Ph.D. Dual Degree program in collaboration with VERN' University (By Research)DBA from VERN; Ph.D. in majors from SIMI Swiss
Successfully finishing a doctoral program requires the integration of a substantial and groundbreaking contribution that advances both professional practice and academic research. Moreover, doctoral candidates must attain recognition for their research within the academic community, achieved through international publications in esteemed journal systems such as ISI/SCOPUS.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Dual Degree program in the field of management and business stands as the sole program in Switzerland that fulfills these stringent criteria. This program adopts a research-centric model (By Research), empowering doctoral candidates to immerse themselves in research right from the beginning. The program unfolds in two distinct phases: (1) an initial stage devoted to studying research topics, providing guidance for their research endeavors, and acquainting them with scientific research methods, and (2) a subsequent phase centered on research and thesis development for the Ph.D., with a career-oriented emphasis, under the guidance of academic supervisors.
As a dual degree doctoral program in collaboration with VERN’ University – Croatia’s one of the top universities, upon completion, doctoral candidates will receive degrees:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from VERN’ University / Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Majors from SIMI Swiss.
This program offers flexibility through two modes: full-time, hybrid (combining live classes with local tutor support in on-site workshops), enabling learners to select the learning model that aligns best with their preferences and schedules.
Dual Degrees Program:
The program is a collaborative effort between SIMI Swiss and one of Croatia’s premier universities, VERN’ University, providing the opportunity to earn two distinct and independent degrees. Both SIMI Swiss and VERN’ University boast notable accreditations, underscoring a high standard of education and ensuring recognition for graduates with a doctorate.
SIMI Swiss has achieved:
- Accreditation by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) at the highest level (Premier Institution)
- Accreditation of the management system compatible with the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, awarded by the HEAD – Higher Education Accreditation Division
- Programmatic accreditation by Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Organizations (OTHM, CTH)
- Learning outcomes are mapped to the UK national occupational standards by the Senior Leader Bureau United Kingdom
- A Federal Member of SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning)
- Recognition by the United Kingdom Regulated Qualification Framework
VERN’ University Croatia achieved:
- One of the top universities in Croatia (QUDAL)
- Government-recognized university by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Croatia
- University accredited by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE Croatia)
- Programs aligned with European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG)
- Internationally recognized university within the International Association of Universities (IAU) system
- Member university recognized by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
- Recipient of the national education brand in Croatia (Superbrands Croatia)
- Recognized by the European Union under the Erasmus+ system
The program is jointly recognized and awards two degrees:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from VERN’ University.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Majors from SIMI Swiss.
List of majors:
- Ph.D. in International Business
- Ph.D. in Hospitality Management
- Ph.D. in Public Administration
- Ph.D. in Hospital Management
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Management
- Ph.D. in Healthcare Management
- Ph.D. in Human Resources Management
- Ph.D. in Finance & Banking
- Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Ph.D. in Tourism Management
- Ph.D. in Luxury Management
- Ph.D. in Engineer Management
- Ph.D. in Technical Management
- Ph.D. in Construction Management
- Ph.D. in Design Management
- Ph.D. in Information Technology Management
- And other majors based on the Ph.D. Thesis.
The Ph.D. Dual Degree program in collaboration with VERN’ has a minimum duration of three years and a maximum of five years. In addition to completing the Ph.D. dissertation, doctoral candidates receive guidance in publishing international papers in journal systems affiliated with ISI/SCOPUS. This dual emphasis ensures a comprehensive approach to academic and research excellence throughout the program.
Key courses include:
- Course: Developing Research Capability (30 ECTS credits, equivalent to 60 UK Credits)
- Activity: Present Research Proposal in the Colloquium
- Course: Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (30 ECTS credits, equivalent to 60 UK Credits)
Ph.D. Dissertation Stage (60 ECTS credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits):
- Activity: Working with Research Supervisor for Dissertation
- Activity: Present the research result in Colloquium
- Activity: Defend the Dissertation
International Paper Submission Stage (30 ECTS Credits, equivalent to 60 UK credits)
- Course: How to Publish the Academic Paper
- Activity: Publish your research paper
After completing the Ph.D. Dual Degree program with VERN’ in Business Management, doctoral candidates will be able to:
1. Develop research aligned with the context of the Management and Administration research major.
- Assess the importance, practicality, and research feasibility of the Management and Administration research topic.
- Develop and adjust the research purpose to align with the direction and research objectives and within the time constraints.
- Analyze and evaluate various research options, making appropriate choices.
2. Possess the ability to gather, organize, and select relevant theoretical foundations for doctoral research.
- Compile theoretical foundations related to business and management research.
- Categorize and form a theoretical structure to serve the scientific management research topic.
3. The ability to design comprehensive research.
- Review precedent studies and select relevant research to support the intended research.
- Design research in line with research objectives, research questions, and the research timeframe.
- Adjust the chosen research methods considering research ethics and feasibility.
4. The capability to formulate a research proposal and the completed research.
- Formulate research questions and review theoretical foundations and research models.
- Construct research following international standards by developing a complete Ph.D. thesis in the selected majors.
- Present research to the scientific council.
- Possess the ability to defend and persuade.
5. The capability to publish internationally.
- Format international journal articles according to the policies and requirements of the journal.
- Write a peer-review to review and refine research results.
- Defense or engage in discussions regarding the scientific nature of international publications when required.
- Ability to condense knowledge from comprehensive research into the format of an international journal article.
- Ability to connect with scientists to increase references after publication.
Lists of majors:
- Ph.D. in International Business
- Ph.D. in Hospitality Management
- Ph.D. in Public Administration
- Ph.D. in Hospital Management
- Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Management
- Ph.D. in Healthcare Management
- Ph.D. in Human Resources Management
- Ph.D. in Finance & Banking
- Ph.D. in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Ph.D. in Tourism Management
- Ph.D. in Luxury Management
- Ph.D. in Engineer Management
- Ph.D. in Technical Management
- Ph.D. in Construction Management
- Ph.D. in Design Management
- Ph.D. in Information Technology Management
- And other majors based on the Ph.D. Thesis.
Assessment and Confirmation of Academic Results:
All modules and doctoral dissertations in the Ph.D. Dual Degree program, which follows a research-oriented model, undergo evaluation by both SIMI and VERN’ University, one of the leading institutions in Croatia. Learners are required to demonstrate mastery of knowledge and the attainment of competencies as outlined in detail in the program’s syllabus. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that candidates meet the established standards and objectives of the program.
In addition to the entry requirements, candidates applying to the program are also assessed for their suitability by the admissions committee before joining the program to ensure that they can acquire and benefit from the program.
Entry requirements:
To participate in the Ph.D Dual Degree program (By research), candidates must:
- Candidates must be over 24 years old.
- Hold a Master’s degree from an accredited university or a Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma degrees must be from organizations that are authorized to issue degrees and have been accredited.
Please note: SIMI reserves the right to accept or reject candidates after a detailed review of each applicant’s profile to ensure the most effective and suitable participation in the program.
English requirements:
If a learner is not from a predominantly English-speaking country, proof of English language proficiency must be provided.
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or equivalent; or
- A minimum TOEFL score of 101 or IELTS 6.5; Reading and Writing must be at 6.5 or equivalent.
Please note: SIMI reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.
SIMI SWISS is the first higher education institution with accreditation at both the programmatic and institutional levels:
- Accreditation by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) at the highest level (Premier Institution)
- Accreditation of the management system compatible with the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, awarded by the HEAD – Higher Education Accreditation Division
- Programmatic accreditation by Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Organizations (OTHM, CTH)
- Learning outcomes are mapped to the UK national occupational standards by the Senior Leader Bureau United Kingdom
- A Federal Member of SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning)
- Recognition by the United Kingdom Regulated Qualification Framework
VERN’ University in Croatia achieved:
- One of the top universities in Croatia (QUDAL)
- State recognition by the Croatian Ministry of Education
- Government accreditation in Croatia (ASHE Croatia)
- Quality accreditation for European higher education ESG
- International university recognition by the international university system IAU
- Member university recognized by EFMD
- Holds the first national education brand in Croatia (Superbrands Croatia)
- Recognized by the EU through the Erasmus+ system
Because the programs and degrees offered are rigorously accredited by reputable organizations, upon graduation, students have the confidence to enter the job market, pursue further studies, and smoothly transition to other prestigious and equivalently reputable educational systems.
Certifications & Apostilles in Switzerland:
Certifications & Apostilles is the process by which The Cantonal Chancellery certifies original public documents of the Canton of Zug (where SIMI Swiss is authorized and licensed), thus validating them for use abroad. The process solely verifies the authenticity of the diploma, confirming its origin from the Swiss Institute of Management and Innovation, and ensures the genuine signature of the chancellor/dean.
Below is an example of the Certification by Notary Public and confirm from Chancery of State:
Apostille and degree confirmation of VERN’ University in Croatia:
Similar to SIMI Swiss, VERN’ University is also a legally recognized institution, so it can also legalize consular authentication on the degree. Appraisal HERE.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is one of the highest degrees in the academic system. According to the dual degree system combining national qualifications according to Level UK and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from the SIMI. Learners can develop careers as experts, specialists in theory and practice, become an instructor and develop with senior roles in the industry and field.
In case learners wish to conduct international research, publish international articles on ISI, SCOPUS systems…learners can join PostDoc programmes according to research fields they want to develop.
Learners can also publish books and studies during their studies or the research process.