Doctoral Theses
| year | doctoral theses | AUTHOR |
|---|---|---|
| 18 December 2025 | RETENTION OF WORKING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: INSIGHTS FROM THE ESTONIAN CONTEXT Supervisors: Professor Kaire Põder, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, Assistant Professor Niveditha Prabakaran Pankova, Ph.D., Estonian Business School Opponents: Associate Professor Maarja Beerkens, Ph.D., Institute of Public Administration, Leiden University, The Netherlands Senior Lecturer Oleg Badunenko, Ph.D., Brunel Business School, Brunel University of London, United Kingdom | Mohammad Abu Sayed Toyon |
| 2025 | INNOVATION IN GROWTH-ORIENTED MICROENTERPRISES: MOTIVATION, CAPABILITIES and SUPPORT NEEDSSupervisors: Associate Professor Kätlin Pulk, PhD, Estonian Business School,Associate Professor Kyllikki Taipale-Erävala, PhD, University of Eastern FinlandOpponents: Professor Ulla Hytti, PhD, Turku School of Economics, University of Turku, FinlandProfessor Emeritus Tõnis Mets, PhD, University of Tartu, Estonia | Anneli Bäck |
| 2024 | Individual competencies and organisational support mechanisms to enhance virtual team success Supervisors: Docent Peter Zettinig, Turku School of Economics, Finland Professor Eriikka Paavilainen-Mäntymäki, Turku School of Economics, Finland Senior Lecturer Marge Täks, PhD, Estonian Business SchoolOpponent: Professor Jakob Lauring Aarhus University, Denmark *International dual doctorate, defence taking place at the University of Turku | Sirja Sulakatko |
| 2024 | Analysing Interorganisational Activities Between Cultural and Creative Industries and Other Sectors on A Managerial Level Supervisor: Professor, Rector Emeritus Arno Almann, PhD Estonian Business School Opponents: Docent Mervi Luonila, DMus in Arts Management Center for Cultural Policy Research CUPORE, Finland, Assistant Professor Ellen Loots, PhD, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands | Kristiina Urb |
| 2024 | Intellectual Property as An Element of The Public Support System for Small and Medium Enterprises Supervisors: Professor Tiit Elenurm, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, Adjunct Professor Katrin Nyman-Metcalf, Ph.D., Department of Law, School of Business and Governance, Tallinn University of Technology Opponents: Professor Frantzeska Papadopoulou, Juris Doktor, Law Faculty, Stockholm University, Sweden, Associate Professor Mervi Raudsaar, Ph.D. Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu | Pawan Kumar Dutt |
| 2023 | The Effects of External Group Supervision on Individual Professional Performance of Estonian Social Workers Supervisors: Professor Kaire Põder, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, Professor Ruth Alas, Ph.D., Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: Associate Professor Judit Strömpl, Ph.D., Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Social Studies, University of Tartu Airi Mitendorf, Ph.D., Development Manager, The National Institute for Health Development | Tiina Merkuljeva |
| 2023 | Situation Similarity Calculus Based Modeling of Decision-Making Process in Urban Transportation ManagementSupervisor: Professor Peeter Lorents, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, EstoniaOpponents: Dr. Gabriel Jakobson, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, CyberGem Consulting, Chestnut Hill, MA, USAAssistant Professor Robert Dygas, PhD., SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Poland | Maryna Averkyna |
| 2022 | A Contingent Relationship Between Corporate Social and Financial Performance: The Role of Information Demand and The Signaling EnvironmentSupervisor: Senior Lecturer Alar Kein, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, EstoniaOpponents: Associate Professor Lenno Uusküla, Ph.D., University of Tartu, Estonia, Chief Economist, Luminor EstoniaAssistant Professor Silvia Blasi, Ph.D., University of Verona, Italy | Renee Pesor |
| 2022 | Managerial Perspectives on Fostering Intrapreneurship in Organisations Through Education and TrainingSupervisors: Professor Olav Aarna, PhD., D.Sc., Estonian Business School, EstoniaSenior Lecturer Marge Täks, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, EstoniaOpponents: Professor Alexandre Ardichvili, Ph.D., Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USAProfessor Mathew Hughes, Ph.D., School of Business and Economics, Loughborough University, United Kingdom | Mart Kikas |
| 2021 | The Dark and the Bright Side of Empowering Leadership: the Role of Empathy in Times of UncertaintySupervisors: Mario Martínez-Córcoles, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Valencia, SpainProfessor Ruth Alas, Ph.D., Estonian Business School, EstoniaOpponents: Professor Levente Littvay, Ph.D., Central European University, Budapest, Hungary.Associate Professor, Kurmet Kivipõld, Ph.D., University of Tartu, Estonia. | Konstantinos Stephanou |
| 2021 | Organizational Performance Evaluation in Cultural and Creative Industries Organizations: The Example of EstoniaSupervisor: Ülle Pihlak, PhD, senior lecturer, Estonian Business School Professor Toomas Haldma, PhD, University of TartuOpponents: Professor Annick Schramme, PhD, Antwerp Management SchoolProfessor Martin Piber, PhD, The University of Innsbruck | Marge Sassi |
| 2021 | The Impact of Total Quality Management on Business Performance: Evidence from the Estonian Tourism SectorSupervisor: professor Kaire Põder, PhD, Estonian Business Schoolprofessor Katri Kerem, Ph.D., Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: Dr Declan P Bannon, PhD, AFG College with the University of Aberdeen, ScotlandDr Brent McKenzie, PhD, University of Guelph, Canada | Triin Veideman |
| 2021 | Responsible Management Education: Practices, Challenges, and ProspectsSupervisors: Professor Olav Aarna, PhD, Estonian Business SchoolProfessor Mari Kooskora, PhD, Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: Professor Anders Ragnar Örtenblad, PhD, Professor of Work Life Science, University of Agder, Norway Nikodemus Solitander, PhD, Sinituote Postdoctoral Researcher of Supply Chain Management and Social Responsibility, Hanken School of Economics, Finland. | Hala A. Abdelgaffar |
| 2020 | A Process-Trace of Selected Innovation- and Technology-Led Economic Growth Factors and Their Implications For Estonia´s Economic DevelopmentSupervisor: professor Olav Aarna, PhD, Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: professor Hannu Ruonavaara, Professor of Sociology, University of Turku, Finland Ott Pärna, PhD, School of Economics and Business Administration, University of Tartu | Andrew Adjah Sai |
| 2020 | Inclusion of Values in a Country-Level Typology of Corporate Governance Systems Supervisor: professor Mike Wahl, PhD, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Emeritus Tom Berglund, Dr.Sc. (Econ.), Department of Economics, Hanken School of Economics, Finland Dr. Mare Ainsaar, PhD, Senior Research Fellow in Sociology and Social Policy, Institute of Social Studies, University of Tartu | Supriya Banerjee |
| 2020 | Sustainability of the Regional Airline Model in the Legal Framework of the European Union Supervisor: professor Kaire Põder, PhD, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Manuela Tvaronavičienė, PhD, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania & Enno Lend, PhD, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, Estonia | Sven Kukemelk |
| 2020 | Determinants of Market Entry Mode For Finnish SMEs Entering Neighbouring Catch-Up and Emerging Markets Supervisor: Professor Tiit Elenurm, PhD, Estonian Business School Opponents: Professor Gunnar Prause, Dr. math., Faculty of Business, Business Informatics, University of Wismar, Germany Professor Arto Ojala, PhD in Econ. School of Marketing and Communication, International Business University of Vaasa, Finland | Faisal Shahzad |
| 2019 | Young Students´ Online Social Networking Readiness For Entrepreneurship in Small Developing European EconomiesSupervisor: professor Tiit Elenurm, PhD, Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: Mervi Raudsaar, PhD, University of Tartu & professor Andrea Gelei, PhD, Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary | Oliana Sula |
| 2019 | Books and Biases – the Explanation for Bounded Rationality in Managing Personal FinancesSupervisor: professor Katri Kerem, Ph.D., Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: professor Liga Peiseniece, D.Sc., BA School of Business and Finance, Latvia & emeritus professor Fred van Raaij, Ph.D., Tilburg University, The Netherlands | Leonore Riitsalu |
| 2019 | Emerging Patterns of Digitalization in the Estonian Music IndustrySupervisors: professor Ruth Alas, Ph.D., Estonian Business School & professor Meelis Kitsing, Ph.D., Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: Professor Tanja Johansson, D.Sc. Econ., Sibelius Academy, Finland & professor Tuomas Auvinen, Ph.D., Aalto University, Finland | Juko-Mart Kõlar |
| 2018 | Strategic Management of Economic Development: How Developed Countries Became Developed and Why Georgia Remains A Backward EconomySupervisor: professor Olav Aarna, Ph.D., Estonian Business SchoolOpponents: professor Giga Gavtadze, Ph.D., Akaki Tsereteli State University, Georgia & associate professor Diana Eerma, Ph.D., University of Tartu | Givi Kupatadze |
| 2018 | Managing the Risk of Discrepancies in Documentary Letters of Credit: Study of Export DLCs in EstoniaSupervisors: professor Olav Aarna, Ph.D., Estonian Business School & professor Tanel Kerikmäe Ph.D., D.Sc., Tallinn University of Technology Opponents: associate professor Dr. Natalia Konovalova, RISEBA University, Latvia & associate professor Dr. iur. Andres Vutt, University of Tartu | Hamed Alavi |
| 2018 | Factors Affecting Organizational Commitment Among Teachers in Egyptian Public Primary Schools 2018 Supervisors: Professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School & Associate Professor Riina Koris, Estonian Business School Opponents: Professor dr. Vilmante Kumpikaite-Valiuniene, Kaunas University of Technology & Maris Zernand-Vilson, PhD, Tallinn University of Technology | Mohamed Mousa |
| 2017 | Managing Societal Interactions in the Context of Changed Legal Status of Estonian Public Cultural Organisations Supervisors: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School & professor Annukka Jyrämä, Aalto University and Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Opponents: professor dr. Annick Schramme, University of Antwerp & assistant professor Tiina Ritvala, Aalto University School of Business | Kaari Kiitsak-Prikk |
| 2016 | Athlete Brand Construction: a Conceptual Framework and a Perspective Based on Fans’ Perceptions Supervisor: professor Katri Kerem, Estonian Business School Opponents: Dr. Ulla-Riitta Ahlfors, University of Jyväskylä & associate professor Andres Kuusik, University of Tartu | Ali Hasaan |
| 2016 | Developing Coaching Culture Through Coaching-Based Leadership Style Supervisors: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School & professor Olav Aarna, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Anu Virovere, Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences & Dr. Krista Tuulik, TLG Hotell | Signe Vesso |
| 2015 | Multi-Level Analytical Frameworks for Supporting Cyber Security Legal Decision Making Password: AgnesKasper Supervisors: professor Peeter Lorents, Estonian Business School & professor Tanel Kerikmäe, Tallinn University of Technology Opponents: professor Katrin Merike Nyman-Metcalf, Tallinn University of Technology & associate professor Rain Ottis, Tallinn University of Technology | Agnes Kasper |
| 2015 | Jätkusuutlikkuse suundumused Eesti kohalike omavalitsuse juhtimisinformatsioonis. Tallinna linna juhtumiuuringSupervisors: associate professor Mari Kooskora, Estonian Business School and associate professor Tarmo Kadak, Tallinn University of Technology Opponents: associate professor emeritus Mari Meel, Tallinn University of Technology and professor Kaja Tampere, University of Tallinn | Lea Roostalu |
| 2015 | Financial Services Innovation in EstoniaSupervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor emeritus Mart Sõrg, University of Tartu & professor Tatjana Volkova, BA School of Business and Finance, Latvia | Ly Hõbe |
| 2015 | The Effectiveness of Intercultural Persuasive Communication in an Organisational Context: Influencing Factors Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Robert Crane, INEEC Business School & professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, University of Turku | Elena Pruvli |
| 2015 | Adoption and Implementation of New Business Ideas in Estonian Business Organisations Supervisors: professor Ruth Alas & associate professor Tiit Elenurm, Estonian Business School Opponents: Milvi Tepp, PhD, Tallinn University of Technology & associate professor Mario Martinez-Corcoles, Tallinn University of Technology | Maris Zernand-Vilson |
| 2014 | Finantsjuhtimise integreeritud mudel Eesti avaliku sektori organisatsioonide näitel Supervisors: professor Arno Almann, Estonian Business School & professor Toomas Haldma, University of Tartu Opponents: associate professor Tarmo Kadak, Tallinn University of Technology & associate professor Kertu Lääts, University of Tartu | Juta Tikk |
| 2013 | A Cost Optimizing Model for IT Security Supervisor: professor Peeter Lorents, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor emeritus Leo Võhandu, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia & professor Leo Mõtus, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia | Jüri Kivimaa |
| 2013 | Differences in Psychological Contracts in Estonia: the Role of Individual and Contextual Factors Supervisors: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School & Mare Teichmann, PhD, Tallinn University of Technology Opponents: professor Remi Kouabenan, Universite Pierre Mendes, France & professor Barbara Koyusznik, University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. | Liina Randmann |
| 2013 | The Impact of Profit Measurement on the Financial Reporting and Analysis Supervisors: professor Jaan Alver, Tallinn University of Technology & professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: associate professor Ruta Šneidere, University of Latvia, Latvia & associate professor Alla Ozeran, Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University, Ukraine. | Maret Branten |
| 2012 | An Evaluation of State-Level Strategies Against Botnets in the Context of Cyber Conflicts Supervisor: professor Peeter Lorents, Estonian Business School Opponents: Gabriel Jakobson, PhD, Chief Scientist, Altusys Corporation, USA & professor emeritus Leo Võhandu, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. | Christian Günter Czosseck |
| 2012 | Change Management in Indian Organizations Compared to Chinese and Estonian Organizations Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Kondur Harigopal, Institute of Advanced Management Education and Entrepreneurship, India & Vello Rääk, PhD, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia. | Ülle Pihlak |
| 2012 | Strategic Management and Optimization System of Military Resources (Based on the Example of the Estonian Defence Forces) Supervisors: professor Peeter Lorents & professor Olav Aarna, Estonian Business School Opponents: dotsent J. F. M. Ugedo, University of Murcia, Spain & professor J.B.M. Kassarjian, Babson College, USA. | Maritana Sedõševa |
| 2012 | An Analysis of Factors in Developing a Cross-Border Knowledge Region: the Case of Helsinki and Tallinn City-Regions Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Tõnu Oja, University of Tartu, Estonia & professor Vilmante Kumpikaite, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania | Merle Krigul |
| 2010 | Territoriaalne kogukond ja selle juhtimise õiguslik korraldus Supervisor: professor Arno Almann, Estonian Business School Opponents: Mikk Lõhmus, PhD, Estonia & professor Kalle Merusk, University of Tartu, Estonia | Urmas Arumäe |
| 2010 | Cross-Border Cooperation Institutional Organisation and its Role in Regional Development Supervisors: professor Arno Almann, Estonian Business School & Erik Terk, PhD, Tallinn University Opponents: professor Tõnu Oja, University of Tartu, Estonia & professor emeritus Jaak Leimann, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia | Katri-Liis Lepik |
| 2010 | Human Resource Management in Estonian Organisations: Formation of the Characteristics in the Institutional and Cultural Context Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: associate professor Vilmante Kumpikaite, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania & professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, Turku School of Economics, Finland | Tõnu Kaarelson |
| 2011 | Human Resource and Reputational Crises in Chinese Organisations Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, Turku School of Economics, Finland & associate professor Vilmante Kumpikaite, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania | Junhong Gao |
| 2009 | Strategy Creation in a Restructuring Environment the Case of an Estonian Fixed Telecommunications Operator Transferring to a Competitive Market in 1993 – 2003 Supervisor: professor Alari Purju, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Erik Terk, Tallinn University, Estonia & professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, Turku School of Economics, Finland | Sven Heil |
| 2009 | The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Organisational and Individual Factors on the Innovation Climate Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Asta Pundzienė, ISM University of Management and Economics, Lithuania & professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, Turku School of Economics, Finland | Ülle Übius |
| 2009 | Organizational Changes in Chinese Companies Content, Readiness and Process (2001 – 2007) Supervisor: professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor Asta Pundzienė, ISM University of Management and Economics, Lithuania & professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, Turku School of Economics, Finland | Wei Sun |
| 2009 | Leadership in transitional Estonia on the way to European Union Supervisors: professor Raoul Üksvärav, Tallinn University of Technology & professor Ruth Alas, Estonian Business School Opponents: professor emeritus Raimo Nurmi, Turku School of Economics, Finland & professor Nancy Papalexandris, Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece | Krista Tuulik |