www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs

at AhliA University, Kingdom of BAhrAin, awarded by BrUnel University, UK

Phd ProgrAmmes in

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

PhD without ResiDence

Int e rn at i o n a l E d u c at i o n .. l o c a l l y

www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs2

I am very pleased that Brunel Business School is working in partnership with Ahlia University.

Having been personally involved in the collaboration with Ahlia since it was first established over ten years ago, I know the initiative has served the interests of both our institutions very well indeed. I am particularly delighted to be working with Ahlia to be able to offer you this PhD without residence.

Unique opportunityA research degree in business and management from a UK university with an international reputation is a highly sought-after qualification. But up until recently, studying for a UK doctorate meant spending up to three years in the UK and anyone who was unable to do this simply had to forego the opportunity. Fortunately, thanks to Ahlia’s collaboration with Brunel, this is no longer the case.

I therefore consider this doctoral programme as a unique opportunity. It also represents the chance to be part of Brunel Business School at a very exciting time.

Research expertiseResearch in Brunel Business School (BBS) has grown substantially in both quantity and quality in research years. BBS is the second largest school of Brunel University with over 2,000 students and 70+ standing and associate faculty members. BBS organises its research activities in six renowned research centres all with international profiles.

These centres address important themes including accounting, international business, marketing, information systems, supply chain and human resource management. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 80% of the School’s research output was rated as of international standard with 10% of the output ranked as world-class. Within the last three years, the School has generated external grant income in excess of £2million from various national and international funding bodies.

You can therefore be assured that we will be able to offer you all the support, guidance, research experience and expertise to help you to successfully complete your PhD.

We look forward to working with you soon.

Prof Zahir irani

head of Brunel Business School

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Our affiliation to Brunel University in London began with what is known as the ‘two plus two’ programme involving a single academic School at Brunel. This humble beginning soon led Ahlia and Brunel to launch the PhD without residence in 2007. The PhD without residence was an instant success as it quenched the thirst of the society in the Middle East region, longing for a high quality research programme to be offered locally by an international institution of institution of high repute. Brunel and Ahlia made it possible. The programme is well recognized in the region which includes accreditation by the Ministry of Education, Kingdom of Bahrain. The PhD without residence since has produced graduates in many fields of study and is in the process of achieving more significant results by enabling more students to qualify as PhDs through contribution to knowledge in many fields. Ahlia in affiliation with Brunel has made important strides in the area of research through this programme in this region.

Simple rationaleOur rationale for the PhD without residence is simple: Brunel is a well-established, research-led university with an international reputation whereas, by comparison, Ahlia is a young, visionary institution. However, within Ahlia we still see research as an integral part of our policy and philosophy. For us there should be two sides to a university: teaching and learning on the one side and research and innovation on the other. One of the main benefits of the PhD without residence is of course that it offers someone who is unable to travel the chance of researching and achieving a PhD in Bahrain.

Wider benefits for the Gulf RegionThe benefits for Bahrain and the Middle East as a whole go wider. In my opinion, we have not been very good at addressing some of the problems we face in the Middle East and I believe university research can definitely make a contribution. We are therefore delighted to be working alongside such a well known research-led university and we consider our partnership to be an excellent example of genuine collaboration between the Middle East and the West which will serve the interests of our region.

I feel sure the programme will expand and we will be able to offer PhDs in other areas of research.

Prof aBdullah al haWaj

President of ahlia university

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www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs4

BRUNEl UNIvERSITy AND BRUNEl BUSINESS School – foR A WEAlTh of RESEARch ExpERIENcEEstablished as a university over 40 years ago, Brunel university in West london takes its name from the celebrated nineteenth century engineering genius, isambard Kingdom Brunel. Brunel enjoys a worldwide reputation as a prestigious, research-led institution.

Vibrant, innovative and forward-looking, Brunel Business School is one of the largest Schools within Brunel university and is well-known for the excellence of its teaching and research. its multi-disciplinary approach sees research being undertaken not only into traditional business and management topics but also into areas of accounting, international business and e-Business. researchers publish extensively and the School has attracted funding from a variety of sources.

Brunel Business School therefore offers an abundance of opportunities for prospective Phd students and there are currently over 200 students studying for a Phd at the School’s london campus.

Six internationally recognised research centresBroadly speaking, all Brunel Business School research activities are co-ordinated within six distinct research centres, although it should be noted that research also often involves collaborating across research centres and across other academic disciplines as well as with academics from other universities. As a PhD student, you will usually be assigned to one of the following research centres.

Centre for international Business and Strategy in Emerging Markets (CiBSEM)

This research centre focuses on all aspects of international business and strategy in emerging markets including production and service operations within newly industrialised sectors and the impact of international investments on the host economy and local firms. An associated and growing area of research is into the specific design and analysis of supply chain systems, networks and strategies to enhance and develop core competencies within global organisations.

information Systems Evaluation and integration (iSEing)

The group provides a forum for academic and practitioner research at the interface between e-Business/e-Government and management processes. This also includes modelling and e-Learning approached through software development and exploitation.

Centre for research in Marketing (CrEaM)

CREAM’s mission is to develop, promote and facilitate research on various aspects of marketing. The Centre brings together unique research strengths in three thematic areas – corporate identity and branding, retailing and organisational creativity.

operations and Supply Chain Systems (oaSiS)

OASIS has a mission to undertake rigorous and relevant research into all aspects of Operations Management and Supply Chain Management areas. OASIS involves taking a combination of operations research, management science, IS, general management and strategic management knowledge and approaches, to evaluate operations and to generate product and service based models and perspectives within and across public and private industry sectors.

AhlIA UNIvERSITy – foR ExcEllENT AcADEMIc SUppoRT AND fAcIlITIESahlia university is the first private university licensed by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain under the Cabinet decision no. 03-1626, dated 25th March 2001. it is an autonomous university which is independently chartered and which is funded and managed by the private sector. The founders have articulated their vision of a distinctive institution of higher education to ensure that science and technology on the one hand and humanities and social sciences on the other take their rightful place in the building and advancement of Kingdom of Bahrain’s society. They aspire to create a centre of research and learning which naturally links up with the economic, cultural, scientific and industrial sectors of society in a productive co-operation.

Successfully completing your phDThe key requirements for obtaining a PhD are:

• Discovery of novel findings – which should be of a standard sufficient for publication in peer reviewed academic journals;

• A broad and in depth understanding of your field including relevant methodologies, an ability to discuss critically research, its implications and limitations;

• Preparation of a well written and presented thesis describing the background to your work, the methods used, observations made and critical discussion in the context of the broader field.

Support from your supervisorsTo support you in your research you will be assigned two supervisors. One of your supervisors will be an academic from Ahlia University; the other will be an academic from Brunel Business School. Whilst PhD students are expected to work independently, the role of your supervisors will be to provide guidance and direction throughout your time as a PhD student. Your Ahlia supervisor will be on hand for face to face meetings and you will have regular contact with your Brunel supervisor by email or telephone.

Based in the Kingdom of BahrainTo encourage critical analysis and independence of thought, staff from Brunel University regularly organise and deliver innovative workshops and seminars. All of these take place at Ahlia University.

Whilst many students take the opportunity of visiting Brunel University and of meeting their supervisor face to face, this is not strictly necessary. The only time you are required to come to Brunel is for your viva defence of your PhD once you have submitted your thesis.

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Work and organisation research Centre (WorC)

Members of WORC undertake applied research into all aspects of performance in the workplace, individual well-being and performance, and HRM in its broadest sense. Using a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, our work investigates current and pressing issues in performance at three levels of analysis – the individual, the work-team, and the wider organisation.

accounting and auditing research Centre (aarC)

AARC provides a focus for investigating current issues in corporate financial reporting, assurance and corporate governance in large and small entities. Specialist areas include impact assessments of government policy on the accounting and auditing needs of SMEs and the effect of deregulation on users of their financial statements and the accountancy profession.

For more information on the research centres or the research interests of Business School academics, visit www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs

MAIN BENEfITS• It represents a unique opportunity for anyone who is

unable to spend three years abroad – maybe due to work or family commitments – to be awarded a PhD by a UK university with an international reputation.

• It has been judged to meet the standards set by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (the organisation responsible for upholding academic standards and quality of higher education in the UK).

• You can choose from a wide range of research topics – research interests of academic staff span all the main areas of business and management research (for further information, see page 4).

• You will have access to the research expertise of Brunel Business School academics without having to leave the Kingdom of Bahrain: members of Brunel Business School have published extensively and are recognised as leaders in a range of research fields.

• You will receive support from academics at Ahlia and be entitled to make full use of Ahlia’s excellent facilities.

hoW DoES IT WoRK?• You will be based for your studies at Ahlia University and have

full access to all of Ahlia’s facilities including its extensive library.

• You will be assigned two academic supervisors who will support and guide you over the course of your PhD: your first supervisor will be based at Brunel University and your second/local supervisor will be based at Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain.

• You will be nominally attached to a research centre within Brunel Business School.

• You will also be encouraged to attend conferences and to disseminate your research.

• Brunel Business School regularly runs seminars and workshops in the Kingdom of Bahrain to help you with your study and research skills.

• You are strongly encouraged to visit Brunel whenever possible throughout your studies; your viva will take place at Brunel University.

KEy fEATURES• The result of a collaboration between Ahlia University in the

Kingdom of Bahrain and Brunel Business School, part of Brunel University, a world renowned research-led university in the UK.

• Up until very recently, studying for a UK doctorate meant spending up to three years in the UK and anyone who was unable to do this simply had to forego the opportunity. Fortunately, thanks to Ahlia’s collaboration with Brunel, this is no longer the case.

• Unrivalled opportunity of a PhD from a prestigious UK based Brunel University without the need to leave home.

• Exceptional chance to work alongside top business and management researchers.

• Full support, supervision and excellent facilities provided by Brunel Business School and Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain.

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Maria Akbar Saberireason for choosing Phd without residence

Being a mother with a full-time job makes a non-residential programme well suited to my circumstances.

impressions of the programme, supervision and study experience

As we were the first group to register for the programme back in 2007, much had not yet been known about the type of problems that could emerge. Therefore, we learned as we went. And by ‘we’ I mean the local and Brunel supervisors as well as Ahlia and Brunel PhD program management. The study experience suits people who can adapt to a fully independent learning strategy as being away from the main university campus in Brunel has its own challenges. I consulted with my supervisors regarding the broader aspects of my research and depended mostly on myself for the details. The role of the local supervisor was essential during the first 18 months.

how this programme was useful to you

Other than helping me study while being with my family, the PhD experience has truly made me a stronger person. I feel I am a more patient person now and I have come to appreciate the knowledge creation process. This experience truly produces mature attitudes.

Memories to cherish in the future

Meeting one of the well-known researchers worldwide in the field of my PhD topic. Together with my husband and my local supervisor, we invited this researcher to dinner. It was a great opportunity to meet such a person and I thank my husband for suggesting the dinner invitation. I also presented a paper on one of my thesis chapters in a conference in Santander, Spain. This was a memorable event as I got to know great thinkers in the field of my study.

Plans for the future

I would like to use my knowledge in executive coaching and in training and development consulting.

Soloman Almadireasons for choosing Phd without residence:

PhD without Residence provided me an opportunity to maintain my professional career and family commitments while pursing self-development in research and higher education.

impressions of the, programme, supervision and study experience:

It was an excellent platform for a self-starter and committed individuals as it provided a research educational environment for us. The supervision experience is unique in the sense that it is collaborative between the advisor, the advisory team and the students. Ultimately, I had to quickly aim and focus on my research topic while utilising the advisor as a sounding board when needed.

how this programme was useful to you:

It provided me with the additional skills needed for researching complex and multi-variables research areas. Moreover, the programme introduced different research concepts that were presented by different faculty members from the school of business to engineering and that provided me with the diverse experience and guidance.

Memories to cherish in the future:

There are several memories to cherish: winning the best paper in 2009, best presentation in 2010, best paper in 2011, publication of more than 13 papers, and finally my VIVA: I also remember and cherish the memories when it was extremely challenging. Those moments made me more patient, appreciate life more, and made me into who I am today. It was a very sweet victory at the end that I enjoy and thank God for it on a daily basis.

Plans for the future

I will continue with my professional career, publications, and finish writing my book!

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ENTRy REqUIREMENTS AND ApplIcATIoN INfoRMATIoN

Entry requirements Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in a relevant academic discipline. Ideally you should also have successfully completed a Master’s degree. Applicants who do not meet these academic requirements but who have significant occupational experience will be considered on a case by case basis. If English is not your first language you will be required to demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency: IELTS score of at least 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all sub-tests or the equivalent TOEFL scores.

Please note that in order for your application to be considered, you will need to have already met the English language requirements at the time of application. Should a candidate submit an application without having already achieved the English language entry requirement, the application will be declined automatically.

For further details, visit: www.brunel.ac.uk/international/languagerequirements

Mode of studyFull-time only. You will be expected to complete your PhD in 3 years. Assessment is based on your submitted thesis and its oral defence in a viva voce. This will be held at Brunel University in the UK and will be conducted under Brunel regulations.

feesThe fees are shown here www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs/research/phd-programmes-opportunities/fees. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to a small increase each year. Details of any sponsorship arrangements are required prior to enrolment.

Fees are payable to Ahlia University prior to enrolment in full and are subject to a capped increase each academic year.

your research proposalTo support your application you should include a research proposal. This should detail the proposed area and structure of your research and should extend to about 1,000 words. Your proposal will be used to assess how consistent your research interests are with the School’s current research activities, to judge whether the research is possible, necessary and timely and to decide whether you have the appropriate skills to carry out your proposed study.

Please describe your research area and research issues of interest and also the rationale for your research. You should also identify the relationship between the literature and your proposed research and discuss the importance of your research interest: is it something that is absent from the current literature or something that needs further development? Please also provide information about your proposed methodology and specify any conceptual or technical limitations.

how to applyPlease visit www.brunel.ac.uk/international/applying-to-brunel/i-have-not-yet-applied/research to download and complete the application form for international applicants. You will need to support your application with a detailed research proposal and two references. Once you have completed your application form (please take particular care to ensure that your personal statement fully explains why you are interested in studying for a PhD, how a PhD will contribute to your future career plans and why you have chosen Brunel’s PhD without residence programme at Ahlia University), please send it together with:

• Your research proposal (see left),

• Your CV,

• Authenticated copies of your academic qualifications (Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts),

• Proof of English Language proficiency,

• Two references, one of which must be from an academic,

• Passport,

to:

S. Gowrishankar Manager, Business Relations Administrative Coordinator for PhD programme Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain.Tel: +973 17 298973, +973 17 298999Mobile: +973 36258928fax: +973 17290083E-mail: gsrinivasan@ahlia.edu.bhWebsite: www.ahlia.edu.bh

note: Please note you will need to apply by 31 March to begin your PhD in October.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this brochure and the University will take all reasonable action to deliver courses and services in accordance with the descriptions set out in it. A contract is made at the point when an applicant accepts an offer from Brunel, meeting any conditions, and the acceptance is communicated to Brunel or the clearing system acting for Brunel, and this contract is confirmed. All students are required, as a condition of registration, to abide by and submit to the University’s statutes, ordinances, regulations and rules, which are published on the University’s website (a hard copy is available from the Registry at the Uxbridge address).

www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs

4501 0113

Brunel university

Brunel Business School, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH

Telephone: +44 1895 267543

Email: bbsphd@brunel.ac.uk

Web: www.brunel.ac.uk/bbs

ahlia university

Business Relations, Ahlia University, Kingdom of Bahrain

Telephone: +973 17 298973, +973 17 298999

fax: +973 17 290083

Web: www.ahlia.edu.bh

Int e rn at i o n a l E d u c at i o n .. l o c a l l y