Research process

The Kairos PhD is a research-driven doctoral programme designed to integrate academic excellence with professional practice. Each phase of the journey is supervised by Kairos University (USA) and supported by IBR Institute of International Business Relations GmbH as its contextualisation partner.

Through personalised mentoring, learning resources, and reflective engagement, IBR helps doctoral researchers connect their research to real-world challenges and create outcomes that generate lasting value in their professional and organisational contexts.
IBR’s support focuses on these key areas:

  • 1. Programme entry
  • 2. Developing a Research Proposal based on the researcher’s own innovative ideas
  • 3. Conducting Doctoral Research leading to a full-length, disseminable dissertation or, with approval, an equivalent scholarly artifact

 

 

Step 1: Programme entry

Applicants must meet all admission requirements established by Kairos University for the Kairos PhD.

  • Typically, doctoral researchers supported by IBR have at least three years of professional experience after completing a master’s degree.
  • During Kairos University’s Programme Entry Phase, candidates identify a potential research problem that is both feasible and meaningful within their professional context.
  • IBR assists participants in clarifying their research interests and preparing for this phase.

 

 

Step 2: Creating a Research Proposal

In Kairos University’s Core Learning Phase, doctoral researchers work with their Kairos mentor team, who listen to their ideas and help shape them into a viable research proposal. This phase consists of self-paced learning, foundational readings, engagement with literature, dialogue with faculty and peers, and synchronous online sessions.

IBR provides additional resources and learning support to help participants contextualise their research development and manage their study process effectively.

By the end of this phase, researchers are well prepared to collaborate closely with their appointed Kairos University research mentors.

 

 

Step 3: Creating a full-length disseminable dissertation

In the Specialised Inquiry Phase and Generative Learning & Research Phase at Kairos University, doctoral researchers work under the supervision of their Kairos mentor team to produce a full-length, disseminable dissertation or, with university approval, an equivalent scholarly artifact meeting the same learning objectives.

Researchers progress at their own pace and may work individually or in small peer groups within their chosen discipline. The mentor team provides regular feedback and academic guidance, while IBR continues to offer supportive learning resources and professional networking opportunities.

Throughout this process, doctoral researchers take the initiative—it is their project, and success depends on their active engagement. When challenges arise, they are encouraged to reach out promptly to their Kairos mentors for guidance and feedback.