marketing
• Sales management and innovation
• Product design
• Social interaction and peer effects
• Quality and innovation

Operations & Information Management

• Auction theory and applications
• Database design and security
• Database management
• Distributed computing and client/server technology
• Electronic commerce
• Economics of information and information systems
• Healthcare information systems
• Management of technology
• Manufacturing systems, planning and strategy
• Supply chain management
• Telecommunication and network modeling and analysis
• Applications of operations research and other optimization techniques to areas such as product design, production scheduling, and facility location

Research Topics & Ideas: Business

50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a business/management-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of  research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the management domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Business Research Topics

• Business /management strategy
• Human resources (HR) and industrial psychology
• Finance and accounting
• Operations management
• International business
• Actual business dissertations & theses

Strategy-Related Research Topics

• An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
• The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within the agricultural sector
• Exploring the effect of globalisation on strategic decision-making practices for multinational Fashion brands.
• An evaluation of corporate social responsibility in shaping business strategy, a case study of power utilities in Nigeria
• Analysing the relationship between corporate culture and business strategy in the new digital era, exploring the role of remote working.
• Assessing the impact of sustainability practices on business strategy and performance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
• An analysis of the effect of social media on strategic partnerships and alliances development in the insurance industry
• Exploring the role of data-driven decision-making in business strategy developments following supply-chain disruptions in the agricultural sector
• Developing a conceptual framework for assessing the influence of market orientation on business strategy and performance in the video game publishing industry
• A review of strategic cost management best practices in the healthcare sector of Indonesia
• Identification of key strategic considerations required for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 to develop a circular economy
• Reviewing how Globalisation has affected business model innovation strategies in the education sector
• A comparison of merger and acquisition strategies’ effects on novel product development in the Pharmaceutical industry
• An analysis of market strategy performance during recessions, a retrospective review of the luxury goods market in the US
• Comparing the performance of digital stakeholder engagement strategies and their contribution towards meeting SDGs in the mining sector

Topics & Ideas: Human Resources (HR)

• Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational performance in SMEs
• The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• An evaluation of remote employee training and development programs efficacy in the e-commerce sector
• Comparing the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and productivity across generational divides
• Assessing the relationship between gender-focused employee empowerment programs and job satisfaction in the UAE
• A review of the impact of technology and digitisation on human resource management practices in the construction industry
• An analysis of the role of human resource management in talent acquisition and retention in response to globalisation and crisis, a case study of the South African power utility
• The influence of leadership style on remote working employee motivation and performance in the education sector.
• A comparison of performance appraisal systems for managing employee performance in the luxury retail fashion industry
• An examination of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in blue-collar workplaces, A systematic review
• Exploring HR personnel’s experiences managing digital workplace bullying in multinational corporations
• Assessing the success of HR team integration following merger and acquisition on employee engagement and performance
• Exploring HR green practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech industry
• Assessing the impact of human resources analytics in successfully navigating digital transformation within the healthcare sector
• Exploring the role of HR staff in the development and maintenance of ethical business practices in fintech SMEs
• An analysis of employee perceptions of current HRM practices in a fully remote IT workspace

Topics & Ideas: Finance & Accounting

• An analysis of the effect of employee financial literacy on decision-making in manufacturing start-ups in Ghana
• Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed companies in Estonia
• Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea
• An evaluation of financial risk management practices in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia
• Exploring the role of leadership financial literacy in the transition from start-up to scale-up in the retail e-commerce industry.
• A review of influential macroeconomic factors on the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender
• An examination of the use of financial derivatives in risk management
• Exploring the impact of the cryptocurrency disruption on stock trading practices in the EU
• An analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in academic publishing houses
• A comparison of financial ratios performance in evaluating E-commerce startups in South Korea.
• An evaluation of the role of government policies in facilitating manufacturing companies’ successful transitioning from start-up to scale-ups in Denmark
• Assessing the financial value associated with industry 4.0 transitions in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
• Exploring the role of effective e-leadership on financial performance in the Nigerian fintech industry
• A review of digital disruptions in CRM practices and their associated financial impact on listed companies during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Exploring the importance of Sharia-based business practices on SME financial performance in multicultural countries

Ideas: Operations Management

• An assessment of the impact of blockchain technology on operations management practices in the transport industry of Estonia
• An evaluation of supply chain disruption management strategies and their impact on business performance in Lithuania
• Exploring the role of lean manufacturing in the automotive industry of Malaysia and its effects on improving operational efficiency
• A critical review of optimal operations management strategies in luxury goods manufacturing for ensuring supply chain resilience
• Exploring the role of globalization on Supply chain diversification, a pre/post analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
• An analysis of the relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription-based business models
• Assessing the cost of sustainable sourcing practices on operations management and supply chain resilience in the Cocao industry.
• An examination of the adoption of behavioural predictive analytics in operations management practices, a case study of the
• Italian automotive industry
• Exploring the effect of operational complexity on business performance following digital transformation
• An evaluation of barriers to the implementation of agile methods in project management within governmental institutions
• Assessing how the relationship between operational processes and business strategy change as companies transition from start-ups to scale-ups
• Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models, lessons from the fintech industry
• A review of best practices for operations management facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the fast food industry
• Exploring the viability of lean manufacturing practices in Vietnam’s plastics industry
• Assessing engagement in cybersecurity considerations associated with operations management practices in industry 4.0 manufacturing

Topics & Ideas: International Business

• The impact of cultural differences in communication on international business relationships
• An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international business practices
• The effect of global shipping conditions on international business strategies
• An analysis of the challenges of managing multinational corporations: branch management
• The influence of social media marketing on international business operations
• The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries
• An examination of the impact of currency fluctuations on international business and cost competitiveness
• The relationship between international business and sustainable development: perspectives and benefits
• An evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets such as the renewable energy industry
• An analysis of the role of internationalisation via strategic alliances in international business
• The impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance
• The effect of political instability on international business operations: A case study of Russia
• An analysis of the role of intellectual property rights in an international technology company’s business strategies
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and international business strategy: a comparative study of different industries
• The impact of technology on international business in the fashion industry

Topics & Ideas: Leadership

• A comparative study of the impact of different leadership styles on organizational performance
• An evaluation of transformational leadership in today’s non-profit organizations
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and productivity
• An analysis of the relationship between leadership style and employee motivation
• The influence of diversity and inclusion on leadership practices in South Africa
• The impact of Artificial Intelligence technology on leadership in the digital age
• An examination of the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing business environment: examples from the finance industry
• The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction
• An evaluation of the role of transformational leadership in strategic decision-making
• The use of leadership development programs in enhancing leadership effectiveness in multinational organisations
• The impact of ethical leadership on organizational trust and reputation: an empirical study
• An analysis of the relationship between various leadership styles and employee well-being in healthcare organizations
• The role of leadership in promoting good work-life balance and job satisfaction in the age of remote work
• The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology industry
• An investigation of the impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness in global organizations

Business/Management Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a business-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various management-related degree programs (e.g., MBAs, DBAs, etc.) to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Sustaining Microbreweries Beyond 5 Years (Yanez, 2022)
• Perceived Stakeholder and Stockholder Views: A Comparison Among Accounting Students, Non-Accounting Business Students And Non-Business Students (Shajan, 2020)
• Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility and the New Ecological Paradigm among Business Students in Southern California (Barullas, 2020)
• Entrepreneurial opportunity alertness in small business: a narrative research study exploring established small business founders’ experience with opportunity alertness in an evolving economic landscape in the Southeastern United States (Hughes, 2019)
• Work-Integrated Learning in Closing Skills Gap in Public Procurement: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study (Culver, 2021)
• Analyzing the Drivers and Barriers to Green Business Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ohio (Purwandani, 2020)
• The Role of Executive Business Travel in a Virtual World (Gale, 2022)
• Outsourcing Security and International Corporate Responsibility: A Critical Analysis of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Human Rights Violations (Hawkins, 2022)
• Lean-excellence business management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Kurdistan region of Iraq (Mohammad, 2021)
• Science Data Sharing: Applying a Disruptive Technology Platform Business Model (Edwards, 2022)
• Impact of Hurricanes on Small Construction Business and Their Recovery (Sahu, 2022)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

If you’d like hands-on help to speed up your topic ideation process and ensure that you develop a rock-solid research topic, check our our Topic Kickstarter service below.

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Great help. thanks

Hi, Your work is very educative, it has widened my knowledge. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for helping me understand how to craft a research topic. I’m pursuing a PGDE. Thank you

Effect of Leadership, computerized accounting systems, risk management and monitoring on the quality of financial Reports among listed banks

May you assist on a possible PhD topic on analyzing economic behaviours within environmental, climate and energy domains, from a gender perspective. I seek to further investigate if/to which extent policies in these domains can be deemed economically unfair from a gender perspective, and whether the effectiveness of the policies can be increased while striving for inequalities not being perpetuated.

healthy work environment and employee diversity, technological innovations and their role in management practices, cultural difference affecting advertising, honesty as a company policy, an analysis of the relationships between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription based business model,business corruption cases. That I was selected from the above topics.

Research topic accounting

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• How to Choose a PhD Research Topic
• Finding a PhD

Introduction

Whilst there are plenty of resources available to help prospective PhD students find doctoral programmes, deciding on a research topic is a process students often find more difficult.

Some advertised PhD programmes have predefined titles, so the exact topic is decided already. Generally, these programmes exist mainly in STEM, though other fields also have them. Funded projects are more likely to have defined titles, and structured aims and objectives.

Self funded projects, and those in fields such as arts and humanities, are less likely to have defined titles. The flexibility of topic selection means more scope exists for applicants to propose research ideas and suit the topic of research to their interests.

A middle ground also exists where Universities advertise funded PhD programmes in subjects without a defined scope, for example: “PhD Studentship in Biomechanics”. The applicant can then liaise with the project supervisor to choose a particular title such as “A study of fatigue and impact resistance of biodegradable knee implants”.

If a predefined programme is not right for you, then you need to propose your own research topic. There are several factors to consider when choosing a good research topic, which will be outlined in this article.

How to Choose a Research Topic

Our first piece of advice is to PhD candidates is to stop thinking about ‘finding’ a research topic, as it is unlikely that you will. Instead, think about developing a research topic (from research and conversations with advisors).

Consider several ideas and critically appraise them:

• You must be able to explain to others why your chosen topic is worth studying.
• You must be genuinely interested in the subject area.
• You must be competent and equipped to answer the research question.
• You must set achievable and measurable aims and objectives.
• You need to be able to achieve your objectives within a given timeframe.
• Your research question must be original and contribute to the field of study.

We have outlined the key considerations you should use when developing possible topics. We explore these below:

Focus on your interests and career aspirations

It is important to choose a topic of research that you are genuinely interested in. The decision you make will shape the rest of your career. Remember, a full-time programme lasts 3-4 years, and there will be unforeseen challenges during this time. If you are not passionate about the study, you will struggle to find motivation during these difficult periods.

You should also look to your academic and professional background. If there are any modules you undertook as part of your Undergraduate/Master degree that you particularly enjoyed or excelled in? These could form part of your PhD research topic. Similarly, if you have professional work experience, this could lead to you asking questions which can only be answered through research.

When deciding on a PhD research topic you should always consider your long-term career aspirations. For example, as a physicist, if you wish to become an astrophysicist, a research project studying black holes would be more relevant to you than a research project studying nuclear fission.

Read dissertations and published journals

Reading dissertations and published journals is a great way to identify potential PhD topics. When reviewing existing research ask yourself:

• What has been done and what do existing results show?
• What did previous projects involve (e.g. lab-work or fieldwork)?
• How often are papers published in the field?
• Are your research ideas original?
• Is there value in your research question?
• Could I expand on or put my own spin on this research?

Reading dissertations will also give you an insight into the practical aspects of doctoral study, such as what methodology the author used, how much data analysis was required and how was information presented.

You can also think of this process as a miniature literature review . You are searching for gaps in knowledge and developing a PhD project to address them. Focus on recent publications (e.g. in the last five years). In particular, the literature review of recent publications will give an excellent summary of the state of existing knowledge, and what research questions remain unanswered.

If you have the opportunity to attend an academic conference, go for it! This is often an excellent way to find out current theories in the industry and the research direction. This knowledge could reveal a possible research idea or topic for further study.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Discuss research topic ideas with a PhD supervisor

Discuss your research topic ideas with a supervisor. This could be your current undergraduate/masters supervisor, or potential supervisors of advertised PhD programmes at different institutions. Come to these meetings prepared with initial PhD topic ideas, and your findings from reading published journals. PhD supervisors will be more receptive to your ideas if you can demonstrate you have thought about them and are committed to your research.

You should discuss your research interests, what you have found through reading publications, and what you are proposing to research. Supervisors who have expertise in your chosen field will have insight into the gaps in knowledge that exist, what is being done to address them, and if there is any overlap between your proposed research ideas and ongoing research projects.

Talking to an expert in the field can shape your research topic to something more tangible, which has clear aims and objectives. It can also find potential shortfalls of your PhD ideas.

It is important to remember, however, that although it is good to develop your research topic based on feedback, you should not let the supervisor decide a topic for you. An interesting topic for a supervisor may not be interesting to you, and a supervisor is more likely to advise on a topic title which lends itself to a career in academia.

Another tip is to talk to a PhD student or researcher who is involved in a similar research project. Alternatively, you can usually find a relevant research group within your University to talk to. They can explain in more detail their experiences and suggest what your PhD programme could involve with respect to daily routines and challenges.

Look at advertised PhD Programmes

Use our Search tool , or look on University PhD listing pages to identify advertised PhD programmes for ideas.

• What kind of PhD research topics are available?
• Are these similar to your ideas?
• Are you interested in any of these topics?
• What do these programmes entail?

The popularity of similar PhD programmes to your proposed topic is a good indicator that universities see value in the research area. The final bullet point is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from looking at advertised listings. Review what similar programmes involve, and whether this is something you would like to do. If so, a similar research topic would allow you to do this.

Writing a Research Proposal

As part of the PhD application process , you may be asked to summarise your proposed research topic in a research proposal. This is a document which summarises your intended research and will include the title of your proposed project, an Abstract, Background and Rationale, Research Aims and Objectives, Research Methodology, Timetable, and a Bibliography. If you are required to submit this document then read our guidance on how to write a research proposal for your PhD application.

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PhD in Management Program

A phd in management: where business research and education intersect.

Become an industry thought leader while preparing tomorrow’s business leaders.

Our fully funded PhD in Management is designed for ambitious students and professionals interested in a career in university teaching and research.

This residential program, based at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management in Ithaca, NY, combines Ivy League rigor and real-world relevance to prepare you for successful careers in academia.

Why Get a PhD in Management?

With a strong focus on management science and applied research, this doctoral degree is ideal for someone looking to teach at the university level and contribute to the greater body of industry knowledge. Pursuing a PhD in Management is also an ideal next step for executives and senior managers who want to make a transition to academia or enhance their research skills for a successful consulting career.

Fully Funded, Highly Flexible: What Makes Cornell’s Management PhD Different?

As you explore PhD programs’ degree requirements, faculty engagement, and campus experience, Cornell stands alone.

In Cornell’s highly flexible program, you’ll choose a specific area of study and build your own dissertation committee. Our program faculty are genuinely interested and invested in your intellectual development. In this small and highly selective program, you will get to know the faculty and your peers well. 

The SC Johnson Graduate School of Management is home to leading research centers and a high-impact academic journal; these open you up to unique learning and mentorship opportunities.

Business Simulation Lab

The Debra Paget and Jeffrey Berg Business Simulation Lab facilitates in-person and online behavioral research related to decision-making and problem-solving.

Discover More About BSL

Our Three-Pronged Approach to a PhD in Management

The Johnson School’s doctoral degree in management combines the best of theory and practice, building on a three-pronged foundation:

Hands-on Experience

Develop your research and analytical skills. You’ll work with classmates to examine existing literature and theories for class deliverables, which will often include your own original research.

Customizable Curriculum

Design your own academic pathway. You’ll choose one of six primary areas of study and create your own dissertation committee.

University-Wide Coursework

Draw on the expertise from across Cornell. You’ll get to select graduate-level courses from schools and colleges devoted to law , hospitality , engineering , labor relations , and other fields.

At a Glance: Cornell’s Fully Funded PhD in Management

The fully residential, fully funded PhD in Management program includes a tuition waiver and a stipend for living expenses. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Degree Awarded

PhD in Management

Program Location

Ithaca, NY, with options in New York City

Program Format

Foundational coursework, original research, and six potential areas of study

Hear from Our Community

“PhD is a marathon, not a sprint, and collaborating with great people is paramount. At Cornell, I’ve found a place where amazing people come together, supporting my research and personal growth. Choosing Cornell means joining a community that knows how important it is to work with exceptional people to excel in the program.” – Elina Hur PhD ’23

Customize Your Path: Our Areas of Study

When you apply to the Johnson School’s PhD in Management, you will select a primary area of study. Choosing a concentration allows you to gain specialized skills and knowledge while growing a portfolio of original research.

Examine the role of accounting information in firms and financial markets. PhD-level research at Cornell explores topics such as how firms report information to investors, how accounting information is used to manage firms, and the nature of auditing.

Strategy & Business Economics

Use modern tools and methodologies to gain a better understanding of the world. PhD students in this area explore many aspects of economics including industrial, behavioral, labor, and organizational.

Dive deep into the financial structure and issues of organizations. Your research might look at how conflicts of interest affect corporate policy, how investor psychology affects asset pricing, or how to detect price bubbles.

Learn how theories from operations research, economics, psychology, and sociology intersect to inform corporate and consumer decisions. Your PhD studies will explore both quantitative and behavioral perspectives of marketing.

Management & Organizations

Prepare for a research-focused career in academia or industry. This versatile concentration develops skilled, innovative, analytical researchers through a broad curriculum and close faculty collaboration.

Operations, Technology, & Information Management

Develop the technical skills and behavioral analysis knowledge you need to address high-impact managerial decisions. This focus area also offers an option to complete coursework at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Idea Generation to Publication: A Career in Teaching and Research

The majority of our PhD in Management students pursue careers in academia. After graduation, many land tenure-track teaching positions at top-tier business schools and continue to advance knowledge through original research. Johnson School PhD students often field multiple offers and see starting salaries range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Finding Your Place at Cornell: Meet Our Current PhDs

Students from around the United States and across the globe arrive at the Johnson School to earn their PhD in Management —and their diverse research interests, educational backgrounds, and professional experiences make for a vibrant, enriching learning environment. MEET CURRENT PHD STUDENTS

Research and Placements: Making an Impact in the Management Field

After earning the PhD in Management, our alumni go on to teach and inspire future leaders at top-tier institutions. Not only do they teach and conduct research alongside some of the most brilliant minds in business, but they also advance the field through publishing in leading journals and presenting their work at industry conferences.

Recent PhD in Management Placements

• Piyush Anand, PhD ’21, assistant professor of marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University
• Guarav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, assistant professor, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh
• Eunjee Kim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University
• Sarah Lim, PhD ’21, assistant professor, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Xuege Lu, PhD ’22, assistant professor, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
• Subrina Shen, PhD ’21, assistant professor, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin

Recent Research Publications

• “ Do Real Estate Values Boost Corporate Borrowing? Evidence from Contract-Level Data ” in the Journal of Financial Economics (2022) — Gaurav Kankanhalli, PhD ’20, with Murillo Campello, Robert A. Connolly, and Eva Steiner
• “ Converging Tides Lift All Boats: Consensus in Evaluation Criteria Boosts Investments in Firms in Nascent Technology Sectors ” in Organization Science (2021) — Xirong (Subrina) Shen, PhD ’21, with Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, and Pamela S. Tolbert 
• “ Initial and Longer-Term Change in Unit-Level Turnover Following Leader Succession: Contingent Effects of Outgoing and Incoming Leader Characteristics ” in Organization Science (2020)— Huisi (Jessica) Li, PhD ’20, with John Hausknecht and Lisa Dragoni

“ Does Regulatory Jurisdiction Affect the Quality of Investment-Adviser Regulation? ” in American Economic Review (2019) — Alan Kwan, PhD ’17, with Ben Charoenwong and Tarik Umar

Our Faculty: Accomplished Researchers, Dedicated Teachers

When you join the PhD in Management program at the Johnson School, you’ll be part of a learning community comprising more than 100 accomplished academics and thought leaders. 

Not only will you take courses with renowned professors from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, but you also will have the opportunity to build your own faculty committee—a group that will become instrumental as you select your dissertation topic and embark on your original research.

Faculty Spotlight: Learn from Leading Thought Leaders

Throughout the PhD program—from foundational coursework to your dissertation—you’ll work closely with dedicated teacher-scholars like these:

Kristina Rennekamp

Dr. Rennekamp’s research focuses on financial accounting from a behavioral perspective. She’s widely published, with work appearing in leading academic journals such as The Accounting Review , Contemporary Accounting Research , and The Journal of Financial Reporting .

Karan Girotra

Dr. Girotra studies the digital transformation of companies, whether it’s looking at emerging tools and practices or exploring new business models. He’s frequently interviewed in an array of mainstream business media outlets, including Bloomberg BusinessWeek , Fortune , and Forbes .

Kaitlin Woolley

Dr. Woolley studies the psychological processes behind consumer motivation. She’s an award-winning educator and researcher with work published in academic journals and national media outlets including the Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and The Wall Street Journal .

EXPLORE JOHNSON SCHOOL FACULTY

What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview

As you pursue your PhD in business management , you’ll begin with a set of foundation courses and progress into advanced coursework in your area of interest. Through it all, your faculty committee will help make sure you’re on the right track.

Foundational Management Coursework

Early in your doctoral program, you will complete foundational coursework in management and other fields. Many of these will focus on the research process and prepare you for your dissertation.

Advanced Coursework in Your Concentration Area

As you progress in the PhD in Management program, you’ll take electives and advanced courses that align with your research area of interest; these classes can be in the Johnson School and across Cornell.

Your Dissertation: Creating Original Research

During the final part of the program, you begin work on your dissertation—the culmination of your original research. You choose the topic of research in conjunction with your committee.

VIEW PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Beyond Business: Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration and Dialogue

Tap into the experience and expertise of faculty members from across Cornell University.  

Management is a broad science. Business leaders serve in a variety of roles in industries of all kinds: healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, biotechnology, media, and consulting to name just a few. At Cornell, you can enrich your education and expand your research opportunities by taking courses and finding mentors beyond the college of business.

Explore fields like computer science, psychology, sociology, communication, engineering, and data science—and then connect the dots back to your management research.

Interact with peers and professors from other disciplines by participating in student organizations and special interest groups or by attending public lectures, workshops, and networking events.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply to the Management PhD Program

The ideal candidate for the Johnson School’s doctorate degree in management will have a strong record of academic excellence, a solid understanding of the research process, and an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving. An MBA or master’s degree is not a requirement for admission. 

Our admissions page offers more details about program prerequisites, selection criteria, requirements, deadline information, and a checklist of materials you need to submit with your application.

Connect With Cornell Admissions

The Johnson School admissions team is available to answer your questions about the program and the application process. Stop in or reach out by phone or email today.

253-D Sage Hall Johnson Graduate School of Management Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-6201

Phone: 607-255-5340 Email: Graduate Research Programs Office

The Cornell Campus: Where You Will Learn, Grow, and Thrive

Learn, grow, and thrive on one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States. As a PhD student, you’ll spend a lot of time in Sage Hall, a Gothic-style building dating back to 1875. You’ll find more high-tech learning spaces just off campus at the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education. You’ll also have access to the innovative campus of Cornell Tech in New York City—particularly relevant to students focused on technology and information management. 

Attending Cornell also means you’ll call Ithaca, NY, home for about five years. Our eclectic downtown is full of eateries, shops, activities, and all of the amenities you’d need for everyday life. When you’re not in class or studying, you can explore all that the Finger Lakes region has to offer.

PhD in Management FAQ: What You Need to Know

Before you apply to a research-focused graduate program, you’re likely to want to do some deep research of your own. For instance, how does a fully funded PhD in Management work? What’s the typical completion time?

We have a robust Frequently Asked Questions section to help you learn more about our program, the admissions process, and dissertation requirements. For our international applicants, you’ll also find specific details about earning your PhD in Management.

May I speak to someone about my interest in the program and visit?

You are welcome to reach out to any professor with whom you see a good research fit. Our website also has a wealth of information about the program.

Is an interview part of the process?

We offer interviews only to a few applicants after their first screening.

May I talk to a professor or advisor?

You are welcome to contact any professor with whom you see a research match. Faculty are more likely to respond to specific research queries.

I have questions; may I write to this program email address?

Yes. Our response time will vary. We are not able to answer detailed questions that are better assessed by faculty during the application process.

May I schedule a campus tour?

Admissions does not offer campus tours for PhD program applicants. However, you may arrange an appointment with a faculty member.

Fraud alert – beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Start the Application Process Today

Ready to apply to our highly selective, fully funded PhD in Management? We look forward to learning more about you and your research goals. Start the application process today at the Cornell Graduate Admissions website. [You’ll first need to register for an account or log in to an existing one.]

How To Choose A Topic For PhD Research In Management

Tom Baldwin - Jan 23, 2024

The journey of pursuing a PhD in Management is both an exhilarating and challenging endeavour. One of the critical milestones in this academic pursuit is choosing the right research topic. A well-crafted PhD research topic lays the foundation for a successful and impactful doctoral journey. In this guide on “Topic For PhD Research In Management,” we will provide insights into developing PhD research topics in project management and present a list of 13+ excellent topics in the broader field of management.

Key TakeAway

• Passion and Relevance: Choose a research topic aligned with your passion, ensuring it addresses current management issues.
• Feasibility and Scope: Define a realistic scope for focused and in-depth research within constraints.
• Consultation is Key: Engage with advisors and peers for insights and refinement of ideas
• Diverse Research Topics: Explore diverse management topics, from human resources to innovation and cultural sensitivity, offering opportunities for impactful research.

Table of Contents

Creating a simple guide for developing topic for phd research in management.

Before diving into the list of specific research topics, let’s establish a simple guide for developing a Ph.D. research topic in project management.

1. Identify Your Passion and Interest

PhD journey is an exhilarating yet challenging endeavour, and choosing a topic that aligns with your passion and interest is crucial for its longevity. If you find yourself struggling to find a PhD topic, take a moment to reflect on what aspects of management truly captivate your curiosity. Whether it’s unravelling the intricacies of human resources, exploring the dynamics of entrepreneurship, or delving into the nuances of strategic decision-making, selecting a topic that resonates with you will not only pique your interest but also keep you motivated throughout the extensive research process. 

2. Relevance to Current Issues

Choosing a PhD research topic that addresses the current challenges and issues in the field of management is crucial for producing impactful and relevant research. Staying informed about the latest developments, trends, and emerging paradigms ensures that the research is not only academically rigorous but also has the potential to influence and shape the industry’s future. Exploring trending PhD topics allows researchers to delve into areas that are actively shaping the management landscape, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing discourse and advancements in the field.

3. Feasibility and Scope

While it’s tempting to aim for the stars, it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen topic is feasible within the constraints of time, resources, and data availability. Clearly define the scope of your research to stay calm. A well-defined scope helps you stay focused and enables a more in-depth exploration of your chosen subject.

4. Consultation with Advisors and Peers

Your advisors and peers can be invaluable resources during the topic selection process. Engage in meaningful discussions with them to gain insights into potential research areas. Their experiences and perspectives can help you refine your ideas and identify aspects of your chosen topic that you may have yet to consider.

Now, armed with this guide, let’s delve into specific PhD research topics in the field of management.

List of 13+ Excellent PhD Research Topics in the Field of Management

1. Management of Human Resources

Exploring innovative approaches to employee motivation and engagement.

Investigate novel methods to enhance employee motivation and engagement, considering factors such as remote work, flexible schedules, and recognition programs.

The Impact of Remote Work on Human Resource Management Practices

Examine how the widespread adoption of remote work influences traditional human resource management practices. Consider the challenges and opportunities presented by virtual work environments.

2. Strategic Entrepreneurship and Businesses Led by Women

Analyzing success factors for women-led businesses in a competitive landscape.

Identify the key success factors that contribute to the growth and sustainability of businesses led by women. Explore challenges unique to women entrepreneurs and strategies for overcoming them.

The Role of Gender in Shaping Entrepreneurial Strategies

Investigate how gender influences entrepreneurial strategies, decision-making processes, and the overall success of businesses. Address gender-related biases and their impact on entrepreneurial endeavours.

3. Innovation and Technology Management

Examining the relationship between technological innovation and organizational performance.

Explore how technological innovation contributes to organizational performance. Analyze the adoption of emerging technologies and their implications for business success.

Managing Innovation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Investigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating artificial intelligence into innovation processes. Explore how organizations can effectively manage AI-driven innovation.

4. Sustainable Development and Resource Management

Integrating sustainable practices in supply chain management.

Assess the integration of sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly sourcing and reduced carbon footprint, into supply chain management. Explore the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable resource management.

The Role of Leadership in Fostering Sustainable Business Practices

Examine how leadership practices influence the adoption of sustainable business practices. Analyze the impact of environmentally conscious leadership on organizational culture and performance.

5. Entrepreneurship with a Social Impact

Evaluating the social impact of entrepreneurial ventures.

Assess the social impact of entrepreneurial ventures beyond economic indicators. Explore how businesses can contribute to social welfare, community development, and sustainable practices.

Social Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Positive Change

Investigate the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges. Analyze successful social enterprises and their strategies for creating positive and lasting change.

6. Global Enterprises and Their Management

Cross-cultural management strategies in global enterprises.

Explore effective strategies for managing cross-cultural teams and operations in global enterprises. Analyze the impact of cultural diversity on organizational performance and success.

Navigating Challenges in International Business Management

Examine challenges specific to international business management, such as cultural differences, legal complexities, and geopolitical factors. Develop strategies for overcoming these challenges and fostering global success.

7. Strategies Tailored to Cultural Sensitivity on a Global Scale

Developing cultural intelligence in global management.

Investigate the concept of cultural intelligence and its role in global management. Explore how leaders can enhance their cultural sensitivity to build successful international relationships.

The Role of Cultural Sensitivity in Effective Leadership

 Analyze how cultural sensitivity contributes to effective leadership in diverse organizational settings. Explore case studies and examples of leaders who have successfully navigated cultural nuances.

8. Customization On A Mass Scale in Business

Personalization strategies in mass production industries .

Explore how mass-production industries can incorporate personalization strategies to meet individual customer preferences. Analyze successful examples of businesses achieving mass customization.

Balancing Customization And Efficiency In Business Operations 

Investigate the challenges and opportunities of balancing customization with operational efficiency. Explore technological solutions and organizational frameworks that enable efficient customization.

9. Finance And Accounting In Management

The integration of financial strategies in strategic management.

Explore how financial strategies are integrated into overall strategic management. Analyze the role of financial decision-making in shaping organizational goals and objectives.

Accounting Practices And Decision-Making In Modern Businesses

Investigate the impact of accounting practices on decision-making in contemporary businesses. Analyze how financial information is used to inform strategic choices and resource allocation.

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10. Behavior Within Organizations

Understanding organizational behavior in the digital age.

Explore how advancements in technology and changes in the digital landscape influence organizational behavior. Analyze the implications of remote work, digital communication, and virtual collaboration on employee behavior.

The Impact Of Leadership Styles On Employee Performance

Investigate the relationship between different leadership styles and employee performance. Analyze how leadership behaviors and approaches contribute to organizational success.

11. Integration within Supply Chain Management

Optimizing integration strategies in supply chain management .

Explore strategies for optimizing integration within supply chain management. Analyze the role of technology, collaboration, and real-time data in enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Technology And Innovation In Supply Chain Integration 

Investigate the impact of technology and innovation on supply chain integration. Explore how emerging technologies, such as blockchain and IoT, transform traditional supply chain processes.

12. Strategic Decision-Making In High-Velocity Contexts

Decision-making in rapidly changing business environments.

 Explore the challenges and opportunities of decision-making in high-velocity business environments. Analyze how organizations can adapt their decision-making processes to stay agile and responsive.

Strategic Adaptability In High-Velocity Markets

Investigate the concept of strategic adaptability and its relevance in high-velocity markets. Explore case studies of organizations that have successfully navigated rapid changes in their industries.

13. Competitive Advantage In Interconnected Firms

Leveraging interconnectedness for competitive advantage.

Explore how interconnectedness, facilitated by digital technologies, can be leveraged for competitive advantage. Analyze strategies for building and sustaining competitive advantages in a hyper-connected business landscape.

Network-Based Competitive Strategies In The Digital Economy 

Investigate how businesses can develop and implement network-based competitive strategies in the digital economy. Explore the role of strategic partnerships, collaborations, and digital ecosystems.

14. Holistic Approaches To Business Planning

Integrating sustainability and profitability in business planning.

Explore how businesses can integrate sustainability goals into their overall business planning. Analyze the economic and environmental benefits of adopting a holistic approach to business planning.

Holistic Business Models For Long-Term Success

Investigate successful examples of businesses that have adopted holistic business models for long-term success. Analyze the key components of these models and their impact on organizational resilience.

15. Perceptions Of Organizational Fairness In The Context Of Cultural Differences

Cultural variations in perceptions of organizational fairness.

Explore how cultural differences influence perceptions of organizational fairness. Analyze how organizational policies and practices can be adapted to ensure fairness across diverse cultural settings.

Fairness and Employee Satisfaction Across Diverse Cultural Settings

Investigate the relationship between organizational fairness and employee satisfaction in diverse cultural settings. Analyze strategies for promoting a fair and inclusive workplace culture.

16. Imitation Strategies In Business

Exploring the role of imitation in business strategy.

Investigate the strategic role of imitation in business. Analyze how businesses can effectively imitate successful strategies while maintaining innovation and differentiation.

The Fine Line Between Imitation And Innovation In Business

Explore the delicate balance between imitation and innovation in business. Analyze case studies of companies that have successfully navigated this fine line to achieve sustained success.

Q1: How Long Does It Typically Take To Develop A PhD Research Topic In Management?

The time it takes to develop a research topic varies, but it often takes several months. It involves exploring literature, discussions with advisors, and refining your interests.

Q2: Can I Change My Research Topic After Starting My PhD?

 Yes, it’s possible to change your research topic, but it’s essential to discuss this with your advisors to ensure a smooth transition.

Q3: How Can I Ensure My Research Topic Is Relevant To The Industry?

Stay updated on industry trends, engage with professionals, and consider conducting interviews or surveys with industry experts to ensure relevance.

Choosing a Ph.D. research topic in management is a significant step that requires careful consideration. By following the guide provided and exploring the suggested research topics, you can pave the way for a successful and impactful doctoral journey. Remember, the key is to align your passion with the current needs of the field, ensuring that your research contributes meaningfully to the world of management.

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Best online doctorate in management 2022: Top picks

The best online doctorate in management degrees can lead to high-paying, top-level positions as CEOs, chief technology officers, operations vice presidents, senior management, and university faculty and administrators. According to PayScale data from August 2021, the average base salary for management doctorate degree-holders is $121,000 per year.  

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% growth in employment of top executives from 2020 to 2030 and a 12% rise in postsecondary teacher positions. The BLS also projects a 9% increase in employment for general and operations managers . These professionals direct the business activities of companies, enterprises, and consulting firms.

Explore our rankings to find out about earning a doctorate in management online.

Top 5 online schools for doctorates in management

The best online doctorate in management degrees.

You can count on the accuracy, timeliness, and objectivity of our school listings because ZDNet's ranking methodology turns to expertly curated datasets for information. Our meticulous editorial team adds another layer of review, ensuring the integrity of our content.

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  and  College Scorecard .

1. California Baptist University

Riverside, california.

About the program: Southern Baptist-based CBU offers a 56-credit doctorate in business administration for working adults interested in advanced business leadership training. 

• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Graduation rate: 62%
• Avg. annual net price: $24,707
• Years to completion: Three
• GRE/GMAT: Not required
• Minimum GPA: Not required
• Enrollment periods per year: Rolling with six start dates
• Course delivery method: Synchronous

2. Felician University

Lodi, new jersey.

About the program: Felician, a Catholic-Franciscan university, hosts a doctor of business administration that develops leadership and management skills for global business environments.

• Acceptance rate: 86%
• Graduation rate: 49%
• Avg. annual net price: $16,877
• Years to completion: Three; self-paced
• Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous with a brief residency

3. Gardner-Webb University

Boiling springs, north carolina.

About the program: Enrollees in the 60-credit doctor of business administration program at Southern Baptist-focused Gardner-Webb can opt for concentrations in accounting, finance, international business, management, or marketing.

• Acceptance rate: 67%
• Graduation rate: 60%
• Avg. annual net price: $21,296
• Years to completion: Three 
• GRE/GMAT: Required
• Enrollment periods per year: Two

4. Hampton University

Hampton, virginia.

About the program: The hybrid Ph.D. in business administration at HU requires 61-84 credits and prepares graduates for academic, consulting, organizational leadership, and research roles.

• Acceptance rate: 36%
• Avg. annual net price: $31,307
• GRE/GMAT: GMAT required
• Enrollment periods per year: One (Program begins with in-person summer residency)
• Course delivery method: Hybrid; online courses and two four-week summer residencies

5. Keiser University

Fort lauderdale, florida.

About the program: Business professionals can complete KU's 60-credit doctor of business administration online and prepare for career advancement or positions as business educators, researchers, and scholars. 

• Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
• Graduation rate: 57%
• Avg. annual net price: $33,428
• GRE/GMAT: Not required but encouraged
• Minimum GPA: B in prerequisite coursework
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous with two residencies

6. Northcentral University

San diego, california.

About the program: NCU's online Ph.D. in business administration features multiple specialization options and focuses on research-based leadership strategies and emerging technologies.

• Graduation rate: 25%
• Avg. annual net price: $27,000
• Course delivery method: Online and asynchronous

7. Saint Leo University

Saint leo, florida.

About the program: Catholic-based Saint Leo offers an online doctor of business administration that includes a doctoral success lab, consulting track, and teaching track in its 57-credit curriculum. 

• Acceptance rate: 72%
• Graduation rate: 43%
• Avg. annual net price: $18,869
• Years to completion:  Three to seven
• GRE/GMAT: 550 GMAT
• Minimum GPA: 3.25
• Course delivery method: Synchronous and asynchronous

8. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, texas.

About the program: Southern Baptist-based Wayland lists a doctor of management among its online degrees. The program requires 57 credits with comprehensive exams and an applied research project.

• Acceptance rate: 97%
• Avg. annual net price: $25,152
• Years to completion: Three; part-time study available
• Minimum GPA: 3.0

9. Wayne State University

Detroit, michigan.

About the program: Bachelor's degree-holders interested in becoming university professors can earn a Ph.D. in management at Wayne State. The program's 90 credits emphasize organizational behavior and strategy in global business. 

• Acceptance rate: 73%
• Graduation rate: 45%
• Avg. annual net price: $13,965
• Years to completion: Four
• GRE/GMAT: 600 GMAT
• Enrollment periods per year: One
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous

10. Wilmington University

New castle, delaware.

About the program: WilmU offers a doctor of business administration that business professionals can complete online. Enrollees work with industry leaders and faculty mentors on their dissertations or research projects. 

• Graduation rate: 48%
• Avg. annual net price: $14,683
• Course delivery method: Synchronous with a two-day residency

What to expect in an online doctorate in management degree program

Doctorate in management and Ph.D. in business administration programs teach advanced leadership topics and usually include a research project or dissertation. Programs may also include comprehensive examinations. Curricula generally include shared core topics, but students also select courses in their concentration or specialization area.

Ph.D. programs prepare graduates for academic careers and tend to focus on theory and research. Doctor of management and doctor of business administration (DBA) degrees emphasize the practical skills required for advanced management positions. 

Online study is designed for business professionals looking for a shift into academic research and teaching or career advancement in an organization. 

Doctorate in management courses

Coursework at the doctorate in management level covers topics in global business, cultural competency, ethical management, and innovation techniques. While program curriculums vary, students can expect to see courses like those listed below.

Ethics and Leadership in Global Business

As corporations and organizations become increasingly global, students need theoretical knowledge and practical skills in international business, cultural intelligence, and creating and implementing guidelines for respectful and ethical employee environments. 

Management Theory

This course examines different organizational leadership strategies for problem-solving, building leadership identities, and personnel management. Students explore management theories and approaches through a review of historical and contemporary literature.  

Mechanics of Decision-making

Decision-making constitutes a large part of leadership and affects the success of organizations. In this course, students learn about different approaches to and impacts of individual and group decisions.

Organization Innovation

Enrollees build scenarios based on practical situations and learn how story creation and situational analysis fosters innovation within organizations. Students gain skills in predictive analyses, innovation models, and dissemination methods by developing business plans.    

Management degree levels

If you are just getting started with your postsecondary education and have an interest in business , an associate degree offers opportunities to test the waters. For those working in business or planning to, a bachelor's or master's can provide the framework for your career goals. Long-time professionals may choose a doctorate to enter academia or top-level management. 

Associate in management

• Length: One to two years 
• Cost: $1,700-$16,000 per year
• Post-grad careers: Assistant store manager; customer service associate; executive assistant

Associate degree in management programs teach foundational courses in business and leadership, including topics in economics, finance, and sales, and develop skills in analysis and communication. 

Students can choose electives according to their interests and may be able to concentrate in areas like human resources, logistics, and marketing. Experiential learning options may include individual or group projects and internships

Graduates emerge prepared for entry-level administrative positions or admission to bachelor's degree programs in management.  

Bachelor's in management

• Length: Four years
• Cost: $7,300-$25,000 per year
• Post-grad careers: Human resources manager; operations manager; marketing manager

A management degree at the bachelor's level focuses on leadership, decision-making, and improving organizations. Students receive training for management roles, along with a strong basis in general education.

Coursework covers business law, finance, human resources, marketing, operations, and strategic planning. Available concentrations may include entrepreneurship, global business, healthcare management, and nonprofit leadership.

Bachelor's in management programs emphasize practical leadership and applying concepts learned in class to real-world business issues through capstones, practicums, and internships.

Master's in management

• Length: Two to three years 
• Cost: $14,000-$62,000 per year
• Post-grad careers: College/university administrator; financial analyst; training and development manager

Students pursuing a master's in management take courses in advanced management practice and theory, which focus on high-level analysis, communication, and strategic skills. Master's curriculums explore issues in working with diverse teams and developing cultural intelligence. 

Master's programs often include internships, projects, and seminars and employ case studies and group discussions. Enrollees may concentrate on business administration (MBA), global enterprises, project management, or sustainable business practices. Graduates find employment in a variety of industries, businesses, and educational institutions. 

Doctorate in management

• Length: Three to five years 
• Cost: $15,000-$33,000 per year
• Post-grad careers: Business operation specialist; chief executive officer; university professor  

Depending on the type of degree and curricular focus, skills taught in doctorate in management programs include overseeing organizations' day-to-day operations, personnel, and finances, along with designing and implementing improvement strategies and innovations. Ph.D. studies emphasize research and teaching.

Doctoral programs often include research projects, capstones, or dissertations. Internships may be less common because many online DBA programs attract working professionals with business experience.

Career options include chief operating officers and other executive leaders, academic researchers, college presidents, and school superintendents.    

In conclusion

Online doctorates in management come in different flavors: self-paced, asynchronous, cohort-based, or hybrid models, but most tailor their curriculums toward working business professionals. With coursework available 100% online, on weekends, or in the evenings, you can keep your job while exploring your future options. Our ranked list of programs can steer you to the right school.

Business and Management

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Doctoral study in Management

When you join us for your PhD in Management, you'll join a high-calibre research community and have the opportunity to publish papers, attend international conferences and develop your network in academia and industry.

Why study with us?

• We are one of Asia-Pacific’s leading research-led business schools: Our Business School is in the 1% of Business Schools worldwide to hold Triple Crown accreditation from the leading international bodies: AACSB International, EFMD-EQUIS and AMBA.
• The QS World University Rankings by Subject (2021) confirmed the University of Auckland Business School as the best place in New Zealand to study Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Commercial Law, Economics, Information Systems, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Property.
• We have been named Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the Asia-Pacific Triple E Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence Awards in Higher Education out of 300 entries in 2019.
• We are the most innovative university in New Zealand in the Reuters ranking of Asia Pacific’s Most Innovative Universities for 2019.
• We offer state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated postgraduate lounge and computer labs.
• Our Business School ASB Careers Centre, which was voted “Best New Zealand University Careers Service” by the New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers in 2017, can help you with career planning, delivered through a programme of skills workshops, employer interactions and individual support.

Research opportunities

We welcome research proposals in topics relating to our key research specialisations:

•   Leadership and organisational effectiveness: How managers understand leadership and how they can become more effective in leadership roles. 
• Workforce strategies, employee wellbeing and workplace performance: How organisations adopt work and employment practices and how these practices affect employee wellbeing and organisational performance.
• The management of distributed work in global firms: How teams operating across borders can become more effective.
• The role of labour standards in global regulation and international trade: How domestic employment relations are influenced by international employment standards.
• Cross-cultural and diversity management: How managers and business organisations interact with different cultures and societies, and how they can become more effective in diverse cultural and social contexts.
• Corporate governance relationships: The behavioural aspects of boards of directors and ensuring good governance.
• Business sustainability: The challenges organisations face to become more sustainable and the ways in which business leaders can help them respond.

Pursue your topic with us and benefit from exceptional standards of support and supervision from internationally recognised researchers.

Professor Kenneth Husted (Head of Department) Special interests: Corporate entrepreneurship, innovation and research management, knowledge management, management of R&D and research commercialisation

Professor Peter Boxall Special interests: Strategic HRM, work and wellbeing (how job quality and the work environment affect employee wellbeing) 

Associate Professor Brigid Carroll Special interests: Identity work in organisations, critical leadership theory, practice, and development, narrative/discourse theory and methodology, transboundary collaboration and system change

Professor Prithviraj Chattopadhyay Special interests: Relational demography and diversity, managerial cognition, and employment externalisation

Professor Gordon Cheung Special interests: Structural equation modelling, moderated mediation, latent interaction

Dr Helen Delaney Special interests: Sociology of work and critical perspectives towards organisations

Associate Professor Ljiljana Erakovic Special interests: Corporate governance, boards of directors, governance in not-for-profit organisations, organisation theory, organisational design, privatisation and public sector management

Associate Professor Carla Houkamau Special interests: Diversity management, inter-cultural communication, cross-cultural management

Dr Barbara Plester Special interests: Workplace humour, promoting fun at work, organisational food rituals, organisational misbehaviour, virtual teams, emotions of connectivity

Dr Peter Smith Special interests: Knowledge intensive firms, strategy-as-practice, theories of practice

Dr Rachel Wolfgramm

Special interests: Economies of wellbeing, status and sustainability in consumption

Past research topics

• The influence of mobile information and communication technologies and user-device interactions on workplace relationships, supervised by Dr Barbara Plester and Dr Helen Delaney
• Emotions in organisations: role of emotional regulation in work-life balance attitudes and behaviours, supervised by Dr Rachel Wolfgramm and Prof Gordon Cheung
• Exploring the social construction of 'Employee Engagement' through discourse analysis, supervised by Associate Professor Brigid Carroll and Dr Helen Delaney
• Corporate governance and its effect on family and non-family corporations in Vietnam, supervised by Associate Professors Ljiljana Erakovic and Christina Stringer
• Abusive coaching and subordinates' skill development among chefs: A curvilinear relationship, supervised by Professors Prithviraj Chattopadhyay and Elizabeth George
• The Impact of Talent Management Practices on Psychological Contract in the Organizations: A Framework for Multigenerational Diversity, supervised by Professors James Sun and Gordon Cheung
• How does executive coaching influence gendered discourses and practices involved in the processes of female professional identity construction, supervised by Dr Helen Delaney and Professor Nigel Haworth
• The predictors and consequence of work engagement: What role dose job crafting play? Supervised by Professor Peter Boxall , Professor Gordon Cheung , and Dr Ann Hutchison

Scholarships and awards

There are several scholarships you may be eligible for when you decide to pursue your doctoral studies in Commercial Law. These include:

University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships

Barry Spicer and Owen G Glenn PhD Scholarship

Phone the University

• 923 7186 (within Auckland)
• 0800 61 62 63 (outside Auckland)
• +64 9 373 7513 (overseas)

Doctoral programmes

• Doctor of Philosophy

Related subjects

• Global Management and Innovation
• Human Resource Management
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• International Business

How to apply

• Doctoral applications

626 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. and Thesis Ideas for Master Students

If you are about to go into the world of graduate school, then one of the first things you need to do is choose from all the possible dissertation topics available to you. This is no small task. You are likely to spend many years researching your Master’s or Ph.D. topic and writing the text. This means that choosing a dissertation topic should not be taken lightly.

No worries! Just read this article by our Custom Writing service, and you’ll find:

• a collection of great thesis topics on finance, education, management, law, etc.
• a range of tips on choosing a killing Ph.D. topic.
• 👍 Top 10 Dissertation Topics
• 🆚 Thesis vs Dissertation
• 🔝 Top 10 Thesis Topics
• 🎓 Thesis Topics List
• ✅ How to Choose a Topic

👍Top 10 Dissertation Topics

• Ethical alternatives to animal testing.
• What’s the future of the Dead Sea?
• Does accent affect singing ability?
• The importance of corporate values.
• How does inflation affect small businesses?
• Is homeschooling the future of education?
• How does Tourette’s syndrome affect one’s daily life?
• How to conduct market analysis for e-commerce.
• Has globalization affected cultural appropriation?

🆚 Dissertation vs. Thesis: Is There a Difference?

People often consider a thesis and a dissertation to be the same thing. Yet, there is an important distinction between them. The key difference is that you need a thesis to complete a master’s degree, while a dissertation is necessary for obtaining a doctorate. Keep in mind that it’s vice versa in European higher education.

Here are some other differences:

Despite these differences, theses and dissertations have a lot in common:

• You need them to complete a degree.
• Both require certain levels of expertise and writing skills.
• You defend an argument in both of them.
• Plagiarism is prohibited in both theses and dissertations.

🔝 Top 10 Thesis Topics for 2024

• The consequences of obesity.
• The influence of social media .
• Economic development and happiness.
• Feminism in the United States.
• The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Racism in schools and colleges.
• Overeducation in the labor market.
• DNA evidence in criminal justice.
• Sales forecasting techniques.
• Wage difference among athletes.

🎓 Thesis Topics & Ideas

Below, you’ll find a collection of excellent topics for a thesis. To simplify the task, it’s not a bad idea to use a topic chooser. We’ve also prepared a checklist that will help you make the right choice. If you agree with the following statements, you’ve chosen a good thesis topic:

• You are interested in this subject.  It will be easier for you to work on it if you like your area of research. Remember that you will have to spend long hours looking through various data. You need to stay motivated.
• The topic is helpful in your career path.  Choose a topic that you can apply to further research if you plan to pursue your career in the academic field. Choose something that you can use in your CV if you decided to work in the industry.
• There is enough available research data.  Don’t choose a topic that is too trivial or uncommon. It is essential to find enough relevant information. Consult your supervisor to understand if you can proceed with it.
• The topic isn’t too broad or too narrow.  Otherwise, it will be harder for you to find credible sources and relevant data.
• You already have an understanding of it . Make a list of thesis topics that include the issues you have researched before. It will save you some time and allow you to evaluate your opportunities.
• Your topic is unique.  Make sure there are no other papers that explore exactly the same issue. The value of your work is your original contribution to the research. If somebody has already investigated the topic, there is not much sense in proceeding with it.

Wondering where to find the most current topic for your research? We’ve collected them below.

Computer Science Thesis Topics

Computers surround us everywhere. From hospitals to home offices, it’s impossible to imagine life without them. A doctorate in computer science can allow you many career opportunities!

• The latest developments in AI use for healthcare services . Healthcare in the US is expensive for its citizens. One way to reduce the cost is using computer algorithms. This technology research topic lets you explore how AI helps physicians with their tasks.
• Computer security for public institutions. Several allegations about hackers stealing data from the US government emerged in recent years. With this dissertation idea, study public cybersecurity. Also, discuss ways to improve cybersecurity practices. 
• Visual recognition system architecture: real-time object detection. Discuss a system based on neural networks capable of detecting objects. Focus on the virtual environment. You can alter this trending topic in computer science for real-life settings.
• Blockchain application outside financial technologies. Analyze and discuss the implications of using blockchain systems outside of the fintech sector. For example, study its use for public services and in government agencies. This topic allows exploring ways of applying established algorithms.
• Machine learning and text structures. Discuss ways of visualizing text categorization. Focus on complex hierarchical structures of texts. This topic is suitable for postgraduates.
• Encrypted search: security, performance, and usage. Discuss the use of encryptions to protect data. Say how we can improve it for effective information search.
• Use of computers in education . Study how algorithms can improve learning. This topic can be altered for other fields. For example, choose AI in business or agriculture.
• Graphics and visual computing: current state and the future. By now, CAD programs are an integral part of every engineer’s tool kit. Your thesis can analyze the potential of those programs. What would improve their performance? Is there a chance that they will become obsolete?
• Multimedia databases parsing and indexing. Netflix and YouTube require technology to search across their multimedia databases. This dissertation can be a survey on best practices. Or, add a company name to the title and focus your research on it.
• AI Marketing: the use of algorithms to improve advertising. In the previous list of research question examples, you can choose a narrow marketing theme. Then, discuss the implications of such algorithms.
• Study computation of models for virtual environments .
• Cybersecurity challenges for automated vehicles.
• AI and vehicle automation: potential safety gaps.
• Computer graphics: perspectives for medical imaging.
• Research the use of computer algorithms for medical analysis.
• Discuss the role of bioinformatics in healthcare improvement.
• How is a computer-aided design used in creating automobile parts?
• Review the best practices for System Level Testing of distributed systems.
• Agile project management for software engineers.
• Software development risks analysis for successful employment.
• Study the security mechanisms for WLAN networks .
• Malicious botnets and network worms: an overview.
• What are the best practices in ICT systems development?
• Web-based document management systems using XML.
• Best algorithms for cluster generation.
• Methods for improving Open Web Architecture.
• Analyze software solutions for the increased energy efficiency.
• Protection of systems against terror attacks: a case study and analysis.
• New methods of risk management during software development.
• Analyze how Web space requirements are changing.
• Analyze how e-publishing is affecting libraries.
• New methods for studying the behavior of malware, viruses, and worms with the use of secure programming and runtime environments.
• Analyze redundancy and fault recovery in the 4G wireless network .
• Analyze the implementation and analysis of the optimal algorithm vs the heuristic algorithm for the generation of clusters.
• Analyze how full-text databases affect search engines.

Humanities and Art History Thesis Topics

Do you want to put your passion into words? Would you like to share your ideas with the world? Then pursuing a Ph.D. in the arts or humanities is the right path for you.

• The history of cinema : past and present. With this history dissertation topic, focus on how cinema developed. Explore the period starting from the first short films by the Lumiere brothers. Finish the discussion with modern-day Hollywood examples.
• Art or commerce: a case study of Hollywood films. Discuss the intersection between artistic expression and profit. This exciting arts topic focuses on modern cinema. You can use examples of art-house movies and modern commercially successful ones.
• Hollywood vs. Bollywood . Compare the two distinct film production centers for this art thesis. Next, discuss how local cultures impact Hollywood and Bollywood movies’ direction, genres, and plots.
• The use of visual tools in interior design . This dissertation topic is an intersection between arts and computer science. The focus is on how visualization tools help to create design projects.
• Racism in the 21st-century literature. Focus on how the narratives about racism have changed. Include examples from poetry and prose of this era. Compare it to works published in the past.
• The cultural aesthetic of Afrofuturism in literature. This dissertation idea allows you to explore the intersection of arts. Specifically, see how culture, philosophy of science, and history manifest in Afrofuturism .
• The social value of ecopoetry. Analyze how literature that focuses on ecological problems. Discuss environmental consciousness and environmental issues.
• Graphic novels: the best examples and implications for the development of literature. What does it mean when literary classics are converted into graphic novels? Incorporate the question if graphic novels can become part of the literary canon.
• Theater of the Absurd in the 1950s and 1960s. Discuss this form of theatrical art. Examine how it emerged and why it became influential.
• Post World War II art: cinema and literature. Use examples of films and literary works. Discuss major works of the post-WWII era and their themes.
• Futurism and the Czech avant-garde : the artistic connection between Europe’s East and West.
• Study the phenomenon of the hero archetype.
• Assess dancing as a form of meditation .
• Review the common elements of various African dances.
• Folk dances across Western Europe.
• Discuss regional dances and dance as a ritual.
• Animation as a modern art form.
• Research the art of glass-making and its prospects for the future.
• Analyze the cultural impact of The Beatles beyond music.
• Literature censorship in the US.
• Examine the intersection of ecology and arts.
• Heidelberg Project: is it a model for creating art in urban areas?
• Study kinetic sculptures of the 20th century.
• What characterizes social activism in 20 th -century rock music?
• Jazz in the 21st century: a potential for revival.
• The history of design in various periods of human existence (the ancient times, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, etc.).
• Design as art.
• Philosophy of design.
• Separate branches of design ( interior design , car design, toy design, etc.).
• Stylistic peculiarities of a certain designer.
• Web design as a modern quintessence of design.
• Social significance of design.
• The birth of Communism as it relates to Stendhal.
• The relationship between politics and literature in the 19 th century.
• An analysis and case study of artists and art during times of war.
• How contemporary art is related to American suffering.
• Analyze of how racism relates to the family unit.

List of Science Topics for Your Thesis

A dissertation in science will probably require you to run numerous experiments. Many of them will probably go wrong. But the one that does work might be the next big breakthrough! Find a suitable research theme in the following list of topics:

• Bacterial injections for the treatment of cancer tumors. Injecting bacteria into tumors is a fairly new approach to treating cancer. Review the mechanism of action and evaluate the potential of this method for curing cancer.
• Computer imagining and AI for cancer detection. Examine how AI-assisted cancer screening improves accuracy. Include early detection implications and usage in hospitals.
• Ethics of organ donations and transplantation. With this dissertation topic in science, examine the ethics of encouraging people to donate their organs. Include the implications for medical research and practice.
• An epidemiological and molecular approach to cancer prevention. This topic idea suggests assessing the current understanding of how cancer develops as well as potential prevention strategies.
• Ways of speeding up vaccine development and testing. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that the process of vaccine development is relatively slow. It takes a long time to ensure proper testing. You may discuss these issues in your biochemistry dissertation.
• The current state of research into ultra-fast rechargeable batteries. The topic of batteries and energy attracts lots of attention. With this topic, you can examine how to improve the design of aluminum-ion batteries. Include ways to decrease their charging time.
• Nanotechnologies in drug delivery: electrospraying. Current research shows the great potential of nanotechnologies. In particular, the electrospraying technique makes nanoparticle delivery more efficient.
• Prevalence of various Helicobacter Pylori virulence in a population. Conduct quantitative research and examine a sample of patients to determine the number infected with Helicobacter Pylori.
• The relationship between gut microbiota and the person’s appetite . Your research can explore the theory that the gut microbiome has varied effects on the person’s body. Review the implications for obesity treatment for different gut microbiomes.
• The age of antibiotics: is it over? Examine the use of antibiotics and the reasons for its decline. Discuss the evolving nature of bacteria that require remedies other than antibiotics. Include quantitative data in this dissertation for a specific type of disease.
• CRISPR method for studying human DNA.
• The study of human evolution: latest discoveries.
• Denisovans from Siberia: a new type of hominid discovered.
• Study the use of AI in archeology .
• Conduct a study of the Neanderthal genome sequence.
• What are the ways of improving solar cell efficiency?
• The carbon footprint of modern production: how do companies damage the environment?
• Research the use of cesium in solar panels .
• The era of supercapacitors: are we ending the use of batteries?
• Assess the efficiency of Robot Suits for people with permanent paralysis.
• Microscale medial robots: potential applications.
• Look into stem cell mobilization and its mechanisms.
• Discuss the ethics of automated cars .
• Space robotics: can we design robots capable of exploring space?
• Evaluate the efficiency and potential of lithium-based rechargeable batteries.
• Morality and ethics of stem cell research .
• Is behavior controlled or affected by genetics and to what level.
• A look at methods of improving risk factors post-stroke.
• Analyze of Chinese herbal practice and its relevance to conventional medicine.
• Analyze the effect schools have on childhood obesity .

• New methods of using existing data to gather information that is useful.
• An in-depth look at the factors affecting the decline of the immune system with age.
• Analyze of the potential effect of nanotechnology on health and the environment.
• Analyze of toxicity levels of inhaled nanoparticles.
• The usefulness of nanotechnology in curing some types of cancer.
• An analysis and case study of the treatment of patients who have experienced a loss of memory.
• Analyze the use of DNA typing of remains to identify missing people and the victims of crime.
• The response of immune deficiency diseases to the activation of T-cell subsets.
• The influence and importance of IT in the field of biomedicine.

Architecture Thesis Topics

Architecture is more than just aesthetics. That’s become especially clear ever since the doctrine “form follows function” gained traction. Whether you’re into baroque or Bauhaus, there’s plenty to discover about architecture.

• Religious architecture in the British Empire. Research the transformation of religious buildings and how it affected architecture in general.
• Modernist architecture in the USSR at the beginning of the 20th century. Compare modernist architecture in the USSR with other countries.
• Urban greening and its influence on buildings’ design. The dissertation proposal can include green roofs as the main point of research.
• Brutalism and its history in New York. Provide historical research of brutalism in New York and discuss how it affects modern architecture.
• Modern-day aboriginal settlements in Australia. Using examples from media and research, indicate how aboriginal settlements are perceived and handled today.
• Transformation of the urban design in the 21st century. Using London, Hong-Kong, and New York as examples, provide an in-depth discussion of changes in the urban design.
• The architectural history of Seattle. Conduct research and write a proposal that will compare different architectural styles seen in Seattle.
• Integration of culture in environmental design. In this proposal, you can use large cities in Asia as primary examples of the synergy between culture and architecture.
• The architecture of residential buildings during the second half of the 20th century. Choose one or several large cities (e.g., Berlin, Miami, Kyoto) as the basis for your research.
• The history of Moscow Avant-Garde. Use both Soviet and modern Russian research on Avant-Garde to present the topic accurately.
• Use of computer visuals in architecture.
• Review the trends in modern furniture design.
• Ecology and architecture: integration of green technologies.
• Discuss the multiculturalism of contemporary urban architecture.
• The history of architecture in urban areas of the US: the study of New York.
• Modern city design case study.
• Research ways of using wood in modern architecture.
• Commercial architecture: aesthetics and usability.
• Evaluate the design of municipal buildings in the US.
• Creativity in postmodernist architecture.
• How do we integrate smart home technology into architecture?
• Small scale homes: a study of growing interest in small housing.
• Discuss the use of lighting in building design.
• Study innovations in structural design in the digital age.
• What are the implications of inclusive architecture?
• Sustainable architecture: recycling spaces and materials.
• Renewable energy in home design.
• Assess open concept homes for American families.
• Conduct a study of family homes design.
• Research architecture suitable for middle-class families.

Thesis Topics in English Literature & World Literature

Was your New Year’s Resolution to re-read the 100 most influential classical works? Then you might want to consider writing a thesis in advanced higher English. Check out these engaging prompts:

• In-depth stylistic analysis of The Trial by Franz Kafka . Explain what stylistic devices Kafka used in his story.
• The influence of The Hound of the Baskervilles on the development of modern detective stories. Prepare several comparisons of The Hound with modern detective stories to pinpoint its influence.
• The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum : women characters in Heinrich Böll’s fiction. Using the book mentioned in the topic, examine how the German writer depicted women in his prose.
• Analysis of the terrorism portrayal in modern journalism: The New York Times case study. Pick several articles related to terrorism published in NYT and describe in detail how it is portrayed (keywords, images, etc.).
• A formalist approach to Dostoevsky: analysis of The Brothers Karamazov . Provide the reader with an explanation of the formalist approach and use it to analyze the novel.
• The depiction of sexual violence in young adult literature. Pick several YA novels published in the 2010s for your research.
• The use of repetition in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot . Analyze how repetition is used for emphasis and other effects in the play.
• Feminism and gender in Margaret Atwood’s Cats’ Eye . Review the book from a feminist point of view and discuss how gender issues are presented in the book.
• How does Phillip K. Dick use intertextuality in The Man in the High Castle ? Find as many references to other literary and historical sources as you can and elaborate how Dick uses them and for what aims.
• The influence of Steppenwolf on postmodern American literature: the contribution of Herman Hesse. Using Steppenwolf as the primary source, discuss what characteristics common for postmodern literature Hesse uses in this novel.
• How does racism manifest itself in classical literature?
• Discuss the oppression of women in The Handmaid’s Tale.
• Gender roles in The Miniaturist and A Doll’s House : a comparison.
• Moral ambiguity in David Harrower’s works.
• Literary techniques in the Perks of Being a Wallflower.
• The setting in The Murder in the Rue Morgue and its influence on the detective genre.
• Review the tropes first introduced in The Moonstone .
• Study the depictions of police’s work in Skinner’s Rule .
• Assess the influence of Victorian Gothic horror on popular culture.
• Social criticism in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
• Analyze cyberpunk elements in Gibson’s Neuromancer .
• Themes of social equality in modern literature.
• Research the views on Native American writers in Nature’s Poem.
• Critique of contemporary children’s literature .
• Gothic elements in Charlotte Bronte’s works.
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Dracula : a comparative analysis.
• Terror in The Picture of Dorian Gray .
• Examine the connection of mental health and society in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye .
• Magical realism and romanticism in Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.
• How does the cut-up technique contribute to the narration in William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch?

Criminal Justice Thesis Topics

Are you a forensic science student who prefers research to actual police work? In that case, a dissertation in criminology is a great idea. This way, you can work on preventing crime from the comfort of your desk.

• Recidivism rates among underage Latino first-time offenders: a quantitative study. Research a group of first-time offenders of a particular age (e.g., 18 to 25 years old).
• A comparative analysis of the incidents of gun violence in the USA during the 2010s. Choose several prominent examples and compare them to each other.
• Troublesome statements: the role of witnesses in potentially false accusations. In this dissertation, you can write about the unreliability of statements, using documented examples.

• The patterns of drug trafficking in Germany’s largest cities: a case study of Berlin and Hamburg. Analyze the changes in these patterns in the 2010s.
• Money laundering and corruption in the United States in the 21st century. Using media reports, create dissertation research about corruption schemes.
• Mental health and self-perception of second-time sex offenders. Determine if their self-perception changes.
• School shootings in the USA: causes and risk factors. Using recent and historical data, analyze the cases of mass shootings.
• The influence of cyberbullying on suicide rates among Australian adolescents (13-17 years old). You can base your dissertation report on various research on cyberbullying published in Australian scholarly journals.
• Child abuse and its influence on serial killer’s perception of victims. Discuss interconnections between abuse and potential sadistic behavior.
• The history of forensic interviewing in the USA. Present research and practices that contributed to its development.
• Use of artificial intelligence for forensic investigations.
• Criminal behavior at a young age and its implications for the future.
• Drug use: pattern of recurring arrests among American youth.
• Incarcerated parents: the impact on the child’s perception of crime.
• Research the reforms of the US criminal justice system.
• Propose strategies for improving the juvenile detention system.
• Police officer’s abuse of power: analysis of reports.
• Race and criminal justice: the case of War on Drugs.
• What are the possible alternative forms of incarceration?
• A study of public perception of modern serial killers .
• Training of sniffer dogs.
• The implications of eyewitness testimony.
• Abuse in Hollywood: a case study of Harvey Weinstein.
• Bias against African Americans during investigations.
• A study of college violence.
• Legal implications of medical marijuana legalization .
• Ethics of criminal justice: the problem of confidentiality.
• Review the challenges linked with domestic violence investigations.
• Suggest ways of preventing crimes in schools.
• Gender bias during crime examinations.

Geography Thesis Topics

If you enjoy unveiling Earth’s secrets, this section is for you. Here you’ll find geography dissertation ideas ranging from studies of movement to regional phenomena.

• Species that became extinct in the 20th century: qualitative research. Address the human influence on various species.
• Current issues in the exploration of Arctic. Discuss difficulties and specifics of such explorations.
• A comparison of urban back gardens in the USA and the UK. You can compare their design and other features (for example, vegetation used for decoration).
• The causes and outcomes of floodings in the USA in the 2010s. Address climate change as one of the leading causes.
• Prevention of ecosystem changes with modern technology. Provide various examples of how technology is used to sustain ecosystems.
• Changes in travel destinations in the 2000s: a comparison of the USA and Canada. Demonstrate what changes in preferences were documented in these countries and show what destinations were especially popular.
• The perception of environmentally friendly technologies and their impact on the environment by citizens of large metropolitan areas: a case study of Miami. Explain how various projects based on environmentally friendly technologies are launched in Miami.
• A negative impact of global warming on weather conditions in Iceland. Discuss how tourism in Iceland is affected by these changes.
• The influence of industrialization on climate change. Address the causes of climate change, using industrialization and its consequences as a basis.
• Compare Greenfield and Brownfield land use for construction projects.
• Investigate the significance of red salmon for Kamchatka.
• The social impact of climate change : a study of migration patterns.
• The potential of community gardening in underprivileged neighborhoods.
• Study the link between the strengths of hurricanes and climate change.
• What can be done to stop gentrification in your community?
• Evaluate coastal tourism, its effect, and implications.
• The impact of reservoir locations on water quality.
• How did industrialization affect the development of Chicago?
• Study soil pollution levels in your community area.
• Conduct an analysis of air quality in your city.
• Eco-tourism , its history, and perspectives.
• Differences in soil chemistry across several locations.
• The impact of organic farming on water quality in your area.
• Compare the sustainability of organically vs. conventionally farmed tomatoes.
• Research air pollution levels and data on airborne illnesses in your area.
• What’s the relationship between rock climbing and cliff vegetation?
• Study the changes in soil fertility upon volcanic eruption.
• How does the Chernobyl disaster continue to affect the surrounding area?
• Determine the patterns of floods in a particular area of your choice.

Sociology Thesis Ideas

Sociology studies how humans live together. A dissertation is a great way to dive deeper into a particular subject. You can get as specific as your heart desires! Check out our sociology thesis topics:

• Single parent stigma and its influence on family’s quality of life and parent-child relationships . Present examples from recent research that illustrate how the dynamics of these relationships change over time due to stigma.
• Women empowerment in Saudi Arabia in 2000s: breakthroughs and challenges. Discuss how this empowerment affected legislation and women’s rights.
• Long-term alcohol addiction and self-perception in young adults. With the help of research, demonstrate whether self-perception of these adults transforms significantly due to their addiction.
• Adoption and its influence on parent-child relationships. Present and discuss challenges that such families face.
• Comparison of traditions related to family dinners in the USA and the UK. What specific differences are there and how can they be explained?
• Influence of the emo culture on suicide rates in high school students. Address the influence of such cultures on adolescents’ behavior.
• The rates of secularization in elderly individuals living in urban and rural areas. Compare the rates and explain why they are different.
• Influence of forced outing on transgender individuals and concomitant changes in their quality of life. Explain the effects of forced outing and why this impact is dangerous.
• Comparison of anti-nuclear movements in Germany and Japan in the 21st century. Explain in detail what differences and similarities are prominent.
• Performance rates of teenagers in schools in low-income neighborhoods: a case study of Boston schools. When writing your dissertation proposal, consider various factors (poverty, limited access to technology, etc.) that affect performance rates of these teenagers.
• Black Lives Matter movement’s immediate impact on racism.
• Research causes of minority bias in the US.
• Affirmative action and its impact on the perception of varied racial groups.
• The impact of religion on people’s attitudes towards race.
• Review the challenges of the US LGBT community.
• Bias towards transgender studies.
• Social activism against gender discrimination in the 21st century.
• The impact of social assistance in schools on a child’s future.
• Research the changes in education after WWII.
• Analyze scholarship policies in the US.
• The impact of student debt on youth’s perception of education in the US.
• Outcomes of public vs. private schools: a comparison.
• Research the preservation of culture in American immigrant families.
• Applying Marx’s conflict theory to social justice movements.
• Assess changing trends in social norms in a country of your choice.
• Attitudes towards prejudice among people of different social backgrounds.
• Comparison of women’s rights in Western and Middle Eastern countries.
• The impact of capitalism on one’s social values.
• How does capitalism benefit society across multiple post-soviet countries?
• Compare healthcare access in autocracies vs. democracies.

💡 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. students

Below you’ll find a list of excellent dissertation ideas in different fields of study. They are more difficult than thesis topics and require more research. Jump to the section that interests you and find the topic that suits you best! But first:

What Makes a Good Ph.D. Topic?

Usually, universities would expect your dissertation to be original and relevant in the field of the research. Moreover, it would be worthwhile if it has the potential to make a change.

This checklist will help you see whether you’ve made the right choice. Your dissertation topic is good, if:

• You have an opportunity to research it fully.  You need to know that there is enough data and a theoretical basis. Do some prior research to understand if you will be able to answer all your dissertation questions.
• You can fill the gaps in the existing knowledge.  Your research matters if you can provide some new information that contributes to the field of your studies.
• Your dissertation title is catchy.  Try to make it worth the reader’s attention from the first glance.
• You can evaluate how much time you need.  It is vital to understand all the stages of your research and the challenges you might face to plan your work.
• You know the subject well.  You will need to explore your topic in-depth. It’s good to have some previous knowledge about it. Starting the research from the very basics will take more time and effort.
• You have enough resources to investigate it.  Both time and money matter in this case. You need to do high-quality research and meet your deadlines.

Dissertation Topics in Education

Learning is a lifelong experience, and the importance of schools cannot be overestimated. Research in this area is critical to improving education standards. Have a look at these topic ideas to get inspired:

• Gamification as tools for enhancing learning abilities: theory and practice . Many studies have been conducted on different learning approaches. For young learners, engagement is as critical as the outcome. Therefore, this work focuses on gamification and its effect on children’s improvisation and learning.
• Studying the connection between classroom quality and the learning outcome in kindergarten . Children are strongly affected by their environment, especially when it comes to learning. This dissertation topic example is all about looking into different classroom settings and their effect on kids’ learning outcomes.
• Evaluating the process of implementation of inclusive education in the US. Professionals argue that inclusive education carries multiple benefits for all students (not just those with limited abilities.) However, it is quite a challenging process to implement all the changes.
• Factors influencing the decision to transfer to the higher education abroad . In this work, you can focus on finding out the reasons for such a decision. Why do undergraduate students choose to leave their home country? What are the most important factors?
• Online education vs. traditional face-to-face lessons for adult learners: compare and contrast. Online courses have their own benefits. However, would adult learners prefer them to in-person classrooms? How does it affect their learning and motivation?
• How does working as a taxi driver and navigating change a person’s brain?
• To what extent can reality television be disempowering for students?
• The role of homework in the lives of immigrant adolescents.
• The impact of teachers’ shocking behaviors in fostering students’ creativity.
• The determinants of flossing behavior in college students .
• The classification of drinking styles in the college-age population.
• Integrating the computer into the curriculum: why you can’t simply plug it in.
• The preconditions for serious music-making avocation in computer science students.
• Adult graduate difficulties with learning new technologies.
• The effect of academic performance on the health of students .
• The impact of mathematic coaching on students’ self-esteem .
• The influence of internet on the emotional maturity of students.
• Academic achievements of students who decide to become teachers.
• Is it true that students are more likely to do homework given by good-looking professors?
• Informal learning in rural areas via social networks.
• Educational blogging for professors: the social networks of educationists.
• Does learning existentialism cause suicides?
• Is it possible to reduce summer learning loss without students’ consent?
• Can we reject classical math and do it at the same time? Yes, we can.
• What are major career prospects with a degree in Liberal Arts?
• Using electronic games in museums as an effective education tool.

Business Dissertation Topics

There are many things a business administrator should keep in mind. Finances, marketing, and development are just the tip of the iceberg. So, the choice of topics is practically endless. Check out this selection to narrow down the possibilities:

• How are business strategies adjusted to the globalization process? Small businesses’ perspective. Globalization means huge and profitable opportunities. To seize them, all businesses and companies should make some changes in their strategies. Investigate what would be the best action plan for them.
• Cultural changes and the effect of feedback in an international company: a case study. Choose a multinational company. Study the impact of feedback (both from the employees and customers) on its organizational culture changes. What reaction does it provoke in the company?
• Human resource management approaches in international non-profit organizations. In this study, look into the strategies HR managers apply in non-profit organizations. One of their main responsibilities is to monitor the performance of the employees. However, at the international level it becomes more difficult.
• Leadership and organizational culture in making decisions about business strategies. In this research, you study the influence of the organizational culture on leaders. In the case of trying to initiate changes in the business strategy, how is a leadership decision taken?
• The role of “foreign direct investment” in companies in developing countries: a case study of a large business. For this paper, pick a suitable company first. Aim for large companies in developing countries. Then conduct research and find out what strategies they have for foreign direct investments.
• COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on workplace management in small businesses . The COVID-19 pandemic caused many companies to readjust their HR policies. For instance, they allowed their staff to work from home. Research this phenomenon in your thesis.
• Social entrepreneurship for large companies. If you want to make the world a better place, social entrepreneurship is a suitable method. We usually associate it with small start-ups. But what about large companies? With this topic, you can research how the concept works for big firms.
• How innovation affects demand in technology-driven businesses. This MBA dissertation topic combines business studies and technology. Examine how companies create products for establishing markets.
• Management strategies in times of COVID-19: a case study . The pandemic has forced companies to use Zoom , Skype, and messaging instead of regular meetings. Review how executives can apply traditional management models in the digital space.
• The impact of burnout on employees . Interview staff members and determine how burnout affects performance. Include the name of a company or industry in your dissertation’s title.
• Tourism management in the Middle East.
• How do natural disasters impact the demand for essentials?
• Compare and contrast Asian and American leadership styles .
• How does fluctuation in the stock market impact business operations?
• The art of delegation: how to do it effectively and when to avoid it.
• How can one efficiently lead a company when unforeseen circumstances occur?
• What factors determine employees’ work satisfaction?
• Study the link between a company’s success and innovation.
• What can business managers do to bridge the gap between generations?
• Research the benefits of global and local brand management.
• What causes changes in Chinese business culture?
• Choose a small business and analyze its strategy.
• Organizational changes : what factors impact transformation?
• Internet banking : barriers to usage.
• Create a business plan that is focused on a specific issue.
• Conditions necessary for quality management in MNCs.
• The role of E-commerce for food retailers.
• Conduct a case study with the purpose to analyze one or several social phenomena.
• Workplace ethics in small businesses.
• The phenomenon of remote working and how it is affecting businesses.
• Comparison of Generation X and the Millennial Generation.
• Managing the Millennial Generation.
• Current trends in consumer behavior in relation to advertising.
• Analyze which countries margin financing is effective and why.
• Analyze the macroeconomic factors affecting exchange rates.
• An empirical analysis of the impact of organizational performance and leadership .

Law Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. Students

Legal science is not dull as one may think. It’s crucial to evaluate laws at any point in time. Do they fit the current norms? Does something or someone need more protection than before? If you want to garnish your legal education with a Ph.D., here are some topic suggestions:

• Trust law: the circumstances when fully secret and half-secret trusts are necessary. Find out what are the principles that dictate the enforcement of the trusts. There are specific circumstances that determine whether creating trusts would be adequate and relevant. Make sure to take them into consideration.
• Termination of employment in case of employees tested positive for HIV/AIDS. Your task would be to conduct research and see how HIV/AIDS employees are influenced in the workplace. The most common issues are discrimination and termination of employment.
• The influence of the Global War on Terrorism on international criminal law. When the US launched the campaign against terrorism in 2001, international criminal law faced some changes. You can study the most significant changes that have been made.
• The level of effectiveness of the US copyright law in relation to the rights of users. It’s an empirical research topic that would require collecting lots of data. Try to find some cases when the users were left cheated by copyright law. It would bring some diversity to the research and make it more interesting.
• Study the effect that the US immigration policy has on education right now. Educational institutions are also required to adjust to changes connected with immigration. Different requirements and different curriculums are implemented to fit their needs. You are about to look into this issue.
• Select a country and analyze its worker protection laws. Compare the rights and obligations of employees in two countries of your choice. What potential improvements can solidify employee rights ?
• Protection of minorities, legal precedents. Minority rights are becoming more and more relevant. This topic allows you to discuss how laws can be changed to reflect it.
• Regulation of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies allow for anonymity. Besides, they are not regulated by any state. In your thesis, you can analyze cryptocurrency regulations.
• Fake news : legal responsibility. Review how the United States legal system approaches disinformation. Focus on false publications on news resources. Another possible topic is improvements to defamation laws.
• Freedom of expression : a case during a pandemic. This topic is about false information in times of COVID-19. Examine how a state can balance freedom of expression with the spread of false information. Focus on this disease and the fake news about it.
• Legal practices for preventing possible future pandemics.
• Research ways of online journalism protection.
• International law vs. the right to self-determination: comparative case studies of de facto states.
• Review the history of fiscal laws in America.
• Limits to freedom of expression in the US legal system.
• Enforcing regulations concerning domestic violence.
• Study criminal responsibility for drug possession in the US.
• Criminalization of violence against women.
• Review the legal framework for addressing foreign involvement in elections.
• What was the government response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Health standards for immigrant detention centers in the US .
• Research the loopholes in the US immigration laws.
• Birthright citizenship in the US: pros and cons.
• 1951 Refugee Convention: is it obsolete?
• Illegal immigrants and their rights in the US justice system.
• How criminal laws have been impacted around the world by the war on terror.
• Choose a country and analyze their policies on discrimination.
• Evaluate the protection given to minority shareholders as dictated by company law.
• Provide a critical analysis of the law of omissions liability.
• Investigate and analyze complaints filed in the criminal justice system.
• A critical analysis of the reform of homicide laws .
• The morality and impact of euthanasia and how Canada sets a precedent.
• A detailed analysis of gender and race profiling of suspects in the criminal justice system.
• Analyze the right to bear arms relative to the context in which the law was written into The Constitution.
• Create case studies that represent a review of criminal negligence related to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007.

Psychology Dissertation Topics

The mysterious ways of the human mind offer many research opportunities. Psychology encompasses sub-fields such as behavior and cognition. Whatever your area of expertise, you’ll undoubtedly find something interesting in the list below.

• The current effect of the “price ending” method on the consumers’ behavior . Nowadays, everybody knows the most popular trick that shops pull to make customers buy the products. However, does understanding it make it easier to resist it? Is this psychological trap still working?
• Burnout at the executive positions in massive US corporations: is it possible to prevent? The phenomenon of burnout is the most common issue that employees face nowadays. But there are ways to detected it at an early stage. Could they be used to predict and prevent this problem?
• Mindfulness practices and their influence on students’ learning abilities at the top universities (e.g., Harvard). Mindfulness is proved to be extremely useful in overcoming stress and anxiety issues. However, does it affect the learning outcome of the students who study at the best universities in the world?
• The individual struggles with gender issues and their impact on global gender inequality . Everything always starts with a small thing. For this paper, study the relation between some individual cases and the global issue. How do personal struggles contribute to the worldwide movement for justice?
• The positive influence of irrational beliefs on mental well-being. In psychology, irrational beliefs are a set of values and opinions that people believe in despite rational evidence against them. However, what positive effect can they bring?
• Ways of raising awareness of mental health problems. Mental health has been discussed more openly in recent years. Review how this open discussion affects views on personal mental health. As another idea for a psychology dissertation topic, research a specific illness.
• Student burnout and ways to prevent it. Focus on the problems students face and what strategies can reduce their stress.
• Pandemic and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to be in isolation from social contacts. Review the potential effects of this practice on people’s well-being. Discuss possible strategies for supporting mental health during possible future pandemics.
• Weight, self-image, and mental health. A clinical psychology thesis can focus on the psychology behind excess weight. Discuss how weight affects a person’s perception of self. Assess implications for clinical psychologists who work with overweight patients.
• Social media vs. reality: normalizing real people. Review current efforts of social media accounts in normalizing body image . Explain how this can reverse the damage that edited photos have on mental health.
• How does gender bias affect mental health in America?
• What factors affect women’s self-esteem in the workplace?
• Specifics of transgender mental health.
• Research the effect of immigration on mental well-being.
• Study the psychology of racism and ways to combat it.
• What distinguishes the mental health of minorities in the US?
• Research the psychology of dissent in the Soviet Union.
• The connection between stress and overeating: latest developments.
• Assess the role of social support for losing weight .
• What’s the role of prejudice in politics?
• Assess the role of endurance in combating stress.
• Developing hardiness: strategies and exercises.
• What’s the effect of emotional resilience on mental health?
• Helping teenagers overcome stress via relaxation techniques .
• Look into the perception of anger and its effect on mental health.
• Understanding the function of the prefrontal cortex in terms of how it is connected to other parts of the brain.
• Understanding how the prefrontal cortex makes us human.
• How emotional and anxiety disorders are connected to social cognition that is impaired.
• Analyze the ability of an MRI to determine brain function.
• Analyze the relationship between emotional and episodic memory.
• A comparison of the plasticity of the child’s brain and the adult brain.
• Analyze the continued relevance of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.
• An in-depth look at the social intuitionist model and how it relates to the emotion and reason involved in moral judgement.
• How the evolution of the human brain can be understood in terms of children cognitive development .
• A demonstration of the multi-dimensional nature of schizophrenia.
• How rational thinking and impulse contribute to decision-making.
• A systematic analysis and review of the psychology of religion.
• How exposure to nature affects happiness.

Nursing Dissertation Topics

A nurse’s work is hard. Unfortunately, they rarely get the credit they deserve. With a Ph.D., you could become an advocate on the problem. Or you could concentrate on optimizing their work environments.

• Exercise, changes in lifestyle , and self-tracking for diabetes prevention and management. Center your research on different lifestyle changes (exercise, reduced smoking and drinking) and explain how and why it prevents diabetes.
• Influence of stigma related to HIV/AIDS on representatives of ethnic minorities: a case study of Native Americans. Using research, provide compelling evidence of how Native Americans are stigmatized and discriminated against.
• Chronic illness management at home: recommended evidence-based practices. Using current nursing and other professional research, discuss how adults and seniors manage chronic and autoimmune diseases.
• Depression and stress and their relation to preterm births in first-time mothers. Collect several articles about the issue and using their conclusions show how depression causes preterm births.
• Burnout in nurses: factors that cause it and practical solutions for prevention . Present outcomes of burnout (decreased performance and concentration, subpar workplace environment) and illustrate how it affects hospitals on a more significant scale.
• Public health: community-based measures to prevent morbid obesity. In this research, you can list various methods that include exercise and education and explain in detail how they prevent the spread of obesity.
• Risk factors and injury rates in psychiatric nursing. Present statistics on different types of injuries in psychiatric institutions.
• Cultural diversity and inclusion in nursing education . When researching diversity, make sure you are using examples of different minority groups’ perception of education.
• Euthanasia legislation in the USA: ethical issues and debates. Provide a thoughtful discussion of ethical and legal issues surrounding euthanasia.
• Organizational climate and its influence on perceived patient safety. Your study should focus on the importance of positive relationships between staff members, and its influence on the prevention of medical errors.
• Dietary practices and their influence on the quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. SLE is a complex disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Describe nutritional research approaches to SLE.
• Fluoride application training in dental nursing.
• Describe the specifics of nursing care for patients with diabetes.
• Assess gender disparity in nursing research.
• Study nurse burnout prevalence in neonatal care in your community.
• Nursing staff advising DASH diet: effects on patients’ blood pressure.
• What are the challenges of asthma management for nurses?
• Nursing for autistic patients : the best strategies.
• Racial differences in nursing care: a case study.
• Evaluate nurses’ role in pain management for patients with dementia.
• Study the connection between nursing staff turnover and burnout.
• How is the role of a nurse changing in the modern healthcare system?
• Review nursing practices for managing elderly patients.
• A holistic approach to obesity management in nursing.
• Describe the specifics of nursing in rural areas.
• Physical activity and mental health: a nursing case study.
• Discuss nursing pain relief strategies for general care.
• Determine the ethical implications of nursing malpractice.
• Nurses consultations for spinal cord injuries.
• Nursing in an urban setting : challenges and prospects.
• What are the specifics of pain management in obstetrical nursing?

Marketing Dissertation Topics

Good marketing is what made you buy that product you didn’t know you needed. Marketing needs plenty of scientific research for it to be successful. You can contribute to this effort with one of the following topic ideas:

• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of traditional and digital marketing in the last five years. Marketing moves towards digital campaigns more and more every year. Though, traditional marketing still exists, of course. Your task is to compare every aspect of these two types in the span of the previous five years.
• The specifics of the relationship marketing and its influence on the loyalty rates among customers: a case study of fast-food chains. Take a few fast-food chains to conduct this research. Then analyze their relationship marketing strategies. There should be a correlation between the methods they use and the loyalty of their customers.
• Direct marketing and artificial intelligence: how do companies use it? The industry of marketing couldn’t have missed the opportunity to use the latest technologies for their benefit. Artificial intelligence helps some companies gain a competitive advantage. Find out what those benefits are.
• Collectivism and individualism : how does culture influence supermarkets? There are some apparent differences in cultures when it comes to shopping. Each shop owner has to implement a specific marketing strategy for targeting the customers. Work on aspects that make those strategies successful in different cultures.
• The strategies that make personalized products sell effectively. Everybody loves customized products, but it seems like not everybody is willing to share their data to get it. Therefore, businesses are forced to work it out. This research looks into marketing tools and methods they use to sell personalized products.
• Influence of online shopping apps on impulsive buying behavior . Using prominent examples such as Amazon and eBay, elaborate how apps affect customer’s decision to purchase an item through recommendations.
• Product design and its impact on consumer’s purchase decision. When preparing this thesis topic, consider using examples of large corporations such as Apple or IKEA to prove your point.
• Customer loyalty : the importance of satisfaction and loyalty programs. Conduct research using available surveys on satisfaction and draw conclusions from these statistics.
• Ethnic differences and their impact on brand perception. This research can review the types of products that target White or Black Americans specifically.
• Preferences for green products: analysis of the income’s influence on consumer decisions. Compare what households are more likely to prefer green products.
• Shopping habits of Muslim consumers in the USA: qualitative research. Here, you will need to do research by engaging Muslim Americans in your study; you can use interviews or surveys for this topic.
• Social media and its impact on the promotion of small business. Make sure your reader understands how social media can promote or negatively present small business through customers’ comments.
• Does globalization make preferences of customers from different socioeconomic backgrounds similar? Interview people from lower, middle, and upper class and discuss the preferences of American households.
• Social media usage by international companies: a case study of Electronic Arts. Study the influence of customers’ reviews and opinions on EA’s sales.
• Consumers’ perception of transaction safety in online shopping applications. Discuss how consumers learn to differentiate between reliable and unreliable apps for payments .
• Marketing high tech products: a case study.
• Study changing marketing techniques during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The future of big data uses in marketing.
• Conduct a comparative analysis of offline vs. online advertising .
• Explore the relationship between marketing strategies and sales.
• Holiday marketing strategies in the 21st century.
• Is marketing tailed towards model devices effective?
• Study the rise of influencer marketing .
• Review the newest trends in digital advertising .
• Brand management in 2020: an analysis.
• Assess the effect of advertising on consumer behavior.
• Targeted ads: are they efficient?
• How did marketing change during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Assess brand management’s contribution to consumer loyalty .
• Impact of social media marketing on brand perception.
• Google Analytics insights for marketing campaigns.
• Marketing for minority populations.
• Youtube marketing: the effectiveness of videos for brand promotion.
• How does partnering with influencers impact brand perception?
• Social influencer marketing for SMEs.

History Dissertation Topics

History is written not only by the victors but also by history students. Your dissertation can shine a light on understudied cultures. Or perhaps you want to focus on how a specific event impacted the world. Find inspiration among the following dissertation questions and ideas:

• The historical context of the creation of Guernica by Pablo Picasso . War wasn’t the only inspiration for Pablo Picasso during the process of making Guernica . In this paper, you would look into the environment of the artist and try to identify what else brought him to the creation of this masterpiece.
• Bismarck and radical nationalism: what influenced the political state? For this research, you would study the underlying reasons for German Nazism before the beginning of World War II. What factors gave it a start when Otto von Bismarck was in charge?
• The rise of Bollywood: historical context. This paper focuses on the success of Indian Bollywood movies in the 1930s. You would need to look into the events that made those movies famous in the whole world. Don’t forget to mention the social views of Bollywood movies.
• The influence of secrecy in the technology intervention during World War II. You would study the role that the US Patent and Trademark Office played in the development of special war technology . Secrecy helped to keep it away from the public and enemies. How did it influence the war?
• Italian prisons in the 19th century: how were they managed after Unification? This paper would require you to study documentation on the management system prison used in Italy at the beginning of the 19th century. You should try to find some practices that might have been socially harmful.
• Gender perceptions in the Middle Age. When preparing the dissertation, use both historical and literary sources to show how gender was presented.
• Secularization in the American South during the post-war period. Provide a detailed discussion of secular societies forming in the South after the 1940s.
• Representation of Jewish history in contemporary art: a case study of Art Spiegelman’s Maus . Using the comic book as the primary basis, explain how Jewish culture and history are presented there.

• The history of medieval warfare and its influence on Modern Era warfare . When constructing this thesis, make sure you are using both historical and current research to provide details.
• American-British relations during the Cold War Era . Explain how the Cold War Era changes these relations and what has affected it the most.
• Germany’s foreign relations during the 1980s. Present a detailed overview of different foreign relations (e.g., with the USA, the USSR, the UK) Germany had during this period.
• The financial crisis in the USA in 2007-2009. Using research and media sources, explain to the reader how the crisis is still affecting the USA.
• The development of Austrian identity after World War II. In this case, you can use both historical evidence and Austrian literature that provides personal opinions of writers and artists on the issue.
• The impact of the Great Depression on the American involvement in the World War II. To show your understanding of historical processes, demonstrate how the Great Depression affected the USA’s perception of WWII.
• How I stopped worrying and learned to love the bomb: the development of nuclear warfare in the 20th century. Discuss the development of nuclear warfare in the USA and the USSR.
• What was the role of China in the Cold War?
• How did the Spanish Flu affect the pandemics that followed it?
• Determine the influence of the stock market crash in 1929 on the World Wars.
• First Battle of Marne’s impact on the outcomes of WWI.
• Tool usage and creation: Aztecs vs. Mayas.
• How did the enlightenment philosophy impact the development of the natural sciences?
• The effects of Christianization in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Assess the role of slavery in the US civil rights movement.
• Study the history of LGBT rights establishment in the US.
• What are the origins of slavery in Africa?
• The Moon Landing and its impact on space exploration.
• Explore the role of the Bible in Jewish history.
• The US’ involvement in WWII.
• The aftermath of WWII: major historical events.
• Research the link between the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush.
• Cold War insights: lessons from the Suez Crisis.
• Explore the role of democratization in the Soviet Union collapse.
• Global cooperation in early modern Europe.
• Study the legacy of the arms race.
• How did the First Ladies influence life in the 20th century America?

Dissertation Topics in Management

Companies and employees alike benefit from well-thought-out management strategies. So, a thesis in management has the potential to improve work environments even further. Kickstart your research by choosing one of the following topics:

• Ecotourism in Canada: issues and trends in small business. Explain issues that arise in ecotourism with climate change.
• Management ethics: how social media affects employees’ privacy and organizational climate. Present examples of negative and positive influence.
• Leadership styles: a comparison of democratic and autocratic leadership. Discuss what leadership style should be chosen to rule various companies, depending on their business plan.
• Political risk and its influence on emergency management. Explain how political crises affect and shape emergency management.
• Cultural diversity and its impact on employees’ satisfaction and commitment. Show what advantages and disadvantages there are in cultural diversity.
• Economic growth and unemployment rates in Australia during the 1990s: a historical perspective. Explain the causes of economic growth and unemployment.
• Challenges in human resources management working with millennials: qualitative research. Discuss what particular challenges HR managers face and how they can be addressed.
• The significance of organizational routines in international corporations: a case study of Google. Conduct research on the importance of routine and its impact on performance.
• Computer skills and management: the effectiveness of computerized management information system in rural areas. Describe how digital management can be effectively applied in companies working in rural areas.
• The history of digital rights management in the USA. Present the changes in the field during the 1990s-2010s.
• Analyze the best leadership styles for SMEs.
• Examine the changes entrepreneurship underwent in the past decades.
• How do leadership styles relate to work satisfaction ?
• Overview of business negotiation methods using technology.
• Ways of integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices.
• Discuss the specifics of airline companies’ management .
• Choose a theory of motivation in the workplace and make a case study on it.
• Study change management in SMEs in times of a crisis.
• Managing diverse workforce: a qualitative analysis.
• Use of employee voice in US companies.
• Research the relationship between the organization’s goals and a manager’s behavior.
• What are the best current practices in public administration?
• Applying strategic human capital principles in practice.
• The study of female CEOs in a country of your choice.
• Employees’ perception of change management : a quantitative analysis.
• A study of employees’ resistance to change.
• What’s the correlation between a CEO’s leadership traits and employee motivation ?
• Workplace risk management : a study of psychosocial hazards.
• Conduct a quantitative study of the gender pay gap for CEOs.
• Research the relationship between management style and employee productivity .

Qualitative Dissertation: Ideas for Proposals

If you want your thesis to be more practical, you’ve come to the right section. Common approaches for qualitative dissertations include researching case studies, surveys, or ethnographies. Because of this, fieldwork will be an integral part of your doctorate journey.

• A comparison of teaching techniques that targeted children with autism in the 20th and 21st centuries. Provide a detailed overview of techniques and explain how research affected them.
• The development of cognitive-behavioral therapy and its effectiveness in patients with eating disorders . Present the history of CBT and use recent research to demonstrate its effectiveness.
• Ageism and sexism in international organizations of the fashion industry. Describe how the fashion industry defines what it means to be “young and beautiful.”
• Addressing sexual harassment at the workplace : the influence of organizational policies on targets’ decision to file a complaint. Explain what policies can support the target and what can prevent such decision.
• Strategies to eliminate bias in self-evaluation reports of employees. Using research in HRM, outline the best strategies that are currently used to avoid bias .
• Post-cancer therapy: issues and trends. Present and discuss various trends, the research behind them, and the effectiveness of different types of therapy.
• A family history of abuse and its influence on drug use in adults. Explain how abuse can provoke addiction in the future.
• The importance of trusting doctor-patient relationships on patient’s medication adherence and management of a healthy lifestyle. Describe how such relationships negatively or positively affect a patient’s decision to take medicine as prescribed.
• Barriers to the acquisition of social support among young men and women veterans in the USA. Discuss mental and physical disorders as major barriers.
• Single mothers’ perceptions of breastfeeding in public places: qualitative research. Conduct interviews to find out their opinion.
• The impact of online learning on student’s academic performance.
• A study of the youths’ perception of learning smartphone applications.
• Research the issue of gender bias in college education.
• Student’s perception of the mental health support and impact on campus.
• Perceptions of charter school education in the 21 st century.
• Discuss homeschooling and its effect on a child’s socialization.
• What’s the impact of cyberbullying on teenagers’ mental health?
• How inmates perceive alternative forms of incarceration.
• Gun violence from the perspective of victims.
• Research bias towards video games as an art form.
• In what ways are minorities disadvantaged in America?
• Evaluate cooking as a therapeutic exercise.
• Assess the link between a principal’s leadership style and the school’s rating.
• The effect of online counseling on patients’ mental health.
• Perception of mental health stigma among students.
• How does gig economy re-define work?
• The implications of freelancing in the 2020s.
• Opinions about a 6-day work week in your community.
• Assess the process of adaptation to working from home.
• Conduct a research study of views on the BLM movement outside the US.

Quantitative Dissertation Proposal Topics

Some scholars just love working with data. Are you one of them? Then you’ll probably enjoy quantitative research. If you’re into finding patterns and making predictions, here are some enticing topics:

• A study of a major city’s livability index. Choose a city and assess whether it’s well-designed or not.
• A quantitative study of biofilms in technology. Discuss methods of using biofilms in technology. Include a list of recent advances and new tools.
• A quantitative study of teachers’ perception of online learning . This topic prompts you to use an evaluation scale.
• An assessment of a link between product reviews and intention to purchase. Study the effect online reviews have on potential customers.
• Immigration and its connection to crime statistics . Analyze data on immigration to the US and the number of violent crimes. Determine the relationship between the two phenomena.
• The relationship between obesity and occupation. Assess the BMIs of participants of different professions. Then, test the results for a correlation and discuss its implications.
• A relationship between nurses’ knowledge of diabetes management and patient satisfaction. Assess the nurses’ knowledge about diabetes and compare the results with patient satisfaction scores. Thus, you can determine if expertise translates into better care.
• A study of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMEs financial operations. With this qualitative dissertation proposal in business and management, choose a small company. Analyze its financial data pre- and post-pandemic. Include a discussion of financial management during pandemics.
• A study of millennials ’ pet ownership. Determine the percentage of millennials who have pets. Compare these patterns with previous generations.
• Economic growth and urbanization. Compare the empirical data about the state of economics and the number of people living in cities.
• Determine how urbanization affects bacterial community compositions.
• The economic impact of immigration on SMEs.
• Study the rates of crimes in the US in relation to nonviolent crimes.
• How do various teaching styles affect learning?
• Compare overconfidence in CEOs of SMEs and corporations.
• How does inclusive language influence social behavior?
• Assess consumers’ satisfaction with online banking in your area.
• Evaluate crude oil price prediction methods.
• Is there a link between smartphone use and mental illness?
• Correlation between eyewitness identification and memory.
• What are the attitudes towards AI development among women?
• Determine the rates of cybercrimes since the 1990s.
• A study of the police brutality cases across the US in the last decade.
• Correlation between education level and employment.
• The presence of sleep disorders in mental illnesses.
• Assess the attitudes towards medical care in the US.
• Determine the correlation between eating disorders and physical illness.
• Study the rates of cyberbullying among minority students.
• How various religious groups influence politics : a game-theoretical approach.
• Does regular exercise decrease symptoms of depression in adults?

Dissertation Topics in Educational Leadership

Educational leadership is a science focused on helping students to achieve their academic goals. It includes the motivation of staff and learners, improvement of educational programs, and creation of a healthy, productive environment in institutions. Want to dedicate your research to it? Take a look at these topic samples:

• Fatigue among American medical students. Medical students often need to memorize and analyze big portions of information. That is why many of them don’t sleep enough, get tired quickly, and find it hard to concentrate. What can be done about it?
• How did the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning affect students’ motivation? Online education has multiple benefits and drawbacks. Some students might find it easier to get access to various textbooks online. Others want to return to campus. What is their motivation ?
• Creating better learning conditions on campus : the challenges in 2022. With the increasing speed of technological progress, it is hard to catch up with the latest innovations. Explore them in your dissertation. For instance, you can focus on facilities for students with special needs.
• How can we enhance discipline among first-year students on campus? For some younger students, it is hard to get used to living on their own. They need to accept new responsibilities, find time to take care of themselves, and organize their lives. How can we help them?
• Development of soft skills among undergraduate students. For future employers, soft skills are as important as hard skills. That is why colleges need to pay attention to soft skills such as time management , communication, and creativity.
• The efficiency of workshops for enhancing students’ creativity.
• Do nutrition habits influence the studying process?
• The importance of mental health care in high school.
• What leadership styles are the most efficient in college communities?
• Does the implementation of early childhood education lead to further academic success?
• What is the role of school counseling among teenagers?
• What psychological factors make students drop out of college?
• Developing leadership qualities among MBA students.
• How to help college athletes to cope with psychological and physical pressure.
• Ways of reducing anxiety levels among criminology students.
• Helping students to choose their majors and find a career path.
• How to enhance communication between higher education administration and students?
• Motivating students to succeed after graduation .
• Why do we need psychology classes in high school?
• How can we prevent the bullying of Latin American students in middle and high school?

✅ How to Choose a Thesis Topic: Main Steps

In case you have no idea where to start from, here is a quick guideline on how to choose a Ph.D. thesis topic:

We hope this article helped you to choose a suitable topic for your dissertation. We wish you good luck with your research!

Learn more on this topic:

• Dissertation Critique: Examples, How-to Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing an Outstanding Dissertation
• How to Write an Abstract: Brief Steps and Structure Example

✏️ Dissertation FAQ

While working on a dissertation, you might deal with several types of research. The main research types are primary, qualitative, quantitative, and legal. In any case, it’s the way in which a researcher studies the subject using a particular methodology.

First of all, make sure that you are personally fascinated by the subject. This is essential for any thesis, be it master’s or an undergraduate dissertation. Besides, make sure the topic is feasible and hasn’t been studies much.

A good dissertation title is the one that represents the subject under study. To state which aspect is being studied is also important. The title should include neither a hypothesis nor a conclusion: think about it as “spoilers”—nobody likes them.

Just like any paper, a great dissertation is the one that is well-organized. The topic of the paper should correspond to the title. The text should have a cohesive structure with a definite introduction, argumentative main part, and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

• Dissertation Topics 1961-Present: Rudgers University
• Completed Thesis and Dissertation Topics: University of Florida
• Current Legal Topics: Library of Congress
• The Right Dissertation Topic: Academics.com
• Days and Nights at the Museum…there’s a Dissertation for that!: Proquest.com
• Dissertation Titles: University of Michigan
• How to Pick a Master’s Thesis Topic: Medium.com
• How to Come Up With a Thesis Topic: Gradschools.com
• How to Choose Your Thesis Topic: Central European University
• How Do I Choose a Thesis Topic?: Grad School Hub
• Senior Thesis Topics: Hamilton College
• Arizona Research Topics: Arizona State Library
• Dissertation Proposal: Bartleby.com
• Dissertation Guide Essay
• How to Start Your Dissertation: 10 Top Tips: Studential.com
• How to Write a Dissertation or Bedtime Reading for People Who do not Have Time to Sleep: Purdue University
• A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Ph.D. Dissertation: ThoughtCo
• Dissertations Guide from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Developing a Thesis Statement: University of Wisconsin Madison
• Thesis/Dissertation Writing and Editing, Formatting, and Defending: Massey University
• Business Management Research Topics: Top Universities
• Law Topics: Law.com
• Psychology Topics: APA
• Marketing Topics: Marketing Profs
• Topics: History.com
• Computer Science: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Humanities: Research Topics Ideas: University of Michigan-Flint
• Art Topics: Art UK
• Topics: American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Nurses Topics: Medscape
• Architecture: Research Topics: University of Washington
• Topics in Geography: Research Gate
• New Topics in Sociology: University of Toronto
• Business Management Topics: The University of Maine
• Qualitative Case Study: Science.gov
• All Topics: Science News
• Criminology: Science Direct
• Topics in Literature: Sheridan College: Libguides
• Advanced Computer Science Topics: The University of Texas at Austin
• Application of Computer Techniques in Medicine: NIH
• Important Leadership and Management Topics: WHO
• Quantitative Research: University of Southern California
• Action Research: Brown University
• 10 Traits of Successful School Leaders: University of San Diego
• HIST 280 Topics: Texas A&M University
• The Relationship Between Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety: Frontiers In
• College of Nursing: University of Missouri–St. Louis
• All Topics: Educause
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BPS6V99 - Special Topics in Business Policy and Strategy

BPS 6V99 Special Topics in Business Policy and Strategy (1-6 semester credit hours) May be repeated for credit as topics vary (6 semester credit hours maximum). Additional prerequisites may be required depending on the specific course topic. Instructor consent required. ([1-6]-0) S

Purdue Hospitality and Tourism Management graduate student wins best paper award for innovative technology research

Written By: Rebecca Hoffa, [email protected]

Evita Ma poses with the fellow Purdue HTM attendees at the 29th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism in January. (Photo provided)

As Starship robots deliver food to hungry Boilermakers across Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus, their presence is often welcomed like that of a neighborhood pet — students are often seen helping them when they get stuck or smiling and moving out of their way when they meet them on the sidewalk. When Alei (Aileen) Fan , associate professor in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and an expert in service innovation and experience design, helped one along its way one day, she was met with a low-tone, male voice saying, “Thank you.” This contradicted the “cute” vision Fan had in her mind of the robots being like her dog at home.

When Fan relayed the experience to her PhD student Chang (Evita) Ma , the College of Health and Human Sciences graduate student was inspired to investigate deeper how the combination of appearance and voice impacted the consumer’s overall experience in the service encounter.  

Evita Ma poses with her best paper award at the 29th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. (Photo provided)

These efforts culminated in winning a best paper award at the 29th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism in January.

“I’m really honored,” Ma said. “As far as I know, for the past three years or so, no one from our school has gotten the award, so it was a pleasure to have that. It’s very competitive — over the 130-some presentations, I was selected as one of the four winners.”

The study looked at how people’s reactions differed when comparing matched, or congruent, voice and appearance and mismatched, or incongruent, voice and appearance. The researchers found that depending on the robot’s function, people tended to be either more or less accepting of when a robot’s voice does not match its appearance.

In a utilitarian scenario where the consumer really only desires the robot to perform a job function and doesn’t care as much about having an emotional connection, people often prefer the congruent voice and appearance because they feel the incongruent one is not well-designed or not capable of performing their desired outcome. When consumers are in a hedonic scenario where they don’t care as much about the functions the robot is performing but simply wish to have a connection or engage with the robot, the congruency doesn’t matter as much, and some of the surprising elements, such as the mismatched voice and appearance, may attract people to engage with it.

“We as human beings actually view things holistically,” Ma said. “We don’t separate the different parts.”

Considering how these distinct factors work together to shape consumer perceptions could ultimately shape the characteristics of future service robots to improve service encounters across the industry.

“It’s a timely topic,” Fan said. “Whether you like it or not, technology takes up a lot of our lives. This research provided practical guidelines for industries and companies on how to design different robots to better serve our customer.”

This study resulted as a product of Ma’s study “Decoding the Shared Pathways of Consumer Technology Experience in Hospitality and Tourism: A Meta-Analysis,” which examined the literature currently available to investigate the different types of technology and how humans interact with them. Ma ultimately noticed a gap in papers that combined elements — many simply looked at appearance or voice independently.

“Very few of the papers actually combine all the different subtle elements together; they just focus on one single perspective like appearance or voice,” Ma said. “So, I began looking at: What is the combination between those? Our initial idea was we wanted to know how the combination of design elements of service robots impacts the customer’s reactions and feelings of the service in different scenarios.”

Prior to coming to Purdue, Ma spent four years gaining industry experience at the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals nonprofit in Hong Kong, where she made many connections on the technology side of the industry and solidified her interest in coming to a very technology-focused university to earn her PhD.

“Purdue has such a strong background in terms of technology and engineering, so that was also one of the reasons I wanted to keep focusing on that for my research area,” Ma said. “After taking a class with Dr. Fan, I decided to join her team.”

Beyond research, Ma has fully immersed herself in the teaching and engagement areas of graduate student life as well. Ma teaches two 200-level marketing courses to undergraduate HTM students, where she’s maximized opportunities for the students to engage in experiential education. She’s also working on curriculum development with HTM faculty and has become involved in several graduate student organizations, including the Purdue Graduate Student Government, where she is a senator.

After graduating from the program, Ma plans to pursue a faculty position that allows her to combine her passion for research with her love for teaching and service.

“She’s really the star student,” Fan said. “When we evaluate a PhD student, there are three aspects: research, teaching and service. Evita is excellent in all of these.”

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3 Ways to Clearly Communicate Your Company’s Strategy

• Constantinos C. Markides
• Andrew MacLennan

Most leaders struggle to explain big decisions in a way that makes sense to employees.

For all the communication around strategy, we know that leaders at many companies don’t provide the necessary context for employees to understand what the words and sentences in a strategy statement actually mean. What can leaders do to help employees understand enough context to understand a strategy? In this article, the authors offer three recommendations: 1) Present the alternatives considered and explain why they were not adopted. 2) Explain how each choice is linked to the organization’s purpose. 3) Involve employees in strategy development.

A pilot once told us a story about an accident on an early morning flight in the 1950s. As the aircraft accelerated to take off, the captain noticed his flight engineer’s sullen expression and called out, “Cheer up, George.” But in his sleepy state, what the engineer heard was, “Gear up, George” — and he duly raised the landing gear — prematurely as they were not quite airborne. The aircraft sank onto its fuselage and slid to a halt, causing much damage. Luckily, nobody was hurt.

• Constantinos C. Markides is a professor of strategic and international management at London Business School.  
• AM Andrew MacLennan is a guest lecturer at London Business School in London England

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Technology & Operations Management

• Program Requirements

Technology & Operations Management

Curriculum & coursework.

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Students typically spend their first two years on course work, at the end of which they take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester long doctoral courses. Students in the Technology & Operations Management program complete courses in the areas of business management theory, economic theory, quantitative research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students may take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in TOM often begin research in the summer preceding their first year by working with a TOM faculty member. Over the first two years in the program, students are encouraged to explore their research interests as they complete relevant coursework. During their third year, students begin working on their dissertation research, typically developing three publishable papers by the end of the program.

Examples of doctoral thesis topics include: Examining how employee non-compete agreements affect entrepreneurship and job mobility; Improving retailers' sales forecasting using cost-of-sales, inventory levels, and gross margins; How familiarity among team members fosters organizational capabilities among teams; The implications of operations management for investors; and How firms influence service quality, and how service quality affects performance.

Omar Olivarez

“ My professors are incredibly generous with their time, and the other members of my cohort are consistently engaged and curious. ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Elizabeth J. Altman
• Omar I. Asensio
• Iavor I. Bojinov
• Ryan W. Buell
• Prithwiraj Choudhury
• Thomas R. Eisenmann
• Chiara Farronato
• Kris Johnson Ferreira
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• Carolyn J. Fu
• Shane M. Greenstein
• Janice H. Hammond
• Robert S. Huckman
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• Rebecca A. Karp
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• Karim R. Lakhani
• Himabindu Lakkaraju
• Jacqueline Ng Lane
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• William A. Sahlman
• Willy C. Shih
• Ariel D. Stern
• Stefan H. Thomke
• Michael W. Toffel
• Sara M. Torti
• Peter Tufano

Current Technology & Operations Management Students

• Justine Boudou
• Bonnie Cao
• Matthew DosSantos DiSorbo
• Natalie Epstein
• Jeffrey Fossett
• Paul Hamilton
• 'Leke Jegede
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Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, maya balakrishnan, 2024, ryan allen, 2023, raha imanirad, 2020, caleb kwon, 2024, tommy pan fang, 2022, michelle shell, 2020, daniel yue, 2024, grace gu, 2020, ohchan kwon, 2019.

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Rice university phd graduate defies the odds after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Doctors predicted he wouldn't make it past his 20s after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Not only has Dr. Felix Wu defied the odds, but he's also been thriving after graduating from Rice University . Now, he's working towards making the world a better place for people with disabilities.

It was a day Lisa Hu and Gang Wu will never forget. Felix Wu was only about 3 years old when his family visited different doctors to find out what was impacting his mobility and causing him to fall frequently.

Finally, they got an answer from one of their physicians. It was Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). They grappled in shock when they were given a grim prognosis that their son would likely only live to be between 18 and 25 years old.

"Our world turned upside down. The landscape suddenly became something we didn't know. At the time, treatment was very limited, and there's no cure. So it was very tough for us. Our focus became to slow the progression of the disease," Hu said.

According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association , muscle weakness is the primary symptom of DMD.

It can begin as early as 2 years old, first affecting the muscles close to the core of the body and then later impacting the limbs. Children with the condition may have difficulty jumping, running, and walking.

READ MORE: Teacher refuses to let muscular dystrophy slow him down

Felix Wu shared that it was tough as a child when he couldn't participate in the same physical activities as his classmates or when he had to navigate in and out of buildings that weren't very accessible for people with disabilities. However, he said what affected him the most was how others perceived him.

"I've been questioned about what I'm able to achieve, and it's taken opportunities away from me. There's been assumptions that I'm not intelligent or mature enough to handle certain things. When I did succeed, sometimes people would assume I took some type of shortcut, and that's how I got here," Felix Wu said.

Felix Wu's condition was something his parents couldn't control. So they started focusing on what they could control, taking their son to see the world and supporting him in whatever he wanted to do.

"All we can do is give him our love and educate him as much as we can about DMD. We let him make his own decisions about his health and tell us what he wants or doesn't want to do," Hu said.

One of their favorite activities to do together as a family is visit national parks around the country, and they have been to more than 70 so far.

Felix Wu also loves playing video and board games in his spare time, such as Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering.

But Felix Wu has also always been extremely studious. To Hu and Gang Wu's surprise, he committed to doing well academically and ranking at the top of his class, pointing out that his parents never pressured him to get good grades.

"He's very self-driving, and on top of that, he's very smart. He learns things very fast. We're happy that he has been doing so good. But sometimes, we have to remind him to slow down and take care of his health," Gang Wu said.

SEE ALSO: A unique concert for boy battling muscular dystrophy

As Felix Wu reflected during Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, he said his parents, who are originally from China and came to the U.S. in the 1980s for college, are the inspiration behind his success.

"I think about how lucky I am for the resources I have to this day that they didn't have. That's definitely motivated me to keep moving forward," Felix Wu said.

For the last nine years, Gang Wu has made the hour-long drive between Katy and Rice University to get Felix to class.

But this month, they took their last ride to campus. Felix Wu graduated with a PhD in psychological sciences focusing on industrial-organizational and quantitative psychology, making him a "triple owl" for earning his bachelor's and master's degrees at the prestigious institution.

"No matter what the stakes are for his future, we know Felix is going to fight. It doesn't matter if he's going to win or not, he's going to fight," Gang Wu said.

Felix Wu, who is now 26, is taking a short break before starting his new job at a consulting firm.

He told ABC13 he plans to continue using his research and data to help improve workplace conditions for people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities are employed at a far lower rate than everybody else. That's important because, economically, you need a job to actually be able to survive and thrive. This is an important area where I can bring my own experience and show that there are still a lot of things that people with disabilities can do," Felix Wu said.

For stories on Houston's diverse communities, follow Rosie Nguyen on Facebook , X and Instagram .

SEE ALSO: AAPI domestic violence survivor recalls her abusive relationship: 'I was living in survival mode'

Related Topics

• ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
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Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond

Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner

Becoming a PhD economist can provide a fulfilling and financially secure career path. However, getting started in the field can be daunting if you don’t know much about the preparation you’ll need and the available job opportunities. If you’re wondering what it means to be an economics researcher or how to become one, please read on. We’ll review how to prepare for a career in economics research, what an economics PhD program entails, and what types of opportunities it might bring. Economic education is a core component of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s mission to serve the community. To empower would-be economists, this post provides information for students who seek a career in economics research. We hope this information will be helpful to students interested in economics, regardless of their background and economic situation.  This information is most applicable to students applying to programs in the United States.  

The Breadth of Economics Research  

Academic disciplines conduct research in different ways, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of the types of questions economists ask and how they approach answering them. There are many definitions of economics, but a broadly useful one is the study of how people, organizations, and governments make decisions under different constraints, and how those decisions may affect their outcomes. 

When answering these questions, economists seek to ground their analyses in models and to be quantitatively precise about the effects they assign to any given cause. The range of topics economists can study is wide, but the accepted approaches to answering questions are stricter. Some examples of what economists might ask: 

• How do different public housing programs affect the children who live there? 
• Does a certain type of law encourage businesses to innovate? 
• How will a change in the interest rate affect inflation and unemployment rates? 
• How much does affordable health insurance improve people’s health? 
• How can poor countries eradicate poverty? 

There are many different subfields within economics, including, but not limited to behavioral, econometrics, energy/environmental, development, financial, international, monetary, public, and urban economics. You can familiarize yourself with the latest work in economics by subscribing to working paper series, such as NBER’s New This Week or the New York Fed’s Staff Reports . To get an idea of the breadth of questions economists can answer, you could listen to Stephen Dubner’s “ Freakonomics Radio ” podcast. You may also want to explore the Journal of Economic Perspectives , the New York Fed’s Liberty Street Economics blog, VoxDev , or VoxEU .  

What Is a PhD Program Like?    

Economics PhD programs typically last five to seven years. Unlike masters programs, they are often fully funded with a stipend, though most require students to complete teaching assistant and/or research assistant (RA) work as part of their funding package. In the first two years, students take classes, many of which are mathematically demanding. The rest of the program can include additional classes but is primarily devoted to original research with the aim of producing publishable papers that will constitute the dissertation.  

Faculty advisors are a central part of PhD programs, as students look to them for guidance during the research process. Economics PhD programs are offered within university economics departments, but there are similar programs in public policy and business schools. You can look at their websites to understand any differences in coursework and subsequent job placements. 

What Can You Do with an Economics PhD?  

Upon graduation, students can obtain jobs in a variety of industries. Many PhD students hope to become university professors. Governments and public policy-related institutions such as the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. federal government, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also hire economists to work on policy, lead programs, and conduct research. Finally, economics PhD graduates can also find employment at a variety of private sector companies, including banks, economic consulting firms, and big tech companies. The pay for these different positions can vary. According to the American Economics Association (AEA), the average starting salary for economics assistant professors in 2022-23 was approximately $140,000 at PhD granting institutions and $98,000 at BA granting institutions. 

Programs often publish the placements of their PhD graduates, so you can look online to see specific employment outcomes. See, for example, the University of Maryland’s placements . Ultimately, economists are highly regarded as authorities on a variety of topics. Governments, nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and non-financial businesses all look to economists to answer important questions about how to best achieve their goals. Thus, earning an economics Ph.D. can potentially help you to influence issues that are important to you. 

Preparing for an Economics PhD Program  

There are several components to an economics PhD program application: college transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Please download the Appendix linked below to learn more about transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Appendix details ways in which you can select coursework, obtain research experience, and develop relationships to position yourself for success as a PhD applicant.  

If you feel that you are too far along in your academic career to take enough of the classes described in the Appendix, this does not necessarily preclude you from pursuing an economics PhD. For example, it’s possible to take some of these classes through a master’s program, or through a pre-doctoral RA job. Some pre-doctoral RA jobs, such as the one here at the New York Fed , may enable you to take classes in preparation for graduate school. If you are concerned about your transcript, reach out to an economist at your university for advice; program standards for coursework and grades vary, and it’s a good idea to get more personalized advice. 

Research Experience   

If you’re interested in becoming an economics researcher and applying to PhD programs, it’s best to get research experience as soon as possible. Working as an RA is a great way to learn how to conduct research and get a better idea of whether it’s the right career path for you. Additionally, it can help you obtain a letter of recommendation for graduate school applications and improve your qualifications.  

All types of academic research can be enriching, but it’s beneficial to gain experience working directly with an economist. To find a position, you can reach out to professors whose work you find interesting or find an RA program at your school. Typical RA tasks may involve data collection and cleaning, as well as running analyses and creating charts to represent results. This is where coding skills become crucial; having taken math, statistics, and econometrics courses will also enable you to take on more responsibilities. 

You may also have the opportunity to conduct your own research, possibly under the supervision of a professor at your university. This research could be self-initiated or part of a course such as a thesis workshop. Self-directed research is a great opportunity to learn about all stages of the research process. It’s also an excellent opportunity to create a writing sample for graduate school applications. Ultimately, though, your motivation for conducting your own research project should be that you want to answer a question.  One thing economists have in common is a love of answering questions using data and theory. 

Research experience is also often obtained after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree. Taking on a full-time RA position before applying to PhD programs is very common and can make you a more competitive applicant. You may either get an RA job working for a professor or participate in a pre-doctoral RA program.  

Research assistant programs are more structured than positions with individual professors or projects, which could be helpful. Universities, parts of the government, think tanks, research organizations, and the Federal Reserve System are all good places to look for research assistant programs. To help you decide which opportunities are most desirable, you may want to ask potential employers : Where do people in this program tend to go afterward? Will I be working directly with an economist? How much of my time will be spent on academic research work? Will I be able to take classes as part of this program? Considering whether an economist will be able to evaluate your performance is an important factor for recommendation letters. The ability to take classes, either through tuition reimbursement or waivers, can also be an important benefit. 

The Research Analyst program here at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one example of these programs and you should check it out here . The Federal Reserve Board of Governors also has a large program, and many other regional Federal Reserve Banks have similar programs. In addition, the PREDOC website and the  NBER post listings of RA opportunities. J-PAL and IPA also tend to recruit RAs for economic development projects. Another source of RA opportunities is the @econ_ra account on X. 

Who Should Get a PhD in Economics?  

A PhD may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone—people of all genders, religions, ethnicities, races, and national origins have PhDs in economics. Many economists majored in economics, but others majored in math, physics, or chemistry. Because economics is such an integral part of policymaking, it is important that economists come from a wide range of backgrounds so policy can be stronger and more effective. The inclusion of differing perspectives helps ensure that the contribution of economists to work in public policy, academia, and beyond effectively serves the broadest range of society. 

• Coursework Appendix

Kasey Chatterji-Len is a research analyst in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Research and Statistics Group.

Anna Kovner  is the director of Financial Stability Policy Research in the Bank’s Research and Statistics Group.

How to cite this post: Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner, “Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics , May 31, 2024, https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2024/05/thinking-of-pursuing-a-phd-in-economics-info-on-graduate-school-and-beyond/.

You may also be interested in: AEA: Resources for Students

PREDOC: Guidance for Undergraduates

RA Positions-Not at the NBER

Disclaimer The views expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the author(s).

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The editors are Michael Fleming, Andrew Haughwout, Thomas Klitgaard, and Asani Sarkar, all economists in the Bank’s Research Group.

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