Universiti Tenaga Nasional

What you'll study

The PhD Business Management is primarily a supervised research programme centred on an original thesis. Candidates develop a research proposal, conduct an in‑depth literature review and apply advanced research methods to investigate a substantial business management problem. Typical supervised research themes include strategic management, corporate governance, human resource management, organisational behaviour, innovation and entrepreneurship, operations and supply chain management, marketing strategy, and management of energy and utility organisations.

Although the emphasis is on independent research, the programme normally includes research training components to support the thesis work. Common taught or assessed elements are:

• Advanced Research Methods: quantitative methods, qualitative methods and mixed methods approaches suitable for doctoral research.
• Research Design and Proposal Development: preparing, defending and refining a doctoral research proposal.
• Scholarly Communication and Publication: academic writing, publishing strategies and conference presentation skills.
• Seminar and Progress Reviews: regular seminars, progress reporting and periodic candidacy confirmation assessments.

The culmination of the programme is the submission of a thesis that makes a clear original contribution to knowledge, followed by an oral examination (viva voce) or other faculty‑prescribed assessment.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in a related discipline, such as a Master’s degree with a substantial research component (by research or a research thesis) or an equivalent qualification demonstrating research capability. Candidates with a strong Master’s by coursework degree together with relevant research experience and publications may also be considered.

Typical admission requirements include:

• A good Master’s degree in business, management or a closely related field, or equivalent professional qualifications and research experience.
• A clear research proposal outlining objectives, literature context, methodology and expected contribution.
• Availability of an appropriate supervisory team within the university aligned to the proposed research topic.
• Evidence of academic ability and research potential; for non‑native English speakers, proof of English proficiency in line with university policy.

Applicants are assessed on academic merit, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, and supervisory capacity. Prospective students should consult the faculty’s postgraduate office for detailed application guidance and required documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD Business Management programme typically pursue careers in academia as lecturers and researchers, or in applied research roles within industry and public policy organisations. The degree is also valued in senior management and leadership roles where advanced analytical and research skills are important, such as strategic planning, management consultancy, organisational development, and corporate governance roles.

Given Universiti Tenaga Nasional’s industry relationships, graduates with research on energy, utilities or infrastructure management often move into specialised roles within the energy sector, regulatory bodies, think tanks or international organisations. Others translate their research expertise into senior advisory, entrepreneurial or executive positions across private and public sectors.

Why study at Universiti Tenaga Nasional

Universiti Tenaga Nasional offers a doctoral environment with strengths in management research linked to the energy and utilities sector. The university provides access to interdisciplinary expertise, research centres and industry contacts that can be particularly beneficial for topics related to energy management, corporate governance and organisational performance in utility contexts.

Doctoral candidates benefit from personalised supervision, structured research training and opportunities to engage with industry partners. The campus environment and research infrastructure are geared to support long‑term empirical studies, while faculty members maintain active publication and consultancy profiles that help students develop applied and academic networks.