PROGRAMPH.D IN MARITIME SUPPLY CHAIN

Ph.D. in Maritime Supply Chain

As a full-time program, doctoral students can be provided with a full-time student visa in Malaysia if needed.

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The Ph.D. in Maritime Supply Chain program at Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) is fully accredited by MQA (MQA/PA15588). NMUC is a university recognized by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (DKU041(J)) and is ranked Top 250 in Malaysia.

The program is structured as a full-time study program with a student visa. In case candidates wish to study part-time or online, they may apply separately and submit an independent application. Doctoral candidates participating in the program receive step-by-step research supervision, enabling them to confidently complete their doctoral thesis and publish 5 international publications.

Upon completion of the program, doctoral researchers will receive:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Maritime Supply Chain from Netherlands Maritime University College.
  • Doctor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Swiss Information and Management Institute (awarded upon joint recognition of results from NMUC).

Distinction
& Benefit

Full-time students are eligible to apply for a student visa to study in Malaysia, gaining an opportunity to experience a vibrant academic environment.

Dual Degree

2 independent  Doctoral degrees from Netherlands Maritime University College and SIMI Swiss (awarded upon SIMI’s recognition of results from NMUC)

No Hidden Fees

All fees are announced from the beginning, ensuring no unexpected charges outside the program.

Full time Student Visa

As a full-time program, doctoral students can be provided with a full-time student visa in Malaysia if needed.

Accreditation

Comprehensively accredited programs at both institutional and programmatic level.

International Publication

Doctoral researchers receive guidance on publishing their research in prestigious ISI/SCOPUS-indexed journals.

Modular Research Supervision

Research is guided by multiple supervisors through a modular supervision system, enabling the step-by-step completion of the doctoral thesis.

Detail program

Program structure
Courses & Research Activities

1. Course: Advanced Research Methodology
2. Task: Complete the Research Proposal
3. Task: Participate in Colloquium 1
4. Task: Defend the Research Proposal
5. Task: Continue Research and Complete the Doctoral Thesis
6. Task: Participate in Colloquium 2
7. Task: Defend the Doctoral Thesis to the NMUC & SIMI Swiss Academic Committee in Malaysia
8. Course: How to Publish Your Research Paper
9. Task: Publish an International Academic Paper

Diploma

After graduation, students receive:

  • Ph.D in Maritime Supply Chain from Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC), Malaysia
  • Doctor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) (awarded upon SIMI’s recognition of results from NMUC)
Entrance requirements

In addition to the entry requirements, candidates applying to the program are also assessed for their suitability by the admissions committee before joining the program to ensure that they can acquire and benefit from the program.

Entry requirements:

To enroll in this program, learners must be over 24 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A Master’s qualification in Majors from accredited universities; or
  • A Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma must be from organizations that are authorized to issue qualifications and have been accredited
English requirements:

If a learner is not from a predominantly English-speaking country, proof of English language proficiency must be provided.

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or equivalent;
  • Or A minimum TOEFL score of 101 or IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent.
Please note:
  1. In case of not having proof of English language proficiency, learners must provide it within 06 months.
  2. SIMI Swiss and NMUC does not accept entry qualifications from counterfeit universities, Diploma Mills, or universities accredited by unreliable accreditation agencies.
  3. SIMI and NMUC reserves the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.
Training model

Depending on the individual circumstances of the doctoral student, they may choose to apply for a full-time student visa or opt out. It is important to note that, if applying for a full-time student visa, doctoral students must comply with the regulations set by the Malaysian government, which include a health examination, a minimum residency period in Malaysia, and the payment of the student visa processing fee.

Group 1: Doctoral students Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa

  • Doctoral students in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend their first course and apply for a full-time student visa.
  • They are required to stay in Malaysia for a minimum of 4 weeks to complete all necessary procedures, including a health examination.
  • During this period, doctoral students will take their first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive a detailed introduction to the program structure and its requirements.

Group 2: Doctoral students Not Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa

  • Doctoral students in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend the first course without applying for a full-time student visa.
  • They will complete the first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive an introduction to the program structure and requirements, similar to those applying for a visa.
  • No mandatory 4-week stay in Malaysia is required, and they are free to return to their home country after completing the course without visa-related obligations.
Academic Support

We understand that pursuing an accredited postgraduate program can be both exciting and challenging, especially for busy adult learners. To help you overcome these challenges, we’ve created the SIMI Swiss Supporting Systems, designed to guide you through any difficulties during your studies.

For a full overview of the support available, be sure to watch our informative videos, offering help at every stage of your academic journey.

  • Explore the Academic Support System HERE
  • Watch the Video on Academic Support HERE
Accreditation and Recognition of Netherlands Maritime University College
  • Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) is a distinguished institution, currently ranked 250th in Asia.
  • Fully recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, NMUC upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and quality. SEE HERE
  • Doctor of Philosoply (Ph.D) program are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), ensuring that they meet national and international benchmarks. SEE HERE
  • With a strong reputation for academic rigor and comprehensive educational offerings, NMUC is committed to developing professionals and leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in their respective fields.

Guidelines of how to check the accreditation and recognition of NMUC HERE

Accreditation review guidelines by SIMI Swiss

SIMI is the first higher education institute in Zug, Switzerland, to achieve comprehensive international accreditations at both the organizational and program levels. The video below guides you through the step-by-step process of verifying and checking SIMI Swiss’s accreditations and recognitions.

  • Watch this video to learn how to verify SIMI Swiss’s accreditations and recognitions HERE.
  • View the complete accreditation system of SIMI Swiss HERE.
Join Colloquiums for the lastest trend

What’s typically learned from textbooks can often be several years out of date. Recognizing this, doctoral students in the Ph.D in Maritime Supply Chain program participate in Colloquiums designed to equip them with the latest knowledge and trends, which they can immediately apply to their work and professional activities.

For more information about the Swiss Colloquium, check out [HERE].

Graduation

After completing the requirements, doctoral researchers may attend the graduation ceremony at NMUC in Asia, depending on the annual schedule of the universities.

INCLUDING

Support

  • Transport assistance
  • Networking activities
  • Participation in the Colloquium
  • Assistance with booking hotels
  • Research Suppervisor
  • Tutors & Assistance
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17 steps of earning Ph.D in Maritime Supply Chain

Apply for admission as required by NMUC & SIMI Swiss

Doctoral researchers who meet the admission requirements of NMUC and SIMI Swiss will proceed with the enrollment process to begin their studies. Depending on their individual circumstances, students may choose to apply for a full-time student visa or opt out. It is important to note that if applying for a full-time student visa, doctoral students must comply with the regulations of the Malaysian government, which include a health examination, a minimum residency period in Malaysia, and payment of the student visa processing fee.

It is the responsibility of the doctoral students to verify the visa requirements in their home country, including but not limited to the regulations, rules, and policies set by their respective Ministry of Education or other governing bodies. Doctoral students must ensure they comply with any requirements related to holding a full-time student visa upon returning to their country. The institution shall not be held liable for any non-compliance with such requirements.

We, however, are fully committed to providing assistance in obtaining a full-time student visa, as this program is a fully accredited, full-time course, recognized by the government.

Travel to Malaysia to attend the "Advanced Research Methodology" and apply for a student visa

Doctoral researchers who meet the admission requirements of NMUC and SIMI Swiss will proceed with the enrollment process to begin their studies. Depending on their individual circumstances, doctoral researchers may choose to apply for a full-time student visa or opt out. It is important to note that if applying for a full-time student visa, doctoral researchers must comply with the regulations of the Malaysian government, which include a health examination, a minimum residency period in Malaysia, and payment of the student visa processing fee.

Group 1: Doctoral researchers Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa

  • Doctoral researchers in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend their first course and apply for a full-time student visa.
  • They are required to stay in Malaysia for a minimum of 4 weeks to complete all necessary procedures, including a health examination.
  • During this period, doctoral researchers will take their “Advanced Research Methodology” course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive a detailed introduction to the program structure and its requirements.

Group 2: Doctoral researchers Not Applying for a Full-Time Student Visa

  • Doctoral researchers in this group will travel to the Malaysia campus to attend the first course without applying for a full-time student visa.
  • They will complete the first course, be assigned a supervisor, and receive an introduction to the program structure and requirements, similar to those applying for a visa.
  • No mandatory 4-week stay in Malaysia is required, and they are free to return to their home country after completing the course without visa-related obligations.
Participating in the Research Orientation Development Workshop

After completing the first course, doctoral researchers will have gained sufficient knowledge and tools to begin shaping their research direction. However, at this stage, the development of a clear research focus for their dissertation may still be quite vague. At this point, doctoral researchers will greatly benefit from the support of specialized professors.

Immediately after completing the first course, doctoral researchers will attend a research orientation development workshop, led by professors specializing in maritime supply chain. It is important to note that at this stage, the professor assisting you in developing your research focus is not yet your official supervisor. Your supervisor will be assigned and work alongside you once your research direction has been clearly defined, during Phase 2.

In this session, doctoral researchers will receive guidance from an expert in maritime supply chain to address key questions such as:

  • What research is suitable for me?
  • Is it feasible to conduct this research?
  • Has similar research been done before? (to ensure no duplication)
  • Can data be collected for this research?
  • Is there an existing foundational research model?

Following this consultation, combined with the knowledge from the Advanced Research Methodology course and the provided tools, doctoral students will be prepared to finalize their research direction, which also serves as the final assignment for the first course.

Implementing the Research Direction

The research direction, or Research Proposal, serves as a blueprint for the research conducted by doctoral researchers. Therefore, the more aligned the research direction is with the student’s interests and goals, the more it ensures the successful and efficient completion of the doctoral thesis.

At this stage, researchers will begin writing their Research Proposal (which is also the goal of the first course). Doctoral researchers will receive the following support:

  • Templates and forms.
  • A consultation channel with professors specializing in the research.
  • English language and format checks.
  • Guidance on essay writing and citation using APA/Harvard methods.
Appointment of a Supervisor and Working with the Supervisor

At this stage, doctoral researchers have acquired comprehensive knowledge, skills, research direction, and foundational research materials in LSCM, research methodologies, and are fully confident to undertake their doctoral thesis.

To ensure researchers are not left to “navigate on their own”, doctoral researchers are assigned a supervisor to guide them. SIMI Swiss employs a highly structured supervisory model to ensure close coordination between the supervisor and the doctoral researcher. This approach guarantees that doctoral researchers receive the necessary guidance to complete high-quality research on time and in accordance with SIMI Swiss standards, while avoiding the isolation that often comes with independent work.

During this phase, researchers are also instructed on the procedures, methodologies, roles, and responsibilities of both the researcher and the supervisor. Additionally, they continue to receive academic support from local partners.

Completing the Doctoral Thesis Proposal and defend in Malaysia
  • As part of the Ph.D. program, doctoral students are required to develop and submit a comprehensive Doctoral Thesis Proposal, outlining the scope, objectives, and methodology of their intended research. Once the proposal is completed, doctoral students will travel to the Malaysia campus to present and defend their proposal before an academic panel. This defense allows doctoral students to receive valuable feedback and ensure their research aligns with the highest academic standards. Successfully defending the proposal is a key milestone in the doctoral journey, setting the foundation for the subsequent phases of research and thesis development.

Completing the Doctoral Thesis with the Supervisor and Academic Support System

At this stage, doctoral researchers will work closely with their supervisor to progressively complete their doctoral thesis.

Doctoral researchers must adhere to two critical documents:

  • A detailed timeline outlining key milestones for completing the doctoral thesis. This timeline is also provided to the supervisor to ensure coordinated guidance throughout the process.
  • Collaboration forms and records of meetings with the supervisor. These documents serve as crucial evidence to demonstrate to SIMI Swiss and third-party evaluators (if applicable) that the doctoral students has engaged in a thorough research process. The entire process is verified by the supervisor and serves as the foundation for graduation eligibility.
Submitting the Finalized Research Manuscript

After progressively developing their research according to the timeline and in collaboration with the supervisor, doctoral researchers will finalize their doctoral thesis.

Once the thesis is completed, doctoral researchers will submit the manuscript to local partners for review, formatting, and plagiarism checks to ensure the thesis is free from any issues of academic misconduct.

Academic Support System for English and Research Formatting (If applicable)

Before submitting the paper to NMUC, local partner provides the following support:

  • English language check
  • Format check and support
  • Validity check of documents coordinated between the doctoral student and the supervisor
  • Plagiarism check

After the PhD thesis has gone through the support process of a local partner, the doctoral student confidently submits the paper to NMUC and prepares for the defence process with the SIMI Swiss and NMUC scientific council.

Please note: Local partners are present only in certain countries authorized by SIMI.

Academic Support System for Defense Preparation

Once the doctoral thesis has been submitted to NMUC, Academic Support will support the doctoral researcher with the necessary steps to confidently enter the defense phase before the scientific council.

Support activities of Academic Support include:

  • Providing presentation templates (PPT) in NMUC format
  • Providing presentation standards and regulations during the defense process of NMUC
  • Attending the Defense Guideline Workshop
Defending the Doctoral Thesis to the NMUC Academic Committee in Malaysia

The doctoral thesis defense is a critical event, conducted with strict adherence to the procedures set by Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) and overseen for quality assurance and joint recognition by SIMI Swiss.

A typical defense panel consists of 2 to 3 members: a chairperson (with different chairs for various specializations) and 1 to 2 other members, including one expert in research methodology and data analysis.

The purpose of the defense is not to determine a pass or fail but to give the doctoral student an opportunity to present their work and receive feedback for further refinement.

During the defense, the doctoral student has up to 30 minutes for their presentation and discussion. The entire process is documented and reported to two boards: (1) IQA (Internal Quality Assurance) and (2) EQA (External Quality Assurance).

After the defense, within four weeks, the doctoral student will receive an evaluation report and will have an additional 3 to 6 months to make any necessary revisions before graduation.

Receiving Feedback for Research Improvement

After defending the thesis before the NMUC academic committee, doctoral researchers are given 3 to 6 months to refine and improve their work based on the feedback received.

During this stage, the supervisor continues to work closely with the students to incorporate all suggestions and recommendations from the committee.

Once the revisions are complete, doctoral students receive further support from local partners to ensure their work meets all necessary standards for final submission.

Finalizing the Research and Submitting to NMUC and SIMI Swiss

With the support of local partners, doctoral researchers who have completed all necessary revisions undergo the following final checks before officially submitting their dissertation to the university:

  • English language review
  • Formatting review
  • Plagiarism check
  • Verification of the completeness of all documents, including records of work between the student and supervisor, as well as adjustments made based on the feedback from the NMUC and SIMI Swiss review committee.

At this stage, the researcher’s doctoral research is fully complete, allowing them to confidently submit it to NMUC, awaiting graduation results and entering the final graduation process.

Join the 'How to Publish Your Research Paper' class

Once doctoral researchers have successfully completed their doctoral research, SIMI Swiss offers a specialized course, “How to Publish Your Research Paper,” to guide them through the process of converting their thesis into a publishable academic paper.

This class covers essential topics such as:

  • Understanding the Structure of a Research Paper: A detailed breakdown of the components required in a well-organized academic paper, including abstract, introduction, methodology, results, and conclusions.
  • Identifying Suitable Journals: Guidance on selecting the right journals that align with the scope and field of the student’s research, focusing on high-impact, reputable journals to increase visibility and credibility.
  • Adhering to Journal Submission Guidelines: Instruction on formatting, citation styles, and following submission protocols specific to each journal, ensuring the paper meets all editorial standards.
  • Navigating the Peer-Review Process: An overview of the peer-review process, including how to respond to reviewers’ comments and make revisions, which is key to getting the paper accepted for publication.
  • Plagiarism and Ethical Standards: A review of plagiarism checks, ethical research practices, and how to maintain integrity when presenting research.
  • Publication Strategies: Tips on enhancing the visibility of the published paper through networking, academic conferences, and collaboration opportunities.

By the end of the course, doctoral researchers will have a clear roadmap for transforming their thesis into a high-quality research paper ready for submission to international journals. This course not only supports the completion of the Ph.D but also enhances the researcher’s academic and professional standing through publication.

Turn your completed research into an international publication

After successfully completing their doctoral research and participating in the “How to Publish Your Research Paper” class, doctoral researchers at SIMI Swiss are equipped to transform their completed thesis into an international publication.

This process involves several critical steps:

  • Refining the Dissertation: The research paper must be condensed and tailored to meet the format and style requirements of academic journals. This includes refining the abstract, focusing on key findings, and ensuring the paper highlights the most impactful elements of the research.
  • Selecting the Right Journal: Doctoral students will be guided in choosing journals with a strong reputation in their field. The selection process takes into account factors such as the journal’s impact factor, target audience, and relevance to the student’s research.
  • Submission Preparation: Doctoral students receive detailed assistance in preparing their paper for submission, including formatting adjustments, citation alignment, and adherence to the journal’s specific guidelines.
  • Peer Review Process: Once submitted, doctoral students navigate the peer-review process, during which experts in the field provide feedback. SIMI Swiss supports students in responding to reviews, making necessary revisions, and resubmitting the paper if required.
  • Finalizing Publication: After successfully passing the peer-review stage, students will have their research published in a reputable international journal, gaining global recognition for their work.

This process not only helps researchers achieve their personal academic goals but also enhances their professional credibility by sharing their research on a global platform, contributing to advancements in the field of maritime supply chain.

Guidance on revisions and format support in case of feedback from the journal's editorial board

After submitting a research paper to an international journal, it is common for the journal’s editorial board to provide feedback, often suggesting revisions to improve the paper before it can be accepted for publication. At NMUC, doctoral researchers receive comprehensive support to navigate this crucial stage of the publication process.

Key areas of support include:

  • Detailed Review of Feedback: NMUC research supervisors help students thoroughly understand the feedback provided by the editorial board, identifying key areas that require revision, whether related to methodology, data presentation, or clarity of arguments.
  • Revising the Paper: Doctoral researchers are guided step-by-step in making the necessary adjustments to strengthen their research paper. This includes refining the analysis, reworking certain sections, or addressing gaps in the research, while ensuring the paper remains aligned with the journal’s standards.
  • Responding to Reviewers: Doctoral researchers are coached on how to professionally and effectively respond to reviewer comments, presenting clear explanations for the changes made or providing justifications for maintaining certain elements of the research.

By receiving personalized guidance and format support, doctoral researchers can confidently resubmit their revised paper, significantly improving their chances of acceptance and eventual publication. This process ensures that their research meets the high standards of international journals, further enhancing their academic and professional reputation.

Complete the scientific publication process and graduate

After successfully revising and resubmitting their research paper to an international journal, doctoral researchers at NMUC are nearing the final steps of both their publication journey and their doctoral program.

The process to complete the scientific publication and graduate involves the following steps:

  • Final Journal Acceptance: Once the revised paper is accepted for publication in the selected journal, researchers will officially have their research recognized on an international platform, marking a significant academic achievement.
  • Submission of Published Work to NMUC and SIMI Swiss: Researchers must submit the accepted and published version of their research to NMUC and SIMI Swiss as part of their doctoral program completion requirements. This demonstrates that the student has met the program’s expectations for scientific contribution.
  • Graduation Approval: Upon verification of the publication and all academic requirements, NMUC confirms the researcher’s eligibility for graduation. SIMI Swiss will then acknowledge the results based on NMUC’s recognition. This process includes a final evaluation by the Scientific Council to ensure that all program, research, and publication requirements have been fully met.
  • Graduation Ceremony: Students are then officially awarded Ph.D in Maritime Supply Chain from Netherlands Maritime University College (NMUC) and Doctor of Logistics & Supply Chain Management from the Swiss Information and Management Institute (awarded upon SIMI’s recognition of results from NMUC). They can choose to participate in a graduation ceremony to celebrate their accomplishment alongside peers, supervisors, and faculty members.

By completing the publication process, doctoral researchers solidify their contributions to the academic community and professional field, enhancing their career prospects and scholarly reputation. The successful publication of their research marks the culmination of their doctoral journey and a proud moment of achievement.

INCLUDING

Support

  • Transport assistance
  • Networking activities
  • Participation in the Colloquium
  • Assistance with booking hotels
  • Research Suppervisor
  • Tutors & Assistance
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    Disclaimer

    NOTES
    • Students are enrolled as students of both SIMI Swiss and MUST. The London Academy of Sciences (LAS) and other recruitment and service partners serve solely as program consultants and academic support units.
    • Students engage in the original program, with compatible standards and assessments between the two programs for the purpose of dual degree grant.
    • The program is taught 100% in English.
    • The degree awarded by SIMI Swiss falls under the category of degrees of private universities. SIMI is an independent university institute operating outside the purview of Switzerland’s public university education system and is not bound by the regulations outlined in the Federal Act of 30 September 2011 on the Funding and Coordination of the Higher Education Sector (HEdA), SR 414.11.
    • The degree conferred by MUST University is from a private institution, and students do not receive government-sponsored financial support.
    • This is not an affiliated program with any university. Students directly learn from instructors at MUST and SIMI Swiss
    • LAS is a global academic consulting and support unit. LAS does not provide Master’s-level training, nor does it interfere with academic and administrative decisions of the program.
    • Local activities solely encompass academic support. All support activities provided by partners are supplementary in nature and do not replace the instruction of international lecturers from MUST and SIMI Swiss. These activities do not compromise the program’s integrity or influence its educational outcomes. Furthermore, LAS does not possess the authority to implement actions within the jurisdiction of MUST and SIMI Swiss.
    • Policies related to fee assistance and scholarships (if applicable) are subject to change or termination without prior notice.
    DISCLAIMER DETAILS
    • Malaysia University of Sciences and Technology (MUST); the Swiss Institute of Management and Innovation (SIMI Swiss), LAS, and their partners do not guarantee that enrollment will lead to graduation or degree attainment. SIMI Swiss and MUST will only confer degrees and acknowledge academic results if students fully satisfy and complete all academic requirements, financial regulations, study discipline, and other stipulations.
    • In case of violations, unauthorized absences, voluntary discontinuation of the program, breach of regulations including financial obligations, SIMI Swiss, MUST, LAS, and their partners reserve the right to refuse admission, withhold support, revoke student status, and will not refund any fees or tuition.
    • MUST, SIMI Swiss, LAS, and their partners do not guarantee that third parties will accept the conferred degrees. The decision to accept or reject depends on the subjective judgment of the receiving institution, following regulations of each country, government, locality, and entity.
    • MUST, SIMI Swiss, LAS, and their partners do not guarantee that post-graduation, students will receive salary increases, promotions, career advancements, new job opportunities, or new employment positions.
    • Although there might be provisions for mutual recognition or equivalency of qualifications, each country, organization, and entity has the right to recognize qualifications based on their own criteria. MUST, SIMI Swiss, LAS, and their partners do not ensure automatic recognition of degrees, certificates, diplomas, transcripts, and other records issued by SIMI Swiss, MUST, LAS, and their partner institutions. Similarly, they do not guarantee or support the process of obtaining equivalent degree recognition (if any).
    • MUST, SIMI Swiss, LAS, and their partners do not guarantee nor commit to opportunities for settlement, overseas employment, work permits, teaching licenses, expert permits in France, Europe, or any other country.
    • While MUST, SIMI Swiss, LAS, and their partners provide extensive support, they do not assure a 100% success rate for student visa attainment (in the case of full-time study abroad) or European visas (for participating in graduation ceremonies in Switzerland and/or Europe) if the student does not meet the requirements set by the host country and its authorized agencies in issuing and approving entry, mobility, and residency rights.