Prince of Songkla University

What you'll study

The programme is centred on supervised research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by advanced coursework and regular research seminars. Typical taught and seminar topics include:

• Research methods for international business — advanced quantitative and qualitative techniques, survey design, case study methods and mixed-methods approaches tailored to MNE research.
• Theories of the multinational enterprise — internalisation theory, transaction cost economics, resource-based views, network and institutional perspectives.
• International strategy and corporate governance — entry modes, global strategies, strategic alliances, and governance challenges in cross-border groups.
• Cross-cultural and human resource management — expatriation, staffing, leadership and knowledge transfer across subsidiaries.
• Global value chains and supply chain management — international production networks, sourcing strategies and regional production hubs, with emphasis on ASEAN dynamics.
• International entrepreneurship and innovation — born-global firms, technology transfer, and regional innovation systems.
• Research seminars and peer review forums — regular presentations, journal-club activity and publication-focused workshops to develop writing and dissemination skills.

Students design an original research programme in consultation with a supervisory team. Coursework requirements vary by faculty but commonly include core methodology units and elective modules that support the thesis. The final requirement is the submission and successful defence of a doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the study of multinational enterprises.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in business, management, international business, economics or a related social science) with a strong academic record. Typical application materials include:

• Official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• A detailed research proposal outlining research questions, theoretical framing and proposed methods.
• Curriculum vitae highlighting research experience, publications and professional background.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where required (tests such as IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent institutional evidence), or Thai proficiency if the supervision will be conducted in Thai.

Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed by a selection panel and must secure agreement from a faculty member to act as primary supervisor. Additional institutional requirements such as qualifying examinations or coursework pass marks may apply.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD MNE programme pursue careers across academia, research institutions, government and industry. Common career paths include:

• Academic positions as lecturers and researchers in universities, teaching international business, strategy and management.
• Research roles in policy institutes and think-tanks focused on trade, investment and regional economic development.
• Senior research and strategy roles in multinational corporations, consultancy firms and international organisations advising on market entry, governance and global supply chains.
• Leadership roles in regional development agencies or government departments responsible for trade, investment promotion and industrial policy.

Doctoral training also prepares graduates for careers that demand high-level analytical, project management and evidence-based policy skills.

Why study at Prince of Songkla University

Prince of Songkla University is a leading research university in southern Thailand with established strengths in management and regional studies. The university provides:

• A multidisciplinary research environment with faculty experienced in international business, development studies and area studies relevant to ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
• Access to regional networks and field research opportunities across southern Thailand and neighbouring countries, which is particularly valuable for empirical MNE research.
• Structured doctoral supervision, research seminars and support for publishing in international journals, as well as connections to industry and government partners for applied projects.
• Research facilities and laboratories within relevant faculties, plus administrative support for grant applications and conference participation.

Prospective students benefit from a scholarly community that understands the specific institutional and economic contexts of Southeast Asia while supporting work with global theoretical and methodological reach.