The Executive PhD is divided into 2 general stages. Stage 1 leads to the preparation of a PhD research proposal. Stage 2 focuses on supervised research, advanced teaching competencies and lecturing skills, and culminates in the defense of a doctoral dissertation. The program contains both compulsory and elective elements, which should result in a PhD degree within 4 years. A minimum of 30 credits has to be acquired in four different topics/domains: 1) Advanced doctoral courses, 2) Doctoral Seminars, 3) Publications, 4) Scientific Communication.