Phd, DBa or MBA?

As I do not feel 'qualified' to comment in this forum on the good 'standing' of University, I shall limit my thoughts. [Quite a sensitive topic]

My 2 cents:
1) Attend the PhD/DBA evenings 'briefings' to gain further insights. [To develop your personal 'feel'/baseline.]
2) Classify them into different categories based on the widely accepted 'yardsticks', along side with your personal attributes+needs+ability.
3) Seek out information examples of withdrawals. [Making reference to the Doctorate courses, as well as the participants/candidates. Reflect on their impact and downstream implications.] [To get you started, some case study: Try searching for Brunel University/RMIT offerings in SG. You are entitled to form your own opinion.]

The commonly said theme is that we started off 'trying to change the world'. [For goodness sake - “It's a PhD not a Nobel Prize”.]

On the upside, I can share that I have met SOME truly amazing people who are captains in their industry, who ‘marches’ along the same lonesome path. [Frankly, they do not need the ‘Dr’. It’s purely self actualization for them.]


Lone Ranger.

[phd wannabe]

Thanks for sharing Lone Ranger! I do not see many PhD/DBA briefings in the papers or online, perhaps you can point me the right direction? I have been to a couple from EASB, Manchester and Kaplan though, and yes I do have a rough feel of what I want.

I remembered the days when I did my Masters program; I enjoyed the academic rigor and research that I had to do. I also enjoy the environment that I was in. This said, I also enjoy my lifestyle at the present moment. No harm doing the PhD and see what doors it may open =)

Glad that you have started performing your DD.
=> 'It's the process of going through the academic rigor'. [Not the academic robe]

In gist, I am happy for you that your firm is willing to 'sponsor' or support (financially or via Paid Time Off) in your academic interests. [But, be sure to read the fine prints though.]

Rgds,
Lone Ranger.

Originally Posted by I'm Phd Wannabe

I spoke to an academic in NUS and strange as it may sound, it was put forth that they were more interested in advancing theories and refuting established ones rather than finding on ways to commercialize ideas, which I am more keen on. More "academic" rather than "practical" if I may say.

Hi PhD Wannabe,

It's a route (of sorts) that NTU and NUS are embarking on where they want to focus more on academia (hence, publications and theorizing) rather than applied or 'practical' research. Which would also explain why they tend to hire people with PhDs rather than DBA. Competition is rather tough now in terms of hiring, so if you want to be hired by either university as a professor on tenure track, you need to have a few publications in top journals as well as (preferably) a PhD from a prestigious overseas university.

Having said that, I understand that SMU has a slightly different career progression path where the professors can opt to focus more on teaching rather than publishing papers and research. That track is called the practical professor track ( I think).

Alternatively, since you are in the IT sector, you might want to consider doing a PhD in information studies at NTU's communications school. They focus quite a bit more on 'practical' research compared to the business PhDs.

Hope this helps somewhat.

[poor]

Hi PHD Wanabe,

it's been awhile no respond from you. how's thing going on?

I think I am in a bit similar situation like yours. Msc in industry as consultant and instructor. Currently offered as lecture in good reputation Uni in the region. the package including PhD while teaching in order to promote to senior lecture. Very good chance for switch whist teaching is one of my fortes.... However as lecture the pay is the same i will get in the industry. after PHD increase another 20k; but almost taken away 30% by the country tax and as senior lecture (with PHD) will take in the similar pay like what I am taking now in SG. Of cause higher prospect after that like Asst, Prof......

I am in earlier 30 and I assumed I am already in carrier high in the industry.. Comparing after 5 years with PHD will be another new beginning. Please advice.

PhD for sure, it will help erase all bad memories Permanent Head Damage heehee.

[phd wannabe]

I guess with the passing of time comes shifting commitment and differences in prioritization of values. I, for one, have been paralyzed by the very thought of committing 5 years of my life focusing on a certain topic or goal that I may eventually lose interest in. At my age, early thirties, I feel that I cannot afford to make too many U turns, or mistakes any longer. Thus the commitment phobia.

Perhaps I will always remain a wannabe.

This said, check out Southern Cross and Canberra university. Last I saw they offered PhDs and DBAs as well. Good luck to one and all.......