Policy and Strategic Management

Candidates for the Policy & Strategic Management field PhD degree must fulfil the following minimum requirements:

Courses

Students must successfully complete the following course requirements:

Required Courses

• DCAD 7100 3.00 LOGICS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH
  This examines the major philosophical debates in the social sciences and explores the rationale of different approaches to social research. Students learn how to select and develop appropriate research strategies and how to critically examine the use of various research strategies.
• DCAD 7250 3.00 RESEARCH DESIGN
  This course introduces students to research design, strengthens their reasoning and theoretical development skills, helps them effectively apply a range of empirical methodologies to their own research and critically review empirical studies done by others. Topics include types of variables, relationships, sampling and measurement, survey and field research designs, experimental designs, and alternative designs, and research design biases and artifacts.
• DCAD 7400 3.00 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
  This course provides students with detailed exposure to the qualitative research methodologies that have begun to exert a major influence on management research over the last 10 years.

A 3.00 credit graduate level methodological course chosen in consultation with the field’s PhD Program Coordinator.

Another 3.00 credit graduate level methodological course chosen in consultation with the field’s PhD Program Coordinator.

• DCAD 7610 1.50 GRADUATE COLLOQUIUM IN MANAGEMENT
  The rules, norms, and standards that surround the field of academics can seem ambiguous, confusing, and opaque to new Ph.D. students in the management disciplines. The purpose of this two-semester course is to provide a means of articulating central themes in this tacit process, and to provide a means of community-building among management-oriented Ph.D. students. Pre-requisite: Open to and required of first- or second-year Ph.D. students in Strategy/Policy and Organization Studies areas.
• DCAD 7600 1.50 GRADUATE COLLOQUIUM IN MANAGEMENT
  The rules, norms, and standards that surround the field of academics can seem ambiguous, confusing, and opaque to new Ph.D. students in the management disciplines. The purpose of this two-semester course is to provide a means of articulating central themes in this tacit process, and to provide a means of community-building among management-oriented Ph.D. students. Prerequisite: Open to and required of first- or second-year Ph.D. students in Strategy/Policy and Organization Studies areas.
• SGMT 7010 3.00 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SEMINAR I

  This seminar focuses on the theories and current research in those areas which represent the more accepted and more often researched topics within strategic management. Both "content" and "process" streams are discussed and critiqued. (Offered in alternate years.)

• SGMT 7020 3.00 STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT SEMINAR II

  This seminar builds upon SB/PLCY 7010.03 and examines theories and research from some of the newest and most provocative research streams that are beginning to be seen in strategic management. Both "content" and "process" streams are discussed and critiqued. (Offered in alternate years.)

• SUST 7020 3.00 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ORGANIZATION THEORY

  This course introduces students to leading paradigms and current topics in organization theory. Students obtain an intensive overview of "macro" theories in organizational behaviour and develop an ability to assess organization theory and research critically and comprehensively. Class discussions focus on the strengths, weaknesses and contributions of leading-edge theories and topics; and students are encouraged to think creatively about future directions that various topics and theories might take to advance the field's understanding of organizations. By the conclusion of the course, students: (a) are familiar with important sources and references on prevailing issues in organization theory; (b) have a solid grasp of advanced theory and research on a breadth of topics in macro organizational behaviour; (c) have a better understanding of the process of writing theoretical articles; and (d) possess the ability to evaluate critically the contributions of various research streams to the field of organization theory.

• ORGS 7010 3.00 INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR IN ORGANIZATIONS

  This course introduces students to topics and issues relevant to the study of individual and group behaviour. The readings provide an overview of existing research in this area. Students are encouraged to think critically about the contribution of each approach/theory and to develop research ideas and alternative approaches to test specific research questions. In each session students are encouraged to think about: underlying assumptions of theories; relationships with other theories/approaches; research questions answered; interesting unanswered questions; methodological issues and concerns.

Two Elective Courses

Students will take at least two of the following four electives:

• Strategic Management 7090 3.0: Special Topics in Strategic Management

• ACTG 6600 3.00 AUDITING STANDARDS & APPLICATIONS

  This course focuses on the standards and applications underlying the latest functions and responsibilities of external and internal auditors. The theory of audit evidence and certain basic techniques are used to provide an understanding of auditing methodology. The auditor's responsibility beyond the financial audit and current developments in auditing are also examined. Students may be expected to complete a research paper or project.

  Prerequisite: SB/ACTG 5100 3.00.

  Prerequisite: SB/ACTG 5101 3.00 for students pursuing the Schulich Diploma in Intermediate Accounting (DIAC).

• SGMT 7030 3.00 SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

  The course examines the origins and evolution of the field of international business and is designed to provide students an understanding of the various theoretical traditions and methodological approaches used in international business research. It is expected that students will critically evaluate the various schools of thought within the field, and develop their own research agenda related to some specific aspect of international business.

• SGMT 7040 3.00 SEMINAR ON CORPORATE STRATEGY

  The course examines the origins and evolution of the field of international business and is designed to provide students an understanding of the various theoretical traditions and methodological approaches used in international business research. It is expected that students will critically evaluate the various schools of thought within the field, and develop their own research agenda related to some specific aspect of international business.

• SUST 7050 3.00 BUSINESS, SOCIETY AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

  The course offers students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the rich scholarly research in business and society, with a particular emphasis on its relationship to global governance. Students will develop insights into how one can make a theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution to the management literature through business, society and global governance research.

We recommend further consultation with your area Ph.D. rep concerning any impending changes to the program requirements and guidance on selecting appropriate optional courses.