ERIM PhD Reference Guide

2 Overview of the PhD track
The primary aim of your PhD project is the completion of a PhD thesis within four
years (three years for ERIM research master graduates). Related objectives are the
acquisition of academic knowledge and research skills, knowledge and experience in
the presentation and publication of papers, and expertise related to the application
of scientific knowledge to managerial practice.
The work you do as a PhD candidate consists of research, taking courses, teaching
and sometimes contract research. At least 75% of a PhD candidate’s time should be
dedicated to research and taking courses (according to the ‘CAO’).
Teaching is only a minor part of your responsibilities as a PhD candidate. Teaching
tasks should only be accepted if they are closely related to your research or will
benefit you directly in some other way. It is strongly advised that you do not take on
any teaching tasks in the first year of your PhD appointment. Contract research is not
obligatory and should only be performed if the research benefits from it.
The next sections discuss several important events throughout your PhD project.
Figures 1 and 2 give a schematic overview of the important events and deadlines of
the three‐ and four‐year PhD tracks.
2.1 Starting Your Project
When starting your research, you should first obtain a clear view of your research
field. Start reading books and articles on your subject and discuss them with your
daily supervisor. If you plan to buy books, see chapter 4 for funding.
To start with, your primary sources for literature will probably be the university
library and the BIC (see chapter 5). To search for literature, you can use one of the
online databases (see chapter 5). We also advise you to make contact with other PhD
candidates in your research field, visit the ERIM website (www.erim.eur.nl, under
“People”) and the websites of various networks for lists of PhD candidates.
It is also important to consider which doctoral courses you would like to take.
Courses are offered by ERIM and numerous external networks (see chapter 3). A
schedule of the courses you intend to follow should be incorporated in your Training
and Supervision Agreement (see section 2.3.1).
2 Overview of the programme 11