June 17, 2027 · Osaka, Japan
2027 AMA
Doctoral Consortium
A workshop for PhD students specializing in international and cross-cultural marketing. Held the day before the AMA Global Conference at Ritsumeikan University, it brings together over 20 doctoral students with leading scholars in the field.
Doctoral Consortium
Fostering the Next Generation
The AMA Global Marketing SIG invites applications for its 2027 Doctoral Consortium, a workshop designed for PhD students specializing in international and cross-cultural marketing. The Consortium aims to foster the next generation of scholars by providing an enriching environment to develop research ideas, navigate the complexities of international marketing research, and establish the foundation for a successful academic career. The event takes place on the day preceding the main conference and brings together over 20 doctoral students with leading scholars in the field.
Objectives
What We Explore Together
The Consortium facilitates in-depth discussions between doctoral students and distinguished faculty on the topics that shape an early academic career:
- Emerging trends in international and cross-cultural marketing research
- Challenges of conducting high-impact research for top-tier journals
- Best practices for managing dissertation work and the academic job market
- Essentials for kick-starting an academic career
Format
An Intimate, Collaborative Setting
The Consortium offers an intimate, collaborative atmosphere for direct engagement with established leaders in the field. Past mentors have included current and former editors from premier journals such as the Journal of Marketing, Journal of Marketing Research, Journal of International Marketing, and Journal of International Business Studies.
The cornerstone of the event — personalized faculty feedback on each participant's research project.
Senior scholars share insights on emerging research trends, publishing strategies, and career development.
Build relationships with faculty and fellow doctoral students from around the world.
Key Dates
Timeline
Submission Open
September 14, 2026
Submission Deadline
December 1, 2026
Acceptance Notification
January 31, 2027
Registration Open
January 31, 2027
Early Bird Deadline
March 31, 2027
Consortium Date
June 17, 2027
Main Conference Dates
June 18–21, 2027
Eligibility & Application
Who Should Apply
The Consortium welcomes doctoral students in marketing or international business who have a research focus on international, cross-cultural, or global marketing and who are actively shaping their dissertation research agenda. Students at all stages of the doctoral program are welcome, provided they have a well-defined research idea.
Applications are submitted through our online application form and must include:
- Cover Letter: State your stage in the doctoral program, your research interests, what you hope to gain from participating, and whether you wish to be considered for a travel stipend.
- Manuscript (max 5 pages): A research project focused on international marketing. Begin with title, author information, abstract, and keywords, then cover the research question and motivation, theoretical background, proposed methodology or research design, and intended contribution. Place diagrams, tables, and references in appendices at the end.
Upload the cover letter and manuscript as two separate files (PDF or Word, max 10 MB each), and complete your applicant details directly on the form.
The submission deadline is strict; late applications will not be accepted. Note that submitting to the main conference alone does not constitute an application to the Doctoral Consortium — students wishing to participate in the Consortium must submit a separate application through the process described above.
Selection & Stipends
Review & Support
Applications are evaluated holistically, with particular attention to topic fit (research relating to global, international, or cross-cultural marketing), the strength and clarity of the intended contribution, and the overall coherence of the submitted abstract. The selection committee strives to assemble a diverse cohort representing a range of research topics, methodological approaches, and institutional backgrounds.
The AMA Global Marketing SIG provides a limited number of travel stipends based on individual funding need. To be considered, indicate your need clearly in your cover letter. Stipends are typically disbursed upon the student's presentation at the Consortium and may be applied toward travel expenses and/or conference registration fees.
Testimonials
What Past Participants Say
" Participating in the doctoral consortium was an enriching and eye-opening experience. The feedback I received from my mentors enhanced the scope and direction of my project. As a PhD student, I also found the potential for collaborations with peers from around the globe very exciting. "
Diana Sanchez Riera
University of Chile, Chile
" I truly enjoyed hearing from the panel speakers regarding their insights on managing an impactful academic career. The definitive highlight for me was the mentoring session, where I received invaluable, constructive feedback on my research project from two top scholars in the field. "
Kiwoong Yoo
University of Tennessee, US
" I found participating in the doctoral consortium highly valuable. The group session was particularly useful as we received feedback from top authors and experts in our research areas. Additionally, the consortium facilitated networking with other doctoral students, enabling me to establish a strong network from onset of the conference. "
Freja Lindemann
University of Hamburg, Germany
" It was a huge honor to present my work in progress; the experience of discovering and learning from the best academics was amazing. In particular, the mentors provided profound and thought-provoking feedback. I am also happy to have forged great friendships with PhD students from all over the world! "
Jiseon Han
Bayes Business School, UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to Know
When should I apply to the Doctoral Consortium?
Students at any stage of their doctoral program are welcome, though those who have begun developing their dissertation research tend to benefit most. Ideally, you should have a well-defined research question and preliminary theoretical framework.
Do I need to register for the main conference as well?
Yes. Consortium participants are expected to register for and attend the main conference, which begins the day after the Consortium. This allows participants to attend all conference sessions and engage in broader networking opportunities.
How competitive is the selection process?
We typically receive more applications than available spots. However, we strive to include a diverse cohort representing various research topics and backgrounds. A strong, well-articulated research proposal that clearly highlights its relevance to the global marketing literature significantly improves your chances.
What if I don't receive a travel stipend?
Even without a stipend, the Consortium experience is highly valuable. Many participants seek funding from their home institutions. We encourage you to apply regardless of financial support availability.
Consortium Organizers
Meet the Team
MBS School of Business
f.bartsch@mbs-education.com
West Virginia University
annie.cui@mail.wvu.edu
SKEMA Business School
katharina.zeugner@skema.edu
For questions about the Doctoral Consortium, please contact any of the Consortium Organizers listed above.