Doctoral education in business and management in Africa: Challenges and imperatives in policies and strategies

Abstract

Our study provides an evaluative and a reflective analysis of doctoral business training in Africa to help develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities in increasing the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) production in business/management. We begin by framing the context and structure of PhD programs in Africa. Using an illustrative sample of ten African business schools from five countries and available secondary data and reports on Africa's doctoral business training programs, we present a synoptic view of doctoral business education in Africa and provide an explication of four imperatives in policies and strategies. We end by offering a set of recommendations, including matching PhD production to resources; dealing with human and capital resource-shortage; providing guidelines and stringent regulations for PhD supervision; needing adequate financing to support doctoral students; collecting data to inform policymaking; exploring opportunities to enhance teaching and learning; and initiating intentional education to promote an inclusive academic environment where women are welcome and included for the development and management of business doctoral programs.