On 13 December, during the Winter Graduation Ceremony at Turība University, four new Doctors of Science from the Faculty of Business Administration and the field of Communication were honored for the successful defense of their doctoral theses and the conferral of the Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) degree.

This was a special occasion for four doctoral graduates—Dace Šakena, Annemarī Šperliņa, Ketevana Rizhamadze, and Charles Nnamdi Ohanyelu—who have joined Turība’s academic community of 47 doctorate holders. The new Ph.D. graduates represent the doctoral study programs Communication Management, Business Administration, and Management Science. All graduates have been awarded the Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) degree in the field of Social Sciences.

Annemarī Šperliņa developed her doctoral thesis entitled “Influencer Marketing Communication on Social Media as a Factor Influencing Consumer Behavior and Brand Perception”. The aim of the study was to examine how influencer marketing communication on social media affects consumers’ purchase decision-making processes and brand perception, and, based on the research findings, to develop a model for evaluating the impact of influencer marketing communication.

This is a unique study conducted in Latvia, which for the first time provides a comprehensive insight into how social media influencers actually affect purchasing choices and brand reputation. The dissertation analyses communication processes on Instagram and TikTok during a period of rapid platform growth and, for the first time in Latvian academic research, systematically integrates persuasion theories, psychology, consumer behavior, and digital communication dynamics. The research reveals the “invisible dimension” of influencer marketing, how influence is formed and through which mechanisms it shapes attitudes and decision-making.

Whereas, Dace Šakena developed her doctoral thesis entitled “A Business Management Model for Reorganization to Enhance the Competitiveness of Medium and Large Real Estate Management Companies in Latvia”.

Her research offers a comprehensive and practically significant perspective on business growth opportunities in a rapidly changing economic and technological environment. The dissertation addresses a critical issue - how real estate management companies in Latvia can improve their competitiveness through reorganization processes, particularly mergers and acquisitions. The principal contribution of the study is the development and validation of a business management model for reorganization tailored to medium and large real estate management companies. The research fills a significant gap in academic literature, as no prior studies in Latvia have analyzed reorganization management in the real estate management sector in such depth or assessed its impact on competitiveness.

This year, the doctoral program is also completed by two international graduates. Ketevana Rizhamadze developed her doctoral thesis entitled “Innovation Management and Business Growth Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: The Case of Georgia”. Using a research-based approach, the study provides practical insights into overcoming challenges and fostering innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, the research addresses gaps in existing academic literature on innovation management in SMEs, contributing valuable insights to both theory and practice.

Whereas Charles Nnamdi Ohanyelu examined “Educational Management Practices for Improving University Education Quality in Developing Countries: The Case of Nigeria”. His research identifies the most appropriate management practices and leadership styles for the Nigerian context and develops an educational management framework - the University Education Quality Improvement (UEQI) Model, which provides a structured approach to enhancing the quality of university education in developing countries.

Doctoral studies represent the highest level of academic education and are designed for advanced research and the creation of new knowledge in a specific field. Turība University also offers doctoral studies to all interested candidates.

Turība University offers four doctoral study programs: Business Administration, Management Science, Law, and Communication Management. These programs may be completed in either Latvian or English, and the study process is organized according to an individualized approach for each doctoral student

The doctoral program Communication Management enables students to develop research and pedagogical competencies and generate new knowledge in integrated marketing communication, media and communication studies, and management science, including strategic communication and media management. Program Director Jolanta Derkevica-Pilskunga emphasizes:

“Doctoral studies are a logical professional continuation for those who wish to explore issues in greater depth. They provide an understanding of interconnections within scientific and professional domains. Communication is a relatively young but extremely fascinating field of study, which can serve as a continuation of previously acquired knowledge and experience”.

The Business Administration doctoral program is structured to facilitate in-depth research and the development of advanced competencies in entrepreneurship. “This program offers the opportunity to study a wide range of thematically interconnected courses covering strategic planning, management processes, financial management, innovation, and business development. Doctoral studies provide new perspectives and opportunities for advanced scientific research. Moreover, a doctoral degree in this field can open doors to career advancement and leadership positions in both business and academia,” highlights Rosita Zvirgzdiņa, Director of the Business Administration doctoral program.

The aim of the doctoral program Law is to ensure high-level studies and active research engagement by doctoral candidates. Program Director Ingrīda Veikša notes:

“Doctoral studies enable candidates to acquire advanced competencies necessary for completing a doctoral thesis with original and empirically validated results. They also provide an opportunity to test one’s knowledge and character through scholarly discussion. Doctoral studies encourage the analysis of everyday processes using scientifically validated methods, often yielding surprising results. They cultivate analytical thinking and contribute capable theoreticians to Latvia’s legal system”.

Turība University also offers doctoral studies in Management Science. Program Director Rosita Zvirgzdiņa emphasizes that the program focuses on an in-depth understanding of management processes, organizational structures, and leadership principles. The curriculum typically includes strategic management, organizational innovation, human resource management, and business ethics. “Doctoral studies in management science provide opportunities for advanced analysis and original research that contribute to both personal and professional development. A doctoral degree in management science offers significant career advantages and opportunities to influence the development of management theory and practice,” she adds.

The duration of doctoral studies in Business Administration, Management Science, and Law is three years, while the Communication Management program lasts 3.6 years. The Management Science program is implemented in cooperation with Daugavpils University.

Doctoral studies fundamentally transform perceptions and challenge stereotypes regarding research topics and life in general. They are not solely about acquiring new knowledge and skills, but also about sharing knowledge, transferring it to students at various levels, and applying it to address significant economic and academic challenges in Latvia and globally.

Graduates of Turība University doctoral programs who obtain a doctoral degree may pursue academic positions such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, become high-level executives, and contribute as authors of international research.