General syllabus - Industrial Economics and Organisation

Please see the Swedish version or contact the Director of Doctoral Studies for infomation.

General syllabus for Industrial Economics and Organisation at Mälardalen University

• Reg.no: MDU 1.1-23/14
• Decision-making body: The Faculty Board

This applies to all doctoral students admitted to the third-cycle subject area after 16 December 2014.

Doctoral students admitted before 16 December 2014 have the right to complete their studies up until the public defence of their doctoral thesis according to the syllabus that was valid when they were admitted to the doctoral programme. The doctoral student can also decide to follow the new syllabus.

This policy document governing third-cycle subject areas must be revised/reviewed no later than four years after the latest adoption. The School of Business, Society and Engineering (EST) is responsible for the revision of this document.

Introduction

Pursuant to Chapter 6, Section 25 of the Higher Education Ordinance, (Högskoleförordningen), (1993:100), the Faculty Board at Mälardalen University (MDU) has established subjects which must be provided under thirdcycle education. Each third-cycle subject area must have a ratified general syllabus in which the main contents of the programme, specific entry requirements and other required regulations shall be stated in accordance with Chapter 6, Sections 26 and 27 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

The School is responsible for drawing up and revising the general syllabuses that apply to the doctoral programme subjects for which the School is the host. The Faculty Board adopts the established or revised general study plans for the subjects in which third-cycle education is organised at MDU.

Furthermore, the local policy document Rules and Guidelines for third-cycle education at Mälardalen University (MDH 3.1-382/12) stipulates that the criteria for general entry requirements, description of selection criteria, description of compulsory components and requirements for thesis work and course demands must also be stated
in the general syllabus for the subject. In addition, recommendations for prior knowledge which do not constitute formal entry requirements, as well as other relevant information, may be communicated.

Subject description

Third-cycle study area

The third-cycle education area of Industrial Economics, Working Life and Control covers all organisational and economic conditions that affect industrial organisations, especially for organisations that include the industrial realisation of technology and technical know-how by manufacturing and service-producing private and public
organisations

Third-cycle subject area

The area of Industrial Economics and Organisation combines research in technology, economics and social sciences. The research focuses in particular on industrial renewal, an area of great socio-economic importance in light of the restructuring of the economy that globalisation and technological developments entail. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with industry and society in general.

Area and subject-specific qualitative targets

General objectives for third-cycle education regarding knowledge and understanding, competence and skills, as well as judgement and approach, are set out in the System of Qualifications (Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2, SFS 2006:1053). The System of Qualifications requirements and the requirement to obtain a Degree of Licentiate are set out in Appendix A, and in the corresponding Appendix B for a Degree of Doctor.

Structure of the education

For each doctoral student, an individual study plan must be drawn up in which the structure of the education is planned in detail. The study plan must be updated and reviewed at each major change in the structure of the education and at least once a year.

Courses

Courses must be included in the programme. For each course, there must be an examiner at the department that holds the course. The examiner must adopt a written syllabus that states the course's objectives, content and credits for instance. Refer also to the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education.

Within the framework of the 240 credits for the Degree of Doctor, studies corresponding to 90-120 credits should be devoted to courses and at least 120 credits to thesis work, and within the framework of the Degree of Licentiate’s 120 credits, studies corresponding to 45-60 credits should be devoted to courses and at least 60
credits to thesis work.

Courses and thesis work should be carried out in parallel and we recommend that the doctoral student begin working on their thesis project early. Progress on this project should be continuously reported in discussion papers and papers at seminars.

The individual study plan must state which courses are or can be included in the programme for the individual doctoral student and also how many credits each course corresponds to. The following guidelines apply to the design of the course part of the programme.

The course part consists of a compulsory part and a part that is chosen in consultation with the supervisor. This applies to both licentiate and doctoral degrees.

During the academic year, seminars will be conducted in the shape of continuous discussions based on the doctoral students' research in the subject area. The doctoral student is expected to actively participate in these seminars. In order for the requirement of "active participation" to be met, the doctoral student must have been
present during at least half of the meetings. The doctoral student is also expected to attend the public defence occasions, which take place at the student’s department, to familiarise themselves with the problems of thesis writing.

In exceptional circumstances and in consultation with supervisors, courses taken at second-cycle (Master’s) level within the undergraduate education may be credited towards the postgraduate education. In consultation with the principal supervisor, courses from adjacent research domains, and from other higher education institutions, can be selected.

Doctoral student courses can be taken at Mälardalen University or at another university. This also applies to the compulsory courses of the programme. The doctoral student's supervisor will validate courses taken at other universities.

Degree of Licentiate

Guidelines for the Degree of Licentiate are provided in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education. The following also applies to Industrial Economics and Organisation:

For a Degree of Licentiate, at least 22.5 credits in basic introduction, theory and method courses are required.

The compulsory part of the course consists of the following components:

• Introductory course in the third-cycle subject Industrial Economics and Organisation comprising 7.5 credits.
  
• Course in quantitative research methods comprising 7.5 credits.
  
• Course in qualitative research methods comprising 7.5 credits.
  

The compulsory courses can be replaced by equivalent courses at other higher education institutions.

The remaining 22.5-37.5 credits consist of optional courses chosen in consultation with the supervisor.

In the context of studies and the thesis project, the student must participate in seminars on both the department's research activities and other doctoral students' thesis projects. Doctoral students are also expected to participate as external reviewers at other doctoral students’ thesis seminars.

Degree of Doctor

Guidelines for the Degree of Doctor are provided in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education. The following also applies to Industrial Economics and Organisation:

For a doctoral degree, at least 37.5 credits are required in basic introduction, theory and method courses.

The compulsory part of the course comprises the following components:

• Introductory course in the third-cycle subject area Industrial Economics and Organisation comprising 7.5 credits.
  
• Course in qualitative research methods comprising 7.5 credits.
  
• Course in quantitative research methods comprising 7.5 credits.
  

The compulsory courses can be replaced by equivalent courses at other higher education institutions.

The remaining 52.5-82.5 credits consist of optional courses chosen in consultation with the supervisor.

In the context of studies and the thesis project, the student must participate in seminars on both the department's research activities and other doctoral students' thesis projects. Doctoral students are also expected to participate as external reviewers at other doctoral students’ thesis seminars.

Supervision

The right to a supervisor and supervision is regulated in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.

Those who have been admitted to a doctoral programme are entitled to supervision in accordance with current regulations. The supervisor must provide advice and direction for the selection of the area and specialisation of the thesis and the realisation of the thesis project. The doctoral student must keep the supervisor informed of the
progress of the project on a regular basis and obtain advice for the structure of the thesis.

Each doctoral student must be assigned at least two supervisors, one of whom is the principal supervisor with at least Associate Professor/docent competence. Supervisors are proposed by the electoral college of supervisors in consultation with the Dean of the School and must be appointed before the application for admission to the
doctoral education is processed.

Supervisors are appointed depending on the content, specialisation and nature of the relevant research project. The principal supervisor must be employed by MDU.

Preview

The licentiate theses and doctoral theses will be previewed at the final review with an appointed reviewer. In cases where the doctoral student does not complete a licentiate thesis, the doctoral student project is reviewed after about half of the study time by means of an intermediate seminar. After no later than one year of full-time studies, doctoral students must present a planning report.

Internationalisation

Doctoral students should be offered the opportunity to a stay abroad, participate in international conferences, and take doctoral courses at other higher education institutions both in and outside the country.

Entry requirements

The general rules for eligibility for third-cycle education are set out in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle
education.

To be eligible for admission to the doctoral programme Industrial Economics and Organisation, there are particular entry requirements that apply to the doctoral student:

• they must have a Degree of Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, or a Master of Science Degree that includes at least 60 credits in industrial economics, business administration or economics, or
  
• they must have a Degree of Master of Science in Business and Economics (4 years) with a specialisation in business administration or economics, or
  
• they must have acquired knowledge to the same extent or scope in another country or in Sweden.

Selection

The key selection criterion is the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The selection takes into account previous credits awarded, research merits and the quality of the research or investigative projects that have been undertaken independently by the person concerned. Furthermore, the applicant's work experience and other
personal qualities will be taken into account that are assumed to be important for the applicant's ability to benefit from the doctoral programme.

Upon admission, it must be considered if the School can offer adequate supervision, i.e. that there is at least one employee with the competency of an Associate Professorship who has the appropriate knowledge in the applicant's specific thesis area and has the possibility to take on a supervisory role. A plan showing the applicant’s ability to support themselves financially must also be presented at the time of admission, which
shows that there is secured funding for their study period.

Examinations

Third-cycle education is concluded with a Degree of Doctor or a Degree of Licentiate if the student prefers. The student is also entitled but is not obliged to take a Degree of Licentiate as a stage in their doctoral education.

The doctoral programme must include a research project which has been documented in a licentiate thesis or a doctoral thesis. The general guidelines are stated in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.

Degree of Doctor

Guidelines for the Degree of Doctor are provided in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education. The following also applies to Industrial Economics and Organisation:

For a Degree of Doctor, you must:

• have passed courses comprising at least 90 higher education credits.
  
• have a pass grade in a thesis where the scope corresponds to studies of at least 120 credits.

The doctoral thesis must be assessed at a public thesis defence ceremony. The guidelines for the structure of the ceremony and the examining committee’s composition are stated in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.

For an approved Degree of Doctor, a pass grade is required for all knowledge tests that are included in the doctoral programme and for the doctoral thesis.

Degree of Licentiate

Guidelines for the Degree of Licentiate are provided in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education. The following also applies to Industrial Economics and Organisation:

For a Degree of Licentiate, you must:

• have a pass grade in courses worth at least 45 credits
  
• have a pass grade in an academic paper where the scope corresponds to studies of at least 60 credits.
  

The licentiate thesis must be assessed at a public licentiate seminar. The guidelines for the structure of the seminar and the examining committee’s composition are stated in the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.

For an approved Degree of Licentiate, a pass grade is required for all knowledge tests that are included in the doctoral programme and for the licentiate thesis.

Titles of qualification

Philosophy, economics, or Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Science, philosophy, economics, or Degree of Licentiate of Science, respectively.

Internationalisation

The third-cycle subject area is fully committed to sustaining international contacts. Some courses and instruction may be given in English.

Preview

Please refer to the Rules and guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.

Transitional rules

Doctoral students admitted before 16 December 2014 have the right to complete their studies up until the public defence of their doctoral thesis according to the syllabus that was valid when they were admitted to the doctoral programme. The doctoral student can also decide to follow the new syllabus.

Appendix A – Degree of Licentiate

The System of Qualifications requirements and the requirement to obtain a Degree of Licentiate are set out in the Degree of Licentiate in Appendix 2, according to the Higher Education Ordinance.

Scope

A Degree of Licentiate is obtained either when the doctoral student has completed a study programme of at least 120 credits within a third-cycle subject, or after the doctoral student has completed one part of at least 120 credits of a study programme leading to a Degree of Doctor if the University decides that such a licentiate degree
can be awarded at the University.

Objectives

The purpose of the Degree of Licentiate programme in Industrial Economics and Organisation at Mälardalen University is to provide the student with specialised knowledge of industrial economics and organisation subjects, basic knowledge of different research methods as well as insights into the problems that can arise in research and its practical applications. The overall objective of the doctoral education is to enable the student to become a critical and independent researcher in Industrial Economics and Organisation. The Degree of Licentiate may be a freestanding education or a sub-goal in third-cycle education towards a Degree of Doctor.

Goal - Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Licentiate, the doctoral student must:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of industrial economics and organisation, including specialist knowledge of a limited part of this as well as specialised knowledge in research methodology in general and the specific methods used in the research domain in particular.
  

Goal - Competence and skills

For a Degree of Licentiate, the doctoral student must:

• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate questions with scientific accuracy, critically, independently and creatively, plan and conduct, using adequate methods a limited research project and other qualified assignments within stipulated time limits and thereby contribute to the knowledge development as well as evaluate this work,
  
• demonstrate the ability, in national as well as international contexts, to clearly present and discuss, orally and in writing, research and research findings in dialogue with the scientific community and society in general, and
  
• demonstrate the skills required to participate independently in research and development efforts and to work independently in another qualified organisation.
  

Goal - Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Licentiate, the doctoral student must:

• demonstrate the ability to conduct ethical assessments of research in their own research,
  
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used, and
  
• demonstrate the ability to identify their personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their own knowledge development.
  

Academic paper

For a Degree of Licentiate, the doctoral student must have a pass grade in their academic paper (licentiate thesis) which corresponds to at least 60 higher education credits.

Appendix B – Degree of Doctor

The System of Qualifications requirements and the requirement for obtaining a Degree of Doctor are set out in Appendix 2, according to the Higher Education Ordinance.

Scope

A Degree of Doctor is awarded after the doctoral student has completed a doctoral education of 240 credits within a third-cycle subject.

For a Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student must have a pass grade in their thesis (doctoral thesis) which corresponds to at least 120 credits.

In addition to the objectives that are stated in the Higher Education Ordinance, The Faculty Board at MDU has produced common objectives according to the Rules and Guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.

Objectives

The objective of third-cycle education in Industrial Economics and Organisation at Mälardalen University is to provide the doctoral student with specialised knowledge of industrial economics and organisation subjects, basic knowledge of different research methods as well as insights into the problems that can arise in research and its
practical applications. The overall objective for doctoral education is to enable the doctoral student to become a critical and independent researcher in Industrial Economics and Organisation with an ability to design and carry out research projects.

Goal - Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student must:

• demonstrate broad expertise in industrial economics and organisation and a systematic understanding of the research domain, as well as specialised and current specialist knowledge within a limited part of the research domain, and
  
• demonstrate familiarity with research methodology in general and with the methods of the specific research domain in particular.
  

Goal - Competence and skills

For a Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student must:

• demonstrate the ability to conduct scientific analysis and synthesis as well as to review and assess independently and critically new and complex phenomena, questions and situations,
  
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate questions with scientific accuracy, critically, independently and creatively, and to plan and conduct research and other qualified assignments using adequate methods and within stipulated time limits, and to review and evaluate such work,
  
• demonstrate through a thesis the ability to make a significant contribution to the development of knowledge through their own research,
  
• demonstrate the ability, in national as well as international contexts, to clearly present and discuss, orally and in writing, research and research findings in dialogue with the scientific community and society at large,
  
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge, and
  
• demonstrate the capacity to contribute to the development of society and to support the learning of others both through research and education as well as in other qualified professional capacities.
  

Goal - Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student must:

• demonstrate intellectual independence and scholarly integrity as well as the ability to make ethical assessments of research, and
  
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of people for how it is used.
  

Academic dissertation (doctoral thesis)

For a Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student must have a pass grade in their thesis (doctoral thesis) which corresponds to at least 120 credits.

In addition to the objectives that are stated in the Higher Education Ordinance, The Faculty Board at MDU has produced common objectives according to the Rules and Guidelines for third-cycle education at MDU.