Research · Dialogue · Progression
Doctoral
Workshops.
Bring your research into conversation.
Return with clearer direction.
Scholarly exchange in support of your independent doctoral journey.
Present work in progress. Examine questions with faculty and fellow scholars. Identify the next steps in your research.
Supporting your research progression
Discuss your research.
Develop your next step.
Independent doctoral research requires sustained thought, careful judgement and the ability to explain what matters. Workshops offer a setting in which to make your thinking visible, test it through scholarly dialogue and consider the work ahead.
The questions you bring will change as your research develops. A workshop can be useful before findings emerge, as well as when you are ready to present them.
Shape your question
Explain your proposed inquiry, clarify its scope and identify assumptions. Consider how the question connects with existing scholarship and where a contribution might lie.
Examine your approach
Discuss the fit between your research question, methods and evidence. Identify methodological issues or alternative approaches to explore further with your supervisor.
Strengthen your argument
Present emerging findings, examine alternative interpretations and practise explaining your contribution. Notice where the written argument needs greater clarity or support.
Making participation purposeful
Prepare. Discuss.
Carry the work forward.
01 · Before the workshop
Bring a focused question.
Choose a piece of work in progress: a proposed question, conceptual framework, methodological decision or emerging interpretation. Identify the feedback you would find useful and prepare to explain both your reasoning and the uncertainty you are working through.
02 · During the workshop
Make room for other perspectives.
Present your ideas, listen to questions and record alternative viewpoints. Ask for clarification where necessary. Listening to fellow candidates also offers insight into how others frame problems, justify choices and respond to research challenges.
03 · After the workshop
Turn reflection into a plan.
Review the feedback, distinguish useful suggestions from questions requiring further investigation, and identify practical next steps. Discuss proposed changes with your supervisor before incorporating them into your research.
Scholarly exchange in practice
Independent research.
A shared experience.
Presenting, listening and questioning are different ways of participating. Workshops bring together candidates, faculty and alumni across professional backgrounds and research interests.
The people behind the research.
Informal conversations can offer encouragement and connections that continue beyond the event. A question over coffee or a shared experience can make independent study feel less isolated.
A workshop gathering beside Lake Zurich.
The wider Monarch community provides an ongoing setting for friendship, professional connection and contribution, throughout study and after graduation.
Explore the Monarch community → · Read the Community brochure →
Workshop moderators
Experience that supports
scholarly dialogue.
Our moderators bring academic, supervisory and professional perspectives to the discussion of candidates’ research.
WORKSHOP MODERATOR · Dean of the School
Dr. Jeffrey Henderson
Dr. Henderson combines academic leadership and business ethics with senior experience in commercial real estate and consulting. He has taught at McGill University and Grenoble Graduate School of Business. His academic interests include corporate social responsibility, economics and the relationship between professional decisions and responsible practice.
Read faculty profile →
WORKSHOP MODERATOR · Philosophy & research
Dr. Norman Madarasz
Dr. Madarasz specialises in political philosophy, contemporary French philosophy and international geoeconomic relations. A widely published author and editor, he has supervised more than forty master’s and doctoral projects. He earned his doctorate at Université Paris VIII and brings an interdisciplinary perspective spanning ethics, economics, politics and language.
Read faculty profile →
WORKSHOP MODERATOR · Dean of Student Development
Dr. Donald York
Dr. York is Professor of Leadership Studies and an active master’s and doctoral supervisor and dissertation reviewer. His interests include leadership, spirituality, organisational culture and group dynamics. With academic training at Monarch, McGill and Saint Paul University, he also brings professional experience in critical care and healthcare education.
Read faculty profile →Workshop moderators
Research expertise.
Different perspectives.
WORKSHOP MODERATOR · Management & international business
Dr. Caroline Ntara
Dr. Ntara is a lecturer, researcher and management educator whose expertise includes academic writing, research analysis and review of research outputs. She holds a PhD and MPhil in International Business from Monarch and an MBA from the University of Nairobi. Her interests include international trade, regional integration and economic development. Her experience encompasses research supervision, manuscript review, curriculum development and online learning.
Read faculty profile →
WORKSHOP MODERATOR · Management & student development
Dr. Karina Ochis
Dr. Ochis is Professor of Management and Associate Dean of Student Development at Monarch. She holds a dual doctorate in applied leadership and an MPhil in Business Research from Monarch, alongside degrees from Rome Business School and Queen Mary University of London. Her interests include multigenerational management, leadership and succession. An experienced public speaker, she is particularly interested in intergenerational conflict and the integration of younger generations into the workforce.
Read faculty profile →Taking part
Bring your questions.
Prepare for the conversation.
Workshops welcome current doctoral candidates, newly admitted candidates preparing to begin, and alumni wishing to reconnect and contribute their experience. Prospective candidates may enquire about attending as a standalone introduction to doctoral study, without an obligation to enrol.
Plan your participation
Ask the Administration Office about availability, registration, participation arrangements and any presentation guidance. Clarify the practical arrangements before making travel plans.
A continuing tradition of exchange
Previous workshops have brought the community together in Disentis, Rapperswil and Malta. The setting changes; the purpose remains thoughtful research, constructive dialogue and connection.
Malta workshop, 2024 →
October workshop, 2023 →
Disentis workshop, 2022 →
Event information is current to this September 2026 edition and may change. Confirm arrangements directly with Monarch.
Doctoral workshops
Make your thinking visible.
Move your research forward.
A focused question.
A constructive conversation.
A clearer next step.
Speak with Monarch.
For participation arrangements and upcoming workshop information:
administration@umonarch.ch
Contact Monarch →
Monarch Switzerland
Higher Education Institution
Vorderbergstrasse 34 · 6318 Walchwil, Zug · Switzerland
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