The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.
You work towards it for several years, see colleagues and acquaintances earn their PhDs, and suddenly you find yourself behind a lectern in academic dress. The lead-up was intense, but looking back, it was also a pleasant period. The two supervisors, Mark de Jong and Tom Elfring, put the finishing touches in May-June and challenge you to sharpen your conclusions further and to use fewer ifs and buts. The two co-supervisors also seriously fulfilled their roles and eliminated a lot of background noise. They organized, among other things, the mock defence session and meticulously demolished any layman's talk there.
On the actual day, you are suddenly faced with the doctoral committee and all their possible questions. I prepared all sorts of questions that I would ask myself, but ultimately benefited the most from the mock defence session. It helped me find the right tone, but especially to not immediately go on the defensive and to make your points effectively. The attendance of Ian Miles (Manchester) and Luis Rubalcaba (Madrid) was special. They are, to a significant extent, "brothers in arms" when it comes to research in the field of service innovation and greatly contributed to the festive atmosphere of the day.
The doctoral ceremony was initially nerve-wracking due to the special mix of people (from family, friends, and colleagues to clients) and the doubt about whether your preparation was sufficient, but ultimately, it was a joyous occasion in a beautiful setting. My children were eagerly anticipating "dad's party" and it is very special to "perform" for them too. After the layman's talk, I realised that the preparation was over, relaxation set in, and I was able to enjoy the grilling of questions. In hindsight, I wished to answer a few questions more fully or better, but overall, the balance was positive. The remainder of the day was undoubtedly celebratory. All in all, a conclusion to an intensive period. And does such a title really matter? After years, I finally dare to admit: yes, if you see yourself as a serious researcher/advisor, then that title is pleasant!
Download the dissertation via this link.