Problem based learning with academic accreditation: A flexible postgraduate program for managers and practitioners using action research at the workplace

The paper will describe how the program started and trials and tribulations of the students as they inspired each other to complete and receive their doctorates simultaneously. It will also explain a new model for action research based PhD programs which they developed together through their research where both management and research outcomes are generated benefiting the organisation and the researcher.

Based on their experience the two companies have been started - one in Singapore and on e in Australia with the University where their supervisors came form to promote and execute an innovatively designed PhD program based on their experience and adding to it what they felt was of value to the students to be able to complete a doctoral program in a shorter time than they completed it themselves. This improved doctoral program is now being offered to both organisations and individual students from both Singapore and Australia and will be expanded to other countries in the future. The structure of the program can be flexibly adjusted to the needs of an organisation and its managers.