Overview:

For those who have experienced business school education, there is an understanding that a key ingredient of the learning methodology is case studies where a blend of models and frameworks coupled with practical application and solutions ensure that business leaders are better equipped to make informed decisions about opportunities and challenges. What underpins most of what we learn, is robust academic theory, and this theory is optimised when it can be applied to a multiplicity of complex issues. Striking a balance between sound local and global business knowledge has now taken on even greater urgency, as we emerge from a period in history that has seen unprecedented disruption to business, society, and economies globally. The GIBS Doctoral Programmes play a vital role in providing serious scholars with an enabling environment to make an invaluable contribution to the body of business knowledge which focuses on South Africa and the African continent. Extensive literature reviews often reveal that the bulk of existing business theory is seen through a lens that is perhaps not well-suited to the African context with its unique conditions. There is therefore greater need for thought leadership from high-performing, experienced business leaders to contribute to both business knowledge and practice. As a seasoned business practitioner, you may well have first-hand experience of the problems that confront businesses every day. For this reason, you can make a significant contribution as you transition from being a business executive to a scholar. As you embark on this journey of discovery, we encourage you to read extensively, grapple with and critically examine the existing theory, and make your unique contribution to the future generations of business leaders.