The problematic nature of the lack of doctoral coursework in Australasia

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Author(s)
Alpert, Frank
Kamins, Michael
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2003
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The formal structure of most Australasian doctoral programs is still thesis-only. This
paper presents the perspective that this structure is not ideal for today’s academic
environment. The paper makes the argument for the importance of coursework in a student’s
doctoral education. The argument is relevant to all thesis-only social science and business
doctoral programs, but the case of Marketing in Australasia is highlighted. Students having
coursework may develop stronger research skills than thesis-only students, thus thesis-only
students would generally be at a disadvantage in terms of achieving publication in ...
View more >The formal structure of most Australasian doctoral programs is still thesis-only. This paper presents the perspective that this structure is not ideal for today’s academic environment. The paper makes the argument for the importance of coursework in a student’s doctoral education. The argument is relevant to all thesis-only social science and business doctoral programs, but the case of Marketing in Australasia is highlighted. Students having coursework may develop stronger research skills than thesis-only students, thus thesis-only students would generally be at a disadvantage in terms of achieving publication in higherranking journals.
View less >
View more >The formal structure of most Australasian doctoral programs is still thesis-only. This paper presents the perspective that this structure is not ideal for today’s academic environment. The paper makes the argument for the importance of coursework in a student’s doctoral education. The argument is relevant to all thesis-only social science and business doctoral programs, but the case of Marketing in Australasia is highlighted. Students having coursework may develop stronger research skills than thesis-only students, thus thesis-only students would generally be at a disadvantage in terms of achieving publication in higherranking journals.
View less >
Conference Title
Celebration of ehrenberg and bass: marketing discoveries, knowledge and contribution
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© The Author(s) 2003. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. For information about this conference please refer to the conference’s website or contact the author(s).