Combined study

4 years

prof. Ing. et Ing. Stanislav Škapa, Ph.D.

Chairman :
prof. Ing. et Ing. Stanislav Škapa, Ph.D.
Councillor internal :
prof. Ing. Vojtěch Koráb, Dr., MBA
prof. Ing. Mária Režňáková, CSc.
doc. Ing. Marie Pavláková Dočekalová, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Alena Kocmanová, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Vojtěch Bartoš, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Miloš Koch, CSc.
doc. PhDr. Iveta Šimberová, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
doc. Ing. Petr Pirožek, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Zuzana Dohnalová, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jiří Kraft, CSc.

The Company Management and Economics doctoral programme aims to educate experts highly qualified for research in the field of company management, for teaching and doing research at universities, and work in international organizations, domestic and global companies.
Emphasis is put on acquiring deep and systematic knowledge and understanding of theories and mastering modern methods and procedures applicable to economics as a field of science, next on adopting advanced methods for research in economics, company management, and on developing expertise in econometrics.
Students concentrate on their own research, finding solutions to research problems focusing on comprehensiveness and theoretical background of the solutions found. An integral part of students' activities is publishing the research results, their interpretation and subsequent presentation taking different forms (presentation at research forums, at scientific conferences, writing paper, conceiving and presenting research projects, etc.), but above all, writing and defending a dissertation.

A graduate in Company Management and Economics has acquired highly specialized, systematic knowledge of theories, concepts, and methods in the field of company management and economics, which is among the best on an international scale, thus enhancing the engineering expertise and skills, as well as deep and systematic knowledge and understanding of advanced mathematical and statistical methods of quantitative and qualitative data analysis including deep and systematic knowledge of the methods and procedures of scientific work.
Graduates will find jobs of highly qualified experts in research organisations as heads of research and development teams and can also teach and do research at universities, in international organizations, at domestic and global companies.

The study requirements for students of the Company Management and Economics programme can be found in individual curricula.
The key required subject is the Methodology of Science and Research Work in Economics and Management, which is offered in cooperation with the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. The programme's main objective is to teach the students how to do research, to improve their knowledge and practical skills needed for scientific work, as well as to teach them how to write a good dissertation.
The first year also includes the Economics III course aiming to improve the use of analytic tools needed in micro-economy, particularly concerning the analysis of the supply part of market mechanism with special emphasis on mathematical models, acquainting the students also with alternative approaches to demand and supply forming. In the macro-economy part, emphasis will be laid on the theory of exogenic an endogenic economic growth and the theory of state policy, improving the students' capabilities to apply the acquired knowledge in the context of company management. The second year includes the required Academic Writing course to develop the students' communication skills needed to describe their research and general academic genres while improving their stylistic skills typical of academic writings.
In the second year, students are required to choose one of the below listed courses to augment their expertise and skills needed for writing a quality dissertation.
• Theory of Management;
• Sustainability and Circular Economics;
• Information Management;
• Marketing Theory;
• Business Management Theory;
• Theory and Practice of Financial Management;
• Methods of Economic Management of Enterprises;
The required courses and the one optional chosen are then completed by an exam.
Since an individual curriculum must include research activities based on the dissertation focus, starting in the first year, the following research outcomes are required (Research outcomes I-IV):
• In the first year a student must have at least one publication (a contribution to a domestic/international conference proceedings or paper published in a reviewed journal) corresponding to the dissertation focus, having the structure of a research paper with a co-authorship of at least 80%. The student will receive a credit for the fulfilment of this condition from his or her supervisor.
• At least one publication is required in the second year, too, (paper in a Jimp or JSC type journal or a contribution to Defendant-type conference) with a co-authorship of at least 80%. The student will receive a credit for the fulfilment of this condition from his or her supervisor.
• At least one publication is required in the third year (research paper in a Jimp or JSC type journal) corresponding to the dissertation topic with a co-authorship of at least 80%. The student will receive a credit for the fulfilment of this condition from his or her supervisor.
• In the fourth year, too, a doctoral student is expected to publish at least one research paper in a Jimp type journal related to the dissertation focus written by the doctoral student alone, or several papers with a co-authorship totalling 100%. The student will receive a credit for the fulfilment of this condition from his or her supervisor.
The required research outputs as defined above strongly support the internationalization element since the fulfilment of the publishing requirements (particularly in the third and fourth years) is only possible if the papers published are written in English.
Because of the strong accent of the doctoral study on research with outcomes reflected in the dissertation, required is also a presentation of the dissertation research focus to help assess the setting of the dissertation objective, the progress of work on the topic chosen, the expected research contribution of dissertation as well as the research methodology. The student will receive a credit for the fulfilment of this requirement from his or her supervisor.
In order to improve the quality of dissertations, doctoral students must present a "small defence of dissertation" at the supervising department. This defence should help assess the dissertation scientific contribution, the research methodology, and the fulfilment of the main and partial goals of the dissertation. The student will receive a credit for a successful presentation from his or her supervisor.
An integral part of each individual curriculum is the obligation to complete a Foreign Internship - Study Stay in the third or fourth year abroad at a university or research organisation whose research focus is the same as or related to the one of the dissertation. The stay should contribute to the development of the student's expertise and skills in the given problem area, help him or her establish international contacts, broaden his or her experience and provide him or her with opportunities to engage more closely in the scientific community dealing with problems related to the dissertation focus. The length of the stay is one semester. The student will receive a credit for a completed stay from his or her supervisor.
In students of the combined study mode, the stay abroad may take the form of on-the-job stay at a company or institution working on problems related to the dissertation focus.
The student will receive a credit for a completed stay from his or her supervisor.
As an important part, an individual curriculum for a full-time doctoral student will include teaching practice needed to enhance the presentation skills. As a rule, this teaching practice in the first four semesters includes 4 lessons a week on average. For students in the combined study mode, such practice is replaced by their publishing activities with at least one publication (a paper in a type Jimp journal or a contribution to a type D conference proceedings with a co-authorship of 100 % or several publications with the co-authorships totalling 100%. The student will receive a credit for the fulfilment of this requirement from his or her supervisor.
Doctoral students of the combined study mode are not required to appear at the supervising department on a regular basis, however, they have to attend the courses offered, consultations, and other events related to the individual curriculum following instructions by the supervisor.

The Company Management and Economics doctoral programme is offered on the basis of individual curricula set up by supervisors in cooperation with the students. An individual curriculum covers four academic years providing the student with the expertise and skills needed for doing research. A draft of each individual curriculum must be debated and approved by the Doctoral Committee. When conceiving a doctoral study, emphasis is laid upon:
• curriculum / study;
• independent scientific and research activities related to the dissertation focus;
• internationalization supported by stay abroad;
• teaching practice;
The key part of an individual curriculum is the division of the study and completion of the required theoretical and optional courses. The first year includes two required courses:
• Methodology of Science and Research Work in Economics and Management (prof. Ing. Vojtěch Koráb, Dr., MBA)
• Economics III (doc. Ing. et Ing. Stanislav Škapa, Ph.D. person in charge and teacher 60%, doc. Ing. Zinecker Marek, Ph.D., teacher 40%,)
One required specialised course is taught in the second year:
• Academic Writing (doc. PhDr. Milena Krhutova, Ph.D.)
Next, students may choose one required optional course that enhances the expertise and skills necessary for writing a good dissertation. These are the below courses:
• Theory of Management (doc. RNDr. Anna Putnová, Ph.D., MBA);
• Sustainability and Circular Economics (prof. Ing. Alena Kocmanová, Ph.D.);
• Information Management (doc. Ing. Miloš Koch, CSc.);
• Marketing Theory (doc. Ing. Vladimír Chalupský, CSc., MBA, person responsible and teacher 50%, doc. Ing. Vít Chlebovský, Ph.D. teacher 50%);
• Business Management Theory (doc. PhDr. Iveta Šimberová, Ph.D.);
• Theory and Practice of Financial Management (prof. Ing. Mária Režňáková, CSc.);
• Methods of Economic Management of Enterprises (doc. Ing. Tomáš Meluzín, Ph.D.);
Each required theoretical or optional course is completed by an exam.
Since an individual curriculum must include research activities based on the dissertation focus, starting in the first year, research outcomes are required.
Because of the strong accent of the doctoral study on research with outcomes reflected in the dissertation, required is also a presentation of the dissertation research plan to help assess the setting of the dissertation objective, the progress of work on the topic chosen, the expected research contribution of dissertation as well as the research methodology.
In order to improve the quality of dissertations, doctoral students must present a "small defence of dissertation" at the supervising department. This defence should help assess the dissertation scientific contribution, the research methodology, and the fulfilment of the main and partial goals of the dissertation.
An integral part of each individual curriculum is the obligation to complete a Foreign Internship - Study Stay in the third or fourth year abroad at a university or research organisation whose research focus is the same as or related to the one of the dissertation. The stay should contribute to the development of the student's expertise and skills in the given problem area help him or her establish international contacts, broaden his or her experience and provide him or her with opportunities to engage more closely in the scientific community dealing with problems related to the dissertation focus. The length of the stay is one semester.
In the combined study mode, the stay may take the form of an on-the-job stay at a company or institution with a student working on problems related to the dissertation focus. Students staying abroad must also prove their language skills. The student will receive a credit for a completed stay from his or her supervisor.
As an important part, an individual curriculum for a full-time doctoral student will include teaching practice needed to enhance the presentation skills. As a rule, this practice in the first four semesters includes 4 lessons a week on average. For students in the combined study mode, such practice is replaced by their publishing activities.
Next, an individual curriculum includes other, no less important, activities improving a student's research profile. These are in particular applications for grants (such as Junior Projects as part of Specific Research), participation in domestic and international conferences.
The structure and content of a doctoral student's curriculum are part of the BUT Apollo information system.

The Company Management and Economics doctoral programme is intended for graduates in economic Master's programmes.

1. AI-driven Innovations in Servitization

   Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative tool for manufacturers looking to shift their business model towards servitization, focusing on outcome-based services rather than solely products. To build scalable and profitable services, manufacturers must leverage the extensive opportunities that AI provides. The aim of the topic is to map the possibilities of using AI in service innovations provided by manufacturing companies.

   Tutor: Kaňovská Lucie, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

2. Application of dynamic modeling in business process analysis

   Appropriately chosen methods for analyzing dynamic business processes enable managers to optimize key management processes and increase the overall economic efficiency of the company. The research will focus on the application of modern quantitative methods in solving selected dynamic models from business practice, with the aim of supporting strategic decision-making by management and enhancing the company’s competitiveness through the effective use of information and communication technologies.

   Tutor: Novotná Veronika, doc. Mgr., Ph.D.

3. Benefits of pokročilých services provided by enterprises

   Current manufacturers provide to their products also advanced, e.g., smart services. Advanced services offer many benefits for both manufacturing companies and as well as for their customers. The aim of this topic is to investigate which benefits of advanced services are significant for manufacturing companies.

   Tutor: Kaňovská Lucie, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. Brand development for start-up and spin-off companies

   Brand development of emerging businesses has many specifics. Businesses at this stage do not have a clearly defined business model and their specific needs must be considered. It is necessary to define approaches reflecting the nature of startup and spin off companies to develop theory and practice.

   Tutor: Zich Robert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Business ecosystem - a model solution in a selected sector

   The research will focus on identifying the most significant elements/components of the business environment of the selected sector and validating them on a sample of organisations. Using the selected methods, the influence of the elements/components affecting the prosperity of organisations in the selected sector and their model solution will be determined. (Due to the scope and depth of the research topic, only the internal form of the PhD study is assumed).

   Tutor: Pirožek Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Corporate Governance - determination of the most significant factors associated with the performance of corporate governance

   The problem addressed aims to describe the functioning of Corporate Governance (CG) in selected organizations. On the basis of the conducted research, through quantitative/qualitative methods, the relevant factors (competences, qualifications, roles, decision-making methods, etc.) influencing effective and efficient CG in organisations will be determined. (Due to the scope and depth of the research topic, only the internal form of the PhD study is assumed).

   Tutor: Pirožek Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

7. Current geopolitical changes and their impact on the performance of export-oriented companies

   Current geopolitical changes in the form of wars, international terrorism and growing tensions in international politics represent an immediate threat to the existing model of European export-oriented companies. This dissertation will focus on research into the forms of geopolitical risks and their impact on firms. What should be the future strategy of enterprises and what are their requirements for shaping national and regional economic policy in the newly formed global ecosystem?

   Tutor: Zinecker Marek, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Development of approaches of business ideas and innovation validation

   The principles of business idea validation are applied to new projects and existing companies. The dynamics of the development of environment requires efficient evaluation. Classical market research is failing so new approaches need to be developed from the perspective of theory and practice.

   Tutor: Zich Robert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Digital Workplace: Work Life balance in a digital workplace environment.

   The digital workplace is currently very strongly perceived as an important organizational component for increasing employees´ productivity. With increasing demands on the use of technology, it brings with it technostress, information overload and conflicts between work and private life. The main goal is to develop a work-life balance model for a digital workplace. The designed tools will enable agility, not overloading, reduce stress and burnout.

   Tutor: Konečná Zdeňka, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

10. Family business - challenges of the current business environment

    The dissertation focuses on the strategies and actions chosen by family businesses in dealing with crises, crisis management or conflict situations. These strategies will be examined from a performance perspective on a selected sample of family businesses.

    Tutor: Marciánová Pavla, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

11. Financial constraints factors and their impact on default risk of SMEs

    The limited variability of financial sources of small and medium enterprises (SME) limits their investment activities and by that limits the growth and the enhance the default risk. The nexus between financial constraints factors and the default risk represents a scientific gap.

    Tutor: Karas Michal, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

12. Financial Transactions and Their Taxation

    The OECD's project against BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) has established standards that have had significant impacts in the area of financial transactions. The aim of the thesis will be to assess the existing standards along with the systematization of the existing rules and subsequently to create a methodological guide for tax management in this area.

    Tutor: Brychta Karel, doc. Ing. Mgr., Ph.D.

13. Intangible Assets and Their Taxation

    The OECD's project against BEPS (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting) has established standards that have had significant impacts in the area of intangible assets, which importance has been continuously growing. The aim of the thesis will be to assess the existing standards along with the systematization of the existing rules and subsequently to create a methodological guide for tax management in this area.

    Tutor: Brychta Karel, doc. Ing. Mgr., Ph.D.

14. IPO as a tool of capital market development

    The research formulates measures to support the IPO market in the Czech capital market and propose solutions to increase the interest of companies in equity financing.

    Tutor: Meluzín Tomáš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

15. Non-market options for valuation of debt instruments at fair value

    In the absence of market data, fair value valuation via the income approach is possible. The gap remains the possibility of taking into account the risk of failure within cash flows or the discount rate, especially with the optional approach.

    Tutor: Karas Michal, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

16. Research on current trends in angel investing

    Current trends in the field of angel investing include the development of industry-oriented networks, the use of AI for decision making support or the focus on sustainability (impact investing). The dissertation will focus on the research of a selected phenomenon within the Czech or wider European ecosystem.

    Tutor: Zinecker Marek, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

17. Research on the relevant factors operating in the expatriation programme of managers in multinational companies

    The object of the research is to conduct a survey in selected branches of multinational companies operating domestically, or in branches of domestic multinational companies located abroad. Based on the use of quantitative/qualitative methods, the relevant factors associated with expatriation success in international management, the rationale for their use and the determination of the benefits of expatriation for multinationals will be determined. (Due to the scope and depth of the research topic, only the internal form of the PhD study is assumed).

    Tutor: Pirožek Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

18. Strategic development management with a focus on the differences between start-ups and traditional new businesses

    The strategic management of emerging companies relies on standard approaches that do not reflect the specifics of the emerging entity's position. There are significant differences in the development dynamics of 'traditional' businesses and start-ups that are not captured by the strategic management approach. The development of theory and practice requires new approaches.

    Tutor: Zich Robert, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

19. Synergizing Industry 5.0 and Circular Economy

    A Framework for Sustainable Business Transformation. In connection with changing industrial paradigms, there is a convergence of the principles of Industry 5.0 and the circular economy, which is becoming a key strategy for the sustainable transformation of businesses. The research project aims to explore the connection between Industry 5.0 and circular economy practices, emphasizing the need to integrate digital innovation with the protection and care of the environment and human capital. By elucidating the factors and dynamics shaping this connection, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive framework that will help organizations find the right direction in the complex modern industrial environment while promoting environmental resilience and resource efficiency.

    Tutor: Pavláková Dočekalová Marie, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

20. The impact of modern technologies on interpersonal communication in a digital workplace environment.

    With the rapid development of modern technologies, the working environment is also changing dramatically. The dynamic development of modern information and communication technologies, particularly enhanced by the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), significantly influences and fundamentally changes communication within organizations. The main goal of the dissertation will be to propose, based on the analysis of the use of digital tools for communication in the workplace, a methodology enabling an effective way of using modern technologies in organizations for their internal communication processes.

    Tutor: Konečná Zdeňka, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

21. The importance of servitization and smart (digital) servitization of companies in terms of sustainable development

    The reasons leading companies to the servitization strategy have recently been supplemented with society-wide global trend of striving for sustainable development. The aim of the topic is to map the significance of servitization and smart servitization of companies in terms of sustainable development.

    Tutor: Kaňovská Lucie, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

22. The specifics of the Economic Management of the Family Business

    Research is focused on the identification of the specifics and the proposal of a model for the economic management of the family business.

    Tutor: Meluzín Tomáš, prof. Ing., Ph.D.

23. Use of Digital Tools to Support Companies' Marketing Strategies

    Research focused on the composition and extent of the use of digital tools to support the creation and implementation of marketing strategies in companies.

    Tutor: Chlebovský Vít, doc. Ing., Ph.D.