NORDAB Newsletter - June 2026 Update

Dear colleagues and PhD candidates,
We are pleased to share the latest updates from NORDAB – The Norwegian Doctoral Academy in Business. In this issue, we look back at the NORDAB PhD Workshop at the ØA Conference 2026 and highlight two newly funded PhD courses. We also remind our members about NORDAB's open call for activities.
 

NORDAB PhD Workshop at the ØA Conference 2026

In April, NORDAB organized a dedicated PhD Workshop as part of the ØA Conference at NHH in Bergen. The workshop brought together 12 PhD candidates from five NORDAB member institutions: NTNU, USN, UiA, OsloMet, and HiMolde.

The participants presented and discussed research across a broad range of economic and administratice disciplines. To facilitate discussion and feedback, presentations were organized into four thematic sessions:

• Finance and Cost Management
• Generative AI in Business and Academia
• Entrepreneurship and International Marketing
• Sustainable Business and Consumption Practices

The workshop was led by Stein-Erik Fleten (NTNU), Leader of the NORDAB Board, and Tobias Otterbring (UiA). In addition to providing feedback on participant presentations, Tobias Otterbring delivered a lecture entitled Storytelling Tools and Publication Positioning, focusing on how researchers can communicate their work effectively and position manuscripts for publication.

Feedback from participants was very positive. PhD candidates particularly highlighted the opportunity to receive constructive feedback on their research, exchange ideas with researchers from other fields, and build networks across institutions. Several participants also emphasized the open and supportive atmosphere, which encouraged discussion and sharing of ideas.
 

Participants and workshop leaders at the NORDAB PhD Workshop during the ØA Conference 2026 at NHH, Bergen.

NORDAB is hopeful to arrange a similar PhD workshop in connection with the ØA Conference in 2028.

New NORDAB-Supported Course: Contemporary Streams of Institutional Theory in Management and Accounting

NORDAB has granted support to the PhD course Contemporary Streams of Institutional Theory in Management and Accounting (7,5 ECTS), organized by Nord University.

The course examines contemporary developments in institutional theory and their application to management and accounting research. Particular attention is given to institutional logics, institutional entrepreneurship, and institutional work, and how these perspectives can be applied to participants' own research projects. The course is designed to strengthen analytical and critical skills while exploring both the opportunities and challenges of using institutional theory in contemporary research.

The application deadline is 17 June 2026.

Further information about the course is available through Nord University.

New NORDAB-Supported Course: Designing and Executing Engaged Organisational Research

NORDAB has also granted support to the PhD course Designing and Executing Engaged Organisational Research (5 ECTS), organized by Molde University College (HiMolde).

The course addresses how researchers can collaborate with organizations to investigate and solve complex real-world challenges while producing rigorous academic research. Participants will learn how to design engaged research projects, gain organizational access, navigate ethical and practical challenges, and develop publication strategies for practice-based research.

The course combines interactive lectures, workshops, practitioner sessions, and research design consultations. The course will be offered in week 44, 26 to 30 october 2026.

The application deadline is 1 September 2026. NORDAB students will be prioritized. 

Further information about the course is available through Molde University College.

Reminder: Open Call for Activities

Do you have an idea for an international PhD course, workshop, or seminar? NORDAB continues to welcome applications for support from staff at member institutions.

For information about eligibility, criteria, and the application process, please visit the NORDAB website.

Questions regarding applications may be directed to:

Helene Sommerbakk (helene.sommerbakk@ntnu.no)