A program in management research can be used by students to advance within the corporate field or to become an expert in the field of management. A program may teach students about topics that include business resource management, global business structures and research methods.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.