Perspectives on Doctoral Education

Dr Colin PilbeamCranfield School of Management

EIASMAcademic Council meetingHumboldt University, Berlin – 6 October 2008

Cranfield University’s Mission

To create and transform world class science, technology and management into viable, practical, environmentally desirable solutions that enhance economic development and the quality of life.

Cranfield Doctoral programmes

PhD• ESRC Recognition

• FT (incl. MRes) & PT Modes

• 1+3 yr & 6 yr registration

• Entry in October

• 12-15 Students p.a.

• 50% international students

• 30% women

• Average age 35 yrs

DBA• ESRC Recognition

• PT Cohort based

• 4 yr registration

• Entry in October

• 12-16 Students p.a.

• 55% international students

• 20% women

• Average age 41 years

Size of Programme

Sizes of Doctoral Programmes

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08

Year

FT

PT

DBA

Total

Doctoral Completions

Number of Doctoral Completions

0

5

10

15

20

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Graduation Year

Drop out rates

Completion Rates (2000-07 Entry)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

FT PT DBA

Degree

Drop Outs

Continuing

Completed

Issues impacting – UK Schools

• Economic Drivers(RAE, ESRC Recognition)

• Policy Drivers(Roberts Review – Joint

Skills StatementLambert Review + Sainsbury Review)

• Number of Completions

• Submission rates

• Transferable Skills

• Links to Industry

Issues impacting - Subject

• Demography

• What is “management”

knowledge ?

• What is research model ?

• Allocation of students• Use of bursaries• Mentoring arrangements

• Rigour AND Relevance• Co-production

• Communities of Practice • Cohort• Lone Scholar

Issues impacting - Students

• Mobility

• Career / PDP

• Integration

• International Travel• Conferences• Visiting Students

• Publications• Placement• CVs• Letters of support

• Use of IT (e.g. Adobe Connect)

Doctoral Level Education – Key Questions ?

• What is its purpose ?

• Who is it for ?

• What is the model ?

• What is the standard ?

• What is required ?