Gain an PhD in Business and Management via Research

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The Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) was established in 2012, we are a hub of Innovation and Research Excellence in Asia.

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Explore the latest news, announcements, and stories from IMU, covering everything from academic achievements and research breakthroughs to campus events and student life.

Academic Vacancy

Corporate Vacancy

Healthcare Vacancy

Schools & Centres

International Students

Centre for Pre-University

Postgraduate Studies

School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

School of Business and Technology

School of Dentistry

School of Health Sciences

School of Medicine

School of Pharmacy

School of Psychology and Social Sciences

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pre-University

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Open & Distance Learning

Executive Education

Admission Procedures

Payment Information

Academic Calendar

Scholarship & Bursary

Financial Aid

International Placement

International Students

Visa Application

Accommodation

Student Counselling Services

Career Development

Student Activities

Accommodation

Virtual Tours

Aflame Student Award

Community Engagement

IMU Healthcare is an integrated healthcare facility in Malaysia offering a comprehensive range of services, from basic healthcare to advanced specialties and sub-specialties.

Research & Commercialisation

Academic Members

Chancellors and Pro-Chancellors

Principal Officers & Senior Management

Governance & Leadership

Academic Council (AC)

Professional Education Advisory Committee (PEAC)

Industry Advisory Board

Student Representative Council (SRC)

Industry Partners

Partner Universities

Corporate Governance

The Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI) was established in 2012, we are a hub of Innovation and Research Excellence in Asia.

Turn your ideas into real world impact.

Explore the latest news, announcements, and stories from IMU, covering everything from academic achievements and research breakthroughs to campus events and student life.

Entry Requirement

Programme Structure

Fee Structure

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd) In Business And Management

(N/0414/8/0127) (07/33) (MQA/PSA19406)

Commencement

Throughout the year

Degree/Duration

3 years (Full-time)

4 years (Part-time)

Shape The Future Of Business Through Research And Innovation

Designed for ambitious professionals, academics, and industry leaders, IMU’s PhD in Business and Management equips you to drive meaningful organisational and policy change.

Rather than focusing purely on theoretical study, our programme emphasises applied research – allowing you to tackle pressing real-world issues across leadership, finance, business, management, economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, sustainability and more. Supported by experienced supervisors and an integrated research ecosystem, you will gain direct access to a high-value network of industry partners and researchers while acquiring the strategic rigor needed for executive leadership, C-suite advisory, or academic authority.

Why Study Business And Management At Imu?

Drive Meaningful Change Through Research

Tackle real-world business challenges through interdisciplinary research that brings together expertise from multiple fields to create impactful solutions.

Join a Resourceful Global Network

Become part of a lifelong alumni community of distinguished academics, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, opening doors to collaboration and career opportunities worldwide.

Achieve Your Professional Aspirations

Whether you aspire to advance your career, fulfil a lifelong passion for research, or become a recognised expert, a PhD empowers you to lead, innovate, and solve complex business challenges.

Shape the Future of Business

Generate new knowledge that influences business practices, informs policy, and drives innovation in an increasingly dynamic global economy.

Elevate Your Professional Standing

Strengthen your expertise, enhance your credibility, and develop advanced research, leadership, and critical thinking skills that distinguish you as an authority in your field.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants are required to have obtained:

PhD in Business and Management

• A Master’s Degree in the field or related fields accepted by the University’s Senate; OR​​

• A Master’s Degree in non-related fields can be considered with a minimum of 3 years of working experience and accepted by the University’s Senate. Sufficient relevant work experience in business or management areas is an added advantage; OR​​

• Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree that are accepted by the University’s Senate and recognised by the Government of Malaysia.​

First Class Honours Degrees that are accepted by the University’s Senate (direct entry) with the following conditions:

• Bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme;​

• Undergo internal assessment and online/hybrid interview process by potential supervisor, Programme Director and the Deputy Director of IRDI, CoPG which also includes: (i) favourable testimonial from the undergraduate research supervisor; (ii) recommendation from the prospective PhD supervisor and​

• Any other requirements of the University’s.​

English Language Requirements

For Malaysian Students

Not applicable

For International Students

• IELTS: Band score 6.0; or​​

• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 60 / Scale score of 4.0; or​​

• MUET: Band 4​​

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169; or​​

• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 169; or​​

• Cambridge Linguaskill: Overall score of 169; or​​

• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 59;​​

• ELS (CIEP Level): 109​​

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

• International students from countries in which English is the first language.​

• International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English​

Note: Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes. Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Programme Structure

• Full Time

• Part Time

—

— Research Modules (Compulsory)

• Research Study Design​

• Essentials of Statistical Analysis​ and

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence​

— — Semester 1 — Semester 1 & 2

—

— Proposal Development and Proposal Defence Application for IMU University Joint Committee on Research and Ethics (IMU-JC) Approval

• Submission and presentation of PhD research proposal to IMU-JC (target: Semester 1; Semester 2 reserved for revisions/resubmission if required)​

— — Semester 1

(Semester 2, if revisions/resubmission are required)

— Semester 3

(Semester 4, if revisions/resubmission are required)

—

— Data Collection and Mid-Term Progress Review

• Data Collection​

• Presentation of preliminary research findings at Research Colloquium / to academic peers​

— — Semester 2 & 3 — Semester 4 & 5

—

— Data Analysis and Thesis Preparation

• Data Analysis and Thesis Writing​

• Publication Preparation​

— — Semester 4 & 5 — Semester 6 & 7

—

— Viva Voce and Final Submission of Thesis

• Thesis Submission​

• Proof of two (2) submitted papers, with at least one (1) accepted for publication or published in a reputable indexed journal (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science (WoS))​

— — Semester 6 — Semester 8

Research Modules (Compulsory)

• Research Study Design​

• Essentials of Statistical Analysis​ and

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence​

Proposal Development and Proposal Defence Application for IMU University Joint Committee on Research and Ethics (IMU-JC) Approval

• Submission and presentation of PhD research proposal to IMU-JC (target: Semester 1; Semester 2 reserved for revisions/resubmission if required)​

Data Collection and Mid-Term Progress Review

• Data Collection​

• Presentation of preliminary research findings at Research Colloquium / to academic peers​

Data Analysis and Thesis Preparation

• Data Analysis and Thesis Writing​

• Publication Preparation​

Viva Voce and Final Submission of Thesis

• Thesis Submission​

• Proof of two (2) submitted papers, with at least one (1) accepted for publication or published in a reputable indexed journal (e.g., Scopus, Web of Science (WoS))​

Research Areas

Explore how people, teams, and organisations create high-performing workplaces. Research focuses on employee behaviour, talent management, workplace well-being, organisational culture, leadership effectiveness, and the future of work.

Examples include:

• Talent acquisition and employee engagement

• Learning, training, and workforce development

• Performance management and organisational change

Investigate how organisations develop strategies, lead transformation, and achieve sustainable competitive advantage in dynamic business environments.

Examples include:

• Strategic decision-making

• Business transformation and organisational resilience

• Competitive strategy

Examine how entrepreneurial ventures, digital technologies, and innovation drive business growth, competitiveness, and economic development.

Examples include:

• Entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystems

• Innovation management

• Digital transformation

Study evolving consumer behaviour, branding, digital marketing strategies, and customer experiences in an increasingly connected and data-driven marketplace.

Examples include:

• Consumer behaviour and decision-making

• Digital and social media marketing

• Marketing analytics

Explore economic systems, financial decision-making, and risk management strategies that influence organisations, industries, and public policy.

Examples include:

• Corporate finance

• Financial markets and investment

• Business economics

Investigate how organisations optimise operations, logistics, and supply networks to improve efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.

Examples include:

• Supply chain resilience

• Lean management

• Quality management

Research how artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and data-driven technologies transform business decision-making, operational efficiency, and organisational performance.

Examples include:

• AI applications in business

• Predictive analytics

• Business intelligence

Examine how organisations integrate environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound governance practices to create sustainable value for businesses and society.

Examples include:

• ESG reporting and performance

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• Sustainable business models and green innovation

These research areas provide flexibility for candidates to pursue interdisciplinary research aligned with their interests, career aspirations, and the expertise available within the university.

Fee Structure

• Fee

• Malaysian Student (RM)

• International Student (RM)

— Application Fee — 150 — 500

— Registration Fee — 1,100 — 3,400

— Refundable Caution Deposit — 2,000 — 2,000

— Student Association Fee per Semester** — 60 — 60

• All IMU Alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a bursary of 15%

• Application fee is payable upon submission of application

• Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office

• Students must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees

• For information on Student Visa Administration fee, please refer to Visa and Immigration on the IMU website, imu.edu.my

• International students will need to pay a Student Visa Administration Fee of up to RM3,500 (depending on nationality) and a personal bond fee when they register. There’s also an annual Student Visa Renewal Fee that applies each year.

• **Subject to annual increase

• Study Mode

• Malaysian Student Tuition Fees

• International Student Tuition Fees

— Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) — —

— Tuition Fee — RM7,500 per semester — RM14,800 per semester

— Fees Per Year — RM15,000 — RM 29,600

— Examination Fees — RM2,500 — RM2,600

— — —

• All listed fees are exclusive of the 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST), which will be applied to all international students where applicable.

• Total fees will vary based on the duration required to complete the research programme.

• All IMU Alumni who are self-funding their postgraduate studies and meet the eligibility criteria will be eligible for a bursary of 15%

Get All The Facts About Our Programme

Explore in-depth information on our programme, including intake dates, curriculum, partner universities, career pathways, and admissions requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of pursuing a PhD is to enhance further your career path in the corporate or academia.

DBA consists of several and additional mandatory modules to complete in addition to a thesis while the PhD consists of mainly a Research Methodology course that significantly advance academic literature and novel contribution in the thesis as well as completing the thesis.

In DBA, you study a specific, applied problem within a sector and idiographic (uniquely applied) while in a PhD, you study a broad theoretical and empirical gap in the literature and more nomothetic (universally applied).

A Word From The Programme Director

Welcome to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Management (PhD BM)!

In response to the continuous demand, IMU University is proud to introduce its new programme, PhD in Business and Management. This programme by research is designed to cultivate the next generation of research and industry-driven leaders as well as academic scholars. This programme aims to bridge theory and practice by equipping doctoral candidates with the analytical tools, research methodologies, and global perspectives necessary to address the interdisciplinary focus and innovation with strong industry-academic collaboration.

The doctoral programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge, research skills, and problem-solving abilities to be experts in the field of study. Our programme is dedicated to helping graduates develop the critical thinking and analytical skills required to conduct high-quality research and produce impactful research and results. We welcome research proposals across a broad spectrum of fields in business and management from academically qualified and entrepreneurial individuals who are eager to expand the boundaries in business and management through empirical research and data-driven methods and analyses to address real-world business challenges and complexities to position you at the forefront of your field. We are dedicated to support our students’ academic success and personal growth. Welcome aboard.

Prof Beh Loo See

Professor and Programme Director , Business and Management (PhD)

PhD (UPM), MA Hons. (UKM), BA Hons. (USM)

Explore Postgraduate Programmes Offered

Taught Programme

Acupuncture (MSc)

Analytical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry (MSc)

Business Administration in Healthcare Management (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Masters)

Clinical Psychology (Master)

Counselling (Master)

Diabetes Management & Education (Postgraduate Diploma)

Endodontics (Postgraduate Diploma)

Health Informatics & Analytics (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master)

Health Professions Education (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master)

Implant Dentistry (Postgraduate Diploma)

Molecular Medicine (MSc)

Pharmacy Practice (Master)

Prosthodontics (Postgraduate Diploma)

Public Health (MSc)

Acupuncture (MSc)

Analytical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry (MSc)

Business Administration in Healthcare Management (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Masters)

Clinical Psychology (Master)

Counselling (Master)

Diabetes Management & Education (Postgraduate Diploma)

Endodontics (Postgraduate Diploma)

Health Informatics & Analytics (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master)

Health Professions Education (Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma/Master)

Implant Dentistry (Postgraduate Diploma)

Molecular Medicine (MSc)

Pharmacy Practice (Master)

Prosthodontics (Postgraduate Diploma)

Public Health (MSc)

By Research Programme

Behavioural and Social Science (PhD)

Business and Management (PhD)

Health Professions Education (PhD)

Healthcare Management (PhD)

Medical & Health Sciences (MSc/PhD)

Behavioural and Social Science (PhD)

Business and Management (PhD)

Health Professions Education (PhD)

Healthcare Management (PhD)

Medical & Health Sciences (MSc/PhD)

Academic Requirements

Applicants are required to have obtained:

PhD in Business and Management

• A Master’s Degree in the field or related fields accepted by the University’s Senate; OR​​

• A Master’s Degree in non-related fields can be considered with a minimum of 3 years of working experience and accepted by the University’s Senate. Sufficient relevant work experience in business or management areas is an added advantage; OR​​

• Other qualifications equivalent to a Master’s degree that are accepted by the University’s Senate and recognised by the Government of Malaysia.​

First Class Honours Degrees that are accepted by the University’s Senate (direct entry) with the following conditions:

• Bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with first-class (CGPA of 3.67 or higher) or its equivalent from an academic or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme;​

• Undergo internal assessment and online/hybrid interview process by potential supervisor, Programme Director and the Deputy Director of IRDI, CoPG which also includes: (i) favourable testimonial from the undergraduate research supervisor; (ii) recommendation from the prospective PhD supervisor and​

• Any other requirements of the University’s.​

English Language Requirements

For Malaysian Students

Not applicable

For International Students

• IELTS: Band score 6.0; or​​

• TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 60 / Scale score of 4.0; or​​

• MUET: Band 4​​

• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169; or​​

• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 169; or​​

• Cambridge Linguaskill: Overall score of 169; or​​

• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 59;​​

• ELS (CIEP Level): 109​​

The following categories of students are exempted from the above requirements:

• International students from countries in which English is the first language.​

• International students who graduated from any Malaysian or other institutions where the curriculum is delivered in English​

Note: Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes. Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

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