About the Project

Expressions of interest are invited for part-time PhD projects in corporate governance, with a primary emphasis on boards, CEOs, and executive compensation. The agenda is intentionally broad: projects may explore how boards shape strategy and oversight, how CEO selection and succession unfold, or how incentive design influences reporting quality, risk-taking, innovation, and long-term value.

Methodologically, the track is open and supportive. Quantitative, empirical-archival designs are especially welcome, including natural experiments, event studies, and panel analyses. Projects can also leverage text and machine-learning analyses of annual reports, proxy statements, remuneration disclosures, and earnings-call transcripts, and may combine these with qualitative insights.

The supervision model prioritizes clear research questions, transparent methods, and publishable papers as milestones that fit a part-time trajectory. Candidates from accounting, finance, or economics—whether in academia, industry, or regulation—are encouraged to apply.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Michael Erkens

Duration: 5 years, depending on progress

Investment: Year 1 € 4,250, Years 2 & 3 € 9,750 per year, Years 4 & 5 and possible subsequent years € 3,500 per year. Fees are subject to change, no rights can be derived from this information, visit our website listed below for the latest fee information.

To apply

This project is only available within our Self-Funded Part-Time PhD program. Application is only possible via our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time), which also provides further details around the application package, which includes:

Application essay form (our fillable application essay form)
Title
Proposed research question
Research background & rationale
Methodology
Suggested supervisors at Nyenrode
Personal motivation
Certified copy of your Master's degree or equivalent
Copy of corresponding transcript/grade list(s) from your Masters or equivalent
Curriculum vitae
Reference letter(s)
Photo

Contact

For further information, please visit our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) or contact Nyenrode’s PhD School at phd@nyenrode.nl

Corporate Governance: Boards, CEOs, and Compensation

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Utrecht, Netherlands