Applied Project and Operations Management (PhDr.)
The Applied Project and Operations Management (PhDr.) program is a high-level executive research degree specifically designed for senior managers, portfolio directors, supply chain executives, and consultants. This pathway is centered on Applied Research, focusing on optimizing complex operational systems, mastering advanced project methodologies, and leveraging data analytics to drive efficiency and strategic excellence across organizations in Africa and beyond.
Program Overview and Objective
We train Operational Excellence Architects capable of tackling the inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and complex logistics that challenge productivity. Your doctoral journey culminates in an Operational Improvement Thesis—a comprehensive, work-based project that must solve a critical, systemic challenge in project or operations management, leading to verifiable, quantifiable improvements in organizational performance.
Key Program Objectives:
- Process Optimization: Apply advanced analytical and management techniques (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to radically improve organizational operations.
- Systems Design: Apply regenerative design principles to urban planning, architecture, and infrastructure development.
- Policy and Finance: Develop financing models (e.g., product-as-a-service) and policy instruments to enable circularity at scale.
- Co-Supervision Model: Ensure immediate relevance and rigor through mentorship from both academic scholars and senior industry executives.
Program Curriculum
The modular curriculum is structured to integrate advanced technical skills with high-level strategic and policy competencies, guiding you from material flow analysis to systemic design implementation.
Module 1: Principles of the Circular Economy and Systems Thinking
This module establishes the theoretical and practical foundations of the circular economy (CE) and its application in the built environment. You will master systems mapping and material flow analysis (MFA) techniques to diagnose resource waste and identify systemic opportunities for circularity.
Module 2: Regenerative Design, Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Digital Tools
 Focus on advanced design strategies for deconstruction and reuse, and master Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify environmental impacts. Content includes utilizing digital tools and platforms to track, manage, and source circular materials.
Module 3: Applied Research Methods for Material Management and Policy
 Master specialized research methodologies for the circular sector, including Reverse Logistics Modeling, Economic Feasibility Studies for material recovery, and advanced qualitative methods for overcoming policy and behavioral barriers to circularity.
Module 4: Circular Business Models, Procurement, and Green Finance
A critical focus on developing new circular business models (e.g., product-as-a-service, waste valorization ventures). You will also learn to reform public and private procurement practices and structure green finance for circular projects.
The Regenerative Design Thesis: Material Circularity Project
The thesis phase is dedicated to executing a work-based project that addresses a critical circularity challenge (e.g., implementing a city-wide construction waste recovery scheme or designing a building for full material disassembly). The final output must document the evidence and its quantifiable impact on waste reduction and resource value creation.
Knowledge Translation and Policy Advocacy
This final stage focuses on translating your doctoral findings into professional deliverables—such as Circular Procurement Guides, Material Passports, and high-impact Policy Briefs—to drive legislative changes and broad industry adoption of circular practices.
Student Testimonials
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Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old.
ACD-SAR Contact Info
CSR Mindset and Thinking
ICESDA Conference 2025
- 23rd Oct. 2025
- GIMPA Executive Conference Center, Accra- Ghana