PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration
The NWU Business School is committed to advancing distinguished research scholarship in alignment with the Principles of Responsible Management in Education (PRME). Our focus lies in promoting innovative research endeavours in areas such as Business Integrity, Ethical Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship, aimed at fostering internationally competitive research in Business Management and Administration. We eagerly anticipate your participation and engagement with us.
The PhD programme (PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration: Qualification Code 5CAR12, Curriculum Code E901P, Module Code DBAA971) of the NWU Business School is a research-based doctoral degree offered at NQF Level 10. It is expected of prospective candidates to demonstrate experience, enthusiasm, research expertise, control of and focus on the topic and field of study during their master’s study before they are to enrol in this doctoral programme. The NWU Business School’s selection process is transparent and seeks exceptional research candidates who can contribute to the improvement of the Business School’s research outputs and can make a theoretical and practical contribution to the field of business studies.
The PhD programme at the NWU Business School follows a two-phase approach: (1) a selection workshop by the Scientific Committee (SC) for admission into the programme, and (2) once admitted students are expected to pay their registration fees and register between January and March 31st of each year. Following registration, students are to (a) present a full proposal at a PhD Colloquium in their first year; (b) complete and present methodology at a colloquium in their second year; (c) complete and present results and findings at a colloquium in their third year; and (d) submit the final thesis for examination. We allocate the most relevant and highly experienced promoters and co-promoters to our admitted students, who are sourced from within the school and from relevant industries so that there is a blend of theory and practice in the learning process.
The core research interests of the Business School are founded in the three Scientific Committees. This forms the basis for focused research as well as integrated research. By doing this we provide practical solutions with scientific contributions to the broader field of management:
The General Management (GM) Scientific Committee is chaired by Prof Ronnie Lotriet.
The People Management (PM) Scientific Committee is chaired by Dr Ntseliseng Khumalo.
The Corporate Governance, Technology, Economics and Finances (CTEF) Scientific Committee is chaired by Prof Jan van Romburgh.
We are committed to quality service and customer care for our Ph.D. students.
Important dates for
2025 ENROLLMENT:
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 OPEN:
1 April 2025
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 CLOSE:
30 September 2025
REGISTRATIONS FOR 2026 OPEN:
TBC
REGISTRATIONS FOR 2026 CLOSE:
TBC
PhD key-notes:
Duration: 2 – 4 years
Fees: R31 788.00** (2025)
Application Process
Introducing the NWU Business School PhD Hub
Aligned with the Business School’s vision of shaping executive minds in Africa, we are proud to introduce our PhD Hub — a strategic project aimed at establishing and developing PhD students and increasing PhD supervisory capacity across Africa. This PhD Hub will target industry leaders and students in Africa who wish to study for a doctoral degree in business management and scholars who aspire to pursue a PhD in Business Administration.
Additionally, it will provide a platform for promotors and supervisors from African universities to enhance their skills in PhD supervision. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering academic excellence and leadership throughout Africa.

OUR TEACHING & LEARNING APPROACH
At the NWU Business School, students and promoters work closely together to make sure that your academic goals are reach effectively and successfully.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect during your PhD studies:

What we will expect of you:
It is expected of prospective candidates to demonstrate experience, enthusiasm, research expertise, control of and focus on the topic and field of study during their master’s study before they are selected for their doctoral studies.

What you can expect from us:
Experts in the field – We allocate the most relevant and highly experienced promoters and co-promoters to our admitted students, who are sourced from within the School and from relevant industries so that there is blending of theory and practice in the learning process.

Together we will:
Students and promoters work together to find viable solutions to business challenges, not only in South Africa and Africa, but all over the world. We will assist you to become an expert in your field and reach new heights academically and in the industry.
PhD STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration
FORMAT
Our PhD in Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration is a part-time PhD which follows a four-phase approach:
(a) a pre-doctoral workshop for conditional acceptance to the programme,
(b) a full proposal colloquium for unconditional admission into the programme,
(c) a methodology presentation colloquium, and
(d) results and findings colloquium and final thesis submission.
APPROVAL OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME
Approval of the PhD study programme and the procedure that must be followed take place in terms of general academic rule A.5.3. The study programme must, to the satisfaction of the director of post-graduate studies/Business School scientific committees (General Management and People’s Management Scientific Committees), contribute to the research programme(s) of the University as determined by the different research focus areas/ units. All PhD students are required to submit at least one article in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)-accredited journals and provide proof with final submission for examination.
In the case of an article format thesis, a minimum of three published OR publishable articles should be presented, of which at least one must have been submitted and accepted by an editor of an accredited DHET journal for graduation.
PROGRAMME ENQUIRIES
PROGRAMME LEADER
Prof Emmanual Mutambara

Prof Emmanuel Mutambara is an NRF-rated researcher with a passion for advancing knowledge. He completed his PhD at the NWU Business School in 2014. His expertise spans leadership, strategy, organisational behaviour, international business, entrepreneurship, and emerging organisations. He has published over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles in accredited national and international journals and has presented and chaired proceedings at numerous local and international conferences. Prof Mutambara has demonstrated remarkable commitment to postgraduate education, having supervised 40 doctoral students and over 300 master’s students to successful graduation. His leadership experience includes senior roles in academic administration, research, and higher degrees leadership across various universities. Recognised for his contributions, he has received Top-30 Research Awards multiple times throughout his career.
Application Process
Application dates
Applications are open all year round, but final vetting depends on the availability of space and pro- motion (supervisory) capacity. Successful applicants will be granted Conditional Acceptance and be registered for non-degree purposes, without any module. The relevant research cluster/ research director/unit manager will indicate who will be acting as promoter for the applicant. Final admission into the PhD programme will be granted to the candidate upon successful presentation of the full proposal in a PhD proposal colloquium at most six months after the conditional admission.

Preliminary proposal
Applicants should submit a preliminary proposal that should be sent to the various research clusters of the NWU Business School for selection.
Proposal should include:
- Title
- Introduction
- Motivation of the study
- Problem statement
- Primary objective and secondary objectives
- Preliminary literature (at least 10 leading scholars in your area
of specialisation) - Research methodology
- Ethical consideration
- Contribution of the study
- References
- Work execution plan







APPLICATION
STEP 1
APPLICATION
STEP 2
APPLICATION
STEP 3

Carefully read through the brochure for master’s and doctoral applicants.

The following supporting documents should accompany your application form (SA citizens):
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A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
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Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
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Certified copies of all certificates / diplomas / degrees from other tertiary institutions.
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Preliminary proposal as indicated above.

Apply online by following the link below.
APPLICATION
STEP 1
Carefully read through the brochure for master’s and doctoral applicants.
APPLICATION
STEP 2
The following supporting documents should accompany your application form (SA citizens):
-
A certified copy of your SA ID document (or your passport if you are an international student).
-
Certified copies of academic transcripts of all qualifications obtained from other tertiary education institutions.
-
Certified copies of all certificates / diplomas / degrees from other tertiary institutions.
-
Preliminary proposal as indicated above.
APPLICATION
STEP 3
Apply online by following the link below.
Still have questions? Reach out to a PhD Representative

Publications
NWU BUSINESS SCHOOL – RESEARCH OUTPUTS 2024
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JOURNAL ARTICLES
Authors | Title | Link |
Ibrahim R, Olaleye BR, | Relationship between workplace ostracism and job productivity: the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and lack of motivation | Read Journal Here |
Ogundare JA, Van der Merwe S | The role of competitor orientation and proactiveness in competitive advantage for small– and medium-sized enterprises performance | Read Journal Here |
Olaleye BR, Lekunze JN, Olorunsola FF | Exploring the link between customer satisfaction, service quality, and perceived organizational support: the mediating role of relational psychological contract | Read Journal Here |
Tshivhase L, Bisschoff CA | Investigating green initiatives at South African public universities | Read Journal Here |
Olaleye BR, Babatunde BO, Lekunze JN, Tella AR | Attaining Organizational Sustainability Through Competitive Intelligence: The Roles of Organizational Learning and Resilience | Read Journal Here |
Olaleye BR, Lekunze JN | Emotional intelligence and psychological resilience on workplace bullying and employee performance: a moderated-mediation perspective | Read Journal Here |
Zake GB, Jonck P, Pelser A | A business continuity model for manufacturing SMMEs underscoring talent management | Read Journal Here |
Sibanda B, Basheka B, Van Romburgh J | Assessing the readiness of the South African Public Sector to embrace blockchain technology: factors for successful adoption | Read Journal Here |
Murimbika S | Management of industry reputational interdependence in the South African Banking Industry | Read Journal Here |
Cassim N, Botha CJ, Botha D, Bisschoff C | Employee engagement at a private higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic | Read Journal Here |
Cassim N, Botha CJ, Botha D, Bisschoff C | The organisational commitment of academic personnel during WFH within private higher education,South Africa | Read Journal Here |
Sibanda B, Basheka B, Van Romburgh J |
Enhancing governance through blockchain technology in the South African Public sector
|
Read Journal Here |
Paltooram, Bisschoff C | A theoretical brand loyalty model for private higher education institutions | Read Journal Here |
Murimbika S | Surveying the reputation-regulation interface in the SABI industry: Perspectives of private banking customers | Read Journal Here |
Mouton N |
Are Lecturers Teaching and Students Learning in a Post-pandemic Environment: A Case Study at a Business School in South Africa
|
Read Journal Here |
Mouton N, Motshabi T, Jeje K, Henrico A |
Bulk water services delivery challenges in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality in South Africa’s North West Province
|
Read Journal Here |
Zake GB, Jonck P, Pelser A | Impact of contextual factors on organisational performance mediated by talent management | Read Journal Here |
Van Wyk A, Parsons R, Venter L | Policy uncertainty, mergers, and acquisitions in the South African business environment | Read Journal Here |
Olaleye BR, Lekunze JN, Sekhampu TJ | Examining structural relationships between innovation capability, knowledge sharing, environmental turbulence, and organisational sustainability | Read Journal Here |
Palamuleni LG, Nde SC, du Plessis Y, Bakuwa RC
|
Water conservation by managers at the workplace: Examination of attitudes and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour
|
Read Journal Here |
Cassim N, Botha CJ, Bisschoff C, Botha D |
Investigating personnel perceptions of leadership styles during WFH within private higher education in South Africa
|
Read Journal Here |
Mouton N, Motshabi T, Jeje K, Henrico A |
Bulk water services delivery challenges in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality in South Africa’s North West Province
|
Read Journal Here |
Zake GB, Jonck P, Pelser A |
Impact of contextual factors on organisational performance mediated by talent management
|
Read Journal Here |
Van Wyk A, Parsons R, Venter L |
Policy uncertainty, mergers, and acquisitions in the South African business environment
|
Read Journal Here |
Manasoe B, Mmbengwa VM, Lekunze JN |
The Influence of Capacity Building on Small-Scale Agro-Processors in South Africa: Lessons for Agricultural Extension Advisory Services
|
Read Journal Here |
Bisschoff C |
A business school case study: The academic performance of MBA Marketing management students’ academic performance during full contact, full online and hybrid classes
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Read Journal Here |
Olaleye B. R., J. N. Lekunze, T. J. Sekhampu, N. Khumalo & A. A. W. Ayeni | Leveraging Innovation Capability and Organizational Resilience to Business Sustainability Among Small and Medium Enterprises: A PLS-SEM Approach. | Read Journal Here |
Olaleye BR, Nwosu TT, Lekunze JN, Sekhampu TJ, Olorunsula FF |
Exploring competitive intelligence effectiveness on SMEs performance: The mediating influence of entrepreneurial orientation |
Read Journal Here |
Ogundare JA, Zhiri DD, Van der Merwe S, Ogundare PK, Abubakar SA |
Mediating effect of self-control on financial literacy and savings behaviour of rural women entrepreneurs |
Read Journal Here |
Kuipa E, Lekunze JN |
Management Gaps in the Implementation of Legislation Regulating Derelict and Ownerless Mines in South Africa |
Read Journal Here |
Ayeni A, Bisschoff CA, Sekhampu TJ, Lekunze JN, Ayeni E |
Interactive Marketing: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda |
Read Journal Here |
Letshaba RK, Ndlovu NK |
Evaluating knowledge management in skills development providers |
Read Journal Here |
Woźnicki A, Gawlik R |
Measuring the technological competitiveness of economies with the PTCE method: PRC vs. USA 2000–2020 |
Read Journal Here |
Mojaki LM, Tuyikeze T, Ndlovu KN |
A digital procurement framework for South African public sector: A content analysis approach |
Read Journal Here |
Ayeni A, Bisschoff CA, Sedio P, Khumalo N, Olaleye BR, Sekhampu TJ, Lekunze JN |
Examining data-driven approach on the potentiality of smart-boards boosting students’ academic performance: comparison of ICT and traditional teaching methods |
Read Journal Here |
Banerjee P, Hayes WM, Chatterjeee P, Masters T, Mishra S, Wedell DH |
Factors that promote the repulsion effect in preferential choice |
Read Journal Here |
Banerjee P, Rakshit K, Mishra S, Masters T |
Attribute ratings and their impact on attraction and compromise effects |
Read Journal Here |
Mojaki LM, Tuyikeze T, Ndlovu KN |
Revolution of South African public procurement in the Industry 4.0 era |
Read Journal Here |
Shaikh A, Blom R, Soni D, Botha C, Bisschoff |
Rhetoric versus reality in South Africa’s policy discourse on higher education institutions: A critical review |
Read Journal Here |
Gawlik R, Siwiec D, Pacana A |
Quality–Cost–Environment Assessment of Sustainable Manufacturing of Photovoltaic Panels |
Read Journal Here |
Siwiec D, Gawlik R, Pacana A |
Sustainable design of products: Balancing quality, life cycle impact, and social responsibility |
Read Journal Here |
Siwiec D, Gawlik R, Pacana A |
Triangular fuzzy numbers for satisfactory quality-environmental decisions in product development |
Read Journal Here |
Makumbe W |
Transformational leadership and innovation in the manufacturing sector: a moderation mediation mechanism of organisational culture and knowledge sharing |
Read Journal Here |
Makumbe W |
Green Human Resources Management and Green Performance: A Mediation–Moderation Mechanism for Green Innovation and Green Knowledge Sharing |
Read Journal Here |
Khumalo N, Ngubane P |
The Interplay of Organizational Culture on Psychological Safety, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in South African Selected SETAs. |
Read Journal Here |
CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS
Authors | Title | Link | Year of Publication |
Svotwa TD, Du Plessis Y | Business factors contributing to Zimbabwean SMEs’ hostile survival: A qualitative study | Read Contribution Here | 2024 |
Kazeroony H, Gutema A | Micro–finance for smallholder farms | Read Contribution Here | 2024 |
Kazeroony H, Du Plessis Y | Calling for a theoretical framework to address the problem of indigeneity and identity research in Africa | Read Contribution Here | 2024 |
Mouton N |
Are Lecturers Teaching and Students Learning in a Post-pandemic Environment: A Case Study at a Business School in South Africa |
Read Contribution Here | 2024 |
Bosiu B, Prinsloo JJ |
Analysing service quality as a catalyst for customer satisfaction at TVET colleges |
Read Contribution Here | 2024 |
Bisschoff C, Botha C, Van Schoor M, Botha D | Consumers’ brand loyalty towards small family-owned businesses | 2024 | |
Fullerton S, McCullough T |
From Fan Avidity to NIL Ramifications: An Assessment of the Attitudes Held by American University Students on an Array of Sports Issues |
2024 | |
Bisschoff C, Fullerton S |
The A-B Gap: An Assessment of the Differences Between Ethical Attitudes and Ethical Behaviour Among the Next Generation of Business Leaders in South Africa |
2024 | |
Kele T.P., & Khumalo N. |
Integrating sustainable leadership practices and affirmative action implementation in South African corporates: A survey-based analysis. |
2024 | |
Svotwa TD, Du Plessis Y |
Business factors contributing to Zimbabwean SMEs’ hostile survival: A qualitative study |
2024 | |
Kazeroony H, Gutema A |
Micro-finance for smallholder farms |
2024 | |
Kazeroony H, Du Plessis Y |
Calling for a theoretical framework to address the problem of indigeneity and identity research in Africa |
2024 | |
Ntsane M.J., Khumalo, N., Ntsizwane L., & Makumbe, W. |
Transformational leadership and affective commitment in the South African Mining Industry: The mediating role of organisation climate. |
2024 | |
Olaleye B. R., Msimanga T. H. & Khumalo N. |
Demystifying The Moderating Role of Reciprocity Ideology on the Nexus Between Authentic Leadership Style and Organizational Productivity. |
2024 | |
Moloto E.M., Khumalo, N. & Jackson, LTB. |
Employees’ perceptions of human resource management practices and work attitudes in South African local government municipalities. |
2024 | |
Mtengwa E, Lekunze JN | Developing alternative national A2 beef cattle SME sector strategy to increase beef production in Zimbabwe | 2024 |
|
Letshaba RK, Ndlovu NK |
A critical assessment of the barriers and challenges to knowledge management implementation in the skills development sector of South Africa | 2024 | |
Roberts-Tebejane B | Conceptualising solutions to the challenges related to poor implementation of local economic development strategy in the North-West Province | 2024 | |
Gerber R, Smit A | Environmental, social and governance reporting in agriculture: a cross-national evaluation of listed South African and Australian agribusinesses | 2024 | |
Olaleye B. R, Sekhampu TJ & Khumalo N |
Influence of Employee CSR Skepticism on Competitive Advantage and Sustainable Performance; Evidence from Selected Agro-Allied Firms in Nigeria |
2024 |
|
Peters R, Prinsloo JJ | Analysing Private Sector Involvement in Social Development through Sport in South Africa | 2024 | |
Buitendag R, Bisschoff C |
Adopting Precision Farming in the Maise Triangle of South Africa |
2024 | |
MacCalman D, Bisschoff C |
Investigating Farmers’ Brand Loyalty towards Agricultural Businesses in the Free State Province of South Africa |
2024 | |
Joubert P, Jeje K, Henrico A, Coetzee JC |
Managerial Implications of Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes for Medium-sized Companies in South Africa’s Gauteng Province |
2024 |
|
Kgaboesele MP, Lekunze JN , Ntsizwane LP |
Exploring Factors Contributing to the Successful Management of Selected Public Old Age Homes in the North West Province, South Africa |
2024 | |
Botha MD, Van der Merwe S |
Proposing a Compliance Training Success Framework for South African Banks to Enhance an Entrepreneurial Business Environment |
2024 | |
Van der Walt N, Botha PA |
Investigating the Influence of Employee Perceived Appraisal Fairness on Motivation: The Mediator Role of Organisational Commitment |
2024 | |
Botha MA, Jackson LTB |
Assessing Adherence to Change Management Principles and its Impact on Employee Attitudes in a Selected South African Bank |
2024 |
|
Lekunze JN, Olaleye BR |
Efficiency through Communication and Stakeholder Interrelationships in Emerging Poultry Farming Co-operatives in the North-West Province of South Africa |
2024 | |
Kemp A, Prinsloo JJ, Jaiyeoba OO, Tebejane T |
Determining the Motivational Factors of South African Consumers when Visiting Regional Malls |
2024 | |
Lotriet R, Hauman G |
Exploring some Manageable Factors Influencing the Availability of Train Authorisation Systems in South Africa |
2024 | |
Nhlapo C, Van der Merwe S |
Exploring the Perception of Copreneurship in the Vaal Triangle, South Africa |
2024 |
|
Strydom C, Van der Merwe S |
Can we Counter AI with a Manual Method for Qualitative Data Analysis, or are we too Dependent on CAQDAS? |
2024 | |
Powell M, Du Plessis Y |
The pervasive issue of Black Tax in young South African black professionals’ career management |
2024 | |
Knight C, Jordaan J |
Exploring the Influence of Line Managers’ Generic Skills on Subordinates’ Performance at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa |
2024 | |
Mtshali LC, Jackson LTB |
Organisation Culture and Older Workforce in the Transfer of Skills in a Section of a Selected Water Board in South Africa |
2024 |
|
Letshaba RK, Ndlovu NK |
The Influence of Knowledge Management Technology on Knowledge Management Processes in Small Training Providers |
2024 | |
Croucamp P |
South Africa’s Nuclear Regulatory Landscape and the Prospects for Public-Private Hybridity: A Case for Small, Modular Reactors (SMRs) |
2024 |
|
Schwartz LV, Prinsloo JJ |
Reluctance of Organisations to Sponsor Professional Female Sport in South Africa |
2024 | |
Strauss A, Strauss S, Prinsloo JJ |
Professional Springbok Rugby Players’ Career Transitional Reality after Retirement |
2024 | |
Lansberg J, Brown D |
Strategies for Enhancing Client Loyalty in the ICT Sector |
2024 | |
Van Wyk FE, Jordaan J, Van Zyl SI |
The Role of Team Cohesion in the Production Performance of a Chemicals Manufacturing Company |
2024 |
|
Nel L, Van Romburgh JD |
Appraising the Role of the Zondo Commission in the Fight Against Corruption in South Africa |
2024 | |
Cassim N, Botha C, Bisschoff C, Botha D (WIP) |
Ascertain Academic Personnels’ Perspectives on Leadership Styles During WFH Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic |
2024 |
|
Bischoff C, Asvat R, Botha C, Ayeni A (WIP) |
Managing Business Performance for Private Business Schools in South Africa |
2024 | |
Ayeni A, Bisschoff C, Sekhampu J, Lekunze J (WIP) |
Reenacting the Motivation in Informal Agriprenuership: A Panacea for South African Influx Unemployment Rate |
2024 | |
Nag D, Bisschoff C, Botha C (WIP) |
A Conceptual Scorecard to Measure the Performance of Private Secondary Schools |
2024 | |
Roberts-Tebejane B (WIP) |
Local Economic Development as a tool by municipalities for enabling an environment of job creation |
2024 |
|
Ayeni A, Sekhampu J, Lekunze J, Sedio P (WIP) |
Considering The Claim That ICT or Traditional Pedagogy is Superior: Smart Board Management Effects on Student Academic Performance |
2024 | |
Olaleye RB, Sekhampu J, Joseph J |
Exploring the Influence of Brand Extension Strategy and Brand Trust on Customer Loyalty: A Mediation- Moderation Approach |
2024 |
CHAPTERS IN BOOKS
Authors | Title | Link | Name of Publication |
Van Tonder E, Bisschoff C, Saunders SG, Onel N | Profiling Customer Knowledge Workers in an Environmental Sustainability Context: A Latent Class Analysis Approach | Read Chapter Here | Contemporary Issues in Knowledge-based Economy, Higher Education, and Sustainable Development |
Van Tonder E, Bisschoff C, Saunders SG, Onel N | Profiling Customer Knowledge Workers in an Environmental Sustainability Context: A Latent Class Analysis Approach | Contemporary Issues in Knowledge-based Economy, Higher Education, and Sustainable Development | |
Khumalo, N. & Jackson, LTB. |
Transformational leadership and employee attitudes in a public sector context: the role of trust in management and employee core self-evaluation |
Read Chapter Here |
Public administration and governance in democratic South Africa |
De Villiers, D |
Challenges and trends in the application of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2 of 2000 in South Africa |
Read Chapter Here |
On the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Legal Perspectives from Germany and South Africa |