PhD
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Business Administration
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Business Administration at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) stands at the pinnacle of academic and research postgraduate education in global strategic management, international finance, and cross...
Duration3 Years
Credit hours90
DegreePhD
Language of studyArabic
Terms6
About the program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Business Administration at the College of International Justice (CI Justice) stands at the pinnacle of academic and research postgraduate education in global strategic management, international finance, and cross-border corporate governance. It is engineered to prepare an elite cadre of jurists, scholars, top executives (C-Suite), and strategic management consultants capable of producing original, groundbreaking scientific and managerial research that advances international business models, engineers resilient global supply chains, and resolves complex legislative, financial, and geopolitical challenges facing multinational enterprises (MNEs).Spanning three academic years (6 semesters), the programme follows a rigorous, structured progression. Candidates complete 9 advanced doctoral courses (36 credit hours) across the first three semesters: 4 compulsory courses in the First Semester (commencing strictly with Philosophical Managerial Research Methodology & Advanced Statistical Analysis), 4 specialized courses in the Second Semester, and 1 culminating course in the Third Semester accompanied by the Comprehensive Doctoral Examination. Upon passing the Comprehensive Exam, candidates transition in Semesters 4, 5, and 6 to concurrent completion of Practical & Academic Application (1, 2, 3) and Doctoral Dissertation (1, 2, 3), concluding with a public Viva Voce defense before an expert Jury Committee.
Vision
To stand as the premier global academic and research benchmark in graduating international business administration scholars and jurists who drive innovation in strategic managerial thought and sustainable economic models, and uphold global governance and institutional excellence through pioneering scientific research.
Mission
To provide a world-class research and academic ecosystem that integrates comparative strategic depth, methodological rigor, and intelligent educational flexibility (Open, Virtual, and Blended Learning), empowering scholars to formulate original managerial theories and solutions bridging gaps in global commerce and major enterprise management, while supplying universities, boards of directors, UN economic institutions, and sovereign bodies with exceptional intellectual and managerial leadership.
Objectives
- Original Knowledge Production & Innovation: Empower candidates to critique existing managerial and financial paradigms and formulate novel strategic and specialized frameworks addressing gaps in international business administration.
- Mastery of Philosophical & Comparative Methodology: Deepen scholars' command of advanced managerial research methodologies and quantitative/qualitative analysis to deconstruct complex organizational phenomena in global markets.
- Leadership in Executive Strategies & Corporate Governance: Qualify senior experts capable of leading cross-border organizational transformation, managing major mergers and acquisitions, and making strategic decisions in multinational corporations.
- University Professorial Preparation: Prepare university professors and international lecturers skilled in academic delivery, curriculum design, and managerial knowledge transfer through three dedicated Practical Application semesters.
- Foresight in Emerging Managerial & Technological Frontiers: Build scholarly capacity to regulate digital transformation, disruptive innovation, smart supply chains, and corporate sustainability (ESG).
Educational philosophy
The College of International Justice adopts the philosophy of "Directed Research Autonomy and Comparative Strategic Analysis for Major Enterprise Management" at the doctoral level, resting on the following pillars:Three Flexible Learning Modalities: Candidates select the learning method best suited to their commitments among Open Learning, Virtual Learning, and Blended Learning, with options to accelerate studies after the first semester based on cumulative GPA or utilize summer semesters.Sequential Research Seminars: Each of the 9 courses carries 4 credit hours and is studied sequentially for a minimum of four weeks via intensive research seminars relying on authoritative treatises, empirical working papers, and advanced global case studies, followed by a competency test before progressing to the next module.The Comprehensive Examination Milestone: Held in the third semester to verify holistic mastery of international business administration and research methodology prior to dissertation candidacy.Integration of Dissertation & Academic Practice: Across Semesters 4, 5, and 6, candidates simultaneously write their doctoral dissertation under close supervision and complete virtual university teaching and workplace practice portfolios.
Learning outcomes
- Exhibit encyclopedic and profound mastery of the philosophy of international strategic management, multinational enterprise theories, and global capital market and operational architecture.
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of advanced financial and managerial analysis tools, corporate governance, and digital transformation and institutional sustainability strategies.
- Exercise original intellectual and strategic critique, deconstruct complex business environments and competing policies using rigorous scientific methodology.
- Deduce innovative managerial theories, frameworks, and models to address shocks, volatility, and emerging legislative and institutional challenges in international markets.
- Lead executive research and advisory teams, draft high-level managerial and strategic policy papers, and engineer mergers and acquisitions.
- Master advanced university-level teaching and curriculum design, and author an original doctoral dissertation meeting the highest standards of peer-reviewed international scholarly publishing.
- Command authoritative managerial and financial argumentative proof, intellectual and academic leadership, complex international negotiation and deal-making, and rigorous cross-cultural scholarly communication.
Career prospects
- Academia and Higher Education: Serving as University Professors, Chairs of Management and Business Departments, and Deans of Faculties of Business Administration and Economics at prestigious universities worldwide.
- Senior Executive Corporate Management: Assuming roles as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), or Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) within multinational corporations.
- Global Management Consulting Sector: Directing consulting practices in premier global professional advisory firms (such as McKinsey, BCG, Bain) as Senior Partners and strategic experts.
- Sovereign Wealth Funds & Financial Markets: Directing sovereign investment portfolios, evaluating major corporate risks, and managing global deals and structured international financing.
- Think Tanks & Economic/Managerial Policymaking: Directing leadership and organizational research centers (Think Tanks), and chairing government trade, investment, and corporate governance legislative drafting committees.
Curriculum
Philosophical Managerial Research Methodology & Advanced Statistical Analysis 4 credit hours · DIBA701Philosophy of Strategic Management & Theories of Multinational Enterprises 4 credit hours · DIBA702Advanced International Finance & Financial Structure Modeling for Major Corporations 4 credit hours · DIBA703Advanced Strategic Management of Global Supply Chains & Operations 4 credit hours · DIBA704
Advanced Global Marketing Strategies & Cross-Cultural Consumer Behavior 4 credit hours · DIBA705Strategic International Human Resources Management & Cross-Cultural Leadership 4 credit hours · DIBA706Disruptive Innovation, Digital Transformation & International Corporate Entrepreneurship 4 credit hours · DIBA707Global Corporate Governance, International Compliance & Corporate Sustainability (ESG) 4 credit hours · DIBA708
Frequently asked questions
Is the College of International Justice officially licensed and accredited to award the PhD in International Business Administration?
Without a doubt. CI Justice is fully accredited and shares its institutional and academic accreditations with International Suleiman University. Furthermore, the College is officially licensed by the UK Government to operate under classifications: 85421 (First-degree level higher education), 85422 (Post-graduate level higher education), 85600 (Educational support services), and 69109 (Activities of patent and copyright agents; other legal activities not elsewhere classified), holding official authority to provide academic programmes under verified registration ID: 10093951.
How was the academic faculty supervising the programme selected, and how are candidates guided in choosing their track?
Our academic staff was carefully selected through reviews of the CVs of more than 10,000 academics from all countries of the world, ensuring excellence in the educational process and enhancing cultural diversity. Our Guidance and Academic Center communicates with prospective students to provide full details, and within our initial admission system, we provide an intelligent tool that helps candidates choose the most suitable programme by answering questionnaire questions designed with data-driven paths, complemented by future-ready tools designed by practicing market experts.
What forms of flexibility exist regarding learning methods, study duration, tuition fees, and scholarships?
Flexibility is embedded throughout the programme. Scholars can choose the learning method that suits them best among three options: (Open Learning, Virtual Learning, and Blended Learning). After the first semester, high-achieving students may accelerate their study duration by registering for additional credits or taking an extra summer semester. Regarding tuition fees, students achieving a high cumulative GPA can obtain partial scholarships of up to 90%, and selected students from war and crisis-affected countries may be awarded a 100% full scholarship.
How are coursework, the Comprehensive Exam, Practical Application, and the Dissertation defense conducted?
The programme spans 6 semesters (3 years):Candidates complete 9 courses (36 credits) in the first three semesters via sequential research seminars (4 credits and min. 4 weeks per course followed by a competency test), sitting for the Comprehensive Exam in Semester 3.In Semesters 4, 5, and 6, candidates concurrently undertake Practical Application (1, 2, 3) (structuring and recording 10–20 minute PowerPoint video lectures and Word summaries for an undergraduate course, alongside workplace practice reports through our partnerships with major corporations and consulting firms internationally) and Doctoral Dissertation (1, 2, 3).The dissertation is governed by semi-annual supervisor reports, a final supervisor evaluation (out of 140 marks), and individual reports from a three-member Jury Committee (out of 100 marks each). A minimum score of 70% in both the supervisor's evaluation and individual Jury reports (plus a 15-day interval post-committee approval) is required to proceed to the public defense.
Can prior university studies or professional qualifications be transferred? What support ecosystem is provided?
Yes. Through our Transfer of Accreditation process, both previous postgraduate university studies and a wide range of recognized professional qualifications can be counted toward this qualification—saving you time and money by reducing the number of units you need to study. Throughout your studies, you are supported by:A Personal Tutor for each unit: Guiding you, evaluating assignments, and providing detailed feedback.Our e-Library & High-Quality Resources: Access to university libraries, course texts, podcasts, interactive media, and weekly study planners.Student Support Teams & Online Help Centre: Educational groups, community forums, free Microsoft Office 365, and full IT support from our Computing Help Center.
Admission requirements
- Academic Qualification: Hold a Master's degree in Business Administration, International Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a closely related discipline from a recognized university.
- Guidance & Initial Admission Tool: The Guidance and Academic Center communicates with prospective candidates and provides a data-driven questionnaire tool within the initial admission system to help scholars select their optimal specialization pathway.
- Transfer of Accreditation: Prior postgraduate studies or recognized high-level professional qualifications (in management or business) may be evaluated and credited toward the programme, saving time and tuition costs.
- Language & Research Readiness: Advanced proficiency in the language of study (Arabic or English) and submission of an initial Doctoral Research Concept Note.
Tuition & fees
Application fee$145.00
Start your academic journey today
Submit your application now and our admissions team will contact you to complete the process.
Apply to this programPhilosophical Managerial Research Methodology & Advanced Statistical Analysis
DIBA701 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Serving as the mandatory foundational cornerstone and the very first course for doctoral candidates in International Business Administration, this module elevates scholars from traditional managerial analysis methods to managerial epistemology and advanced research modeling philosophy. The course delves into complex doctoral-level strategic research methodologies, encompassing philosophical doctrinal analysis, critical deconstruction of organizational models, and empirical qualitative and quantitative assessment of strategic variable impacts. Candidates receive rigorous training in identifying genuine scholarly and organizational research gaps within international business literature, formulating complex managerial problems, and constructing testable hypotheses using advanced statistical software (such as SPSS, AMOS, and SmartPLS). Furthermore, the course emphasizes systematic deconstruction of complex datasets and objective critique of prevailing managerial models. The module culminates in intensive practical training on engineering a comprehensive Doctoral Dissertation Prospectus, managing institutional databases, and adhering to the highest standards of academic integrity and peer-reviewed international publishing (Scopus / Web of Science), delivered through intensive research seminars.
Philosophy of Strategic Management & Theories of Multinational Enterprises
DIBA702 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This compulsory doctoral course centers on a profound philosophical, critical, and analytical investigation of the philosophy of strategic management and the theories governing the origin and management of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). Doctoral researchers deeply analyze the jurisprudential and philosophical debate among major strategic schools: the Resource-Based View (RBV), Transaction Cost Economics, Internalization Theory, and dynamic capabilities of organizations in a rapidly transforming business environment. Scholars critically analyze mechanisms for formulating sustainable competitive advantage in global markets, diversification and vertical/horizontal integration strategies, and the challenges of managing the ongoing tension between global integration and local responsiveness. Furthermore, the curriculum delves into evaluating the role of boards of directors in strategic corporate governance through deep comparative research seminars.
Advanced International Finance & Financial Structure Modeling for Major Corporations
DIBA703 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This doctoral module provides an anatomical, in-depth examination of advanced international finance and financial structure modeling for multinational corporations. The course critically analyzes optimal global capital structure, international cost of capital, theories and practices of capital budgeting for cross-border projects, and international capital markets (Eurobonds and global equities). Researchers delve into strategies for managing and evaluating complex financial risks (foreign exchange risk, political and sovereign risk, and interest rate risk) using structured financial instruments. Furthermore, the curriculum deconstructs theories of cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), corporate valuation models, and global treasury liquidity management through advanced research seminars and applied financial precedents.
Advanced Strategic Management of Global Supply Chains & Operations
DIBA704 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This compulsory doctoral course addresses the advanced strategic and operational design of global supply networks, logistics, and production/service operations for intercontinental enterprises. Researchers delve into analyzing modern theories of Supply Chain Resilience, global logistics risk management, global sourcing and nearshoring strategies, and digital transformation techniques for supply chains utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain. The curriculum critically analyzes Just-in-Time production strategies versus strategic inventory buffering amidst global shocks (such as pandemics and wars), and evaluates operational performance under sustainability standards and carbon emission reduction in green logistics through deep comparative research seminars.
Advanced Global Marketing Strategies & Cross-Cultural Consumer Behavior
DIBA705 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This doctoral course delves into the strategic philosophy of global marketing, global brand equity management, and cross-cultural consumer behavior. Researchers deeply analyze the managerial and academic debate between marketing standardization and local adaptation, cultural dimension frameworks (Hofstede & Globe Models) and their impact on consumer decision-making. The curriculum deconstructs emerging and developed market penetration strategies, cross-border digital marketing, and deploying artificial intelligence and big data analytics in global consumer targeting. Furthermore, the module addresses B2B international marketing strategies, managing complex global distribution channels, through research seminars grounded in cutting-edge peer-reviewed marketing literature.
Strategic International Human Resources Management & Cross-Cultural Leadership
DIBA706 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This course delivers an elite critical and applied examination of Strategic International Human Resources Management (IHRM) and Cross-Cultural Leadership. Doctoral scholars investigate the role of human capital as the primary source of sustainable competitive advantage for multinational enterprises. The course deeply analyzes the expatriate employee lifecycle management, global talent acquisition strategies, cross-border compensation and benefits design, and managing cultural diversity and inclusion within boards and global virtual teams. Furthermore, the curriculum deconstructs transformational and authentic leadership theories in disparate cultural contexts and institutional conflict management through intensive research seminars and strategic case studies.
Disruptive Innovation, Digital Transformation & International Corporate Entrepreneurship
DIBA707 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This cutting-edge doctoral module explores the frontiers of business administration in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, addressing the economic and managerial analysis of Disruptive Innovation, corporate digital transformation strategies, and International Corporate Venturing. Researchers deeply study how to establish and nurture business incubators and accelerators within multinational corporations, adopt modern digital business models (Platform & Cloud Business Models), and manage venture capital. Furthermore, the curriculum analyzes expansion strategies for rapid-growth startups internationally (Born-Global Firms), overcoming regulatory and cultural barriers through technological innovation through advanced research seminars and strategic analytical precedents.
Global Corporate Governance, International Compliance & Corporate Sustainability (ESG)
DIBA708 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This course addresses the radical transformation in business administration philosophy toward adopting the highest standards of Global Corporate Governance, strict International Compliance, and the comprehensive integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria alongside Corporate Sustainability. Researchers deeply study the organizational and legal structures of global boards of directors, Agency Theory, comparative governance systems between advanced and emerging economies, and compliance with anti-corruption and international bribery laws (such as the FCPA). Furthermore, the curriculum deconstructs corporate sustainability reporting strategies, environmental and social risk management, and the role of stakeholder relations in building the legitimacy of intercontinental corporations through intensive comparative research seminars.
Strategic Management Consulting & Organizational Problem-Diagnosis Methodologies
DIBA709 4 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Serving as the culminating coursework module prior to the dissertation phase, this course focuses on high-level managerial and advisory engineering for diagnosing complex organizational problems and delivering strategic solutions to major enterprises (akin to methodologies of top-tier global consulting firms). Scholars deeply examine methodological frameworks for diagnosing institutional performance, analyzing operational and strategic gaps, and designing/implementing Organizational Interventions. Candidates train in drafting and presenting high-level executive advisory reports, managing relationships with C-suite clients, and evaluating the economic feasibility of advisory solutions provided to multinational corporations, delivered via advanced research seminars.
Comprehensive Doctoral Examination in International Business Administration
DIBA710 0 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Administered at the conclusion of the third semester upon successful completion of all nine coursework modules (36 credit hours), the Comprehensive Doctoral Examination (written and oral) assesses the scholar's holistic and profound mastery of the philosophical foundations, advanced theories in strategic management, international finance, supply chains, and corporate governance, alongside verifying methodological maturity and critical quantitative/qualitative analytical capability regarding global business phenomena. Rather than testing rote memorization, this rigorous examination confronts the doctoral student with complex international managerial and financial problems and crises requiring the formulation of appropriate strategic models, rebuttal of competing arguments, invocation of grand theories, and formulation of sound policy solutions. Passing the Comprehensive Examination is a mandatory prerequisite for advancing to formal "PhD Candidate" status and commencing the Doctoral Dissertation and Practical Application modules in the fourth semester.
Practical & Academic Application (1)
DIBA711 6 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Initiated in the fourth semester, this module marks the first phase of advanced practical and academic training designed to prepare the doctoral candidate as a university professor and practicing international business administration and strategy expert. The College assigns the candidate an undergraduate academic course (such as Principles of Business Administration or Financial Management, alongside an applied management portfolio leveraged through the College's extensive partnerships with major corporations and management consulting firms across multiple countries). In this first part, the candidate designs a comprehensive syllabus and structures the first sequence of concise academic lectures. For each lecture, the candidate authors a rigorous written scholarly summary (Word format), accompanied by a professional voice-over video presentation (PowerPoint) lasting accurately between 10 and 20 minutes, alongside submitting a detailed report on their workplace executive practice—honing their university teaching and complex managerial knowledge-transfer competencies.
Doctoral Dissertation (1): Theoretical & Methodological Grounding
DIBA712 12 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This module marks the formal commencement of the Doctoral Dissertation, undertaken concurrently with Practical Application (1) following the Comprehensive Examination. Working under the direct supervision of a senior faculty professor specializing in International Business Administration, the candidate completes the official registration of the dissertation topic with the Faculty and University Councils. Research in this semester centers on conducting an exhaustive, multilingual literature, major corporate study, and theoretical review, refining the core research problem and hypotheses, and drafting the foundational first part/chapters of the dissertation dedicated to theoretical, managerial, and conceptual grounding, alongside defining the governing strategic framework. The academic supervisor closely monitors the candidate's methodological rigor and submits a semi-annual progress report detailing accomplishments and adherence to doctoral standards.
Practical & Academic Application (2)
DIBA713 6 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: In the fifth semester, the doctoral candidate advances to the second phase of academic and professional training. The candidate develops and records the second sequence of lectures for the assigned undergraduate course, focusing on integrating applied case studies and strategic decision-making models into both the written scholarly summaries (Word) and interactive video presentations (PowerPoint, 10–20 minutes per lecture). Additionally, the candidate trains in designing academic assessment instruments (hypothetical organizational problems, feasibility studies, and grading rubrics), co-moderating virtual seminars (Webinars), and submitting detailed workplace practice reports—solidifying their readiness as a university faculty member and senior international business strategy expert.
Doctoral Dissertation (2): In-Depth Strategic, Applied & Comparative Organizational Analysis
DIBA714 12 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Representing the analytical and critical core of the Doctoral Dissertation, this fifth-semester module transitions the candidate from theoretical grounding to in-depth strategic, applied, and comparative organizational and financial analysis (the main substantive chapters of the dissertation). The candidate rigorously tests their research hypotheses by analyzing corporate data, comparing strategies and policies across global markets, and analyzing pertinent case studies and contemporary managerial precedents. At this stage, the scholar's independent academic voice must emerge prominently—critiquing prior literature, advancing original managerial interpretations, and deducing novel analytical models or frameworks that resolve the core research problem. The supervisor continuously reviews the manuscript to ensure analytical depth and strategic originality, submitting the semi-annual progress report to the Faculty Council.
Practical & Academic Application (3)
DIBA715 6 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: Concluding the practical and academic training track in the sixth semester, the candidate completes the final sequence of written summaries and video lectures for the assigned undergraduate course, yielding a complete, peer-reviewed instructional portfolio (12 to 14 model lectures in Word and PowerPoint Video formats) ready for university delivery. Furthermore, the candidate culminates this track by authoring a publishable scholarly paper derived from their research or delivering a comprehensive Doctoral Colloquium / Masterclass before faculty and peers, alongside submitting their final detailed workplace practice report—demonstrating full readiness for professorial appointments or senior global corporate advisory and executive leadership upon graduation.
Doctoral Dissertation (3): Conclusions, Final Drafting & Public Defense
DIBA716 12 credit hours Advanced
•Academic Description: This module represents the final culmination and public defense of the Doctoral Dissertation. The candidate drafts the concluding chapters, synthesizes verified strategic research findings, formulates actionable Managerial Frameworks & Policy Recommendations, and completes comprehensive linguistic and methodological editing of the final manuscript. Upon the supervisor's final review confirming fulfillment of statutory duration and originality standards, the supervisor submits a formal readiness report to the university administration (evaluating the candidate's performance out of 140 marks), accompanied by a signed copy of the dissertation and proposed names for the examining Jury Committee for Faculty Council approval. Following individual written evaluations by the three Jury members (out of 100 marks each—requiring a minimum score of 70% in both the supervisor's evaluation and individual Jury reports, and a minimum 15-day interval after committee approval), the candidate defends the dissertation in a Public Viva Voce Defense, concluding with a signed collective Jury report (out of 100 marks) conferring the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in International Business Administration.