Ivey’s PhD Program in Business Administration is a full-time research-based program designed to develop scholars and to place graduates at high-quality research universities around the world. Our PhD candidates are showcased at conferences around the world, and regularly featured in top-tier academic and industry publications.
To help you get to know them, we’ve asked them about their academic and personal interests.
Q&A with Amirhossein Sabooni, PhD candidate
What is your background and what previous experience prepared you for this program?
I spent my formative years in Iran’s vibrant capital city, Tehran. My academic experience began with a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, followed by a Master's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Strategy from the University of Tehran. My work experience has been similarly diversified, with positions such as Marketing Manager for an insurance company and Co-Founder of an international trading company in Tehran.
What attracted you to Ivey’s program?
I was interested in Ivey for my doctoral studies because of its prestigious reputation in the marketing world, notably in Canada. The school's reputation, together with the intellectual quality of faculty members such as Kersi Antia and June Cotte, was critical in my decision-making process. My road to Ivey began with rigorous study and outreach to possible mentors whose interests connected with mine, eventually leading to my current supervisor, Professor Antia. Engaging with him goes beyond traditional academic contact; it is a unique opportunity to be immersed in extraordinary knowledge and taught by a paragon of intellectual vigour and scholarly quality.
What is your research focus?
My scholarly interests are focused on the dynamics of business-to-business (B2B) marketing relationships. This refers to a wide range of interactions and strategies within the business world.
Why is that area appealing to you? What big problems/issues need to be addressed?
My interest in B2B marketing relations stems from both academic and professional experiences, specifically as a research assistant at the University of Tehran and in the industrial sector. I'm interested in the changing conditions to better business relationships. The complexities and changing nature of these interactions provide fertile ground for investigation and understanding, resulting in more successful and inventive marketing strategies.
How do you see your research making an impact?
I aspire to contribute to the marketing field by introducing innovative analytical frameworks that enhance our understanding of marketing phenomena. I aim to enrich the marketing academic literature and provide new perspectives that future scholars can employ in their research, thereby broadening the scope of marketing strategies and methodologies.
How do you see research as an aid to business improvement?
I am confident that accurate scientific investigation can address actual business difficulties. By focusing research on real-world challenges encountered by industry stakeholders, we can ensure the solutions we uncover are both relevant and capable of driving major improvements in business operations.
What previous experience prepared you for this?
My path to becoming a PhD student has been moulded by a never-ending thirst for information and a profound desire to understand the complexities of my chosen topics. While I can't point to one defining moment, my persistent interest and excitement for learning has prepared me for the challenges and possibilities of academic life.
Where did you grow up and what was it like there?
Growing up in Tehran, an active metropolis, was a mix of challenges and joys. The city's vitality is evident, as it is always teeming with life and activity, although the congestion and traffic may be frustrating. The city's lively culture and constant bustle have fostered in me a feeling of fortitude and flexibility.
Who have been your strongest influences in life?
My family members have been the cornerstone of my life, offering unfailing support and teaching me the virtues of hard work and honesty. Their counsel and support have helped shape my goals and successes.
What is the most played song on your playlist as of now?
My musical choices are broad, and they frequently mirror the mood of the day. I find myself exploring many genres and performers, ensuring a wide and dynamic playlist.
What is your best podcast recommendation?
SERP’s Up and How I Built This are among my top choices for their insightful explorations of the business world and entrepreneurial journeys.
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