USI Launches Doctoral School on Socio-Cultural Approaches in Business Studies

The Institute of Marketing and Communication Management (IMCA) at the Faculty of Communication, Culture and Society is proud to announce the launch of a new Doctoral School focused on Socio-Cultural Approaches in Business Studies: Theoretical Foundations and Theory-Building. This innovative program, generously supported by Fondo Instituzionale at USI, is designed to equip PhD students and early career researchers with the theoretical grounding and practical skills needed to make significant contributions to their fields.

The Doctoral School offers a unique curriculum featuring a series of foundational courses, each dedicated to a key theoretical approach. These in-depth courses will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the approach's core tenets, exploring seminal texts and delving into how it has been applied in marketing and organisational research.

Further enriching the program is a dedicated workshop offered within the framework of the long-standing Summer School of Social Sciences Methods. This immersive week-long session will provide practical guidance on strengthening the theoretical contributions within PhD dissertations and scholarly papers.

What sets this program apart?

• Master Key Theoretical Approaches: Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of leading theoretical frameworks and contemporary debates within socio-cultural research in marketing and organisational studies. They will be able to choose courses that align with their specific research interests.
• World-Class Instruction: Participants will learn from internationally renowned scholars at the forefront of qualitative research methodologies.
• Theory in Action: Participants will be supported in developing practical skills in applying theory to their research questions and crafting impactful arguments.
• Flexible Learning: Participants will benefit from a blended learning format that combines in-person sessions in Lugano with online components, offering remote participation with just one on-site visit per course.
• Join a Vibrant Community: Finally, the participants will be able to network with fellow PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty, fostering collaboration and intellectual exchange within a community passionate about advancing sociocultural research in marketing and organisational studies.

Applications Open for Inaugural Year

The Doctoral School is excited to announce that applications are now open for its inaugural edition, focusing on Interpretivism and Sensemaking. We encourage PhD students and early career researchers from USI and other institutions across Switzerland and Europe to apply and join our network of passionate researchers.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Doctoral School's dedicated webpage.