Doctors power on
by Michèle Nardelli
Research
by UniSA's Dr Barry Elsey for a new publication has shown that people
returning to study a PhD in Business or the Doctor of Business are so
empowered by their studies that they continue to build on their success
long after completion.
A senior lecturer in the International Graduate School of Business (IGSB), Dr Elsey gathered information from 94 international business graduates who had completed PhDs and more recently the Doctor of Business programs with UniSA, either studying in their own countries or in Australia.
"What has been really positive about this research is that the graduate qualities UniSA defined and outlined as part of its teaching and learning outcomes are clearly evident in the working lives of this group of postgraduates," Dr Elsey said.
"Many people who come into our programs do so because they want to solve a problem they have identified in their working lives. They are often company directors, business owners, senior managers in government or industry, or aspiring managers. They could buy in a consultant, rather than take on the study themselves, but they recognise that their education builds organisational capacity."
Dr Elsey's research found that some interesting changes happen after the doctoral studies are done.
"They are energised by the academic experience and their studies often jump-start new directions in their careers."
He said it was clear that the postgraduates were applying what they had learned in more ways than one.
"They are using their studies to find business solutions but also to develop a learning environment in the workplace, to transfer skills and methodologies, and to provide emotional support to other learners."
He has also observed that having the doctorate was reported to be personally empowering – raising status and confidence.
"Many of our IGSB graduates are real movers and shakers in their fields and I think it is great to see that UniSA is successfully adding value to their lives and through them to the international knowledge economy."
Dr Elsey's book is in its final stages and he hopes it will be published later this year.