Ph.D in Maritime Supply Chain (By Publication)

Swiss Doctorate by Publication

The Ph.D. in Maritime Supply Chain, offered in partnership with Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC), ranked 250th in Asia, provides a flexible and innovative pathway for maritime professionals and researchers through the Doctorate by Publication option. This program is tailored for individuals who have made substantial contributions to maritime supply chain management through academic research, industry articles, or technical reports.

Rather than a traditional dissertation, researchers compile a portfolio of their published works, rigorously assessed for originality, academic rigor, and industry relevance. This format allows professionals to demonstrate their expertise and achievements while advancing their careers. Mentorship is provided to refine and elevate these publications to meet doctoral standards. The program also utilizes the Modular Supervision Model, dividing the research process into distinct, manageable modules, each guided by a specialist in the field. This structured and flexible approach ensures high-quality supervision, fosters collaboration, and enhances research efficiency, ultimately leading to impactful and high-caliber doctoral research in maritime supply chain management.

“Additionally, full-time students are eligible to apply for a student visa to study in Malaysia, offering an excellent opportunity to experience a diverse and vibrant academic environment.”

Things that Doctorate students truly need and how SIMI adapted:
  1. Full-time Student Visa (option)
  2. Fully accredited programs and procedures
  3. The Swiss Student Card (issued by authorities) confirms your official Swiss student status and eligibility with SIMI Swiss
  4. Supply 6 courses at the Level 7 EQF provides the necessary knowledge for developing a thesis
  5. Stay updated with the latest trends
  6. Flexible learning options
  7. Expand your professional network
  8. Academic and research support throughout your studies
  9. Support for 5 international publications
Qualification within a Swiss Doctorate by Publication Program:
  • Ph.D in Maritime Supply Chain from Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC), Malaysia
  • Doctor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss)
International Accreditation

SIMI is accredited at both the institutional and programmatic levels by ASIC, HEAD, ISO 21001:2018, OTHM, and Qualifi, which is recognized by Ofqual.

Full time Student Visa

As a full-time program, doctoral students can be provided with a full-time student visa in Malaysia if needed.

Step by Step Supervise

Comprehensively guided by multiple supervisors through modular supervision and the international publication process.

Academic & Research Support

The academic, research and language support system helps students overcome challenges so they can focus solely on excelling in their studies.

Courses & Research Activities

1. Course: Advanced Research Methodology

This course is designed to enhance existing knowledge of research methods by introducing complex research design and advanced techniques for analyzing and interpreting literature, as well as higher-level methods for analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.

Upon completing the course, doctoral students will be confident in developing a Research Proposal and initiating the implementation of their doctoral thesis.

2. Task: Complete the Research Proposal

The research direction, or Research Proposal, serves as a blueprint for the research conducted by doctoral students. Therefore, the more aligned the research direction is with the student’s interests and goals, the more it ensures the successful and efficient completion of the doctoral thesis.

At this stage, students will begin writing their Research Proposal (which is also the goal of the first course). Doctoral students will receive the following support:

  • Comprehensive foundational learning materials suitable for the research major ensure that students have sufficient knowledge to pursue any research direction.
  • Templates and forms.
  • A consultation channel with professors specializing in research.
  • English language and format checks.
  • Guidance on essay writing and citation using APA/Harvard methods.

3. Task: Participate in Colloquium 1

Doctoral students will participate in Colloquium 1, organized by NMUC and SIMI Swiss. Participation in the Colloquium is mandatory, and students can attend in various formats: on-campus or online.

The Colloquium serves as a platform for doctoral students to expand their specialized knowledge, engage with faculty members, supervisors, and fellow students to discuss and present their research directions and findings.

At the conclusion of the Colloquium 1, doctoral students will have the opportunity to meet individually with their supervisor to finalize their Research Proposal before proceeding to the defense stage.

4. Task: Defend the Research Proposal

Once the Research Proposal is completed, doctoral students will defend their proposal before the academic committee of NMUC and SIMI Swiss. This defense allows doctoral students to receive valuable feedback and ensures their research aligns with the highest academic standards.

Successfully defending the proposal is a key milestone in the doctoral journey, setting the foundation for the subsequent phases of research and thesis development.

5. Task: Continue Research and Complete the Doctoral Thesis

Doctoral students will continue developing their Research Proposal into a complete doctoral thesis under the guidance and support of the following:

  • Supervisor: Responsible for overseeing the entire research process of the doctoral student.
  • Module Supervisors: Provide workshops or activities tailored to specific groups of students, ensuring they acquire the necessary knowledge to complete their research.
  • Academic Support System: Offers assistance such as English language support, plagiarism checks, and formatting in APA or other required styles.

6. Task: Participate in Colloquium 2

Doctoral students will participate in Colloquium 2, organized by NMUC and SIMI Swiss. Participation in the Colloquium is mandatory, and students can attend in various formats: on-campus or online.

The Colloquium serves as a platform for doctoral students to expand their specialized knowledge, engage with faculty members, supervisors, and fellow students to discuss and present their research directions and findings.

At the conclusion of Colloquium 2, doctoral students will have the opportunity to meet individually with their supervisors to finalize their Thesis before proceeding to the final defense before the academic committee of NMUC and SIMI Swiss.

7. Task: Defend the Doctoral Thesis to the NMUC & SIMI Swiss Academic Committee in Malaysia

After completing their research, doctoral students will bind their thesis and submit it to the academic committee of NMUC and SIMI Swiss.

The students will then proceed to defend their doctoral thesis before the academic committee of NMUC and SIMI Swiss.

Following the defense, students will receive feedback for potential improvements (if any) from the academic committee. Based on this feedback, they will refine their research until it is fully complete.

During this finalization process, students will continue to receive guidance from their supervisors and support from the academic support system.

8. Course: How to Publish Your Research Paper

Once doctoral students have successfully completed their research, SIMI Swiss offers a specialized course, “How to Publish Your Research Paper,” to guide them through the process of transforming their Thesis into a publishable academic paper. This course not only supports the completion of their program but also enhances their academic and professional standing through publication.

9. Task: Publish an International Academic Paper

After successfully completing their doctoral research and participating in the “How to Publish Your Research Paper” course, doctoral students are equipped to transform their completed thesis into an international publication.

Note: Outstanding students may have the opportunity to publish an international paper as early as the completion stage of their Research Proposal.

Research Publication Stage

1. Modular Supervision Model

Structure: The Modular Supervision Model organizes the research supervision process by dividing it into distinct modules, with each module (such as a chapter or specific section) assigned to a specialist in that particular area. For example, one supervisor may oversee the introduction and literature review, while another focuses on methodology, and a third guides the data analysis and results sections. This structured approach ensures that each part of the research receives expert attention tailored to its specific requirements.

Benefits:

  1. Expertise and Specialized Guidance:
    • Targeted Expertise: Each module is supervised by an expert in that specific field, ensuring that students receive high-quality, specialized advice tailored to the unique demands of each section of their research.
    • Enhanced Quality: Specialized supervisors can provide deeper insights and more nuanced feedback, elevating the overall quality of the research.
  2. Focused and Efficient Support:
    • Clear Responsibilities: By assigning specific sections to different supervisors, responsibilities are clearly delineated, reducing overlap and confusion.
    • Timely Feedback: With multiple supervisors handling different modules, students can receive more timely and relevant feedback, facilitating steady progress.
  3. Comprehensive Coverage:
    • Holistic Development: Each module is addressed thoroughly, ensuring that all aspects of the research are well-developed and cohesive.
    • Balanced Perspectives: Exposure to multiple supervisors brings diverse viewpoints and methodologies, enriching the research process.
  4. Flexibility and Adaptability:
    • Adaptive Supervision: As the research evolves, the modular approach allows for adjustments in supervision. If a particular section requires more attention, additional expertise can be allocated without disrupting the entire supervision framework.
    • Scalability: This model is scalable to accommodate varying research complexities and student needs, making it suitable for a wide range of doctoral projects.
  5. Enhanced Collaboration and Networking:
    • Collaborative Environment: Working with multiple supervisors fosters a collaborative academic environment, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and innovative solutions.
    • Professional Networking: Students build relationships with several experts in their field, expanding their professional network and opening up more opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.
  6. Efficient Management of Workload:
    • Balanced Workload: Distributing supervision across modules helps manage the workload more effectively for both supervisors and students, preventing burnout and ensuring sustained productivity.
    • Resource Optimization: Institutions can better utilize their academic resources by matching supervisors’ strengths to specific research needs.
  7. Personalized Learning Experience:
    • Tailored Support: Students receive personalized guidance that aligns with their research interests and strengths, fostering a more engaging and supportive learning experience.
    • Skill Development: Exposure to different supervisors’ expertise helps students develop a broader skill set and a more comprehensive understanding of their research topic.

Conclusion: The Modular Supervision Model offers a structured and flexible approach to doctoral supervision, leveraging specialized expertise to enhance the quality and efficiency of the research process. By dividing supervision responsibilities into manageable modules, this model ensures comprehensive coverage, fosters collaboration, and provides personalized support, ultimately contributing to the successful completion of high-caliber doctoral research.

2. Research Supervisor Process

SIMI Swiss understands that providing support and guidance to doctoral students throughout the research process and international publication not only reduces unnecessary stress and challenges for the doctoral students but also contributes valuable and high-quality research to society. With the unique Modular Supervision Model, doctoral students will gradually complete their PhD research, publish international papers, and meet the exceptionally rigorous standards of SIMI Swiss.

Learn more about the Research Supervision Process HERE.

3. Guidance on Publication

SIMI Swiss’s Doctorate by Publication program is renowned for its guidance and support, helping students not only complete their research but also successfully publish two international papers. The international publication guidance process at SIMI Swiss is implemented through the following steps:

  1. Guidance on selecting the appropriate journal
  2. Providing templates and methods for completing the submission
  3. Submitting the paper to the journal
  4. Guiding revisions based on feedback from the journal’s scientific board
  5. Finalizing the paper for publication

4. Guidance on Revisions and Format Support

After submitting a research paper to an international journal, the editorial board typically provides feedback, often suggesting revisions to improve the paper before it can be accepted for publication. At SIMI Swiss, students receive comprehensive support to successfully navigate this critical stage of the publication process. Support activities include:

  • Detailed evaluation of the feedback with guidance from the research supervisor;
  • Assistance in refining, analyzing, and revising the paper to ensure it meets the journal’s standards;
  • Guidance in reformatting the paper according to the journal’s specific requirements;
  • Coaching on how to professionally and effectively respond to reviewer feedback. With personalized guidance and formatting support, researchers can confidently resubmit their revised paper, significantly increasing the likelihood of acceptance and publication.

This process ensures that their research meets the high standards of international journals, enhancing both their academic credibility and professional expertise.

Entry requirements & Learning methods

1. Entry Requirements

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 enroll in this program, learners must be over 24 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A Master’s qualification in Majors from accredited universities; or
  • A Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma must be from organizations that are authorized to issue qualifications and have been accredited
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 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Please note:
  1. In case of not having proof of English language proficiency, learners must provide it within a year.
  2. SIMI Swiss and NMUC does not accept entry qualifications from counterfeit universities, Diploma Mills, or universities accredited by unreliable accreditation agencies.
  3. SIMI and NMUC reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.

2. Learning methods

Depending on the individual circumstances of the doctoral student, they may choose to apply for a full-time student visa or opt out. It is important to note that, if applying for a full-time student visa, doctoral students must comply with the regulations set by the Malaysian government, which include a health examination, a minimum residency period in Malaysia, and the payment of the student visa processing fee.

Group 1: Doctoral students Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa

  • Doctoral students in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend their first course and apply for a full-time student visa.
  • They are required to stay in Malaysia for a minimum of 4 weeks to complete all necessary procedures, including a health examination.
  • During this period, doctoral students will take their first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive a detailed introduction to the program structure and its requirements.
  • Doctoral students who have not yet met the English language proficiency requirements can use this time to study and obtain the necessary English certifications.

Group 2: Doctoral students Not Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa

  • Doctoral students in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend the first course without applying for a full-time student visa.
  • They will complete the first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive an introduction to the program structure and requirements, similar to those applying for a visa.
  • No mandatory 4-week stay in Malaysia is required, and they are free to return to their home country after completing the course without visa-related obligations.

3. Academic Support

We understand that pursuing an accredited postgraduate program can be both exciting and challenging, especially for busy adult learners. To help you overcome these challenges, we’ve created the SIMI Swiss Supporting Systems, designed to guide you through any difficulties during your studies.

For a full overview of the support available, be sure to watch our informative videos, offering help at every stage of your academic journey. 

  • Explore the Academic Support System HERE
  • Watch the Video on Academic Support HERE

Supplemental resources

Supply 6 courses at the Level 7 EQF provides the necessary knowledge for developing a thesis

We understand that supplementing foundational knowledge at the Level 7 EQF in Logistics & Supply Chain Management is especially important for doctoral students, as it serves two key purposes: providing a foundational knowledge base for use in the workplace and applying this knowledge to carry out doctoral thesis work.

The 6 courses are fully equipped with Syllabus, lectures, study materials, exams, and review exercises at the doctoral level, including:

1. Logistics Management

This course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the key theoretical and practical aspects of logistics management, focusing specifically on transportation, storage/warehousing, and packaging. View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Readings HERE.

2. Supply Chain Planning, Modelling and Analytics 

This course provides students with in-depth knowledge about planning processes across all key aspects of supply chain management. View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Readings HERE.

3. Procurement and Supply Management  

This course provides students with a thorough understanding of procurement and supply management from a strategic, technological,  process and relationship perspective. View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Readings HERE.

4. Supply Chain and Operations Strategy 

This course develop students’ understanding of supply chain and operations management, including its scope, impact and  importance as well as the strategic decisions that need to be made in today’s world of global supply and global markets, taking into account the major competitive drivers. View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Reading HERE.

5. Sustainable Operations Management

This course develop students’ understanding, knowledge and skills of sustainable operations management, including key elements  of sustainability and their importance to businesses, the business drivers and barriers affecting the move towards sustainability, the different  practices across the supply chain that can be worked upon to improve sustainability as well as the performance measures and the business  impact of sustainability. View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Reading HERE.

6. Business Research Methods

This course develop students’ ability to prepare for various types of academically based management research through the development and  design of a research proposal. View details on Learning Outcomes, Topics, and Suggested Reading HERE.

Program accreditations

1. Accreditation review guidelines by SIMI Swiss

SIMI is the first higher education institute in Zug, Switzerland, to achieve comprehensive international accreditations at both the organizational and program levels. The video below guides you through the step-by-step process of verifying and checking SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions.

  • Watch this video to learn how to verify SIMI Swiss's accreditations and recognitions HERE.
  • View the complete accreditation system of SIMI Swiss HERE.

2. Refer to SIMI Swiss Program information in SVEB Switzerland

SVEB Switzerland (Schweizerischer Verband für Weiterbildung) is the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning and serves as the national umbrella organization for adult education in Switzerland. SVEB is recognized as the leading authority in Switzerland for promoting and supporting lifelong learning and professional development through a wide range of educational programs and certifications.

Benefits of the SIMI Swiss Programs Published in SVEB:
  • National & Federal Recognition: Being published in SVEB gives the SIMI Swiss program official recognition in Switzerland, validating its quality and adherence to Swiss educational standards.
  • Increased Credibility: Membership and listing with SVEB enhance the credibility of the SIMI program, making it more attractive to prospective students and employers who value SVEB-approved programs.
  • Professional Advancement: Programs listed with SVEB are often aligned with the needs of the Swiss job market, increasing graduates' employability and supporting their career progression within Switzerland.
  • Access to a Wider Network: Association with SVEB connects the SIMI Swiss program to a broader network of educational institutions, professionals, and employers across Switzerland, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking, and knowledge exchange.
  • Compliance with Swiss Standards: SVEB ensures that SIMI Swiss programs meet high educational standards, including up-to-date content, qualified instructors, and effective teaching methods, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.
  • Support for Lifelong Learning: SVEB’s focus on adult education means the SIMI Swiss program aligns with lifelong learning principles, supporting students in their ongoing professional development.

Check the SIMI programs on SVEB HERE.

3. Accreditation and Recognition of Netherlands Maritime University College

  • Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) is a distinguished institution, currently ranked 250th in Asia.
  • Fully recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, NMUC upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and quality. SEE HERE
  • Doctor of Philosoply (Ph.D) program are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring that they meet national and international benchmarks. SEE HERE
  • With a strong reputation for academic rigor and comprehensive educational offerings, NMUC is committed to developing professionals and leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in their respective fields.

Guidelines of how to check the accreditation and recognition of NMUC HERE

You will get

1
Full time Student Visa
*As a full-time program, doctoral students can be provided with a full-time student visa in Malaysia if needed.
2
Quality Publications
*Upon graduation, student will have 5 papers published, which can be developed into a globally marketable book
3
Modular Supervision
*Comprehensively guided by multiple supervisors through modular supervision and the international publication process
4
Supplemental Resources
*Supply 6 courses at the Level 7 EQF provides the necessary knowledge for developing a thesis
5
Swiss Student Card
*The Swiss Student Card confirms official Swiss student status and eligibility with SIMI Swiss
6
Academic Support
*Academic support activities help international students overcome challenges and focus on their studies
7
Update Trend
*Continuously update your knowledge with the Swiss Colloquium system (owned by SIMI Swiss)

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