Accreditation by A3ES The Higher Education Assessment and Accreditation Agency (A3ES) accredited the study program. More information can be found in the reports produced by A3ES.

The Doctoral Program in Industrial Engineering and Management (PRODEGI) aims to equip students with robust competencies, skills, and research methodologies. It fosters the ability to conceive, design, adapt, and conduct high-level research, adhering to the quality, rigor, and integrity standards inherent to academic activity. The ultimate goal is to enable students to develop innovative and impactful research in Industrial Engineering and Management.

Objectives

Objectives

More specifically, PRODEGI aims to provide students with the skills necessary to:

• Develop new decision-making methodologies and techniques that address current and future organizational challenges.
• Adapt existing Industrial Engineering and Management methods to solve emerging problems in evolving organizational environments.
• Conduct comparative studies on Industrial Engineering and Management methods, assessing their impact on organizations.

Program Structure

The program consists of a doctoral course (non-degree granting) equivalent to 60 ECTS. It is designed to methodologically and scientifically prepare students for their doctoral thesis (120 ECTS), ultimately granting the PhD degree.

Coursework Phase (First Two Semesters)

During the first two semesters, students undertake an annual mandatory course focused on the preparation and defense of their thesis theme and project. This phase is supervised by a faculty tutor assigned upon admission.

Additionally, two mandatory courses, one each semester, provide students with fundamental competencies and research skills, ensuring they acquire the necessary methodological foundation to conduct high-quality research.

Beyond these core courses, students select elective courses in consultation with their tutor, tailored to deepen their expertise in the specific research area of their doctoral work. Students must defend their thesis theme/project within 12 to 18 months after enrollment. At this point, the formal assignment of the supervisor takes place, and students transition into the research phase.

Research Phase (Final Two Years)

Following the approval of the thesis project, students dedicate the remaining 120 ECTS (two years) exclusively to research, culminating in the writing and defense of the doctoral thesis.

Research Strategy

PRODEGI adopts a theoretically rigorous yet practically applied research approach, addressing organizations' real and complex challenges. The research conducted within the program should meet high academic standards, ensuring its suitability for publication in internationally refereed journals and presentation at international research-oriented conferences.

Whenever possible, research projects are expected to be conducted in collaboration with host institutions, such as industrial and service enterprises, where the topics under investigation are considered strategically crucial for innovation and development.

Fields of Specialization

Specialization Areas

The Doctoral Program in Industrial Engineering and Management (PRODEGI) allows students to specialize in various areas that align with their research interests and career aspirations. The program covers a broad spectrum of topics, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Main Specialization Areas

• Operations Research and Decision Support Systems – Development of mathematical models, algorithms, and computational tools to optimize complex decision-making processes.
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management – Strategies for optimizing supply chain networks, logistics operations, and inventory control.
• Production and Operations Management – Techniques for improving manufacturing and service operations' efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
• Quality and Process Improvement – Implementation of quality management systems, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Technology and Innovation Management – Strategies for managing technological development, innovation processes, and digital transformation in organizations.
• Project and Risk Management – Frameworks and methodologies for managing complex projects and mitigating risks in industrial and business environments.
• Business Analytics and Data Science – Application of data-driven decision-making techniques, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in industrial and managerial contexts.
• Service Systems Engineering – Design and optimization of service operations, with a focus on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and technological integration.
• Human Factors and Organizational Behavior – Study of work systems, human performance, ergonomics, and leadership in industrial and service environments.
• Sustainable and Circular Economy – Research on sustainability strategies, resource efficiency, and environmental impact reduction in industrial and service sectors.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Students are encouraged to collaborate across different research fields, integrating engineering, management, economics, and data science knowledge. This interdisciplinary approach enables them to address real-world challenges with innovative and effective solutions.

Research Opportunities

Research projects within PRODEGI are often developed in collaboration with industry partners, research centers, and international institutions, ensuring practical relevance and high academic impact.

Professional Abilities

Professional Competencies

The Doctoral Program in Industrial Engineering and Management (PRODEGI) provides students with comprehensive professional competencies that prepare them for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions. These competencies ensure that graduates can effectively address complex challenges, drive innovation, and contribute to organizational success.

Core Competencies

• Advanced Research and Analytical Skills – Ability to develop and apply scientific methodologies to solve complex industrial and managerial problems.
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving – Expertise in designing and implementing decision-support models to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
• Strategic Thinking – Capacity to analyze industry trends, evaluate strategic options, and propose innovative solutions to organizational challenges.
• Project Management – Skills in planning, executing, and monitoring projects, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge – Integration of technical, managerial, and economic perspectives to address multi-faceted problems in industrial engineering and management.
• Leadership and Teamwork – Competence in leading research and business teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting knowledge exchange.
• Scientific and Technical Communication – Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively through academic publications, technical reports, and presentations at international conferences.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Encouragement of an entrepreneurial mindset for developing new business models, technologies, and process improvements.
• Ethics and Professional Integrity – Commitment to responsible research, ethical decision-making, and sustainable industrial practices.

Competencies for Industry and Academia

PRODEGI graduates are equipped with competencies that make them highly valuable in both industry and academia:

• For Industry: Expertise in process optimization, data-driven decision-making, supply chain management, and business analytics.
• For Academia: Strong research background, ability to publish in high-impact journals, and experience in supervising research projects.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

The program fosters a mindset of continuous learning, enabling graduates to adapt to rapidly changing technological and managerial landscapes. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge developments through collaborations with industry and research institutions, ensuring their skills remain relevant and impactful.

Employment Prospects

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Doctoral Program in Industrial Engineering and Management (PRODEGI) acquire advanced research, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to pursue high-level careers in various sectors. The program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions, where they can contribute to innovation and strategic decision-making.

Potential Career Paths

• Academic Careers – Many graduates continue their careers as professors and researchers at universities and research institutes, leading Industrial Engineering and Management projects.
• Research and Development (R&D) – Positions in R&D departments of companies, focusing on innovation, process optimization, and operational excellence.
• Industry and Business – Roles in industrial and service organizations, including strategic planning, production management, logistics, supply chain management, and business analytics.
• Consulting – Opportunities in management consulting firms specializing in operational efficiency, decision support systems, and process improvement.
• Entrepreneurship – Some graduates leverage their expertise to develop innovative business solutions and startups in industrial and technological domains.
• Public and Governmental Institutions – Positions in policy-making, economic development, and regulatory bodies focused on industry and innovation.

Collaboration with Industry

PRODEGI encourages close collaboration between students and companies, providing real-world experience and increasing employment opportunities. Many research projects are developed with industry leaders, ensuring graduates have a strong network and relevant experience upon completing the program.

Employability

Employers highly seek graduates of PRODEGI due to their analytical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex systems. With a strong Industrial Engineering and Management foundation, they can tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation in their respective fields.

Information

Sources of Funding

Applications for financial support, on a highly competitive basis, may be submitted for studentships from the following organizations or programs:

• FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia:
  • Bolsas de Doutoramento – Available for any candidate.
  • Bolsas de Doutoramento em Empresas – For candidates who are, or will be, working in companies in Portugal.
• Erasmus Mundus program.

Information about Life in Porto

Comprehensive information about life in Porto and at the University, including:

• What to do before and after arrival
• Cost of living
• Banking services
• Student unions
• Cultural activities

is available on the University of Porto website and the Faculty of Engineering candidate web portal.

Comments

Legislation

• Regulamento do Programa Doutoral (PT) (in Portuguese)
• Regulation of the PhD Program (EN) (in English)

Application Form and Requirements

Potential candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Director before submitting a formal application. For inquiries, please email prodegi@fe.up.pt.

When reaching out, please provide the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including academic track record and, if applicable, professional experience.
• Motivation Letter – A brief statement explaining your research interests and reasons for applying.
• Optional: Scientific Research Report – Copies of research papers delivered, presented, published, or accepted for presentation in scientific journals, conferences, or similar events.
• Optional: Reference Letters – Letters of recommendation supporting your application.

Eligibility Requirements

A master's degree or a legally equivalent qualification is required for enrollment in the program. Exceptionally, candidates without a master's degree may be admitted if they present an academic, scientific, or professional record that the program's scientific committee recognizes as evidence of their ability to complete the program successfully.

Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory.

Application Submission

All formal applications must be submitted through the official web application portal. Please note that the pre-application does not replace the formal application, which must be completed through the online system as soon as an application period opens.

Contacts

PRODEGI Secretariat

For any inquiries, please get in touch with the PRODEGI Secretariat:
Email: PRODEGISecretariado@fe.up.pt

General information

Study Plan

Certificates

Predominant Scientific Areas

Previous Courses/Cycles of Study