The program, Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management (By Research) is unique in providing professionally qualified Strategic management experts, academics, top class strategic decision makers for academic institutions and management industries in Malaysia and overseas. The doctoral research is typically designed with the concepts of strategic formulation, innovative organizations and market competition, and addresses a wide variety of topics that have direct or indirect implications for organizational effectiveness. Students are encouraged to conduct research that focuses on recent economic problems, planning strategies to overcome and sustain with superior competitive performance. Students are equipped with the ‘softer’ business skills, employers’ value, such as emotional intelligence, creative thinking and high impact communication. LUC prepares the participants to pursue cutting edge, world class interdisciplinary research with mastery of the scope of knowledge in a respective area. The students will be able to pursue significant conceptual research.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management (By Research) is a research-oriented program aimed at developing a deep understanding of strategic decision-making processes within organizations. The program focuses on advanced theories in strategic management, organizational dynamics, competitive analysis, and innovation strategies. Students engage in independent research, often exploring topics like corporate strategy, business model innovation, global competition, and strategic leadership.

Through rigorous research methods and in-depth study, students produce a dissertation that contributes original insights to the field of strategic management. Graduates typically pursue academic careers as professors and researchers or take on senior advisory roles in organizations, leveraging their expertise to influence business strategy at the highest levels.

This program emphasizes both theoretical development and the practical implications of strategy, preparing graduates to advance knowledge and inform strategic practices in various sectors.

Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management (By Research) is designed to prepare students for careers in international markets by offering International case studies on business challenges and solutions across different economies.

Career support for Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management (By Research) students include:

• Career services: Lincoln Business School provide dedicated career services that help students connect with multinational employers through recruitment events, recruitment agency and career fairs.
• Alumni networks: Strong global alumni networks are common in Lincoln Business School, allowing students to connect with graduates working in diverse industries worldwide.

• Faculty in Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management (By Research) program often have extensive international experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge from global corporations, international research, and consulting roles.
• Lincoln Business School boast a diverse faculty with professionals who have worked in multinational corporations across continents and industries.  This global expertise ensures that students gain a real-world understanding of how business is conducted across different cultures and regions.

• The intakes for the Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management (By Research) program are ongoing.
• These multiple entry points provide flexibility for applicants to start the program at a time that best suits their schedule.

1. Academic Careers

• University Professor/Lecturer: A PhD is essential for teaching strategic management at the university level. As a professor or lecturer, you can teach courses in strategy, leadership, and organizational behavior, as well as supervise graduate students and contribute to academic research.
• Academic Researcher: You can focus on publishing research in top-tier journals, presenting at international conferences, and contributing to the body of knowledge in strategic management. Your research may focus on topics such as corporate strategy, competitive advantage, business innovation, and organizational development.
• Department Chair or Dean: In addition to research and teaching, you may rise to leadership positions within academic institutions, overseeing departments or schools of business.

2. Corporate Leadership and Executive Roles

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Many CEOs have advanced degrees in strategic management, allowing them to lead organizations by making critical decisions about long-term business strategy, market positioning, and corporate growth.
• Chief Strategy Officer (CSO): The role of a CSO is focused on developing, communicating, and executing corporate strategies. A PhD in strategic management gives you the research and analytical skills necessary to excel in this role.
• Corporate Strategist: Many large companies employ strategists who specialize in competitive analysis, market expansion, and long-term planning. A PhD can position you as a leader in corporate strategy and organizational change.
• Director of Strategic Planning: In this role, you would be responsible for formulating and implementing corporate strategies, ensuring that the organization meets its long-term goals and adapts to changing market conditions.

3. Consulting

• Management Consultant: PhD holders in strategic management often move into consulting roles where they advise businesses on strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), organizational restructuring, and other high-level decisions. You could work for large consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, or establish your own consultancy.
• Strategic Advisor: As a strategic advisor, you would provide guidance to C-suite executives on long-term planning, competitive positioning, and business innovation, using evidence-based research to help companies improve their market standing.
• Organizational Development Consultant: Specializing in organizational change, leadership, and business process improvement, this role focuses on helping companies optimize their structure and strategy to improve performance.

4. Government and Public Policy

• Policy Advisor: Governments and public institutions often require experts in strategic management to advise on economic policies, industry competitiveness, and national development strategies. With a PhD, you can work with policy think tanks, international organizations, or government agencies to influence public policy related to business and industry.
• Public Sector Strategist: In this role, you would apply strategic management principles to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services, often dealing with large-scale projects such as infrastructure development or national competitiveness initiatives.

5. Non-Profit and NGO Leadership

• Non-Profit Executive: Non-profit organizations increasingly seek individuals with strategic expertise to lead their operations. As an executive, you can develop long-term strategies to enhance organizational sustainability, increase funding, and maximize impact.
• NGO Strategist: You can work in non-governmental organizations, helping to develop strategies for addressing social, environmental, or economic challenges. Your role would involve crafting sustainable strategies that balance mission-driven objectives with operational realities.

6. Corporate Governance and Board Roles

• Board Member: With a PhD in strategic management, you can sit on the boards of corporations, offering insights into corporate governance, strategy formulation, risk management, and long-term planning. Your expertise will help guide the company’s strategic direction and ensure that it aligns with shareholder interests.
• Corporate Governance Consultant: You could also advise companies on governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and ethical decision-making, ensuring alignment between corporate strategy and regulatory compliance.

7. Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Entrepreneur: As an entrepreneur, you can leverage your strategic management expertise to launch and grow new businesses. Your ability to analyze market trends, competition, and business opportunities will be key to creating a successful startup.
• Innovation Manager: Companies looking to foster innovation often hire strategic managers to lead research and development (R&D) efforts. In this role, you would oversee the strategic initiatives that drive innovation, new product development, and process improvements.

8. International Business and Multinational Corporations

• Global Business Strategist: As a global strategist, you can work for multinational corporations, helping them navigate international markets, assess competition, and develop strategies for global expansion. This role often involves analyzing the global competitive landscape, evaluating international business risks, and formulating market entry strategies.
• Cross-Border Consultant: Specializing in international business strategy, you can work as a consultant to help firms expand into foreign markets, manage multinational operations, and navigate the complexities of global competition.

9. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Sustainability Strategist: Many companies are incorporating sustainability into their core strategies. With a PhD, you can specialize in CSR and sustainability, helping businesses align their long-term goals with environmental and social responsibilities.
• Sustainability Consultant: You can advise companies on how to integrate sustainable practices into their corporate strategies, focusing on reducing environmental impact while maintaining profitability.

10. Think Tanks and Research Organizations

• Senior Researcher: You can join or lead research teams in think tanks or policy research organizations that focus on business strategy, economic development, or industry-specific challenges. Your expertise will be valuable in producing impactful reports that influence business practices and government policies.
• Industry Analyst: You can become an expert in a particular industry, analyzing trends, predicting future developments, and advising companies or investors on strategic decisions. Industry analysts often work for consulting firms, research organizations, or media outlets.

11. Strategy Roles in Technology and Innovation

• Technology Strategist: In rapidly changing industries like technology, companies need experts who can help them adapt and stay competitive. A PhD in strategic management prepares you to advise tech firms on digital transformation, innovation strategies, and competitive positioning.
• Chief Innovation Officer (CIO): As a CIO, you would oversee a company’s innovation strategy, ensuring that the firm remains competitive by developing new products, services, or business models. This role requires a strong understanding of both strategy and emerging technologies.

12. Author and Thought Leader

• Author/Thought Leader: PhD holders in strategic management often become recognized thought leaders in the field. You can write books, publish influential articles, or give talks on topics such as corporate strategy, leadership, and organizational development. Your research can influence both academic thinking and practical business applications.

• Malaysia: Starting salaries range from MYR 60,000 to MYR 100,000 per annum, depending on experience and industry.
• International: Salaries vary widely; research specific regions for accurate figures.