What motivated you to pursue your PhD?
The doctorate was a challenge for me. After my MBA in 1995, I devoted myself to reading a lot and researching about the influence that new technologies would have on business administration and on the psychology of individuals. I saw the imminent emergence of a new profile of consumer, citizen, entrepreneur and worker. These individuals, I thought, are familiar with the intangible, the ubiquitous, the digital, act driven by incentives that are not necessarily monetary and are willing to make transactions to lower costs, by virtue of an original worldview and awareness of value creation through peer-to-peer networking. Shortly thereafter, social networks appeared, and this event prompted me to ask what would become the title of my doctoral thesis: is a network economy based on peer-to-peer collaboration that reduces transaction costs possible?
I enrolled in a friend's doctoral program. To make this decision, I took into account my academic and professional life in computer systems and telecommunications. I was fortunate to live closely the evolution of computer science, programming languages, transactional computing, the penetration of digital technologies in all areas of business. I participated in the development of computer systems in banks, companies and institutions. I participated in the introduction of new mobile telecommunications technologies and digital convergence. I was fortunate enough to venture into the world of the Internet and understand it from its beginnings. Finally, I asked myself, what am I going to do with this knowledge? How can I translate the theory and experience acquired into a document that can be useful for future consultations or serve for new research? The answer was the doctoral program.
Tell us a little about your experience with the PhD in Management.
A group of 13 doctoral students attended the Doctorate in Management. Our first seminar was in June 2008 in San Jose, Costa Rica. We started with Research Methodology. Then came other seminars such as society, business and context in the 21st century, text writing and doctoral writing, management theory, data analysis and field work, strategic management, structure and dynamics of social life and finally came the thesis writing seminars.
My research work consisted of three stages: bibliographic research with a lot of reading and writing; fieldwork based on in-depth interviews with an important group of Ecuadorian businessmen and a group of independent professionals; and finally, the writing of the findings and final drafting of the thesis.
The experience was very enriching, although I also had moments of great anxiety and exhaustion.
What are the differentiating factors of the Doctorate in Management?
I saw the doctoral program as unattainable. I thought it was limited to the academic world. It seemed incompatible to be an entrepreneur and at the same time access a DBA or PhD. The differentiating factor of a Doctorate in Management program is to be able to bring research closer to the world and the reality of businessmen, since it allows incorporating all the content and experience of the business world with scientific research in a natural way. I really liked the methodology based on rigorous academic modules, but also very practical when it comes to assimilating them in the development of the thesis.
What is the main benefit you have gained or expect to gain from achieving a PhD?
Achieving my Ph.D. degree has been a personal goal, a life objective. In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am an academic. A PhD in Management degree is not only important in the academic world, but it also makes you a reference. I would hope to be an example for the new entrepreneurs, those of the digital economy who will face the still unsuspected new realities brought by the collaborative platforms and knowledge networks of the 21st century.
Interview with Dr. Eduardo Jurado
Founder Semgroup
Professor and member of the Board of ESAI Business School
