Ph D programmes at FEB prof dr Kristien

Ph. D programmes at FEB prof. dr. Kristien Smedts September 2018

Ph. D programmes at FEB 1. Ph. D in Economics • Academic coordinator: prof. dr. Jo Swinnen • Administrative coordinator: Mrs. Annie Vercruysse 2. Ph. D in Business Economics • Academic coordinator: prof. dr. Kristien Smedts • Administrative coordinator: Mrs. Annie Vercruysse 3. Ph. D in Business Administration 2 Faculty of Economics and Business

Ph. D regulations Ph. D students at FEB need to follow the Ph. D regulations, which stipulate the requirements for attaining a doctoral degree at KU Leuven https: //admin. kuleuven. be/rd/doctoraatsreglement/en/phdregulation-feb These regulations consist of 1. The general requirements for attaining a doctoral degree at KU Leuven 2. The supplementary regulations (Particulars FEB) that only apply to FEB Throughout this presentation, these Particulars FEB are highlighted. Regulations are not listed in full throughout this presentation. 3 Faculty of Economics and Business

Applicability of the Ph. D regulation • The current version of the Ph. D regulations have been approved by the Academic Council in June 2017. • They are applicable to all Ph. D students currently registered (also for ongoing registrations, taking into account some transitional provisions) Note: when regulations change, the new regulations will typically apply to all formal steps that have not yet been taken Check out the regulations regularly 4 Faculty of Economics and Business

Content of the Ph. D regulations The following topics are addressed: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 5 Preliminary provisions Doctoral school and doctoral committee Admission and enrolment Supervision and progress Doctoral programme Doctoral thesis and public defense Joint degree and double degree Ombudsperson, appeal procedure and disciplinary regulations Faculty of Economics and Business

Preliminary provisions Article 1: Scope of the Ph. D Article 2: Concept Article 3: Ph. D researcher The Ph. D researcher is expected: 1. to conduct original and scientific research under the supervision of a supervisor and optionally one or more co-supervisors (see Subsection 4). 2. to successfully complete the doctoral programme (see Subsection 5) with the aim of (i) expanding and deepening the knowledge of the Ph. D researcher within the research domain and (ii) acquiring various skills that will advance the quality and efficiency of doctoral research and promote the future professional career of the Ph. D researcher, within or outside the university. 6 Faculty of Economics and Business

Preliminary provisions Article 3: The Ph. D researcher - continued The Ph. D researcher is expected: 3. to write and successfully defend a thesis in public (see Subsection 6). 4. to adhere to the rules of scientific integrity (see Subsection 5). 5. to comply with the general provisions laid down in this regulation and its ‘Particulars’ (see art. 1. § 2), and if the Ph. D researcher has an employment contract or Ph. D scholarship, to comply with the terms and/or regulations associated with this contract or scholarship. 7 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral school and doctoral commitee Article 4: Doctoral School at group level https: //ghum. kuleuven. be/phd Article 5: Doctoral Committee at faculty level Consists of members of the senior academic staff and representatives of the Ph. D researchers, representing the various research domains within the faculty. 8 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral school and doctoral commitee Article 5: Doctoral Committee - continued Particulars FEB: composition of the doctoral committee • Prof. Kristien Smedts (Chair and Ph. D coordinator Business Economics) • Prof. Jo Swinnen (Ph. D coordinator Economics) • Prof. Erwin Ooghe (CES, Campus Leuven) • Prof. Tom Van Caneghem (AFI, Campus Brussel) • Prof. Jo Seldeslachts (MSI, Campus Leuven) • Prof. Anneleen Forrier (HRM, Campus Antwerpen) • Prof. Jeroen Beliën (KBPRO, Campus Brussel) • Michaël Rubens (Ph. D student Economics) • Jeroen Mahieu (Ph. D student Business Economics) • Prof. Katrien Antonio (Doctoral ombuds) • Annie Vercruysse (administrative coordinator) • The vice-dean Research has the right to attend each meeting as a full member 9 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral school and doctoral commitee Article 5: Doctoral Committee - continued The responsibilities include: 1. authorising the enrolment of Ph. D researcher (see art. 6 and art. 8), 2. authorising the enrolment of predoctoral students, stipulating the content and scope of the predoctoral test, and evaluating whether the predoctoral test has been passed (see art. 7), 3. approving the composition of the supervisory committee (see art. 12) and giving advice about the composition of the examination committee (see art. 17), 4. monitoring the progress reporting (see art. 13), 5. deciding to stop the doctoral process, excluding the specific competence assigned to the ad hoc committee (see art. 22), 6. deciding whether the doctoral programme has been completed successfully (see Subsection 5), 10 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral school and doctoral commitee Article 5: Doctoral Committee - continued The responsibilities include: 7. authorising a collaboration leading to the awarding of a joint or double degree (see art. 21), 8. in the exceptional situation that the supervisor does not agree with thesis, granting permission to the Ph. D researcher to submit the dissertation to the examination committee (see art. 18 § 4), 9. taking note of the anonymised report from the doctoral ombuds (see art. 22). Particulars FEB 10. The doctoral committee is responsible for the content of the Ph. D programmes 11 Faculty of Economics and Business

Admission and enrolment Article 6: Admission requirements Admission is requested from the doctoral committee by the candidate, together with the future supervisor. The candidate must meet specific requirements in terms of previous academic performance – for specific requirements see the Ph. D regulations on the website. In addition, the candidate must sufficiently master the language of the discipline to actively participate in research. Article 7: Predoctoral period and predoctoral exam 12 Faculty of Economics and Business

Admission and enrolment Article 8: Enrolment The Ph. D researcher is obliged to enroll every year. The initial enrolment can go ahead once the doctoral committee has given authorisation (see art. 6). A Ph. D researcher with a doctoral scholarship or a research and teaching assistant position with doctoral finality, must enrol at the latest on the day that the scholarship or research and teaching assistant position begins. The Ph. D researcher pays course fees at the first enrolment and in the academic year during which the public defense takes place. The interim enrolments are free of charge. Re-enrolment depends on a progress report approved within the previous year. 13 Faculty of Economics and Business

Admission and enrolment Article 9: Start of the doctoral period The doctoral period starts at the beginning of the doctoral scholarship or the research and teaching assistant position with doctoral finality, and for others on the date of the first enrolment as a Ph. D researcher Article 10: Duration of the doctoral period A Ph. D researcher with a full-time research assignment obtains the doctoral degree in principle within a period of four years. 14 Faculty of Economics and Business

Supervision and progress Article 11: Supervisor and co-supervisors The supervisor is a member of the senior academic staff (ZAP) of the KU Leuven and is affiliated to the faculty in which the doctoral degree is procured. If a supervisor leaves KU Leuven during the doctoral period, a new supervisor is appointed. In addition to the supervisor, one or more co-supervisors can be appointed. In principle, co-supervisors have a doctorate. The supervisor and any co-supervisors are jointly responsible for the intrinsic monitoring of the doctoral project. As such each of them separately endorses the charter for the Ph. D researcher and the supervisor. The supervisor functions as a contact point, bears final responsibility for the doctoral project and coordinates the supervisors’ team. 15 Faculty of Economics and Business

Supervision and progress Article 12: Supervisory commitee The doctoral committee appoints a supervisory committee for every Ph. D researcher at least one month before the first progress report (see art. 13). The supervisory committee consists of the supervisor, any co-supervisors and at least two other members. The doctoral committee ensures that the supervisory committee is sufficiently diverse, and doesn't consist exclusively of members of the same research group. The composition can be changed during the doctoral programme. The responsibility of the supervisory committee is to monitor the progress of the doctoral research by means of the annual progress report (see art. 13). The Ph. D researcher or supervisor can also appeal to the members of the supervisory committee for additional discussion. 16 Faculty of Economics and Business

Supervision and progress Article 12: Supervisory committee - continued Particulars FEB Members of the supervisory committee are holder of a relevant Ph. D and/or have expertise in the relevant domain. Doctoral students at FEB propose a supervisory committee to the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programmes via the Ph. D app 17 Faculty of Economics and Business

Supervision and progress Article 13: Progress reports The first progress report takes place at the latest one year after the start of the doctoral period and consists of an oral or written presentation on the research undertaken or still to be done. The results determine whether the doctoral programme and the preparation for thesis can be continued or not. The evaluation takes place on the basis of two criteria: (1) the progress made in the doctoral research, and (2) the advances made in academic ability and research maturity by the Ph. D researcher. Subsequently the Ph. D researcher reports on an annual basis on the progress of the doctoral research, and in addition, if required, when applying for or extension of a scholarship or mandate. 18 Faculty of Economics and Business

Supervision and progress Article 13: Progress reports - continued Every progress report is validated by the supervisor and any cosupervisors, and assessed by the other members of the supervisory committee. The result is substantiated and recorded in writing and sent to the Ph. D researcher and the doctoral committee. The supervisory committee may advise stopping the doctoral process in case of insufficient (expected) progress. In that case, the Ph. D researcher has the right to express his/her comments regarding this advice in writing and to submit it to the doctoral committee within seven calendar days following notification of the supervisory committee's opinion. These comments are added to the report of the doctoral committee. If the Ph. D researcher wishes to initiate a mediation procedure with the doctoral ombuds (see art. 22), this must be done within seven calendar days following notification of the opinion of the supervisory committee. 19 Faculty of Economics and Business

Supervision and progress Article 13: Progress reports - continued Particulars FEB Doctoral students at FEB annually submit a written progress report to the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programmes via the Ph. D app, before June 30. Students who did not start at the beginning of the academic year, submit their first report before the end of the first year. 20 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 14: Doctoral programme The doctoral programme is obligatory and must be successfully completed before the Ph. D researcher is permitted to submit thesis and defend it publicly. The doctoral programme consists of a truncus communis (see art. 15) and a supplementary part (see art. 16). The Ph. D researcher can only complete the doctoral programme if all the elements of the truncus communis are completed. The doctoral committee can on an individual basis grant a (partial) exemption of the doctoral programme or set a substitute assignment, on the basis of a motivated application by the Ph. D researcher and in consultation with the supervisor. 21 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 14: Doctoral programme - continued If the doctoral research is multi- and/or interdisciplinary, the doctoral committee can give permission for elements of the truncus communis (see art. 15) to be replaced by course components from another doctoral programme, on the basis of a motivated application by the Ph. D researcher in consultation with the supervisor. The Ph. D researcher reports to the doctoral committee on the progress made within his/her doctoral programme. On the basis of this report, the doctoral committee will decide whether the Ph. D researcher has completed the doctoral programme 22 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 15: Content of the Truncus communis The truncus communis consists of at least the following elements: 1. the writing of at least one scientific publication at an international level or a similar achievement at an international level. By a publication at international level is meant: a peer-reviewed contribution (journal article, contribution to a book, conference proceedings, patent, design) about his/her own research and written in the language of the discipline. The contribution is aimed at an international audience. In order to be able to successfully complete the doctoral programme, the contribution must be published or be accepted for publication 2. giving at least two seminars, either about his/her own research, or on a more general theme 23 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 15: Content of the Truncus communis - continued The truncus communis consists of at least the following elements: 3. giving at least one oral or poster presentation at an international scientific conference, 4. following at least one seminar series or course component specifically organised for Ph. D researchers, 5. following the course component ‘Scientific integrity for starting Ph. Ds’ during the first year of the doctoral programme. Following the course component ‘Scientific Integrity for starting Ph. D’ is mandatory for Ph. D researchers whose doctoral period started during or after the 2014 -2015 academic year. 6. reporting on the progress of the doctoral research as specified in art. 13. 24 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 15: Content of the Truncus communis - continued Particulars FEB More detailed information about the truncus communis of the Doctoral Programmes at FEB can be found on https: //feb. kuleuven. be/research/Ph. D Doctoral programme > programme overview 25 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 16: Content of the supplementary part The supplementary part consists of additional activities and training that the Ph. D researcher follows as part of the doctoral research and/or as a preparation for a career within or outside the university. The Ph. D researcher is ultimately responsible for the supplementary part. The supplementary part should not be in conflict with the status of the Ph. D researcher and must not hinder the progress and quality of the doctoral research. 26 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral programme Article 16: Supplementary part - continued Particulars FEB More detailed information about the supplementary part of the Doctoral Programmes at FEB can be found on https: //feb. kuleuven. be/research/Ph. D Doctoral programme > programme overview 27 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 17: Examination committee The rector appoints an examination committee for every Ph. D researcher on the recommendation of the doctoral committee. The chair of the examination committee belongs to the ZAP of the KU Leuven and is affiliated to the faculty that will award the doctoral degree. The chair does not belong to the same research group as the supervisor and the Ph. D researcher, and is not a member of the supervisory committee. The chair does not act as a direct evaluator and only in the event of a tie does the chair decide. At least one member of the examination committee is external to the KU Leuven. The responsibilities include: (1) evaluating thesis, (2) taking part in the public defence, and (3) deciding whether or not to grant the doctoral degree after the public defence. 28 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 17: Examination committee Particulars FEB The examination committee includes at least six and at most eights members, chair included. The members of the supervisory committee are also members of the examination committee. At least three members of the examination committee are a member of the academic staff of FEB, chair excluded. At least two members of the examination committee are not a member of the academic staff of FEB. Members of the examination committee are holder of a relevant Ph. D and/or have expertise in the relevant domain. Doctoral students at FEB propose an examination committee to the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programmes via the Ph. D app, at least 4 weeks before the date of the predefense (see Art. 19), to put the proposal on the agenda of the Faculty Board of FEB. 29 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 18: Thesis The thesis is an exam piece that must allow the examination committee to assess the quality of the doctoral research. The regulations with regard to Ph. D thesis copyright must be respected. The regulations on intellectual property rights on research results including copyright applies, and non-salaried Ph. D researchers must sign a written agreement at the beginning of their doctoral research as specified in this regulation if the results of the doctoral research have to be protected. 30 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 18: Thesis - continued The Ph. D researcher submits thesis after consultation with his/her supervisor. If the supervisor does not agree with thesis, the Ph. D researcher is still entitled to turn to the doctoral committee. The doctoral committee will ask for the opinion of the Ph. D researcher, the supervisor and the other members of the supervisory committee. Only if it considers that the supervisor's non-agreement is manifestly unreasonable, will the doctoral committee grant permission for thesis to be submitted to the examination committee. 31 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 19: Evaluation of thesis On the basis of thesis the examination committee can take the following decisions: 1. thesis is approved, possibly on condition that minor changes are made 2. thesis is approved on certain conditions: an adapted version is given to the examination committee for final approval. If, after the second assessment, thesis is still not approved without reservation or with minor changes, it may be rejected definitively 3. thesis is not approved: the Ph. D researcher can submit a new or thoroughly amended thesis for evaluation by the examination committee in line with the above procedure. If thesis is not approved after the second evaluation, it can be permanently rejected. The chair sends the Ph. D researcher a written report giving an overview of the changes to be made, or the reasons for thesis not being approved. 32 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 19: Evaluation of thesis - continued Particulars FEB At FEB, the evaluation of thesis takes the form of a preliminary defense. The members of the supervisory committee need to give approval to the student to proceed to the preliminary defense. The doctoral student asks the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programmes at least 4 weeks before the date of the pre-defense to put the request for pre-defense on the agenda of the Faculty Board of FEB (via Ph. D app) The members of the examination committee receive the preliminary text of the dissertation at least two weeks before the date of the predefense. Members of the examination committee who cannot be present in person, can participate via a virtual means of communicaton or send their remarks to the supervisor before the time of the pre-defense. 33 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 19: Evaluation of thesis - continued Particulars FEB After the pre-defense, the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programmes is informed about the outcome of the evaluation (via Ph. D app) • Outcome (1) or (2) : The doctoral student and supervisor/co-supervisors draw up a written report giving an overview of changes that need to be made in view of the public defense. This report needs to be approved by the members of the examination committee. • Outcome (3): The supervisor/co-supervisors draw up a written report giving an overview of changes that need to be made in view of a new predefense. This report needs to be approved by the members of the examination committee and should be communicated (in writing) to the doctoral student 34 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 20: Public defense During the public defence the Ph. D researcher gives a short presentation about thesis. Thereafter a discussion follows with the members of the examination committee. At the end the public is given the opportunity to ask questions. The examination committee deliberates immediately after the public session and decides whether or not the Ph. D can be awarded the degree of doctor. A report is drafted and signed by all members of the examination committee present. The result is announced in public immediately after the deliberation. 35 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 20: Public defense - continued Particulars FEB At least one week before the public defense, the final version of the dissertation should be electronically archived in Lirias; In addition, a onepage summary (preferably in Dutch) intended for a wide audience should be made available (via Ph. D app) for use by the KU Leuven Press Office. This summary is not part of the doctoral dissertation. Doctoral students at FEB need to submit a request for public defense with the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programmes (via Ph. D app), at least 6 weeks before the public defense, to put the request for public defense on the agenda of the Faculty Board of FEB. The members of the examination committee must receive the final version of the dissertation at least 2 weeks before the public defense. Members of the examination committee who are unable to attend the public defense in person, can participate via a virtual means of communication or should send their questions to the supervisor before the time of the public defense. 36 Faculty of Economics and Business

Thesis and public defense Article 20: Public defense - continued Particulars FEB For the final text and the layout of the dissertation, the doctoral student follows the regulations developed by the Faculty of Economics and Business. For that purpose, he/she consults the administrative coordinator of the doctoral programme at the moment of requesting to proceed to the public. After the successful defense of the doctoral dissertation, the doctoral student obtains an allowance up to a maximum of 750 Euro to cover the expenses incurred during the doctoral programme, upon submission of supporting documents. 37 Faculty of Economics and Business

Joint degree and double degree Article 21: Joint degree and double degree If the Ph. D researcher prepares thesis in partnership with (an)other national or international institution(s), the KU Leuven can award jointly with this institution a joint doctoral degree or a double doctoral degree. Together with the (future) supervisor the Ph. D researcher requests permission from the doctoral committee to prepare a thesis in partnership. This is done in principle at the same time as the request for authorisation to enrol as a Ph. D researcher (see art. 6), or else at the latest one year after the start of the doctoral period (see art. 9). The application procedure and the conditions that the partnership must meet are further clarified in the practical guidelines concerning the attainment of a joint or double doctoral degree at the KU Leuven. 38 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral ombuds, appeal procedure, and disciplinary regulation Article 22: Doctoral ombuds The doctoral ombuds is the first point of contact for all concerned to discuss difficulties, problems and disputes in the doctoral process. The doctoral ombuds can help to clear up any misunderstandings, can mediate between the parties involved and can help to find a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved. It is preferable to contact the doctoral ombuds of the faculty or group to which you are affiliated, but you may also contact the doctoral ombuds of another faculty or group. The doctoral ombuds is not competent for substantive problems related to the doctoral programme. For this purpose, you should contact the supervisory committee and/or the doctoral committee Doctoral ombuds for FEB: Katrien. Antonio@kuleuven. be 39 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral ombuds, appeal procedure, and disciplinary regulation Article 23: Appeal procedure According to the procedure below an appeal is only possible against the following decisions of the doctoral committee and the examination committee (Higher Education Codex Art. I. 3 69°): 1. a study progress decision affecting the doctoral programme, as described in art. 14 of this regulation 2. the discontinuation of the preparation of thesis 3. the final result of the public defense See doctoral regulations for details 40 Faculty of Economics and Business

Doctoral ombuds, appeal procedure, and disciplinary regulation Article 24: Disciplinary regulation The disciplinary regulation of the KU Leuven also applies to Ph. D researchers. The application of the disciplinary regulation applies to the AAP despite the provisions that apply via the Regulation for Academic staff. 41 Faculty of Economics and Business