The identity and legitimacy of the PhD in administrative sciences

• Author: Valentina Cornea
• Pages: 112-123

The identity and legitimacy of the PhD in administrative sciences

Lecturer Valentina CORNEA

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Abstract

The research in public administration within the PHD programmes contributes

to the satisfying of th e need for scientific knowledge in the field. The present study is an

approach to the nature of research within the PHD programmes in Administrative Sci-

ences. We synthetize da ta and information obtained out of the analysis of the activity of

the doctoral programmes in Administrative Sciences and we relate it to the criteria that

confer the identity and legitimacy of the PHD. We consider three essential elements: ma-

jor research subjects, research methodologies, and the results disseminated that we relate

to the field of study in Administrative Sciences and to the context. We realise a first diag-

nosis of the stage of the PHD in Administrative Sciences in Romania and the measure

that it is relevant to the new econ omy of knowledge. The conclusion of the study is that

the legitimacy of the PHD in Administrative Sciences is mainly ensured by the need to

bring the academic studies in accordance to the Bologna system and the criteria imposed

in order to follow an a cademic career. The major subjects of research consider the

tendencies of evolution in Administrative Science as a totalizing science.

Keywords: doctoral studies, PHD, research, scientific result, administrative sci-

ence.

JEL Classification: H70, H83

1. The logic and philosophy of the PHD within the society of

knowledge

The ministers reunited in Berghen in May 2005 admitted that the rela-

tionships between the academic field and other fields can be ensured by making

use of an approach based on results. According to the logic of the Bologna pro-

cess, universities were encouraged to structure their programmes of study in three

cycles: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD, ant to make sure that a com-

ponent of research is included and developed in all the three cycles, and in such

a way as to allow the students to gain experience in doing research and to stimu-

late their interest in research as their possible future career. In 2007, the EUA

TRENDS Report revealed the growing tendency in the developing of structural

and doctoral programmes

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. By examining the declarations for research and the

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Valentina Cornea - „Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Romania, valentina.cornea@ugal.ro.

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*** Doctoral Programmes in Europe’s Universities: achievements and challenges. Report

prepared for the European universities and the Ministers of Higher education. European University

Association, Brussels, 2007, p. 6-9.