In an era characterised by rapid technological progress and complex business environments, the integration of marketing, software, data, and computer science is increasingly important. A modern understanding of customers and software is shaped by diverse content: innovative (software-based) products and services, hybrid sales and e-commerce scenarios, digital communication, dynamic and usage-based pricing models, sustainability in business models, applied artificial intelligence, customer experience, software-based operations, and much more.

However, the principle remains: Creating customer value creates business value. Building compelling customer relationships is crucial for every business model. Influenced by computer science, marketing itself has undergone fundamental changes in recent years. This transformation has so far received insufficient research.

The PhD programme "Interdisciplinary Studies between Software Business, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Orientation and Computer Science" aims to equip research-interested professionals from industry with the knowledge and skills to navigate the intersection of these fields. The programme fosters a deep understanding of digital strategies, software business, marketing, and advanced research methods (e.g., Design Science Research), enabling graduates to shape technological changes within companies. This call for applications addresses the objectives, structure, content, research approaches, and career prospects of this unique PhD programme.

Programme Objectives

The PhD programme "Interdisciplinary Studies between Software Business, Artificial Intelligence, Customer Orientation and Computer Science" typically spans three years, depending on the progress made during the programme (e.g., publications). Prerequisites for admission include a first-class Master's degree in a relevant sub-discipline, such as Business Administration, Business Informatics (Information Systems), or Engineering; significant professional experience; a purposeful research proposal; and a convincing personal profile.

The programme achieves the following core objectives:

• Knowledge Acquisition: Doctoral candidates acquire a profound understanding of relevant sub-topics in marketing, computer science, and research methodology.

• Interdisciplinary Research Competence: Candidates develop the ability to generate relevant research results situated at the intersection of marketing and computer science.

• Methodological Competence: Candidates acquire sound expertise in essential research methods required for global competition.

• Impact: Through the programme's results, candidates generate measurable impact for business and society, for example, through publications, prototypes, startups, or patents.

Curriculum

The curriculum integrates PhD seminars and colloquia from the fields of marketing, computer science, and methodology to foster holistic qualification. Core contents include:

• Digital Marketing in Theory and Practice.

• Modern Computer Science: Concepts of computer science for developing digital solutions, software, and software engineering, Enterprise Architecture Management, etc.

• Quantitative Methods for Research and Management: Statistical and mathematical techniques for business analysis and decision-making.

• Qualitative Methods: Exploratory interviews, expert surveys, and focus groups as a basis for concept-related research approaches.

• Scientific Impact: Publications in leading formats, patents, startups, projects with student groups, empirical research, research ethics, and the use of GenAI.

• General Research Methodology: Research paradigms, literature and document analysis, structuring publications, and presenting results at globally relevant conferences.

Intake

The intake for research projects and doctoral candidates is open until 30 September 2026. The cohort size is capped at a maximum of eight doctoral candidates.