Updated September 2026

Qualifying Paper

The Qualifying Paper (QP) is designed to provide students with early experience in developing an original theoretical contribution to the field of management. The paper must represent independent, original work prepared specifically to satisfy the Qualifying Paper requirement. The Qualifying Paper is evaluated through a mini revise-and-resubmit (R&R) process that mirrors the academic peer-review process. Successful Qualifying Papers may serve as the basis for future conference or journal submissions. In addition to the written paper, students are required to present their work to the department.

Procedure for the Qualifying Paper

1. Committee Formation
   By May 15 of the student’s first year, the student will form a four-member Qualifying Paper committee consisting of three faculty members from the student’s area of emphasis and one faculty member serving as an outside committee member (e.g., three Organizational Behavior faculty and one Strategy faculty member).
2. Paper Development
   The student will develop their Qualifying Paper and accompanying presentation over the summer following their first year. During this period, the student is expected to meet with their committee members, provide updates, and incorporate feedback accordingly.
3. Department Presentation

The student will present their Qualifying Paper to the full department at the beginning of the fall semester of their second year (typically by mid-September).

4. First Draft Submission and Evaluation
   Approximately two weeks after the presentation, the student will submit a complete first draft of their paper to their committee. The committee will provide detailed feedback within approximately two weeks of receiving the student’s paper. At that time, they will also render one of the following decisions:
   • Accept
   • Reject
   • Revise and Resubmit
5. Revise and Resubmit and Evaluation
   If a revise-and-resubmit decision is issued, the revised paper is due approximately one month later (typically by the end of November). Following review of the revised submission, the committee will render a final decision to accept or reject the paper (typically by the end of the fall semester).
6. Failure to Pass the Qualifying Paper
   If the committee votes to reject the Qualifying Paper, it will notify the PhD Program Coordinator. The Management faculty will then convene to review the case and make a final determination. Failure to pass the Qualifying Paper requirement will result in dismissal from the program.