10th March 2022

Life as a Doctoral Researcher

Dr. Afusat Jaiyeola

I often meet people who are not sure what a doctoral researcher gets up to every day. They often see the tip of an iceberg, i.e., the completed thesis,  while having no idea of the work and efforts committed to the study throughout the years. Undertaking a Ph.D. is an exhausting yet fascinating and often enjoyable journey, and its completion is a significant accomplishment.

For me, the Ph.D. research is an experience of more than three years of continuous hard work. I believe that my cultural and academic background, besides my years of practical experience both in the Banking industry as well as in academia, had a significant impact on my actions when analysing and solving problems. However, what I learned and gained during the doctoral study, was unique and inspirational that could help me go to any length in academia. During the first phase of the study, a training programme crafted by the university enabled me to develop a complete understanding of the steps leading to the Ph.D. thesis. The monthly supervisory meetings then offered a real opportunity to discuss my research. It created an avenue to discuss the originality of the research initiative, the appropriateness of the research design (e.g., research philosophy, quantitative and qualitative research methods), the implications of research findings, as well as other vital issues. The entire journey was beneficial and, to a great extent, enriched my experience and knowledge of business research.

Throughout this study, I have acquired a great deal of knowledge from supervisory meetings, lectures, and participation in research seminars. The university's study scope was broad and well-designed. The facilities were available for researchers to gain knowledge and techniques necessary for doctoral research. The support from the university and the supervisors helped students obtain skills and research experience. In particular,  the conferences held by the University of Wolverhampton for staff, students, and the general public were useful where students are encouraged to showcase their own research.  In June 2018 and June 2019,  I presented my research at the Annual Research Conference. I also attended the 4th Asia-Pacific Family Business Symposium. Convened jointly by the University of Western Australia, the Japan Academy of Family Business, and the University of Shizuoka, the symposium was themed, “Family Business and Innovation in Times of Crisis.” It was held virtually on 30 September 2021 and attracted over 175 participants, including researchers, family business practitioners, and policymakers.

Representing the University of Wolverhampton under the supervisory team of Professor Yong Wang and Dr. Samia Mahmood, I presented my study titled “The impact of socioemotional wealth on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and debt financing of family businesses: Evidence from Nigeria” and won the Asia Pacific Family Business Symposium 2021 Naito Best Student Paper Award, which recognises studies that demonstrate scholarly rigour and contribute to the field of family businesses. Sharing research findings with leading family business consultancy companies and institutions such as Family Business Australia and New Zealand, Grant Thornton Australia and New Zealand, PwC Australia, as well as family business researchers from Europe, Oceania, and Asia was a great experience. With the rise of the University of Wolverhampton’s family business research profile on the global platform through its thought leadership in the international conference and winning the Best Student Paper, I look forward to developing future collaborations with international partners.

Find out more about PHD study at the University of Wolverhampton.