Business, Economics and Governance
Study programme title in Est.
Ärindus, majandus ja valitsemine
Study programme title in Engl.
Business, Economics and Governance
TalTech study programme code
MAXD22
MER study programme code
230082
Study programme version code
MAXD22/22
Faculty / college
M - School of Business and Governance
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Mari-Klara Stein, Tõnn Talpsepp, Ringa Raudla
Language of instruction
English, Estonian
Study level
Doctoral study
ECTS credits
240
Volume (in hours)
6240
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
8 semesters
Study programme group
Business and Administration
Broad area of study
Business, Administration and Law
Study field
Business and administration
Curriculum group
Business and administration (broad programmes)
Access conditions
Master’s degree or equivalent qualification. Admission conditions and procedure for TalTech students.
Study programme aims and objectives
- provide extensive knowledge and research skills in the business,
economics and governance (BEG) specializations to individuals interested in pursuing a scholarly career in BEG fields or seeking career advancement in fields requiring a PhD degree;
- provide comprehensive research skills in social-science research in general and in BEG fields in particular;
- develop the abilities of students to carry out relevant and independent research;
- contribute to the quality of BEG fields in Estonia and Europe by starting and furthering academic and policy-relevant discussion of key issues;
- provide social competences and skills and an ability to adapt in rapidly changing world, incl actively contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Learning outcomes of the study programme
The graduate:
- has obtained a broad and systematic overview in his/her area of specialization;


- defines complex and relevant research problems in his/her field of specialization, chooses appropriate research methods for solving them and critically assesses the quality of solutions;
- publishes research results in peer-reviewed high-quality international journals and proceedings;
- analyzes and evaluates social and ethical aspects related to his/her research field, the impact(s) of his/her studies on these aspects as well as outreach opportunities of his/her research results;
- analyzes the research results in his/her research field and properly communicates them to different types of audience;
- evaluates how his/her studies can contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. To the goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent work and economic growth), 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 12 (Responsible consumption and production) and 17 (Partnerships for the goals) in particular.
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Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate.
Degrees conferred
Doctor of Philosophy (Business), Doctor of Philosophy (Economics and Finance), Doctor of Philosophy (Public Policy and Innovation)
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
Transferable skills
12.0
Professional proficiency
18.0
Research
210.0
Total
240.0
  • +
       SPECIALITY Public policy and Innovation
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable Skills Module 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to:
      - develop and/or strengthen skills and abilities,

      which can be applied to a wide range of different jobs and industries related to social sciences in particular;
      - improve general knowledge and skills needed for independent scholarly research activities;
      - gain larger academic and philosophical context needed for PhD studies.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - demonstrates a thorough knowledge about key features of modern science, its role and relevance in and for society;


      - is able to act independently in designing and conducting rigor research;
      - is capable of reasoning and proving her/his claims with scientific evidence;
      - demonstrates a thorough knowledge of a range of different scientific methods and techniques and ethical aspects of research;
      - identifies and applies suitable scientific approaches for solving complex and relevant organizational and/or societal challenges;
      - is able to work collaboratively in research teams and also lead them;
      - uses relevant research and teaching processes and practices found in universities and/or research-intensive organizations;
      - compares the main proceeding points in modern teaching methodologies.
      Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Mathematical Methods in Economics
      MEC9110
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Economic Thought and Methodology
      MEC9120
      3.0
      1.5
      0.5
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Qualitative Research Methods
      MMS9300
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Quantitative Research Methods
      MMX9120
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Initiation to Scientific Writing
      UTT9101
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      S
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Public Policy and Innovation 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The general goal of the specialization is to provide extensive
      knowledge and research skills in public policy and innovation to individuals either pursuing a scholarly career or seeking career advancement in the fields benefiting from the respective PhD degree.


      The aim of this module is to:
      - deepen the skills of students for studying detailed scientific issues in public policy and innovation;
      - give an overview of the historical development of public policy as a discipline, discuss the main research problems in public policy and innovation, and introduce different theoretical approaches and paradigms in these fields;
      - help to developing the specific knowledge and skills needed for planning and conducting independent research in the field of social sciences in general, and in public policy and innovation in particular;
      - offer a thorough theoretical overview of the nature of social sciences, of developments in the social scientific research methodologies, and the main methodological dilemmas entailed in undertaking social scientific research;
      - provide core skills for writing a doctoral thesis, including the competencies required for choosing a research strategy, deciding on research design, conducting empirical research, and evaluating critically different types of studies.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - independently pursues research strategies in public policy and innovation;


      - evaluates critically the various research paradigms in public policy and innovation;
      - describe and analyse the main theoretical and practical challenges in the research domains of public policy, public administration, innovation, and technology governance;
      - juxtaposes the theory and practice of public policy and assesses their linkages;
      - masters the key methods in conducting public policy and innovation research and chooses an appropriate methodology for conducting social scientific research;
      - identifies the main journals in the field of public policy, public administration, governance, and innovation, and chooses an appropriate publication strategy for communicating his/her research results;
      - applies a range of different quantitative and qualitative methods for carrying out social science research;
      - systematically evaluates the quality of a social scientific study;
      - communicates his/her research results to different target groups.
      Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Research Methods in Social Sciences
      HHL9100
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      H
      SK
      Total: 6.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Special Course in Technology Governance
      HHI9011
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Public Administration and Innovation
      HHI9020
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Special Course in Public Administration
      HHM9020
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      SK
      Special Course in Public Policy
      HHM9030
      6.0
      4.0
      2.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      SK
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to gain the skills and competences needed for developing and defending an independent and comprehensive piece of work of high academic standards.
      The thesis must contribute new knowledge to the discipline and be of an academic standard appropriate for publication.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the PhD student:
      - identifies and formulates a scientific problem, sets work tasks and distinguishes between tasks for performing work;


      - selects a suitable method/suitable methods for achieving the objective(s) of the task(s);
      - processes relevant and timely information;
      - uses relevant and recent theoretical knowledge and professional terminologies for analysing the problems and synthesising solutions;
      - demonstrates an understanding/knowledge of and a reflective approach to other research in the field;
      - presents and convincingly justifies their viewpoints in a form that complies with international academic standards of scientific presentation.
      Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
  • +
       SPECIALITY Business
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable Skills Module 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to:
      - develop and/or strengthen skills and abilities,

      which can be applied to a wide range of different jobs and industries related to social sciences in particular;
      - improve general knowledge and skills needed for independent scholarly research activities;
      - gain larger academic and philosophical context needed for PhD studies.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - demonstrates a thorough knowledge about key features of modern science, its role and relevance in and for society;


      - is able to act independently in designing and conducting rigor research;
      - is capable of reasoning and proving her/his claims with scientific evidence;
      - demonstrates a thorough knowledge of a range of different scientific methods and techniques and ethical aspects of research;
      - identifies and applies suitable scientific approaches for solving complex and relevant organizational and/or societal challenges;
      - is able to work collaboratively in research teams and also lead them;
      - uses relevant research and teaching processes and practices found in universities and/or research-intensive organizations;
      - compares the main proceeding points in modern teaching methodologies.
      Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Mathematical Methods in Economics
      MEC9110
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Economic Thought and Methodology
      MEC9120
      3.0
      1.5
      0.5
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Qualitative Research Methods
      MMS9300
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Quantitative Research Methods
      MMX9120
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Initiation to Scientific Writing
      UTT9101
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      S
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Business 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The general goal of the specialization is to provide in-depth
      knowledge and research skills in business to individuals either pursuing an academic career or seeking career advancement in fields benefiting from the respective PhD degree. The specialization will help individuals to acquire and deepen specific knowledge in the field of Business (Business Administration) needed for conducting independent research in a selected field of study.

      The aim of this module is to:
      - give an overview of the historical development of business as a discipline, discuss contemporary research problems in business and management, and introduce different theoretical approaches and paradigms in these fields;
      - develop the specific knowledge and skills needed for planning and conducting independent research in the field of social sciences in general, and in business and management in particular;
      - offer a thorough theoretical overview of the nature of social sciences, developments in the social scientific research methodologies, and the main methodological and ethical challenges entailed in undertaking social scientific research;
      - provide core skills and competences for writing a doctoral thesis, including the competencies required for choosing a research strategy, deciding on and arguing for research design, planning and conducting empirical research, and evaluating critically different types of studies and theories/theoretical frameworks.

      The scientific education offered in the specialization promotes the United National Sustainable Development Goals. To the goals 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent work and economic growth), 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable cities and communities), 12 (Responsible consumption and production) and 17 (Partnerships for the goals) in particular.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - has obtained a broad and systematic overview of contemporary research and development in the fields of business and management;


      - demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of his/her specific research topic;
      - defines research problems relevant in business and management, chooses appropriate research methods for solving them and critically assesses the quality of solutions;
      - compares and evaluates different theories, research methods and paradigms used in business and management, chooses and uses appropriate theories and methods suitable for solving complex business problems and challenges;
      - publishes research results in peer-reviewed high-quality international journals and proceedings in business and management;
      - describes and analyses the social and ethical aspects related to his/her research field and its consequences, as well as outreach opportunities of his/her research results;
      - analyzes the research results in his/her research field and properly communicates them to different types of audience.
      Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Organisation Development and Management
      MMO9070
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      S
      Business Research
      MMX9080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      S
      Total: 12.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Financial Economics
      MEC9050
      6.0
      3.0
      1.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      S
      Entrepreneurship Theories
      MMJ9040
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to gain the skills and competences needed for developing and defending an independent and comprehensive piece of work of high academic standards.
      The thesis must contribute new knowledge to the discipline and be of an academic standard appropriate for publication.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the PhD student:
      - identifies and formulates a scientific problem, sets work tasks and distinguishes between tasks for performing work;


      - selects a suitable method/suitable methods for achieving the objective(s) of the task(s);
      - processes relevant and timely information;
      - uses relevant and recent theoretical knowledge and professional terminologies for analysing the problems and synthesising solutions;
      - demonstrates an understanding/knowledge of and a reflective approach to other research in the field;
      - presents and convincingly justifies their viewpoints in a form that complies with international academic standards of scientific presentation.
      Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
  • +
       SPECIALITY Economics and Finance
    • +
         MODULE: Transferable Skills Module 12.0 ECTS credits (Transferable skills)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to:
      - develop and/or strengthen skills and abilities,

      which can be applied to a wide range of different jobs and industries related to social sciences in particular;
      - improve general knowledge and skills needed for independent scholarly research activities;
      - gain larger academic and philosophical context needed for PhD studies.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - demonstrates a thorough knowledge about key features of modern science, its role and relevance in and for society;


      - is able to act independently in designing and conducting rigor research;
      - is capable of reasoning and proving her/his claims with scientific evidence;
      - demonstrates a thorough knowledge of a range of different scientific methods and techniques and ethical aspects of research;
      - identifies and applies suitable scientific approaches for solving complex and relevant organizational and/or societal challenges;
      - is able to work collaboratively in research teams and also lead them;
      - uses relevant research and teaching processes and practices found in universities and/or research-intensive organizations;
      - compares the main proceeding points in modern teaching methodologies.
      Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases and Application
      EME9030
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Didactics of Higher Education - Theoretical Bases
      EME9040
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Mathematical Methods in Economics
      MEC9110
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Economic Thought and Methodology
      MEC9120
      3.0
      1.5
      0.5
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Qualitative Research Methods
      MMS9300
      6.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      SK
      Quantitative Research Methods
      MMX9120
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Philosophy of Science
      MNF9010
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management
      MNI5160
      6.0
      3.0
      1.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Managing Research Projects
      MNI9060
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Career Development
      UTT9012
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      A
      K
      Initiation to Scientific Writing
      UTT9101
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      S
      Academic Writing Workshop
      UTT9102
      3.0
      1.5
      1.5
      0.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Economics and Finance 18.0 ECTS credits (Professional proficiency)
      Aims
      The general goal of the specialization is to provide in-depth
      theoretical and empirical research skills in economics and finance to individuals either pursuing an academic career or seeking career advancement in fields benefitting from the respective PhD degree.

      The aim of the module is to:
      - develop analytical skills, necessary to analyse and critically evaluate scientific research in the field of economics and finance and thus prepare the students for their independent research;
      - give in-depth knowledge of economics and finance research methods and ability to apply them for solving research problems;
      - provide in-depth knowledge of the main contemporary issues at the forefront research in economics and finance.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the student:
      - conducts research independently and creatively uses relevant methods of research for that;


      - has obtained a systematic understanding of theories and empirical research in economics and finance;
      - processes information and conducts applied research;
      - applies a range of empirical methods in economics and finance;
      - analyses and critically evaluates subject-specific research articles;
      - communicates one's views in a well-reasoned way and discusses in disputable issues;
      - communicates her/his research results to different target groups.
      Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Financial Economics
      MEC9050
      6.0
      3.0
      1.5
      0.0
      1.5
      E
      S
      Econometrics
      MEC9080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Advanced Topics in Economics
      MEC9160
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Total: 18.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Research 210.0 ECTS credits (Research)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to gain the skills and competences needed for developing and defending an independent and comprehensive piece of work of high academic standards.
      The thesis must contribute new knowledge to the discipline and be of an academic standard appropriate for publication.
      Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      After completing this module the PhD student:
      - identifies and formulates a scientific problem, sets work tasks and distinguishes between tasks for performing work;


      - selects a suitable method/suitable methods for achieving the objective(s) of the task(s);
      - processes relevant and timely information;
      - uses relevant and recent theoretical knowledge and professional terminologies for analysing the problems and synthesising solutions;
      - demonstrates an understanding/knowledge of and a reflective approach to other research in the field;
      - presents and convincingly justifies their viewpoints in a form that complies with international academic standards of scientific presentation.
      Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study