what do i do next!? phd query? what steps to take etc?

ditpoker

I have a degree and a taught masters. The degree is in management and marketing, the masters in international business. both from DIT.

I am by no means the studious type, i'm not what you'd consider to be "academic". I have a 2.2 in both degree and masters. In college i set up societies and ran events and small businesses etc. I very much believe in the Homer Simpsonism of "learn by doing!"

I did my thesis for my masters on "The practical benefits of management theory in real world environments" and one of my recommendations was that more research was needed into the use of Problem Based Learning as a medium to teach business... .i.e. less theory, more action.

I strongly believe that what is being taught on the majority of business courses is common-sense and that there is a greater need to develop tacit knowledge. However, I'm kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place, because if I were to propose this to a college, i.e. infront of a group of business teachers I'd basically be saying "what you teach is obsolete and dated, give me funding so I can show what you're teaching is obsolete and dated". Cant foresee much success there. Also, I contacted DIT's business research office and was asked verbatum "why didnt you get a first?" and short of saying "because I was busy actually learning business skills outside the classroom rather than being bored by more theory in the classroom" I 've left myself with few options. I got something like 60% in my thesis (having never met my supervisor, this was due largely as my dissertation supervisor during my degree I felt was of limited benefit and my thesis supervisor was not all that bothered).

Now, I want to do further research in Problem Based Learning in business.. i want to ultimately be a business lecturer and teach business MY way, not the standard way. I cant get a good lecturing position without a PhD, and i have no idea about where to start looking or what to do next?

I have contacted DIT regarding their ABBEST programme, but that would appear to be for people to further their thesis' to the next level, and assumes that you are a excellent student with great accademic potential. I will apply, but I'm looking for suggestions as to how a non-studious person gets his foot in the phd door, what do i do next, who do i apply to? where do i apply to?

I cant really look for private industry funding either as my research will hopefully help to improve education quality but not some industries sales figures, i.e. im sure if someone was going to research innovative ways to sell cars, that any car company would be wise to fund that.

So...
Is there scope for my proposed research area?
How do I obtain funding?
How do I present the idea?
General suggestions would be very welcome...

and if this is a rubbish idea and I've no hope please tell me, gloves off, nothing like constructive criticism.

Thanks (sorry for the long post)

m1ke

Go to an academic that you think might be a good potential supervisor. Arrange a meeting with them and tell them you have ideas. I have found that often academics are very eager to attract PhD students as this contributes to their prospects for promotion and brings in additional government grants etc... Bottom line is you need to start talking to people and be prepared to go with their suggestions and modify or abandon your topic completely if they advise it.

Turbulent Bill

If you're not the studious type, then a Ph.D. isn't for you - full stop. From the above, it doesn't seem like you enjoy the academic side of business, so why go for more hardship? Even if you're working on your own ideas, you would have to compare them against existing methods for the results to have any validity - there's no escape!

If you want to become a business lecturer and teach your ideas, you need to prove them. Set up (or work in) a business and demonstrate that they work. Once you can show results and are known as a practical expert in the field (sort of a pseudo-Ph.D.), you can guest or part-time lecture - no Ph.D. required.